QubaXR

Back in 2007 I built myself a gaming PC with two brand new GTX 8800 cards (SLI, baby!) and nearly cooked/choked them to death in first week of operation. What I learned back then was that nVidia drivers did not create a proper fan curve that would ramp up with rising temperatures and that I needed a piece of 3rd party software named Afterburner to keep my system cooled.

It's been nearly 20 years and probably a dozen different graphic card models since then. I have just finished installing a render box for my wife with a 3090 in it. Installed the drivers. Installed the Afterburner. Tuned it.

Then it dawned on me: Is this still a necessary step? What would happen if I did not install Afterburner? Don't nVidia drivers control the fans properly?

Logic dictates it would be crazy for the official drivers not to keep the card cool, but I've been doing it one way for so long that I am too afraid to experiment (risking hardware damage?).

When you're afraid to let evidence lead you, next best thing is surely asking strangers on the internet - so here it goes: Is MSI Afterburner necessary? What would happen if I don't install it? Do YOU have it installed?

A week ago or so I posted a tan colored cutie that popped up in my garden. Wasn't quite sure of what it was. I think now it's pretty clear - and also has 5 friends all within few feet of each other.

Hey everyone, It's this time of the year again. New fighting game came out and noobs like me are asking the questions you've heard a million times before. Humor me, would you?

I am new to fighting games, if you discount random button mashing for a while and then uninstalling - but for once I'd like to get better at them. Nearing 50 years of age, my reflexes aren't what they used to be when I was 20, but I still think I could have some fun, especially with the new MK1 just out.

I typically play games on a PS5 Dual Sense controller, but very quickly found out that its d-pad does not really work for me. While it was great for quarter and half-circle inputs, stuff like left-right was nearly impossible for me to pull off without hitting up (or down) on the way.

I tired an XBOX controller (I think it's the X1), but it was still not quite there. I hate the weight, the size and how clicky it is overall :(

A while back I bough (and almost never used) a cheap-o fightstick - Mayflash F300. Left-Right is still kinda tough, but generally I had the best experience with it. The problem is in how damn loud the thing is. Buttons feel a bit loose (rattling?) and the microswitches on the joystick click so loud my neighbors will come knocking if I play too much ;)

What I am getting at is - is there any recommended controller/stick you could suggest? I am hoping not to break the bank, but if it's worth it, I'd pay the premium for something that's responsive, comfortable, beginner friendly and not-too-loud.

I'd appreciate any help, suggestions, etc.

At the moment i am considering maybe playing on mechanical keyboard, but I feel like my fingers would slide off the right buttons in no time...

Activision Blizzard is not a good company. They have an abysmal track record for how they treat their employees, history of misogyny and abuse. Since the departure of Blizzard's founding members, the quality of many of their games took a noise dive.

They got one thing very right though, and that's account-level, platform independent save system in Diablo 4.

Being able to seamlessly switch between my PC, PS5 and Steam Deck is probably the coolest thing I experienced in gaming in a very long time. While it would be awesome not to have to buy the titles individually on each platform, it's a huge step in the right direction.

I can only wish more games supported cross-platform saves, because now that I'm used to it, I can really feel the absence of this feature in other titles.

(It would also help a lot with games preservation, if you could easily use old save files on newer platforms and remasters - as long as it's not all server-bound)

Every exercise app I ever used is all like: You have achieved your goal. Now set new goal and push yourself harder.

Why can't it ever be: You've achieved your goal. Well done. If you ever want to go further, you can change the settings, but for now - enjoy it!