before any PC gaming experts start reading this, you're probably going to be super triggered at some things i am doing/saying so be warned...
 
 
Alright, so buying my first gaming PC soon (i currently have a gaming laptop) and while I'm shopping [pre-bulit PCs(before anyone says anything, yes I'm aware building your own is 99x better but for some reason im being retarded and getting a pre-bulit)] i notice while I'm looking up the graphics cards i see that they recommended the precision x software, I'm aware of what overclocking is but i am unaware of how to use/operate them. The reviews mainly said to "curve the fans more" and I'm unaware of what that means. any advice or help would be greatly appreciated along with additional information that would be useful.
 
links to the items i was looking at
graphics card:
 

 
PC:
 

 
keep in mind I'm very new to PCs

Also check your Local Mom & Pop Computer Stores in your area.

Using precision x software is completely optional. It just allows you to set the fan to increase speed at x temperature.  precision x software is known for being buggy and crash at times.
 
 
 
 

I've been using Precision X for a very long time now with many versions. I haven't had any issues and recommend using it. At one point, I think using it at the same time of certain other software doing like monitoring caused problems (you may tell that I'm an expert on that subject :P). You can use it to just set a custom fan curve if you like. As a default, the fan speed is linear as temperature raises. This is represented by a line on a graph in the software and you are able to customize it into a curve. This allows you to run lower fan speeds at lower temps reducing noise and then ramp up more quickly as higher critical temps are reached. You will also establish the highest temp reached for 100% fan speed. I just check and have this currently set to 85C, but normally I have it set to 80C. I usually lower this setting from default. The software can be set to start up with Windows. In the past with older video cards, I have had friends as well as myself suffer a BSOD because of mindless behavior and not realizing Precision was not running allowing the card to overheat. I don't think this is a problem these days with newer cards though, but still the software has a lot of useful abilities like monitoring as well.

"Fan curve" refers to this example graph above. Overclocking software sets rules for how hard to blow your fans depending on how hot your gpu gets. "Curving the fans more" means manually setting the fans to blow harder before it gets as hot.
 
Also, buy whatever you're most comfortable with. If you decide to go the prebuilt route, that's fine! But use it as a learning opportunity and try opening it up and disconnecting/reconnecting parts one at a time. You'll be confident enough to start adding additional parts or maybe build your next desktop all by yourself.

Melieson
A graphics card will slow down if it gets too hot. Increasing fan speed (adjusting the curve higher / left) keeps the card cooler, but louder. The card will usually self overclock a little bit by itself. (My 980ti advertised a 1139 MHz boost clock, but runs at 1380mhz without me changing anything). 

Melieson
Is there a thread where new members can get the required 10 posts (before being allowed to send PMs) without annoying people / spamming? I assume just being a contributing member is the ideal method of getting 10 posts, but am curious if there is a spam thread.

Welcome to the Forum Melieson
Are you wanting to PM someone here on the Forum or are you trying to PM an EVGA Support Tech?
I see your Count is now at 5.