Just like to pull this thread back on topic with a thank-you to CDPR for (a) removing the DRM from retail copies; (b) making this patch (and hopefully later ones also) available as a separate download for off-line games and (c) providing DLC as separate downloads as well! Three cheers!

Only problem for me is my Witcher 2 keeps crashing (mostly Nvidia-related BSODs, even with 275.27 beta drivers). Maybe a later patch (or driver update) will fix it...

6950 is better value I think..about 5-10 less fps in most games (but still very high fps), but considerably cheaper and with much better temps/power usage.

Well I have a 6850..there appears to be about a 10 FPS jump for the 6950 and another 10 FPS (approximates..) to the 6970.

The 6950 is only 100 dollars cheaper. It does look like you can unlock a 6950 and then it becomes a 6970..though I am not sure if that still works on all the cards..that was something found awhile back..hrm.

I don't recommend it..it voids warranty and there's strong potential for issues.

Sounds (and smells) like bad capacitators on the motherboard. Check it for scorching, expansion or discoloration on the caps and get it RMAed if you find anything.

My monitor ratio is no longer working on my rig after 1.1 patch

2x GTX260 in SLI
3x 24" monitors in portrait mode (3240x1920 native)
Nvidia surround on 257.25 beta drivers

Pre patch I could use any resolution on the list properly but after patch it forces 16:9. We're talking about 8" of black bar on top and 8" more on the bottom. Is there a way to disable the forced 16:9 since it WAS WORKING pre patch and all the menus were working fine.

I haven't noticed any significant changes yet with patch 1.1. But then again, I hadn't had any problems with the game (GOG version) in it's original state other than I couldn't download and install the troll contract. I only applied the patch for that.

I haven't played the game really since then though.

[off topic]
Huh, how's that? They are both totally different, with different aims and goals.

Nice tech-talk here btw.. I have just ordered a couple of new core component and will put myself a new computer together. It's not that I really need it but... well, I can afford it at the moment. And yeah, of course I like to see how the new computer will handle the Witcher 2.

In fact, the game was really the reason me starting to look into new hardware. Again, it's not really that I need it. The Witcher 2 may not run perfect on my current machine, but it does run okay. But there's also my fascination for computer stuff. And I really enjoy building PCs (for myself). It's like LEGO for grown-ups. x-D

Unfortunately, it also loses it's fascination just as quickly. As soon as a new machine is set up, it becomes ordinary, almost boring again. But at least for a short period I'll enjoy the new hardware. And what would life be without these little moments. x-D
[/off topic]

To answer your first question. the MacOS is far more similar to Linux that you may realize. (with the exception that Linux/BSD wasn't made to generate cash) Did you ever wonder (or perhaps you didn't know) why you could install virtually ANY linux software into the MacOS simply by compiling the SAME source code so long as you've installed all the dependent libraries by the same means? You can't do that with MS Windows, even if you have all the compilers, it wouln't compile. Do the words "sudo", "vim", "bash" or "Apache" sound familiar to you? If you are MacOS user you should. They are linux/Unix tools in the MacOS. Heck Linux and MacOS have virtually the same file permissions schema and near identical directory structures (linux and BSD distro sometimes have minor variations in core directory structures) I got to learn the MacOS (or should I say BSD OS) anatomy in detail when I starting using a G4 as my portable work environment. The MacOS is in fact a customized BSD OS distro with a refined X-Windows manager (X-windows is another Linux component) and a specialized packing system (before the deb package system was created and RPM was not really refined). BSD OS, like Linux, was derived from Unix. Unlike Linux which is GPL, the BSD OS license allowed people customizing without publish the source to the community which you cannot legally do in Linux, which is GPL. Apple took extreme advantage of the BSD community and their liberal licensing by taking it, making a great GUI, making a ton of money, and not giving the source code for the benefit of the community. (would have help Linux GUI evolve a lot quicker, which I imagine was the last thing Apple wanted)

In many ways Linux distros like Ubuntu, Debian or OpenSUSE have MORE functionality and certainly more freedom than the MacOS, is easier to install, more software with the deb or rpm packaging systems/community, and you can use ANY hardware you want (that is Linux compatible and that list has gotten HUGE). You can make Linux X-Windows behave virtually IDENTICAL to the MacOS (tried it for awhile and went back to default). As for software, as I said, easier to install more software, and sometimes more powerful/versitile than what you would pay $30--$900 for to run specifically in the MacOS. This is why I tell people if you want the macOS, better to get Linux; (Photoshop=GIMP/gimpshop, AppleOffice=LibreOffice, Muse=MuseScore, 3d graphics=Blender, Illustrator=Stencil, Garage=audacity, Itunes=Amarok, Rhythmbox or Banshee. MacDVD = VLC, VirtualPC=VirtualBox...I could go on and on and on) The biggest reason telling people who want the MacOS to get Linux is you can use BETTER hardware. Since Apple had their little spat with IBM (who made their superior PPC cpus), Apple Laptop/Desktop construction quality AND quality of parts used has gone downhill. (too bad the prices didn't) I used to be a big Apple fan, which is why I have my Aluminum G4. So when I read reports of MacBookPro's overheating, saw the articles on how to fix it published by a fan, and Apple threaten to sue the helpful guy, I and many other considered Apple the "new evil". Reports on the new Server models came out mentioning lower grade (considerably lower than you would tolerate in your gaming system) graphics cards were now being installed in the Apple server model that cost $3k. So much for value. The desktop models weren't any better. Apple when from "State-of-the-art" hardware to "Sate-of-the-hype" once Intel hardware got introduced. One big MS style marketing machine with a better OS, and MS diirty business tactics. (so sad....) Anyway, hope that explains where I'm coming from.

I concur. I myself have two Lian-Li cases... the quality is breathtaking and seriously makes you never want to buy a case from another brand ever again.

It does. However, in my experience people who choose to pick up an Apple computer don't care what's under the hood (software-wise). All they care about is a computer that "just works". And that's exactly what Apple is advertising.

GNU/Linux on the other hand is a totally different story in my opinion. Its strength is that it is open and highly configurable.

Sure, such distributions like Ubuntu strive to bring a desktop experience similar to that of Windows or Mac OS X to the user. But there are still times where there is no other way than opening a terminal and start hacking commands into it to solve a problem. And in my experience that's quite contrary to what the average Apple user is looking for and what Apple aims for.

Since you've asked: yes; I use them daily.

But this is all now really, really off topic and doesn't belong here.

No scorching or anything, luckily (with the shop I bought the MOBO from, RMA takes a month at the very least!). I think it's the front fan - not the first fan to go this way. And the other smell, I think I finally pinpointed it to the cpu cooler. Will get a proper one tomorrow, as the boxed cooler isn't really suitable for the cpu in the first place. I just hope I can keep using the new PSU (the stuff seems to accumulate over time). Thanks anyway for the tip and keep your fingers crossed - I want to play Witcher, dammit!

Speaking of... while looking for a cooler, I stumbled upon a model "Aardwolf", reminded me of Geralt, I wonder why. ;)

Hey Audrey, I hate to say this, but your choice of PSU's hasn't been good. Those things tend to use cheap components such as capacitors and such. You would do much better with Corsair, Seasonic, or Antec to name a few. Also, with that video card, the over all wattage of the PSU isn't too much of an issue, but you should concentrate more on what the PSU offers on the +12v rail(s). Look at your Motherboard and see if there is any scorching and if the caps are swollen. If not, then it should be fine and you probably have a failing PSU. I don't know what is available over there in Germany, but have worked with some in the UK with components.

Thanks Coastie65 for helping me understand why Audrey had so many problems. I didn't assume the quality of the PSU's as I'm not in Germany and never saw/hear of them whichI thought was odd as I research a fair number of PSU's. I kept quiet, I strongly suspected what you have said out loud about the capacitors (common corner cutting area of cheap PSU's). I learned after my first year building machines that the PSU is the most important part not to skimp on; the cases I order for my very first set had these "el cheapo" power supplies included. thought a power supply was a power supply...until many of them came back with burned out PSU's within 12-24 months (I give 2 year warranties). I replaced them all with no fuss as it wasn't the buyer's fault, but it was costly. That really reinforced the point, that a little extra cost early can prevent a LOT of pain later.
you don't download Trolls after the patch! The Trolls DLC is already included!! If you are getting an error, you need to clear out registry entries that tell the downloader to get file. suggest you export your saves, uninstall Witcher 2, manually remove all directories and registry entries and then reinstall with no Internet, then install the patch. Everying should work well after that. I have an 8 point list of instructions in another forum that outlines for noobies exactly how to do a completely CLEAN reinstall of witcher 2 and patch which I've been told works without a hitch. I'll post it again here:

If you are nervous with removing exact values try this (backup/export your save first if you have any):
1. Uninstall Witcher 2.
2. delete any witcher 2 folders in "program files" (may be under GOG) the uninstaller left behind.
3. Edit the registry and remove these two registry folders:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\CD Projekt RED\The Witcher 2
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\CD Projekt RED\The Witcher 2 (if this exists)
4. disconnect your computer from the Internet (this prevents any autoupdates by the autoinstaller)
5. Reinstall Witcher 2
6. install the 1.1 patch manually
7. reconnect the Internet to your computer.
8. Play......

wow! thanks, dude!