Computer gurus, please share your wisdom
Hey. Many of the basilers seem to be quite knowledgable when it comes to computers. I was wondering what desktop gaming computer that has already been built is best for it's money? I know that building my own will be a wayyy cheaper route, but I don't know how to build one nor do I have the time to sit around for few hours just building it. My budget is around $1500~$2000. I also want to run all or most games in the highest settings, yet still play with over 60 fps. I read some threads, however, I wish to get the most of the most power and performance with $1500 or $2000 budget. Thanks senpais!
May 31, 2015
14 Comments • Newest first
[quote=drager260]I'm sure their prices are better than CyberPowerPC.[/quote]
...and you didn't do the price check yourself.
Matching the parts in the $1164 i7-4790, GTX 970 build from my previous reply on NCIX US got me a price of $1183.
@Burning Doesn't NCIX build PCs for you for just $50? I'm sure their prices are better than CyberPowerPC.
Edit: http://www.ncixus.com/products/?sku=7842
[quote=jimmix]Not the OP, but your post looks really good, just curious why you didn't recommend a SSD? For a large SSD its probably pretty pricey but a smaller one just for his OS might work.[/quote]
I put SSDs into my build lists by request. I also don't like the prices CyberpowerPC is charging for the better SSDs like the Samsung 850 EVO. I actually don't like CyberpowerPC because I detest their customer service, but the OP insists on buying a prebuilt.
[quote=Ppism]The link leads me to a custom built computer that costs approximately $1300.[/quote]
Well the link didn't work as I had hoped it would.
[quote=Ppism]Spending between $1500-$2000 isn't a problem for me.[/quote]
You don't need to spend that much to get what you actually want.
[quote=Ppism]The reason why I quoted the above is to ask you if it would be okay to upgrade the fan to a liquid cool instead as I read liquid cooling is more effective at keeping temperatures low than fans...[/quote]
The i7-4790 doesn't run that hot and thus there is no advantage to using water cooling over air cooling.
I would take CPU cooling much more seriously if you were assembling your own computer [i]and[/i] if the build had a K-series i5 or i7 for overclocking. Water only beats air at really high operating temperatures which are only achievable with big overclocks. The thermodynamic principle that explains that is heat capacity.
[quote=Ppism]...upgrading the single video card to dual cards. It will also lead me having to upgrade the power supply to perhaps 750 watts which is only $50 extra.[/quote]
You don't have a reason to use two GPUs. A powerful single video card such as the GeForce GTX 970 or GeForce GTX 980 can handle games at 1080p, 1440p with no issue. SLI/CrossfireX should be reserved for video resolutions that exceed those amounts such as triple monitor and 4K, which you shouldn't do because it's going to push your spending well beyond $2000 to include the monitor(s).
[quote=Burning]
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/saved/1H27X4
FAN: Intel Certified CPU Fan & Heatsink [-27]
VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB GDDR5 PCIe 3.0 x16 (Maxwell) [+137] (Single Card)
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/CyberPower_Z97_i7_Configurator[/quote]
@burning
The link leads me to a custom built computer that costs approximately $1300. Spending between $1500-$2000 isn't a problem for me. The reason why I quoted the above is to ask you if it would be okay to upgrade the fan to a liquid cool instead as I read liquid cooling is more effective at keeping temperatures low than fans and upgrading the single video card to dual cards. It will also lead me having to upgrade the power supply to perhaps 750 watts which is only $50 extra.
[quote=jimmix]Not the OP, but your post looks really good, just curious why you didn't recommend a SSD? For a large SSD its probably pretty pricey but a smaller one just for his OS might work.[/quote]
If I remember correctly, the real reason to get an SSD is because they have a faster random read and write speeds, and don't use as much power over time. The random read/write speeds will only really affect how fast the computer loads files (load times when booting a game / new area in a game) and don't affect performance so much, and since it's a desktop and not a laptop, power consumption isn't really an issue. I have a 7200rpm HDD in my MSI laptop, and I don't really have much to complain about. Sure, I could go RAID 0 with 3 SSDs, but I don't really need a 3 second boot time VS my current 8 seconds to desktop / 10-20 seconds to full load. Plus, Windows 8 is optimized quite well.
[quote=Burning]It has always been very few. There has never at any one time on the Non-MS Tech forum been more than 10 regularly active Basilers who actually knew what they are dealing with.
.[/quote]
Well just because i don't post that much, doesn't mean that I don't shake my head at the terrible recommendations that I see in other threads. There are knowledgeable A+/Net+/CCNP/MCSA IT folk out here you know, you just have to look out for them.
OT: You and all others in this day and age should already be privy to the knowledge that its a scam to buy prebuilt gaming computers. You would do well to be acquainted with the components of your machine and to intricately understand them, otherwise you will always be stuck with a silly look on your face when something dies or breaks because you don't know where to start looking.
With that said, simply take a look at some of the models on iBuyPower.com, OriginPC.com and PugetSystems.com in your price range and customize to your hearts content.
[quote=Burning]
HDD: 1TB SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 32MB Cache 7200RPM HDD (Single Drive)
[/quote]
Not the OP, but your post looks really good, just curious why you didn't recommend a SSD? For a large SSD its probably pretty pricey but a smaller one just for his OS might work.
[quote=Ppism]Excuse me, few*. While I was treading throughout other threads, you responded to all, if not most, threads concerning pc builds so I'm glad and thankful that you replied so very quickly.[/quote]
It has always been very few. There has never at any one time on the Non-MS Tech forum been more than 10 regularly active Basilers who actually knew what they are dealing with.
[quote=Ppism]Most games meaning the latest games such as Witcher 3 and running League of Legends with more than 200 fps in max settings although I am aware that a most human eyes can not tell the difference anywhere above 60 fps.[/quote]
Actually the human eye can start to pick apart the individual frames when the framerate drops below around 45 FPS. The 60 FPS number comes from the typical monitor refresh rate of 60 Hz as the maximum framerate a 60 Hz monitor can output is 60 FPS.
There do exist 120 Hz and 144 Hz monitors.
[quote=Ppism]If it's possible, I would like to play games in 4k.[/quote]
We aren't quite there yet. 4K monitors and their interfaces need some work.
[quote=Ppism]Also, I don't know if it will affect my fps rate and performance, but I would like to use two monitors as well.[/quote]
You'll still be primarily gaming on one monitor.
[quote=Ppism]Prefer an i7 processor.[/quote]
Despite what lots of people believe, the only real difference between a typical consumer desktop computer and a gaming desktop computer is the video card and is that component that mainly drives gaming performance.
It's a real fun explanation pointing out that there aren't many differences between desktop Intel i5s and i7s. They're nearly exactly the same chips, with a difference in the amount of their respective L3 caches. The gaming performance of those processors are not significantly different.
Here's something I threw together at CyberpowerPC. If that link doesn't work for some reason, the important parts are listed below. You can make any changes you want. Note an USB external CD DVD drive would be needed if that NZXT S340 case is used.
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/saved/1H27X4
$1164
CAS: NZXT Source 340 Mid-Tower Gaming Case w/ USB 3.0, Side-Panel Window [+15] (Black Color)
CD: None [-13]
CPU: Intel Core i7-4790 3.60 GHz 8MB Intel Smart Cache LGA1150
CS_FAN: Default case fans
FAN: Intel Certified CPU Fan & Heatsink [-27]
HDD: 1TB SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 32MB Cache 7200RPM HDD (Single Drive)
KEYBOARD: None [-5]
MB_SRT: None
MEMORY: 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3/1600MHz Dual Channel Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
MOTHERBOARD: GIGABYTE Z97X-SLI ATX w/ Intel GbLAN, 2 PCIe x16, 3 PCIe x1, 2 PCI, 1 x M.2, 1 x SATA Express, or 6x SATA 6Gb/s (Extreme OC Certified)
MOUSE: AZZA Optical 1600dpi Gaming Mouse with Weight Adjustable Cartridge
OS: Windows 8.1 [+104]
OVERCLOCK: No Overclocking
POWERSUPPLY: 550 Watts - XFX TS Series 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Power Supply [-6]
VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB GDDR5 PCIe 3.0 x16 (Maxwell) [+137] (Single Card)
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/CyberPower_Z97_i7_Configurator
You don't need to be in a rush to buy right now. New video cards from both AMD and NVIDIA are being announced this month.
Buy all the parts separately, then take your parts to a computer store and they can assemble it for you if needed.
@Burning
[quote=Burning]It's actually very few.[/quote]
Excuse me, few*. While I was treading throughout other threads, you responded to all, if not most, threads concerning pc builds so I'm glad and thankful that you replied so very quickly.
[quote=Burning]Could be done with $1200, but I've seen people think "most" games to mean Maplestory, Minecraft, and Team Fortress 2.[/quote]
Most games meaning the latest games such as Witcher 3 and running League of Legends with more than 200 fps in max settings although I am aware that a most human eyes can not tell the difference anywhere above 60 fps.
[quote=Burning]What country/state do you live in?
Can you order online? If you cannot order online, what stores are around you?
Do you already have a monitor, keyboard, and/or mouse? If you have a monitor, what is its screen resolution?
What games do you play or want to play?
What other programs do you use?[/quote]
I live in the United States.
Yes, I can order online. However, if it helps you, the closest stores that sell desktops would be BestBuy.
Yes, I have a monitor, keyboard and a mouse. I have a spare monitor that is 1920 x 1080.
Not sure at the moment, but I've been stuck with a Macbook for awhile. I want to play Maplestory, League of Legends, and I'll be trying other first person shooters games like BF4.
Not much. The only reason why I touch my computer is to play games, watch movies and program.
[quote=Burning]Mention any other special requests you may have. Be as detailed as you can with all your responses.[/quote]
If it's possible, I would like to play games in 4k. Also, I don't know if it will affect my fps rate and performance, but I would like to use two monitors as well. Prefer an i7 processor.
I appreciate your help.
[quote=Ppism]Many of the basilers seem to be quite knowledgable when it comes to computers.[/quote]
It's actually very few.
[quote=Ppism]I know that building my own will be a wayyy cheaper route, but I don't know how to build one nor do I have the time to sit around for few hours just building it.[/quote]
Those are all benefits.
[quote=Ppism]My budget is around $1500~$2000. I also want to run all or most games in the highest settings, yet still play with over 60 fps. I read some threads, however, I wish to get the most of the most power and performance with $1500 or $2000 budget.[/quote]
Could be done with $1200, but I've seen people think "most" games to mean Maplestory, Minecraft, and Team Fortress 2.
Answer as many questions as you are willing. The information you provide will narrow down the potential computers I look at.
What country/state do you live in?
Can you order online? If you cannot order online, what stores are around you?
Do you already have a monitor, keyboard, and/or mouse? If you have a monitor, what is its screen resolution?
What games do you play or want to play?
What other programs do you use?
Mention any other special requests you may have. Be as detailed as you can with all your responses.
will the real slim tech maiden @Burning
pls stand up
pls stand up
[quote=Colour]you sit yo ayuhh down and build your own[/quote]
Organizing it looks so frustrating to do though. ):
you sit yo ayuhh down and build your own