This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:13:16
The video emphasizes the environmental impact and power consumption of high-performance gaming PCs and explores ways to reduce their energy use while maintaining strong gaming performance. The hosts set a benchmark of running "Shadow of the Tomb Raider" at high settings (1080p, 60fps) using AMD Ryzen 5 3600x and Intel Core i5 9600KF CPUs. They optimize memory speeds, undervolt both CPUs and memory, and adjust various system settings to enhance efficiency. The AMD system demonstrated better stability and efficiency compared to the Intel setup, especially in idle states and gaming performance.
The video then focuses on optimizing GPUs, initially considering RTX 2060 and RX 5700, ultimately selecting the RTX 2060 for its balance of performance and lower power consumption. Flashing the BIOS and using high-efficiency power supplies, minimal fans, and disabling non-essential components further reduced power usage.
The overall goal was to create an efficient gaming PC that draws significantly less power than traditional setups, such as an Xbox One X, while achieving similar or better performance levels. The discussion also highlights the comparative benefits of PCs and consoles, encouraging viewers to consider energy-efficient practices and component choices. The video concludes with gratitude to the sponsor, Sea Sonic, and a teaser for future content.
00:00:00
In this segment, the video discusses the environmental impact of high-power gaming PCs, noting that unless renewable energy sources are used, fossil fuels likely power these setups. The video aims to explore how to reduce power consumption while maintaining good gaming performance, specifically through optimizing hardware choices. They set a performance baseline of running “Shadow of the Tomb Raider” at high settings (1080p, 60fps) and choose processors – the AMD Ryzen 5 3600x and Intel Core i5 9600KF – for potential undervolting and efficiency. These CPUs reportedly offer better performance at lower voltages compared to other options. They also plan to use minimalist, mid-range motherboards to avoid unnecessary power consumption.
00:03:00
In this segment, the video discusses optimizing memory speed and CPU performance by using a 200 MHz Trident Z memory kit with Samsung B-dye chips, under-volting both the memory and CPU to save power. The goal is to drop clock speeds and voltages after assembling the system. Both CPUs ended up running at 2.3 GHz with voltages well under 1 volt, and memory timings were as fast and low-voltage as possible. The AMD system achieved higher stable memory speeds than the Intel system.
Additionally, PCI Express link speeds were reduced, non-critical devices were disabled, and secondary voltages were adjusted to save more energy. Despite similar power draws under load, Intel CPUs idled lower but had frame pacing issues during gaming, unlike AMD CPUs. Overclocking the Intel system increased power consumption more than AMD’s Ryzen, favoring the latter for more efficient performance. Cooling solutions were evaluated, noting that the Ryzen system maintained lower temperatures without a fan.
Lastly, the video hints at an upcoming feature on a new cooler called a Thermosyphon and mentions using an RTX 2080 Ti graphics card for CPU testing without bottleneck issues.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses optimizing a GPU for better performance and efficiency. They initially consider using an RTX 2060 or an RX 5700, but after testing and finding the RX 5700’s performance lacking, they discard it. They also flash the BIOS on a GPU to run at zero RPM to save power. The speaker explains that the RTX 2060 meets their performance target with lower power consumption compared to the 2080 or 2080 Ti, making it a more justifiable choice unless real-time ray tracing is necessary. They decide to build a power-efficient setup by not connecting case LEDs, using minimal fans, and opting for a high-efficiency Seasonic power supply, which ensures stable power delivery and minimizes wastage.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the discussion focuses on the efficiency and power consumption of a high-end PC setup. It highlights that choosing a high-end power supply unit (PSU) and ensuring power efficiency results in quieter operation due to reduced waste heat. The PC idles at about 30 watts, which is compared to the power consumption of a dim incandescent light bulb. When gaming, the PC’s power draw is tested using “Shadow of the Tomb Raider.” The system peaks at 106-108 watts, equating to the power usage of an old 100-watt light bulb. For comparison, an Xbox One X running the same game at 60fps, 1080p, draws between 130-145 watts, demonstrating the relative efficiency of the PC setup.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker clarifies that they are not declaring the superiority of PC gaming but highlighting the benefits of a fully integrated system and the cost advantage of consoles. The point is to offer context that with investment and effort, a more efficient gaming experience is achievable on a PC compared to a console. The video also provides tips on saving power, reducing heat output, and minimizing noise by tuning the PC and selecting appropriate components. The segment ends by thanking the sponsor, Sea Sonic, and suggesting another video where they overclock an 11-year-old PC.