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[Die Namek Ability]

I have primarily been gaming on console (Playstation) for the last 10ish years and haven't been involved in PC gaming since my last build in 2015 which was a 980ti and a 6700k. Long story short, i was starting to get excited about some upcoming MS games and was very tempted into buying an XsX.

Just this morning my nowinstock beeper went off and i was able to snag a 4090 for "cheap" so i said F it and went the PC route instead since all the games are there anyway. All my friends game on Playstation consoles and most of them have grown out of gaming altogether so I will be essentially starting off fresh in the eco system.

Just wondering what the consensus is on must have applications/services/games. In addition is there somewhere i can go to plug into a community that mare share my gaming interests?

Oh and the build for those interested:

-MSI Gaming Trio 4090
-Intel 13900k
-Samsung evo pro 990
-32 gbs DDR5 @ 6400
-MSI Carbon Z790 Wifi mother board
-EVGA 1300 watt platinum PSU
- LG C2 "42" 4K OLED

Super excited and cant wait to jump in after this thing is put together.

Edit: all finished, time to play some games:

 

[Mister Wolf]

Always turn off film grain, chromatic aberration, and motion blur. Turn off depth of field too.

 

[Guilty_AI]

Just wondering what the consensus is on must have applications/services/games.

Steam.
GOG for offline installers.
EGS for free giveaways.

Games to buy and start with style:

For full pure goodness:
>Black Mesa
>DUSK.
>AMID EVIL.

For goodness + visual glory:
>Cyberpunk 2077
>Elden Ring
>Metro Exodus

In addition is there somewhere i can go to plug into a community that mare share my gaming interests?

NeoGAF. Discord.

 

[MidGenRefresh]

Buy a Steam Deck as a companion device.

 

[TintoConCasera]

Don't worry, those extra inches you just got there are normal.

 

[Rush2112]

I thought he meant born again christian i was like wtf that has to do with games.

 

[Daneel Elijah]

When i got into PC gaming I found out that I was using it more for playing indies than big AAA. FTL, Rogue legacy 1&2 or the binding of Isaac are some of my best gaming experiences.
Don't hesitate with steam sales and obscure games. You may be surprised.

 

[AndrewRyan]

Install the Augmented Steam chrome browser plugin. Shows the current best price and historic best price for steam games along with additional DRM info that's missing on steam.

 

[Die Namek Ability]

Buy a Steam Deck as a companion device.

Is there a difference in specs between the models? Im assuming its a seemless integration with steam on the desktop, is that right?

 

[Die Namek Ability]

Install the Augmented Steam chrome browser plugin. Shows the current best price and historic best price for steam games along with additional DRM info that's missing on steam.

Oh sweet thanks, i will definitely do that. Can i play the MS games and gamepass through Steam or do i have to grab another app for that?

 

[Esca]

Use greenmangaming.com to get good deals

 

[diffusionx]

Just play the games you like lmao

 

[Die Namek Ability]

Just play the games you like lmao

Most games i like are locked to the PS eco system. Just trying to get a feel whats out there and in demand in the PC space so i have a jumping off point to form my opinion of what i like.

 

[Die Namek Ability]

Use greenmangaming.com to get good deals

Perfect, exactly the type of stuff i was looking for, thanks!!

 

[A.Romero]

I'd say look for stuff you can't find in consoles like RTS or VR.

Also checkout the modding community for games you might like. For example Skyrim's modding scene is huge.

 

[Buggy Loop]

Find a friend or someone that can lend you a VR headset, preferably a Quest 2 i guess to be wireless and..

HALF LIFE ALYX

One of the top experiences i've had in gaming in the past 15 years.

 

[Guilty_AI]

Perfect, exactly the type of stuff i was looking for, thanks!!

Try checking gg deals too

Game deals - Find video games on sale - GG.deals

Compare prices of video games from almost 60 stores, find the best game deals online. CD keys for all PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PC games on the market at the best price!

gg.deals

 

[Die Namek Ability]

Try checking gg deals too

http://[URL]https://gg.deals/

[/URL]

Heck yeah, thanks!!

 

[jshackles]

Only browse the Steam store using your web browser that has Augmented Steam installed

Augmented Steam

Free browser extension that improves browsing and shopping experience for Steam

augmentedsteam.com

 

[twilo99]

Gamepass is essential, loads of quality games and entertainment.

You didn’t mention OS but go for 11 instead of 10, it seems to handle direct storage a bit better.

 

[Supple]

Game Pass on PC is not worth it. You can try most games on Steam and refund any games you don't like.

 

[dcx4610]

Looks like a good build. There isn't a whole lot to say. Install Steam and Epic and buy and play what you want.

PC gaming has never been easier or more stable. It's pretty much like a console now where you launch the game and it auto-configs for your build.

 

[Marchizmo]

Game Pass on PC is not worth it. You can try most games on Steam and refund any games you don't like.

I feel like that's abusing a no ask return policy intended to help with hardware or technical issues, not treat it like gamefly.

 

[YeulEmeralda]

Bookmark Nexusmods. Good mods can transform a game.

 

[rofif]

My basic tips:
-Don't install geforce experience. Just the drivers
-Install MSI afterburner and RTSS. configure the osd to show cpu/gpu usage and temps.
-Be sure to always check pcgamingwiki.com before you play a game. Very good handful of tips there usually and things that will make the game better or fix it.
-Of course keep your drivers up to date. Do not forget the UEFI motherboard updates too and chipset drivers.
-cheapshark and cdkeys are great places to look for cheap keys
-Force x16 af in nvidia control panel globally
-Be sure to set refresh rate in nvidia control panel. I know plenty of people with 144hz monitors who game at 60hz. Enable VRR too.
-DLSS quality is better than Native res most of the time
-If you end up getting xbox controller, be sure to get it's wireless dongle. Much better working than bluetooth

For games, there are a lot but since you have an incredible pc, be sure to play Metro Exodus enhanced edition with full Ray Tracing. That game is amazing system tester.
Uncharted 4 honestly still holds up to. pc version is good.

Always turn off film grain, chromatic aberration, and motion blur. Turn off depth of field too.

Don't do any of that. Try the options and suit yourself and do not deal in absolutes. be open, try options
People who disable motion blur still do that because old style motion blur sucked ass. Nowadays, per pixel and per object motion blur can be amazing. Depth of field also can be really good looking.
Film Grain is not just an annoying effect. It is an important part of image quality construction as it helps to REDUCE DITHERING in few games like Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes. Helps avoid posterization. And I personally just like it. And with dlss and other TAA techniques, games can look quite soft and plastic without film grain

edit: You got a monitor? I recommend 4k 144 or 4k120hz oled with 4090. Would look amazing

 

[cinnamonandgravy]

also if you a gangsta, CLAMP that negative LOD bias and set texture filtering to high quality.

 

[rodrigolfp]

Always turn off film grain, chromatic aberration, and motion blur. Turn off depth of field too.

Vignette and FXAA too...

 

[rofif]

also if you a gangsta, CLAMP that negative LOD bias and set texture filtering to high quality.

haha that's good old days.
I am afraid this setting does nothing with AF x16 set on. I think it overrides it

 

[Die Namek Ability]

My basic tips:
-Don't install geforce experience. Just the drivers
-Install MSI afterburner and RTSS. configure the osd to show cpu/gpu usage and temps.
-Be sure to always check pcgamingwiki.com before you play a game. Very good handful of tips there usually and things that will make the game better or fix it.
-Of course keep your drivers up to date. Do not forget the UEFI motherboard updates too and chipset drivers.
-cheapshark and cdkeys are great places to look for cheap keys
-Force x16 af in nvidia control panel globally
-Be sure to set refresh rate in nvidia control panel. I know plenty of people with 144hz monitors who game at 60hz. Enable VRR too.
-DLSS quality is better than Native res most of the time
-If you end up getting xbox controller, be sure to get it's wireless dongle. Much better working than bluetooth

For games, there are a lot but since you have an incredible pc, be sure to play Metro Exodus enhanced edition with full Ray Tracing. That game is amazing system tester.
Uncharted 4 honestly still holds up to. pc version is good.


Don't do any of that. Try the options and suit yourself and do not deal in absolutes. be open, try options
People who disable motion blur still do that because old style motion blur sucked ass. Nowadays, per pixel and per object motion blur can be amazing. Depth of field also can be really good looking.
Film Grain is not just an annoying effect. It is an important part of image quality construction as it helps to REDUCE DITHERING in few games like Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes. Helps avoid posterization. And I personally just like it. And with dlss and other TAA techniques, games can look quite soft and plastic without film grain

edit: You got a monitor? I recommend 4k 144 or 4k120hz oled with 4090. Would look amazing

Thank you very much for the very detailedwrite up. I will for sure be referencing this after it built and running.

Yes i do have a monitor on the way as well. Its an

AORUS FO48U 48" 4K OLED Gaming Monitor

Heard it was pretty good and i was able to snag it for $800 earlier today.

 

[Guilty_AI]

Thank you very much for the very detailedwrite up. I will for sure be referencing this after it built and running.

Yes i do have a monitor on the way as well. Its an

AORUS FO48U 48" 4K OLED Gaming Monitor

Heard it was pretty good and i was able to snag it for $800 earlier today.

Some counter advice.

Do not update your motherboard drivers.
Only do it when:
>Its strictly critical you do. Like some serious security breach was uncovered and a newer version patches it, or your BIOS is really really old for some reason and is lacking a bunch of features.
>Some new feature that you want was added

Updating BIOS can be quite a headache and possibly risk so i don't recommend you do it very often.

Also, i wouldn't bother with MSI afterburner and RTSS unless you want to do benchmarks and detailed tinkering.

And finally, theres nothing wrong with using Geforce experience to update your drivers. People don't like it cause some of its side-features (like setting optimization) is quite bad, or because you have to log in with google or some other account in order to use it. However you can just ignore these other features, its still the most hassle-free way to update GPU drivers.

 

[Pegasus Actual]

Be aggressive with your NeoGAF Ignore button.

 

[Kataploom]

Always turn off film grain, chromatic aberration, and motion blur. Turn off depth of field too.

I like keeping motion blur but yeah, I liked chromatic aberration before and started hating it this gen.

For OP, I'd say if you have an HDR-able screen, you should definitely download the HDR calibration software from MS in the Windows Store, it basically fixes Windows HDR calibration

 

[Buggy Loop]

Thank you very much for the very detailedwrite up. I will for sure be referencing this after it built and running.

Yes i do have a monitor on the way as well. Its an

AORUS FO48U 48" 4K OLED Gaming Monitor

Heard it was pretty good and i was able to snag it for $800 earlier today.

Jesus christ, you went balls deep on your return to PC lol

 

[Die Namek Ability]

Jesus christ, you went balls deep on your return to PC lol

Haha, yeah sure did. I figured if i was going to spring for the 4090 i might as well put it to use.

 

[twilo99]

Game Pass on PC is not worth it. You can try most games on Steam and refund any games you don't like.

But they you have to pay for the full game if you want to play it through..

I have ultimate so I get the cloud thing, which is great for trying stuff out before you download

I don't even bother with steam anymore. Its a great option if I need something specific that's not on gp.

That's the beauty of being on windows tho, lots of options.

 

[Black_Stride]

Always turn off film grain, chromatic aberration, and motion blur. Turn off depth of field too.

Dont do any of that.
Test the game and see if you like the look.
Dont get bullied into believing all these post effects are absolutely horrible.
There is a cult of master race who have seemingly been indoctrinated into hating motion blur and depth of field even if both effects are generally implemented well in AAA games.

Hell per-pixel and per-object motion blur is absolutely amazing
Full on motion blur in racing games is all but a must to get any sense of speed if you drive in 3rd person view.

 

[Bulletbrain]

Dont do any of that.
Test the game and see if you like the look.
Dont get bullied into believing all these post effects are absolutely horrible.
There is a cult of master race who have seemingly been indoctrinated into hating motion blur and depth of field even if both effects are generally implemented well in AAA games.

Hell per-pixel and per-object motion blur is absolutely amazing
Full on motion blur in racing games is all but a must to get any sense of speed if you drive in 3rd person view.

Agree that OP should try out the settings first. I too sometimes keep motion blur/DOF on based on how they look per game. On the other hand, film grain and CA I always tend to turn off in the end. But yes, try them all out first.

Beauty of PC gaming is choice and customization (apart from performance ofc, but that's a factor of how much money you can spend). Embrace choice. Spend a little time on customizing the look and feel of the games you play to how you like by tweaking and mods.

Speaking of mods, bookmark this site: https://www.nexusmods.com/

 

[Black_Stride]

Agree that OP should try out the settings first. I too sometimes keep motion blur/DOF on based on how they look per game. On the other hand, film grain and CA I always tend to turn off in the end. But yes, try them all out first.

Beauty of PC gaming is choice and customization (apart from performance ofc, but that's a factor of how much money you can spend). Embrace choice. Spend a little time on customizing the look and feel of the games you play to how you like by tweaking and mods.

Speaking of mods, bookmark this site: https://www.nexusmods.com/

I dont know why anyone would turn off Depth of Field.
Cutscenes look overly sharp with depth of field off, even none bokeh depth of field helps frame a scene better than having unlimited range focus.
And no my eyes dont naturally blur what im not focusing on because im effectively focusing on the whole screen.
And this is coming from someone with an UltraWide monitor.

Playing without per pixel and/or per object motion blur....NEVER!!!

 

[Chiggs]

My personal advice is to inform everyone in your life that you have a high-end Gaming PC. The point is to make them understand that they're shit and you're champagne. Rub it in their face early and often. Your post here was a good start.

Also, don't expect to make any real friends. PC Gaming, first and foremost, is about superiority and domination. Any relationships formed with other PC Gamers are bound to be A) fleeting, and B) undone by whoever upgrades to a more powerful system. This, of course, means that if you're not rich, or simply incapable of depriving your family of things like food, clothes and air conditioning, don't bother playing. I know you think your system is pretty good right now, and you're right...but in a year's time it will be garbage and nobody will care.

In short, PC Gaming is basically like Highlander for the rich, semi-rich, wannabe-rich, and middle class shitheads who give it their all at the altar of technology.

And as the saying goes, "there can be only one." And it's unlikely to be you.

 

[VN1X]

Perfect, exactly the type of stuff i was looking for, thanks!!

GMG is notoriously overpriced these days. Use gg.deals instead!

 

[Petopia]

How do you become a born again PC gamer you were either in or you re out.

 

[daninthemix]

Just wondering what the consensus is on must have applications/services/games. In addition is there somewhere i can go to plug into a community that mare share my gaming interests?

Games: Cyberpunk 2077, Control, Metro Exodus, RDR2 - all maxed out, naturally.
Apps: as few as possible. Keep that sucker clean and lean to minimise the chances of frametime spikes.

-MSI Gaming Trio 4090
-Intel 13900k
-Samsung evo pro 990
-32 gbs DDR5 @ 6400
-Asus ROG Strix 790 E mother board
-EVGA 1300 watt platinum PSU
-AORUS FO48U 48" 4K OLED Gaming Monitor

That's a pretty bananas rig. I'd love an OLED myself but I really want someone to release a 32" 4K one.

 

[MidGenRefresh]

Is there a difference in specs between the models? Im assuming its a seemless integration with steam on the desktop, is that right?

The difference is in storage (type and size) + the top model has slightly better, less reflective screen.

Integration is seamless with cloud saves and all.

 

[b0uncyfr0]

PCGamingWiki PCGW - an encyclopedia of PC game fixes

www.pcgamingwiki.com

For all your OCD gaming tweaks.

 

[nemiroff]

Warning: My response will be VR related.

With that amazing rig, if you want an unique experience that you cannot have on any other platform, then go for MS Flight Simulator in a 4K VR headset.

Another exclusive VR experience (racing) that cannot be had anywhere else is Automobilista 2, one of the best VR racing games out there.

 

[Alexios]

Use a fps limiter to global cap your fps to whatever is your monitor's max refresh rate so that you don't pointlessly run old games or games you don't want vsynced at 200000fps maxing your GPU and adding to your electricity bill for 0 benefit.

 

[RoboFu]

Best advice is…. If you don’t want to play a broken mess you have to wait a month after launch of any game.

 

[Die Namek Ability]

Games: Cyberpunk 2077, Control, Metro Exodus, RDR2 - all maxed out, naturally.
Apps: as few as possible. Keep that sucker clean and lean to minimise the chances of frametime spikes.

That's a pretty bananas rig. I'd love an OLED myself but I really want someone to release a 32" 4K one.

Thanks, the price/feature set of the oled was too good to pass up. I wish it was 32" as well. I had to buy a 38" Depth desk as a result just so i would go blind.

 

[Die Namek Ability]

Warning: My response will be VR related.

With that amazing rig, if you want an unique experience that you cannot have on any other platform, then go for MS Flight Simulator in a 4K VR headset.

Another exclusive VR experience (racing) that cannot be had anywhere else is Automobilista 2, one of the best VR racing games out there.

What VR would you recommend? Any idea if the PSVR 2 will be compatible with PC? Would be nice to only have to buy one that i could use on both.

 

[Jaybe]

Install MSI Afterburner for monitoring frames, cpu core usage, vram, ram and fps while playing. It is usually packaged with Riva Tuner which I’ve also used for frame capping, not sure if still true but the advice was previous to cap frames to a few less than the screen if you were usuibg GSYNC (eg cap at 141 for a 144 screen). Some sites go into the reasoning in detail.