Glad you're getting it sorted
 Yea, I've read some real bad reviews on BF4 about the multi-player online issues for the PC version. I have a friend at work who is playing the single player missions and is really impressed with the physics and graphics but he is playing on the new PS system. He was also playing the new COD but expressed total disappointment with that.
I'm with you on the price though, I'll wait until it comes down a bit more for either of them. 
 
 Cool there is still interest in BF 1942 after all these years, I picked up the collection a few years back and use to be a favorite with my older 3D gear. 
 
 Thanks for the tip on War Thunder, I think I'll grab that up for sure and take a look at the others. I have the feeling I'm going to have at least one more GAS attack before the Holiday VST blowouts are finished so those Steam deals are real appealing now. Thanks.
 
Cool forum I was reading about some old cherished games there.
 
 Also looking at grabbing one of those 7870's in the near future.  I have a 6870 now and it chews up any game I have but the fan is loudest I have ever heard.  Cheers and Happy Holidays
 
 
  

Good news!!!
 
I uninstalled a utility from Asrock (Instant Boot) which seems to have been causing the problem of getting into BIOS and adjusted a few settings in Power Mgt. within Win8. I found out the hard way that this utility isn't useful when used in conjunction with an SSD & Win 8 (it basically boots directly to Windows and bypasses BIOS for a quick boot option.....). I suppose not all the advice that was given to me was correct......Prior to using this utility, my rig would boot up in less than 8 secs, but after installing, it was much longer......probably some conflict between Win8 Power Mgt. and this utility.

Anyway, all is working well and now I'm in the (loooong) process of installing all my VST's.
 
Regarding the fan noise from my 7870, I can honestly say it's very, very quiet.......I can only hear fan noises if I put my ear next to the PC base and even that noise might be from my case fans or possibly the NH-D14 cooler. I'm totally happy with this HIS 7870 and is capable of OCing it (if there's a need).
 
I picked up the Just Cause Collection last night on Steam. Looks like everyone's looking forward to Steams Holiday Sale (starting at 1pm today) to hop on some good deals........I'll certainly ceck it out. Maybe on of these days, we could do a co-op or a  multi-player game together. :)
 
Merry Christmas to you as well!! 
 
 
Edit: Amazon has already started their Holiday Sale......oh boy!!

Cool it's getting sorted. Getting a little better here at the FPS games and connection speed has greatly improved. I may not be dead meat walking. I'll give that freebie a try sometime soon.