Dowan's posts

If you play a lot of MMOs, I would highly advise against an AMD graphics card because they have known issues with Tera, Blade and Soul, and other graphically extensive games. I had one in my old computer and it was a nightmare, and then I read up on it when I was buying parts for my new computer.

There are a lot of great budget builds if you're interested in building your own, but if not, here are a few tips:

1 - Think about whether or not you want to overclock. Overclocking is useless in today's technological world unless you're running a VERY old system and need to get as much juice as possible out of it.

If you're not overclocking, look for processors that don't have a "K" after them. A "K" means the processor is unlocked and you can overclock. You might be able to save some money if it lacks that capability.

2 - When looking at processors, most come with a stock cooler. The cooler is the main fan in your computer, or the liquid cooling system that helps lower the temps.

Since most cases come with fans that help in that, and graphic cards have become so advanced in their capabilities, you don't really need a brand cooler anymore and can stick with the stock cooler to cut costs.

3 - The video card is one of the most important parts for any gaming computer, and I highly recommend a GTX 1060 or 1070. I don't know your budget or anything, but the 10xx series recently released and SHOULD be cheaper than the 9xx series (older models actually get more expensive as their stock is diminished and they stop being made). If not, look for 960 or 970. 950 is a little on the aging side, and 980+ is definitely something you don't need.

For the video card and other parts, don't get too engrossed in brands. EVGA, Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI all offer more or less the same video card, so get whatever's cheapest. If you're looking outside of these big four though, air on the side of caution and professional reviews.

4 - Games these days are having more and more optimization issues, and memory leaks are quite common. You can help compensate for all these issues with 16 gigs of RAM. It won't eliminate the need to shut down the game every once in a while and/or restart, but it will certainly help. You can still manage on 8 if cost is a concern, and you bought a good video card.

5 - SSDs are overrated. I bought one recently after using harddrives for years and... they speed up how fast your computer boots by a lot. You'll load into your desktop instantly. Outside of that, though? I don't think they do much. You also usually need a harddrive for storage, anyway, since SSDs offer very little storage and get crazy expensive as you go up the ladder.

If you do want an SSD though, the Samsung 850 Evo is a great choice for price/performance.

Random stuff - The type of motherboard is very important when starting to build or buy a computer. There's a TON of different models and some may not be compatible with other parts you buy (such as the processor). Don't get too stuck on reviews for them, though, because they all have crap reviews from people who received DOA (Dead on Arrival) pieces or people who messed up in building and blame the motherboard.

Generally, a cheap (50-70$) motherboard is fine, and you're only paying for additional - and entirely useless - features in most cases as you ascend the price ladder.

That was long... and probably entirely unnecessary to post. But hey! If you feel like it helped or if anyone has something to add/debate, feel free. >.>

You can also message me if you need help in this department.

I don't think the activity levels are bad given there's only 60 or so users active at prime time. I myself tend to only interact in Serious Talk, RPing, and Art Shops. The other random conversations aren't my cup of tea, and I'm sure others may feel the same. I haven't really seen discontent from what I've read, though.

@Mica: So busy you are. I get free cake pictures though, so that's nice. :D

@blinkini: It is indeed. She opened her actual shop recently.

Perhaps the option to purchase event items is unavailable while the event is going on, and THEN for any users who wish to purchase event items for Ohms, it becomes available for a week or so?

I feel as if event items should be available via the respective events only, but if people can't get them during the event and it's over, and they're sad about the lack of availability, I don't see why they shouldn't be allowed to donate to the site for it.

I can relate to a lot of what you write about, actually, and for that I thank you. It helps to understand how other people view these feelings and their associated events.

I've come to think of this particular phenomenon as like... an overload. You (and this is a very general 'you' here) invest a lot in that first impression, subconsciously, and in what you do during that block of time be it a few days or a week. You talk, you play games, you do whatever, and then it ends one day because I've concluded people don't get tired of you, but they just get overloaded.

This in turn leads to both of you avoiding each other out of fear that the other doesn't want to do those things anymore. Obviously you annoyed them or did something wrong, right? Usually not, in my experience.

What I find is that, the person will eventually come back to you and want to do those things for another large block of time, and it's as if nothing ever happened. And the cycle tends to repeat itself if either party is open to it.

Your idea is a good one. I feel like writing is often overlooked on these sites as a main topic. There is the Art Gallery, as you've said, but I didn't get the feeling that writing is alright to post there. I've seen some people post their works in Literature, but that also doesn't feel right.

So a thumbs up for having a writing board, or specifying written works in one of the existing sub-forums.

Force of Nature - Same Old Thing for me. Got some soothin' melodies goin' on.

Currently? Nujabes - Shiki No Uta [feat. MINMI]

@Yuracye: Wow, your art is super adorable. Gonna have to put another artist on the 'inevitable buying' list. >.>

@Lunakiri:

Eugene was curious what book she was referring to at such a time, but not enough to pry into her affairs. When she felt ready, she would tell him if it was relevant to both their interests. If not, she would be perfectly capable of delving into its secrets without him. He knew that while they operated together, they were at their best individually.

It was good she left, too, because his arm was acting up and he wasn't sure how much longer he could have controlled it in front of her. To a stranger, he could pass it off rather easily, but he couldn't fool his sister and her perceptive gaze. His right arm shook occasionally, and the fingers twitched as if reaching out for something, and he knew exactly what it was.

"You are a feisty one," he said quietly. "I am actually unsure if I am able to bend you to my will. Your hatred runs deep... and while I cannot understand for my emotions have been lost since some time ago, I can grasp the desire of wanting to inflict pain on another."

He pocketed his right hand as a trio went past. They appeared to be three young men chatting amongst themselves, and as they brushed past Eugene, the shaking of his arm ceased almost entirely. He narrowed his eyes and followed the group with just his gaze.

"One of them?" He asked the air while exhaling smoke from his lungs. The embers had burned his cigarette to a pathetic representation of what it once was, and he threw it down to stomp out the remaining life with his foot.

@Mica: I'm done for now, and I'm starting to save...kinda. I just have to post more. And I have a few hours to do it. >.>

@Mica: The shop part of your shop is finally open. Maybe I should order to celebrate? :D

I can see it being an interesting feature for sure. But as I used to play MMOs and usually blocked such announcements, I'm sure there would have to be some restrictions placed on how many you can buy. Or perhaps set it to only be available via Ohms? Would increase donations and cut down on possible spam since I doubt anyone here would spend money to post a questionable message. o.o