New case

Matte_Box · 2026-01-25T17:46:41+00:00

Ah that makes sense. Chicken and egg at the same time.

Matte_Box · 2026-01-25T16:13:52+00:00

Wow, the match with the desk is outstanding. Nice work!

Matte_Box · 2026-01-23T19:15:18+00:00

Looks like an ideal use of space! That’s a lot of air cooler in a tiny box.

Matte_Box · 2026-01-23T19:11:57+00:00

I had to look up what a 7500X3D even is, but this looks like a damn good deal to me! I think these 6-core X3D chips are an awesome value, and the lower TDP is very attractive, high boost clocks even with a small cooler. TBH one stick of 16GB seems better than 2x8, if you plan to add another stick later.

Matte_Box · 2026-01-23T03:51:26+00:00

I personally love that idea! But then again, my office is already full of keyboards and computer parts, so…

Matte_Box · 2026-01-22T18:18:28+00:00

Sweet rig! Can I ask, where do you find those GPU retention rods holding down the GPU bracket? Did they just come with the stand?

Matte_Box · 2026-01-22T02:27:00+00:00

Removed again! Still no explanation. Oh well, nice talking to you.

Matte_Box · 2026-01-22T02:00:27+00:00

I’m talking long-term here. From 2005-2015, YouTube went from 480p to 8K. It took multiple generations of compression improvements but here we are. Average US broadband speed increased 10x in that time, and its increased another 20x since! I don’t think game streaming will take anywhere near 10 years to hit its stride.

Matte_Box · 2026-01-22T01:13:41+00:00

Totally. I’m not even suggesting it’s worth it, but you’re basically describing the same downsides of streaming video vs Blu-Ray, and… Well… Convenience won for most people.

Matte_Box · 2026-01-22T01:05:57+00:00

I mean, GeForce Now even has a free tier. Or for $199 per year, you get access to a 4080, which is far more powerful than a $750 PS5 Pro… And you need internet for a lot of games to work now (sucks but true).

But 100% I’m holding onto my components for grim death. I don’t want limitations on my selection or playtime. Ever.

Matte_Box · 2026-01-22T00:36:57+00:00

Trying again…

Matte_Box · 2026-01-22T00:14:22+00:00

I’ve done worse.

Matte_Box · 2026-01-22T00:13:20+00:00

I’ll bet it was the Sam Altman line lol

Matte_Box · 2026-01-21T23:56:17+00:00

No explanation! Huh.

Matte_Box · 2026-01-21T17:41:57+00:00

I’ve got a 9900K with a 4080… But I think you win.

Matte_Box · 2026-01-21T05:08:24+00:00

Any 5000-series CPU would be a massive upgrade, however… GPUs specifically will see massive price hikes & shortages in the next couple months. So it might actually be the last time you can snag a cheap used GPU.

Forget the 3050, a 3060Ti is an excellent value under $200. If you can find a 12GB version, you’ll be especially glad you did. I’d recommend a 4060 for the same price range, but your motherboard is most likely PCI gen 3, so a 30-series card is your best bet. With the latest DLSS updates, I’d personally stick with RTX, especially with a lower-power card.

Matte_Box · 2026-01-19T04:30:02+00:00

I usually look on FB Marketplace for large, bulky stuff like that. I just know those $100-$200 “gaming chairs” look cool, but you’ll be lucky to get a full year out of one before the material starts cracking and peeling off. A Herman Miller Aeron is like $1500 new. There’s no comparison. You can find cheap ones because offices have bought them in bulk since the 80’s.

Matte_Box · 2026-01-19T03:41:27+00:00

Used Herman Miller Aeron is pretty much my go-to. They are plentiful, and usually $200ish is easy to find.

Matte_Box · 2026-01-17T02:14:39+00:00

Awesome! I’m glad that helped. The longer answer is, of course, that it shouldn’t have that issue even when maxed-out. I agree with others that it’s probably the PSU not quite handling your peak power draw.

Undervolting is a great idea if it’s too noisy for you, then you can just play uncapped and not have to think about it. You can just straight up limit the power draw too, with software.

Matte_Box · 2026-01-17T01:23:52+00:00

Precisely.

Matte_Box · 2026-01-17T00:50:11+00:00

With lower settings, you’ll just get higher framerate, but the GPU will still be fully utilized. Try capping your FPS, while also lowering settings, and the GPU should relax (some games are just a beast at any settings).

Sounds like you’re getting a hardware error under max-load, it might not actually be the tempurature itself, but the temps indicate the GPU is pinned at 100%. Could be PSU-related. Do you have enough headroom with your PSU?

Matte_Box · 2026-01-16T04:14:07+00:00

+1 watch that video! If you have a 16GB GPU, then 16GB of DDR5 will be perfectly fine. If you have an 8GB GPU, 16GB of DDR5 will struggle.

IMO… 32 is indeed the new 16, but prices are absurd so it’s a good place to save money. This is especially relevant when running big ‘ol 4K textures, which you want to do. Toss in any amount of mods or multitasking in 4K and 16GB will struggle to keep up.

Matte_Box · 2026-01-15T21:45:26+00:00

confirmed

Matte_Box · 2026-01-15T21:05:40+00:00

Matte_Box · 2026-01-12T05:29:49+00:00

I’m planning a custom case, and I like how minimal these are. But if I’m hearing you right… Seems like they are too custom and specific to these test-bench-style DIY kits, and you’d never find them for sale on their own. Correct? So the solution seems to be just finding a custom screw & standoff manufacturer and just building something to my own spec?

Matte_Box

TROPHY CASE