Hardware stub

Ask GN 37: Rising SSD Prices, Poor Game Optimization

Posted on December 10, 2016

In the midst of running another half-dozen thermal tests on upcoming liquid-cooled graphics benchmarks, we took a break from the (increasingly hot) test room for an Ask GN episode. Considering the video set is about 9-10C cooler than the test lab, it was a welcomed break.

This episode’s questions primarily focus on increasing SSD prices, game and driver optimization for GPUs, some brief computer history, and benchmarking. About half of the discussion somehow relates to game benchmarking or testing, with a few interesting tidbits from our previous computer history discussions.

Regardless, video and timestamps below:

Ask GN Timestamps

00:53 - covenant11: "Dear GN: What is it about Crysis 3 that keeps benchmark junkies using it as a benchmark even as we approach tie 4 year anniversary of it's release? What features and options and what is it about the engine that keeps this game pushing the hardware? Thanks for your time."

4:30 - obzen33: "Do you think the price of MLC and TLC memory will continue to rise into 2017 and beyond? Prices keep climbing with no end in sight it seems."

6:48 - Chris Arellano (Helgaiden): "Whats the oldest processor you have lying around and what did it come out of/where did it come from? [i still have the one from my first PC, a Pentium MMX 233 and its funny to look at now compared to current stuff)."

9:23 - Tech pascal: "Thanks again for answering my previous question! My new question is, how games are optimized and what determines if a game is poorly optimized? For example Ark survival barely runs at 60 frames per second on my Titan XP at 1080p at max settings. Is this due to poorly optimization of the game or is the game that graphically demanding? How can you tell?"

13:52 - StealthTH1: "QUESTION: What kind of life span should people expect with a close loop CPU cooler? I have had a Corsair H100 since 2013 and it's been running great. When should I consider a replacement? Is there any signs to be on the look out for? Such as pump failure? I originally had this cooler on a 3770k now it's on a 6700k and still running great. Thanks?"

Host: Steve “Lelldorianx” Burke
Video: Andrew “ColossalCake” Coleman