Performance/Optimization for New Gaming PC Build

[baseballfreak21]

I just completed the Gaming PC linked here: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/YD33XL

I want to know what I should do to make sure I have my machine running at optimal performance for gaming at 2k and 4k resolutions. For my SLI the link shows two of the MSI Gaming 4G but it's really one MSI Gaming 4G and a Reference card, but PC Part Picker didn't let me select two different cards.

I know my Operating System limits my RAM to 16gb instead of the 32gb I have but I will be upgrading to Windows 10 when it comes out so that will fix that.

What should I do to make sure my performance is at its full potential? Whether it's settings in NVIDIA Control Panel or anything else you guys can think of. It's all very much appreciated, thanks!

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Options on the GFX cards will be limited them not being the same and all, the **reference** card as you put it will hold the other back. Afterburner makes it easy enough

http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/msi_geforce_gtx_970_gaming_review,26.html

There are many tutorials out there for how to set up the SSD / HD, pick up one that makes ya comfy.

Overclock the CPU up to the limits of ya cooler using one of the readily available guides

 

[JackNaylorPE]

His build is already built.

 

[baseballfreak21]

My computer is already built, I'm just wanting to see what all I can and should do to ensure the best performance. I don't really want to overclock, I just want to make sure everything runs at its best performance. I'm using the latest drivers for everything, but think I've read that there's other things I should do like in the NVIDIA Control Panel, as well as other things

 

[baseballfreak21]

Anyone else? I've noticed while playing GTA V, the temps on the reference card get up to around 90c. I'm using the MSI X99 SLI Plus board so I have my MSI Gaming 4G 980 in slot one and the reference in slot two. They are literally touching each other they are so close, but the manual said to use those slots for 2 way SLI.

 

[Tchota]

Maybe the first card have a bad cooling system, and it's trowing the hot air back to second card.

I think you can put the reference card at the third pcie if you have a SLI bridge that is long enought to connect both cards. The third slot also runs at 8x: http://www.anandtech.com/show/8557/x99-motherboard-roundup-asus-x99-deluxe-gigabyte-x99-ud7-ud5-asrock-x99-ws-msi-x99s-sli-plus-intel-haswell-e/8

If you dont have a SLI bridge that allows you to do that or if it does not work, the best solution will probably be to buy a better cooler for the reference card.

 

[baseballfreak21]

I have included two images below of the inside of my computer so you guys have a better idea of what I am working with. Regarding putting in the third slot, the manual says for two-way SLI to use the top two slots, are you sure putting it on the third slot will not impact performance negatively?

Also, I am looking to get a new case in the future because even with it on the third slot, the fan will be almost right on the power supply.


http://s11.postimg.org/ixrv4e3ir/IMG_7023.jpg

http://s30.postimg.org/8lao2u375/IMG_7024.jpg

 

[Tchota]

Performance should not suffer because modern GPU dont need more then x8 lanes to work at their full potential. But only trying you can know for sure.

If that does not solve the temp problem, you should check if your PSU is not overheating.

You can also try to tie the cables together to improve air flow