The Power PC Thread [f*ck off consoles]

[N0ddie]

Upgraded to an OLED monitor today.

The ROG Strix XG27ACDNG to be precise, just rolls off the tongue like all of them do.

It’s a 27” 1440p that goes up to 360hz and looks bloody amazing tbh.

In summary - if you haven’t already got an OLED and your main use case is gaming…do it.

This is the one I bought recently also. It really is a fantastic bit of kit. I stuck mine on a reasonably cheap Amazon arm:

 

[Daz...]

Is that the same model @N0ddie ?

Which arm did you go with, they’re quite weighty aren’t they!

 

[Ray Gin]

This is the one I bought recently also. It really is a fantastic bit of kit. I stuck mine on a reasonably cheap Amazon arm:

View attachment 1774045

Console noob

 

[N0ddie]

Is that the same model @N0ddie ?

Which arm did you go with, they’re quite weighty aren’t they!

Same model as you yup. My arm: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CLNXB7KF/?tag=cliospnet01-21

 

[Mr Squashie]

Toying with upgrading my GPU, but everything's still stupidly expensive at the moment, even second hand 😔

People are selling used 40 series cards for almost RRP ffs

 

[SharkyUK]

Toying with upgrading my GPU, but everything's still stupidly expensive at the moment, even second hand 😔

People are selling used 40 series cards for almost RRP ffs

It's not going to get cheaper anytime soon.

 

[Willo40]

Toying with upgrading my GPU, but everything's still stupidly expensive at the moment, even second hand 😔

People are selling used 40 series cards for almost RRP ffs

This was my hope, when 50** series came out the 40 series would drop quite a bit in price, if anything they seem to be going up...

 

[SharkyUK]

This was my hope, when 50** series came out the 40 series would drop quite a bit in price, if anything they seem to be going up...

Sold my 4090 secondhand for 2200 quid... 🫣

 

[Grandpa Joe]

I should have held on to mine, sold it for £1300.

 

[Maccy]

Same, sold my Gigabyte Master for £1400, just looked at what they're going for now....!

 

[dann2707]

It's not going to get cheaper anytime soon.

What's the reason behind that mate?

 

[Willo40]

What's the reason behind that mate?

Assume it's to do with the soaring costs for memory, and shortage of parts.

 

[Matt Cup]

I thought memory prices were dropping now?

 

[Willo40]

I thought memory prices were dropping now?

Not by the looks of this.... 😳

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/pc-components/ram-computer-memory/ddr5-ram

 

[Matt Cup]

Not by the looks of this.... 😳

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/pc-components/ram-computer-memory/ddr5-ram

Oh.

The only reason I asked was I saw a post similar to this about the market crashing.

 

[SharkyUK]

What's the reason behind that mate?

As @Willo40 said, it is the shortage of memory as the push for AI and the data centres continues to soar. It is all about the AI, and those datacentres have ridiculous resource requirements. There is limited stock coming through for consumers and prices are stupidly high as a result.

 

[Ray Gin]

Glad I didn’t upgrade last year with the state of gaming now tbh.

 

[dann2707]

Massively out of my depth when it comes to laptops and specifications...

But basically I am after a laptop (not pc rig as it needs to be portable)

With the following spec... I'd rather go for recommendation settings if my budget can afford it rather than minimum ideally. But I do think there was an update to that bit of equipment I need it for, that allows a lower spec machine to be used. Kind of in the mind of buy once cry once though.

Can anyone point me in the right direction please?

 

[Grandpa Joe]

Should be able to pick up a used one for decent money. Just factor in getting a new battery.

 

[Mr Squashie]

Massively out of my depth when it comes to laptops and specifications...

But basically I am after a laptop (not pc rig as it needs to be portable)

With the following spec... I'd rather go for recommendation settings if my budget can afford it rather than minimum ideally. But I do think there was an update to that bit of equipment I need it for, that allows a lower spec machine to be used. Kind of in the mind of buy once cry once though.

Can anyone point me in the right direction please?

View attachment 1786337

It's tricky as laptop parts aren't directly comparable to desktop parts, despite sharing the same name, because they use far less power. What's your budget?

 

[dann2707]

Should be able to pick up a used one for decent money. Just factor in getting a new battery.

A used what mate? I think that's my concern, I don't even know what I'm looking for 😂 Chatgpt was f**king useless too

It's tricky as laptop parts aren't directly comparable to desktop parts, despite sharing the same name, because they use far less power. What's your budget?

Oh really? That's good info to know thank you.

Budget less at the moment! But obviously not wanting spend millions. I need it do some calcs to see if the returns are worth it.

 

[Matt Cup]

See if @Perrinho can sort you out @Dicky Belly 3 👍

 

[SharkyUK]

Massively out of my depth when it comes to laptops and specifications...

But basically I am after a laptop (not pc rig as it needs to be portable)

With the following spec... I'd rather go for recommendation settings if my budget can afford it rather than minimum ideally. But I do think there was an update to that bit of equipment I need it for, that allows a lower spec machine to be used. Kind of in the mind of buy once cry once though.

Can anyone point me in the right direction please?

View attachment 1786337

Those minimum and recommended specs probably mean it is going to cost a bit given the current market, even secondhand. Even more so trying to get that level spec in a laptop form. From reading reviews online, you really want to be shooting at the recommended spec. The PC market is really cr4p at the moment.

 

[dann2707]

Those minimum and recommended specs probably mean it is going to cost a bit given the current market, even secondhand. Even more so trying to get that level spec in a laptop form. From reading reviews online, you really want to be shooting at the recommended spec. The PC market is really cr4p at the moment.

Thanks mate. Roughly how much are we speaking? Might be a bad time!

 

[Matt Cup]

I heard/read good things about framework laptops. Great for upgradeability.

Framework Computer | Modular Laptops & PCs You Can Repair and Upgrade

Meet Framework Laptop 13 Pro & Desktop. Modular hardware built for performance, repairability, and ownership that lasts. Configure yours today.

frame.work

 

[SharkyUK]

Thanks mate. Roughly how much are we speaking? Might be a bad time!

Not sure on second hand prices mate. High end laptops are quite rare beasts generally speaking.

With this sort of scanning work, and the capture, processing, and display of the data, you cannot get away with cutting corners. You need a strong CPU and a strong GPU, with a shed load of RAM and fast and plentiful hard drive storage. Realistically, you are looking at 2400 quid and upwards. You need a decent sized screen as well on the laptop... no point in trying to work with the 3D data on a 13 or 14 inch display, unless you also carry a second monitor around as well. Probably better 17 or 18 inch display.

Also, you will be burning through battery charge if not plugged in the mains during scanning/capture. Beware poor battery capacity or dodgy secondhand batteries. Run it plugged in if possible.

Having just had a quick look online, I would expect to be paying 2500-3000 quid on current prices for a laptop that will comfortably do the job. RAM prices are outrageous, CPU and GPU prices are outrageous, storage prices are ridiculous. 😪

EDIT: that is based on buying new

 

[charltjr]

What about a refurb? Something like this maybe

Refurbished MSI Raider GE68HX 13VG-093UK Intel Core i9 32GB RAM 1TB SSD RTX 4070 16 Inch Windows 11 Gaming Laptop - Laptops Direct

Buy Refurbished MSI Raider GE68HX 13VG-093UK Intel Core i9 32GB RAM 1TB SSD RTX 4070 16 Inch Windows 11 Gaming Laptop from LaptopsDirect

www.laptopsdirect.co.uk

You'd need to upgrade the memory but it supports 64Gb and comes with 32. Problem is it looks like it comes with 2x16Gb by default so you'd need to sell those and buy 2x32Gb, not sure how that works in terms of pricing these days, might wipe out any savings.

There's stuff like this which has two SODIMM slots and only one is populated with a single 32Gb stick. 20Gb professional graphics that look pretty pokey by laptop standards.

Dell Precision 7670 - No OS

Shop refurbished Dell Precision 7670 - No OS Laptops for top performance and reliability. Order now with warranty options for added peace of mind!

www.dellrefurbished.co.uk

But yeah, powerful laptops with lots of memory and a strong graphics card for pro use are ££££ unfortunately.

 

[dann2707]

Thank you very much for that chaps. Something to definitely consider going forwards!

I'd probably be able to justify £1500 to £2k. It's just the scanner is another £1200 too 😂😁 lol

 

[Adamm.]

Certainly had a lot of use out this monitor now 😯

 

[Darren S]

Certainly had a lot of use out this monitor now 😯

View attachment 1787013

I'd be worried that if my monitor logged those details, my hours clocked would make those appear like rookie numbers.....

Tentatively looked into new monitors recently. Still using my old ROG 27" at 144Hz. G-Sync was the s**t back then, but on further reading, it appears that the requirements to have it specifically are no longer as essential?

I'm hyper-sensitive to screen-tearing and v-sync doesn't always cut it. G-Sync for me has been great - but I guess things have moved on now.

 

[Adamm.]

I'd be worried that if my monitor logged those details, my hours clocked would make those appear like rookie numbers.....

Tentatively looked into new monitors recently. Still using my old ROG 27" at 144Hz. G-Sync was the s**t back then, but on further reading, it appears that the requirements to have it specifically are no longer as essential?

I'm hyper-sensitive to screen-tearing and v-sync doesn't always cut it. G-Sync for me has been great - but I guess things have moved on now.

Haha 100% I'm sure these numbers could be put to shame. I reckon there's still plenty of life in it yet too.

 

[SharkyUK]

Certainly had a lot of use out this monitor now 😯

View attachment 1787013

My ACER Predator is currently on 22,583 hours of total power on time. (Almost 941 days).

 

[Grandpa Joe]

My ACER Predator is currently on 22,583 hours of total power on time. (Almost 941 days).

Sorry not sorry Andy

 

[SharkyUK]

Sorry not sorry Andy

View attachment 1787080

Perfectly acceptable. 🫣 (Passed the 941 day mark now...)

 

[dann2707]

Not sure on second hand prices mate. High end laptops are quite rare beasts generally speaking.

With this sort of scanning work, and the capture, processing, and display of the data, you cannot get away with cutting corners. You need a strong CPU and a strong GPU, with a shed load of RAM and fast and plentiful hard drive storage. Realistically, you are looking at 2400 quid and upwards. You need a decent sized screen as well on the laptop... no point in trying to work with the 3D data on a 13 or 14 inch display, unless you also carry a second monitor around as well. Probably better 17 or 18 inch display.

Also, you will be burning through battery charge if not plugged in the mains during scanning/capture. Beware poor battery capacity or dodgy secondhand batteries. Run it plugged in if possible.

Having just had a quick look online, I would expect to be paying 2500-3000 quid on current prices for a laptop that will comfortably do the job. RAM prices are outrageous, CPU and GPU prices are outrageous, storage prices are ridiculous. 😪

EDIT: that is based on buying new

What about a refurb? Something like this maybe

Refurbished MSI Raider GE68HX 13VG-093UK Intel Core i9 32GB RAM 1TB SSD RTX 4070 16 Inch Windows 11 Gaming Laptop - Laptops Direct

Buy Refurbished MSI Raider GE68HX 13VG-093UK Intel Core i9 32GB RAM 1TB SSD RTX 4070 16 Inch Windows 11 Gaming Laptop from LaptopsDirect

www.laptopsdirect.co.uk

You'd need to upgrade the memory but it supports 64Gb and comes with 32. Problem is it looks like it comes with 2x16Gb by default so you'd need to sell those and buy 2x32Gb, not sure how that works in terms of pricing these days, might wipe out any savings.

There's stuff like this which has two SODIMM slots and only one is populated with a single 32Gb stick. 20Gb professional graphics that look pretty pokey by laptop standards.

Dell Precision 7670 - No OS

Shop refurbished Dell Precision 7670 - No OS Laptops for top performance and reliability. Order now with warranty options for added peace of mind!

www.dellrefurbished.co.uk

But yeah, powerful laptops with lots of memory and a strong graphics card for pro use are ££££ unfortunately.

I'm now considering going to a desktop set up instead.

What do you guys think the cost would be in comparison please? I don't mind used at all tbh.

I believe I can mirror the scan to my phone or another screen during scanning which sounds like a plan.

I'm going to look into it a bit further..

 

[Ray Gin]

Is Claude difficult to use? I am semi competent in IT but not coding etc. I’m familiar with manual automation and scheduling etc but nothing that’s done fully autonomously.

I’m assuming once I get it all setup, the agents in Claude get fed a prompt once and as long as it fully understands what it’s doing, it’s just left unsupervised and cracks on? I’m specifically talking about its use in digital marketing and social media.

 

[R3k1355]

The quality of the prompt directly correlates with the quality of the output, so spend some time understanding how and what to ask for and you'll have a good idea what it can do for you.

 

[Mr Squashie]

I know 99% of people here actually pay for games, but interesting things have been happening in the slightly less legitimate areas of the internet.

For a number of years there was 1 person who was able to crack games with Denuvo piracy software, and that process could take weeks or even months. Then that person decided to stop after cracking Hogwarts Legacy and since then every game with Denuvo has been uncrackable.*

*There is a workaround called Hypervisor but it disables kernel level security features so is understandably nowhere near as popular

Step forward to the last 6 months or so, and a new person has appeared on the scene. First they cracked a few games in the backlog, Denuvo gets updated every year so it makes sense that the newer versions would be more difficult to crack, but then surprised everyone by cracking a game from 2025 (DOOM: The Dark Ages) and suddenly everyone's eyebrows collectively raised.

He then cracked Resident Evil: Requiem about a month after release, proving that even the latest Denuvo software isn't safe.

And now he's just absolutely flexed on everyone by cracking Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight on day of release!

Denuvo is by far the lease popular anti-piracy software among all gamers because it demonstrably reduces performance in every game that has it. This has been proven by testing cracked Vs uncracked versions of the same game, and also by testing games where the publisher has removed it themselves after a while.

The reason most publishers remove it eventually is because they have to pay a large monthly fee to Denuvo and eventually it isn't financially worth the outlay.

Imagine being a publisher now, signing expensive contracts with Denuvo for "protection from piracy" and watching some dude dropping day 1 cracks for your games 🤣

Regardless of your opinion on piracy, this is great news for gamers. Who doesn't want higher frame rates in their games for free 😎

 

[Matt Cup]

I know 99% of people here actually pay for games, but interesting things have been happening in the slightly less legitimate areas of the internet.

For a number of years there was 1 person who was able to crack games with Denuvo piracy software, and that process could take weeks or even months. Then that person decided to stop after cracking Hogwarts Legacy and since then every game with Denuvo has been uncrackable.*

*There is a workaround called Hypervisor but it disables kernel level security features so is understandably nowhere near as popular

Step forward to the last 6 months or so, and a new person has appeared on the scene. First they cracked a few games in the backlog, Denuvo gets updated every year so it makes sense that the newer versions would be more difficult to crack, but then surprised everyone by cracking a game from 2025 (DOOM: The Dark Ages) and suddenly everyone's eyebrows collectively raised.

He then cracked Resident Evil: Requiem about a month after release, proving that even the latest Denuvo software isn't safe.

And now he's just absolutely flexed on everyone by cracking Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight on day of release!

Denuvo is by far the lease popular anti-piracy software among all gamers because it demonstrably reduces performance in every game that has it. This has been proven by testing cracked Vs uncracked versions of the same game, and also by testing games where the publisher has removed it themselves after a while.

The reason most publishers remove it eventually is because they have to pay a large monthly fee to Denuvo and eventually it isn't financially worth the outlay.

Imagine being a publisher now, signing expensive contracts with Denuvo for "protection from piracy" and watching some dude dropping day 1 cracks for your games 🤣

Regardless of your opinion on piracy, this is great news for gamers. Who doesn't want higher frame rates in their games for free 😎

This guy goes into detail on how Denuvo works and is to an extent is cracked.



He also fixes a lot of old PC games which have either been corrupted or the DRM has locked users out of the game.

 

[Mr Squashie]

This guy goes into detail on how Denuvo works and is to an extent is cracked.



He also fixes a lot of old PC games which have either been corrupted or the DRM has locked users out of the game.

Looks like a channel I'll enjoy, will check it out later 👍🏻