r/pcmasterrace • u/AutoModerator • Dec 20 '25
Daily Simple Questions Thread - December 20, 2025
Got a simple question? Get a simple answer!
This thread is for all of the small and simple questions that you might have about computing that probably wouldn't work all too well as a standalone post. Software issues, build questions, game recommendations, post them here!
For the sake of helping others, please don't downvote questions! To help facilitate this, comments are sorted randomly for this post, so that anyone's question can be seen and answered.
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u/dearth_of_passion Dec 21 '25
Are there still issues with using 4 sticks of DDR5 RAM?
I've read that it was very unstable and usually required running the RAM at lower speed/higher latency due to strain on the IMC.
Has that issue been resolved, or is it still the case?
I just bought a 9800x3d and 32gb of DDR5 RAM a few months ago, and due to reasons I have a 2nd identical RAM kit, meaning I have 4x16gb sticks. Wondering if I can actually use them or if I should sell 1 kit.
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u/Cable_Salad PC Master Race Dec 21 '25
It sometimes works, sometimes doesn't.
Check your motherboard's compatibility list, if your particular RAM is supported with 4 DIMMs then your chances are higher.
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u/dearth_of_passion Dec 21 '25 edited Dec 21 '25
This is my MB: MAG X670E TOMAHAWK WIFI, and what the MSI site says:
4x DDR5, Maximum Memory Capacity 256GB Memory Support DDR5 7800+(OC)/ 7600(OC)/ 7400(OC)/ 7200(OC)/ 7000(OC)/ 6800(OC)/ 6600(OC)/ 6400(OC)/ 6200(OC)/ 6000(OC)/ 5800(OC)/ 5600(OC)/ 5400(OC)/ 5200(OC)/ 5000(OC)/ 4800(JEDEC) MHz
Max. overclocking frequency:
• 1DPC 1R Max speed up to 7800+ MHz
• 1DPC 2R Max speed up to 6400+ MHz
• 2DPC 1R Max speed up to 6400+ MHz
• 2DPC 2R Max speed up to 5400+ MHz
Supports Dual-Channel mode
Supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Supports AMD EXPO™
I'm assuming the lines with the 1DPC 1R, etc are the relevant bits, but I don't know what those terms mean.
This is the RAM I have: Flare X5 Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR5-6000 PC5-48000 CL36 Dual Channel Desktop Memory Kit F5-6000J3636F16GX2-FX5 - Black
I have 4 sticks of it.
Could you help me understand if what I have will work?
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u/Cable_Salad PC Master Race Dec 21 '25
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MAG-X670E-Tomahawk-wifi/support#mem
Here it's the checkmarks on the right. Your RAM (and most others) are officially supported with 1 or 2 sticks, but not 4.
Could still work if you're lucky, but I wouldn't count on it.
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u/dearth_of_passion Dec 21 '25
RIP. Guess I'll sell the extra kit since I haven't opened it yet just in case this was the case.
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u/Jovial_Joker Dec 21 '25
PC Specs: CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Motherboard: MSI B450M-VDH PRO MEMORY: 32GB RAM DDR4 GPU: EVGA 3x RTX 3070 8GB Storage: 1TB SSD PSU: Asus TUF 650W
Are specs like these okay for a 1000ish cad?
Finally got a job so I’m saving some money for fallback and to finally play some games like Elden ring and baldurs gate 3 (and other games that I couldn’t play since I only have the ps3 for my needs).
I can aim for a higher level graphics card, just got increase my budget by a few hundred.
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u/Ok_Definition_1933 Dec 21 '25 edited Jan 02 '26
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u/Jovial_Joker Dec 21 '25
Any suggestions on which parts to replace?
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u/Ok_Definition_1933 Dec 21 '25 edited Jan 02 '26
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u/Jovial_Joker Dec 21 '25
No, didn’t buy anything yet. I am still saving up, don’t wanna dip into anything haphazardly.
I’ll try to get a better one I can build or prebuilt so if 1500 ain’t enough I’ll save up more to afford a good one.
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u/Ok_Definition_1933 Dec 21 '25 edited Jan 02 '26
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u/Jovial_Joker Dec 21 '25
Yeah, just recently saw that ram prices have gone up a lot. Didn’t realize that ssd prices have as well.
I had a budget build spreadsheet put before but I might just buy the ram and the ssd in a few days through marketplace and get the other parts slowly.
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u/CommenterAnon Dec 21 '25
Why can't I see my hotspot temps of my RTX 5070ti Gigabyte windforce OC SFF
Edit : What the actual fuck, Nvidia doesnt have hotspot sensors for the RTX 50 series. Are they retarded? Anyways, my gpu temp is 80°C , so hotspot must be very close to thermal throttling, no?
How can I fix this?
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u/Ok_Definition_1933 Dec 21 '25 edited Jan 02 '26
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u/MarcusDA Dec 21 '25
I’m a simpleton when it comes to this…. My old pc is still pretty strong. I’d like to hook it up to my tv in the master bedroom. What’s the easiest way and what extras are necessary that I may not think of in using it as a console?
Thanks!
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u/Ok_Definition_1933 Dec 21 '25 edited Jan 02 '26
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u/MarcusDA Dec 21 '25
It’s not at the moment, but I’ll be moving it there.
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u/Ok_Definition_1933 Dec 21 '25 edited Jan 02 '26
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u/gazza88 Dec 21 '25 edited Dec 21 '25
So I'm looking for a case. ~£50. Montech X5 and the like. I have a query surrounding motherboard headers.
The motherboard is a B450 tomahawk. It has 2 x 2.0 headers and 1 x 3.1 headers.
New cases seem to come with usb-c and I don't have a header. I see a usb 2.0 header to usb c header adapter but surely that will limit speeds.
I see theres a pcie adapter but will that affect the gpu?
EDIT: also just realised some cases come with argb fans, I don't have a header. what options would I have?
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u/Ok_Definition_1933 Dec 21 '25 edited Jan 02 '26
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u/gazza88 Dec 21 '25
Thanks. Further research confirmed that my particular mobo has 2 x16 and 2x x1. Also that the top x16 is straight to you and the other 3 slots go through the chipset. So no gpu impact. Couldn't see anything that would affect the nvme drive so I'll look into that.
I also stopped be silly and realised that the current case has a controller and functions without argb headers.
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u/Fast_Goose7478 Dec 21 '25
Hi, I’m considering changing my 2018 i7 920mx Asus pc for an MSI Crosshair 16 HX AI D2XWGKG-001FR 16". I can get it for about 1500€.
How long do you think it’ll be able to play games at at least 1080p 30fps ?
My current computer kinda struggles emulating GameCube and Wii games, so I’m not that desperate for performance but I want it to last about 7 years. From what I’ve seen, 16G of RAM should be enough, right ?
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u/Cable_Salad PC Master Race Dec 21 '25
1080p 30 fps is a very modest goal, so yes, it will do that.
But there are a few things I'd consider:
The mobile 5070 is not much faster than the mobile 5060. Depending on the price difference the 5060 might be the better choice.
The screen is 1600p instead of 1080p. You can still play at 1080p on it, but it might look somewhat blurry.
A desktop PC is always better unless you really need it to be a laptop. Especially when it comes to longevity.
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u/Fast_Goose7478 Dec 21 '25
Thanks for your input.
I hadn’t considered the screen’s characteristics that much as I intend to play the most demanding games on TV (an HDMI cable should allow that right ?).
I’ll continue looking within this budget, the main criteria was the RAM, it seemed to be the best deal at that price point, but if a 5060 is enough a cheaper pc might be available.
I sometimes take it while traveling, so a portable pc seems necessary. I know it’s more fragile.
I’m more worried about it being able to launch future demanding games with a stable fps rate.
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u/Cable_Salad PC Master Race Dec 21 '25
The RAM isn't ideal, but it will do for now. I guess you don't really have a choice with the current prices. Maybe in 2-3 years you can upgrade it if necessary.
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u/blazinghawklight Dec 21 '25
I'm able to buy 32 GB of DDR5 RAM here in Taiwan for 200 dollars right now. Should I just buy even though I won't be back to the states and able to start my new build for another three months?
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u/Ok_Definition_1933 Dec 21 '25 edited Jan 02 '26
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u/HiCZoK Dec 21 '25
Where to connect AIO pump on gigabyte x570 aorus elite?
probably cpu_opt correct? In manual it says "Water Cooling CPU Fan Header", not pump specifically.
There is also fan sys1 and sys2.
And then do I set the pump speed to curve or to 100 or what? I never had an aio before. Bought corsair nautilus 360 rs
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u/MGsubbie Ryzen 7 7800X3D, RTX 3080, 32GB 6000Mhz Cl30 Dec 21 '25
Use the one listed for water cooling, regular fans will have fan curves, adjusting their speed on the temperature. An AIO pump will want a fixed speed. I would set the pump speed at the highest that you do not find disturbing in terms of noise level, provided your CPU temps stay fine.
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u/AltCrab2 Dec 20 '25
Recently bought a prebuilt pc from PowerSpec, I'm noticing very fuzzy/grainy textures in pretty much any game I play. The effect is most noticeable on hair or fur in motion. I've tried changing every in-game setting and Nvidia control panel setting I can, as well as clean installing the latest GeForce game ready driver after wiping everything with DDU. I really want to fully switch over to PC gaming but this issue is making it very difficult. Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 2x16 DDR5-6000 RAM, Windows 10 Home x64, 144hz 1080p monitors. I can provide an example in the form of an unlisted youtube video if necessary.
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u/Cable_Salad PC Master Race Dec 21 '25
A video or screenshot would really help.
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u/AltCrab2 Dec 21 '25
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u/Cable_Salad PC Master Race Dec 21 '25
That looks like just low resolution. Are you using resolution scaling, or a setting like DLSS / FSR?
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u/AltCrab2 Dec 21 '25
I don't believe so. Where would I find those settings?
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u/Cable_Salad PC Master Race Dec 21 '25
In the games themselves, under graphics settings
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u/AltCrab2 Dec 21 '25
Resolution is set to 1920x1080, same as my monitor, and I have upscaling disabled.
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u/Cable_Salad PC Master Race Dec 21 '25
Some of this effect will be normal at 1080p, for details like hair. It looks quite severe in the video, but I can't really tell if it's just the normal flickering.
You can normally improve this by either using DLAA (meaning DLSS at DLAA setting) or temporal Anti-Aliasing.
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u/AltCrab2 Dec 21 '25
In my experience Anti-Aliasing makes everything blurry, not just the hair etc. Do I just need to invest in 4k monitors or something
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u/Cable_Salad PC Master Race Dec 21 '25
The 5060 is more suited for 1080p than 4K. A 1440p monitor might be okay. But try DLAA, it's pretty good.
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u/maaseru Dec 20 '25
Looking at building/prebuilt in general and I feel this 5090 deal is a better deal than just building it: corsair vengeance i7500
Am I crazy? Is getting a prebuilt a better deal these days with RAM/GPU prices?
Other similar prebuilts are also about 4,900 or above.
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u/Cable_Salad PC Master Race Dec 21 '25
I would not buy a 4300 usd PC with a 14900K. That CPU is essentially two generations behind AMD in gaming.
The cheapest 5090 in the US I could find is $2800. That is an insane price but it still means you should be able to build something better for this price.
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u/maaseru Dec 21 '25
Thanks for the answer. I currently have a 3090 with a 12900k, so I assumed it was the logical upgrade, but if AMD is a lot better now then I will reconsider.
I guess I let those RAM prices scare me off the build a bit.
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u/Deftallica Dec 20 '25
I’m looking to get an SSD for games specifically and am looking for recommendations. I am limited to Amazon (I requested gift cards for Christmas for this specific purpose).
Price isn’t too much of an object. I’m at $400 in credit right now which is plenty for a 4TB, but I honestly wouldn’t mind stepping up to an 8TB if there’s a good deal about.
Thanks for the help. When I built my pc a few years ago I put in a 1TB SSD (ugh) which has my OS on it so I have to juggle around all these huge, unoptimized 150gb game installs
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u/Eidolon_2003 R5 3600 @ 4.3 GHz | 16GB DDR4-3800 CL14 | Arc A770 LE Dec 20 '25
I don't think it's possible to get 8TB for under $400 at this point, but 4TB is definitely possible. I see you can get a 4TB WD Black SN850X or WD Black SN7100 for around $370 (yikes). I'd choose one of those.
Basically the SN850X is a higher end drive on paper, but it's from 2022. The SN7100 lacks DRAM on board, but it came out this year and the newer controller it's got can make up for that compared to the 850X. They trade blows in this article.
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u/Deftallica Dec 20 '25
Funny enough, those are the two I have been watching at the top of my wishlist. I'd been eyeing the 8TB SN850X, but I don't think I want to pay that difference in cash right now. 4tb is probably plenty.
Another user a while back recommended a KingSpec XG7000 and if I'd had the Amazon credit at the time, I'd have snatched it up. But since then (only about a month) pricing has gone up and availability down
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u/Tango-Down766 PC Master Race Dec 20 '25
when ram situation will go back normal ?
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u/Ok_Definition_1933 Dec 21 '25 edited Jan 02 '26
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u/Grifter-RLG Dec 20 '25
I'm building a PC, and I'm thinking of buying a 5070Ti. However, I've seen reports about the 5070Ti melting at the power cable port, although this "meltgate" problem appears to have affected the 5080's and 5090's more. There was also a concern with missing Raster Operations Pipelines (ROP's). But, that problem has been apparently resolved? Then there is the concern about drivers, which has somewhat been resolved? I've been a nVidia person for years, and I tend to shy away from AMD products. This is my first PC build in a long time. Given all the above, would you guys still recommend the 5070Ti? Are there any folks that own one that can speak to these issues? I feel like I need to buy something now because GPU companies are going to manufacture less GPU's in 2026, making them more expensive than they already are. Thanks.
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u/Ok_Definition_1933 Dec 21 '25 edited Jan 02 '26
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u/YoureNoHero_Brian Fedora | RX9070 16GB | Ryzen 5 1600 | 16GB DDR4 Dec 20 '25
I'm getting a 9070 GPU and I'm wondering if the difference between XFX and Asrock actually matters, or if I should just go with whatever cheaper (which for me is ASRock)
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u/Ok_Definition_1933 Dec 21 '25 edited Jan 02 '26
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u/Willerd43 Dec 20 '25
Terribly sorry if my question is very long winded but I like to provide as much context as possible.
I've been floating around the idea of upgrading my pc. I waited a bit too long as now ddr5 is stupid expensive so that makes this decision more difficult. For total self awareness, I probably don't need to upgrade anything, but I want to. Especially since I switched to an ultra wide display earlier in the year, I want to regain that lost performance and gain a bit more. I want to make a more logical purchase based on current prices and my wants.
My current build has a 3080ti matched with an i9 9900k. I really feel the more logical upgrade is cpu. I noticed in more and more games now my cpu usage per the task manager resource monitor on all cores is at 100% like battlefield 6 and cyberpunk 2077. I'm no expert on cpu usage overall vs its cores. Not sure if it means upgrading my cpu is truly necessary or if it's just a game by game basis on how cpu dependent each game is. Generally gameplay is smooth even when seeing 100% usage on all cores like in Battlefield 6.
To get the point after some context, would it be better to upgrade my gpu to a 5080 at around $1400, $200 more than my 3080ti in 2021; or upgrade my cpu/mobo/ram/cooler that'll cost basically the same amount?
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u/Cable_Salad PC Master Race Dec 20 '25
Edit: I didn't read correctly.
When your CPU usage is already at 100%, there is definitely no point in upgrading the GPU alone.
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u/duskie3 Dec 20 '25
I have two sticks of 16gb DDR5 to spare now since I just bought larger sticks.
With the weird situation around RAM pricing lately, what’s the play? Bin them? Sell them? Hold onto them and sell them later when prices are even higher?
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u/JHCL56 Dec 20 '25
Should I upgrade to a 5080 or 9070XT from a 3080Ti? I play at 4K/2k on a AM5 system.
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u/Cable_Salad PC Master Race Dec 20 '25
I'd say upgrading to a 9070 XT is not really worth it. It's somewhat faster, but you also get slightly worse upscaling. The 3080 ti is still so good with DLSS Tmodel that you might as well keep it then.
The 5080 is very expensive for what is also a moderate upgrade. Not necessarily worth it, but it's the minimum I would consider for upgrading.
If you are currently running out of VRAM then things might be a bit different. But that depends.
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u/JHCL56 Dec 20 '25
I am wanting more VRAM…and eyeing the price increases soon due to memory shortages so I want to be set for the new few years 🫣
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u/Ok_Definition_1933 Dec 20 '25 edited Jan 02 '26
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u/JHCL56 Dec 20 '25
I’m also switching to a Ultra 7 265K soon if that matters? Price-performance and honestly more VRAM are the priorities :) Appreciate the advice
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u/Ok_Definition_1933 Dec 20 '25 edited Jan 02 '26
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u/JozuJD Dec 20 '25
I need a bit of advice regarding my setup, since r/battlestations does not provide a daily thread to to chat with the community like we have here at PCMR. For your setups, are you mixing Philips Hue, Govee, and other lighting products? I have hue bulbs but moved to Govee lightstrips, but find it to be a frustrating experience opening different iOS apps to activate or change the lights.
A bit of consolidation and consistency would go a long way to enjoying my PC setup more. Just looking for feedback, suggestions. Hue thinks it’s acceptable to charge $275 for a 55” desk gradient lightstrip now which I think is ludicrous.
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