[SmartCat]

Originally Posted by rkv_2401

RE: The discrete/integrated graphics discussion - it was a great idea @Smartcat to pick up a dedicated graphics card for your old PC! I'm pretty curious to see how far you'll be able to push this almost 15-year old CPU. Can it play YouTube videos at QHD/4k without lag?

The elderly PC's config is core i5 2400 CPU (2nd gen) + Geforce GT 730 GPU with 4 GB DDR3 VRAM, powering a 60 Hz 1080p monitor. I use this for my experiments with hardware and operating system (eg: linux). I just played a 4K video on Youtube and no, it cannot handle it.

Meanwhile, I'm using the 120 Hz 1080p monitor on another old PC running core i5 7500 (7th gen) + GTX 1050 Ti GPU with 4 GB DDR5 VRAM, and this has no issues playing 4K video on Youtube.

4K video playback is mostly dependent on CPU performance right?

[Ltinsane]

During the COVID era, I decided to build myself a desktop PC. It started slowly. I was using a laptop to work from home, while at work, we had 22" monitors. So, I decided to get a monitor. One thing led to another, and I found myself with a dual-monitor setup.

Currently, I'm running a 75 Hz and a 120 Hz monitor paired with a Ryzen 5 5600, RTX 3060, 32 GB RAM, an RK mechanical keyboard, and a bunch of storage (both SSD and conventional HDD).

I have an older laptop, an i3 7th gen that I upgraded with extra RAM, an SSD, and Linux OS. Recently, I had to travel unexpectedly for personal reasons, and surprisingly, this laptop served me well for almost three weeks despite being around 8 years old. I recently acquired another i3 6th gen desktop PC to fiddle around with a home server setup.

I do game, but not too much (I'm old and too busy). It's true that a lot of gaming peripherals make it easier to perform other productivity tasks. Sadly, a budget gaming chair is not one of them.

[sandeepmohan]

Originally Posted by SmartCat

If CPU is overheating, steps to take are:

Here are the innards of the computer I am (or was) fiddling with. As you'll note, its as good as new on the inside. Thermal paste re applied. The cpu isn't running hot. Barely gets over 65 degrees under load. Definitely no thermal throttling going on at these numbers.

[Ltinsane]

Originally Posted by sandeepmohan

Here are the innards of the computer I am (or was) fiddling with. As you'll note, its as good as new on the inside. Thermal paste re applied. The cpu isn't running hot. Barely gets over 65 degrees under load. Definitely no thermal throttling going on at these numbers.

Attachment 2727775

If you ever go back to windows, you could try Debloating windows. I have used "Chris Titus Tech's Windows Utility" https://github.com/ChrisTitusTech/winutil
for many years. It kills a lot of unnecessary background tasks thereby reducing idle CPU usage and Ram usage.
You can also try ATLASOS although you would be subjected to a learning curve for it.

[sidoza]

I have been looking at monitors on and off for my desk setup. What I hear from you guys is to go for a 27" QHD or a 32" 4K. I have an eye out for a Dell, an LG, and a Samsung monitor (M7) for this for a long time, but just not convinced enough to click the buy button.

A question for you guys - Is USBC charging that important? And, whats the best way to connect your iPad to a bigger monitor for reading?

[shresan23]

Originally Posted by SmartCat

- Is the difference between Full HD & QHD/4k noticeable?

I know you are on 120 Hz monitor too, but any idea if 144 Hz or 180 Hz monitor offers even smoother experience? (I'm not much of a gamer, so gaming related gains are not that important)

Yes, the difference is quite noticeable, especially when watching something on supported apps. However, it is definitely not on first glance. I use both Full HD monitor and 4k monitor, and the difference while consuming content, is noticeable for me, but not for others.

The 144hz refresh rate is something that is a bit of a conundrum to me. Even after disabling V-sync and forcing the display to push the rates up, almost every game caps at 120.

As far as everyday use goes, no. You wont be able to tell the difference. There are times when the screen adapted to 120, and i couldnt tell the difference at all.