Returning PC gamer advice

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Presariofu

Bronze Level Poster
On Friday, I took delivery of my new PCS laptop and, I am very pleased.

Whilst I would have liked to have gamed more over the weekend, as with any new machine, there is a bit of set up required. I think I am nearly there but, would like some advice as to software (free or paid) that people use in their gaming machines for gaming.

I have steam and, have downloaded everything I picked up in the Steam sales along with pc/mac compatible games I already owned. I have installed Fraps (free version) so I can see how my machine is handling the games in high/ultra settings. I will also get around to installing xpadder that has been recommended to me for playing games with a controller if I don't want keyboard and mouse.

Is there anything else that is helpful that I could do with having. I know I want something to monitor the temps of my CPU/GPU so I can see how they run now and, later if I need to spot any spikes in temps.

Also, the boring stuff. Anti virus/PC security. What do you recommend that will provide good protection with low system resources. Aside from features, is there any benefit to paid over free versions in actual protection. I have been out of the loop with Mac so, your advice on this necessary evil is appreciated.

Cheers guys and girls
 
Rakk

Rakk

The Awesome
Moderator
Presariofu said:
Is there anything else that is helpful that I could do with having. I know I want something to monitor the temps of my CPU/GPU so I can see how they run now and, later if I need to spot any spikes in temps.
Click to expand...
I use CoreTemp for CPU info and GPU-Z for the graphics cards temperatures and stuff

Presariofu said:
Also, the boring stuff. Anti virus/PC security. What do you recommend that will provide good protection with low system resources. Aside from features, is there any benefit to paid over free versions in actual protection. I have been out of the loop with Mac so, your advice on this necessary evil is appreciated.
Click to expand...
If you have Win8 it automatically comes with Windows Defender for free which I'm using, if you're stuill on Win7 you can use Microsoft Security Essentials (free download), they will both work perfectly fine and are free to boot :)
 
Grimezy

Grimezy

Prolific Poster
I worried about this when I was waiting for my rig but looking back you don't need to do almost half as much as you think.

I use Asus Suite Fan Xpert (came with my Motherboard) for my CPU and case fan speeds/temps.
MSI Afterburner for my GPU, I used to use GPU-z but I don't think it would let you change the fan speed whereas MSI does and it's actually a bit easier to understand in my opinion.
CCleaner to regularly clean your pc of all the rubbish that's hanging about.
Regular defrags (weekly/fortnightly is enough)

I use Norton 360 for my security but only because that's what I've always known. Some people think it's good, others don't, I personally have not had any problems.

Other than that it's purely option software. Steam is obviously key. Origin if you plan to play EA games and there's a few others like U-play and Desura that aren't worth worrying about unless you buy a game that requires it (Desura is for indie games so you'll only ever need that if there's an odd game in a humble bundle or something and if you plan to buy Far Cry 3 then that will require U-play but can all be downloaded on installation).
 
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Presariofu

Bronze Level Poster
Cheers Grimezy. CCleaner is already on there as, I use that on my work PC to keep things tip top although mainly for the registry cleaner. I have seen that programme breath new life into old hardly moving PC's.

I will give MSI afterburner and GPU-z a try for the GPU and see which I prefer and Coretemp for the CPU. I think I will go with MSE for unobtrusive monitoring along with windows firewall once the Bullguard free trial ends as, some of these security suites want silly money. I assume they prey on peoples fear of virus's and attacks.

Thanks again for the guidance peeps.
 
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