Or you just need to learn where to look for PSU reviews.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hobo
building a pc for this game
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10-23-2013, 05:26 AMGamemako
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10-23-2013, 05:31 AMmythicrose
My 2 cents..
If you're new to building a computer, a pre-built system isn't a horrible route to go. Don't get me wrong, you will be ripped off as far as what you could've bought (and assembled) on your own. It can be daunting to see if your hard ware is compatible, how much you want to "future proof" your build, installing the hardware and software, etc.
If you are wanting to build a computer there a few main components to think about.
Processor : Consider this the brain of your computer. Two main manufacturers (Intel and AMD). To generalize things, AMD offers cheaper processors with slightly less overall power to Intel. For gaming purposes, Intel i7 series are a waste of money as most games don't take advantage of the i7 hyperthread technology. An i5 is ideal unless you're hell bent on an i7 and do designing, streaming, etc.
Motherboard : I'd consider this the heart of your computer. Virtually all your hardware is going to connect to it somewhere. The most important thing is to find a motherboard that matches the socket type of your preferred processor. If the processor doesn't match, you've wasted money or must wait on the return processor, reorder, etc.
Graphics Card : There are two major manufacturers (AMD and Nvidia). Both companies have solid cards in all ranges. AMD typically is a little cheaper for nearly the same performance as Nvidia. Nvidia's PhysX can enhance your gaming experience (games like Planetside 2 really look good with it).
RAM : Many different manufacturerers out there. Main thing is to see what speeds your motherboard supports and find one that is within your budget. You can also consider getting RAM with heatsinks as it does build up heat. While 4 GB RAM can run most games just fine, it's becoming more of a standard to have 16GB(or more) for better performance as far as enthusiasts go.
Power supply : This is where prebuilt computers can cut corners. Newegg has a nice calculator to estimate the power supply unit you should consider for running various components (processor, amount of RAM, number of graphics card in use, etc). Most PSU have a 20 (+4) connector to connect to the motherboard, but it is important to make sure the PSU is compatible. Certified PSUs (bronze, sliver, gold, plat) are slightly more expensive than non certified versions of the same wattage, but will save you money in the long run. For the most part, unless you wind up building an extrememly power hungry build (which or $800 won't be too likely) a 650 or 750 watt would do quite well. You could go less depending on what all other hardware you install.
Hard drive : I don't have much to say on this. Find one with suitable storage space for your needs. Higher speed on them can be considered "better" but nothing worth shouting about. SSDs are newer and more expensive than the standard HDDs but are also quicker.
Optical drive : You're going to need something to read a dvd, cd, blueray (what ever your needs are). Most are cheap. Burners are a little more expensive, but not bad either.
Operating system : Up to you. I've been raised on Windows, so $100 for Windows 8 will be in my next upgrade suite.
Case : Find one you think will suit your needs, not just for now but also for future upgrades. Mini towers may look sleek, but can also provide a challenge installing a motherboard, RAM, GPU, etc. Mid towers give you more room for installation purposes. Full towers have a lot of room...sometimes to the point that it can be challenge getting various components hooked up to the motherboard, PSU, or out the back side of the case.
Some of the individuals here have posted pretty good machines for your budget and one troll throwing around a build with a GPU of nearly $1,000.... I know I'm not throwing parts at you, but maybe helping to provide a little insight as well to consider when building a machine. High dollar parts don't always mean the best. Guides on Newegg are a good place for data. Tomshardware site is a good place to glean information as well. -
10-23-2013, 05:34 AMreality_checkI looked high and low for a motherboard that fits in a chassis as compact as the X51. Care to link me one?Quote:
Originally Posted by PerrythePlatypus
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10-23-2013, 05:35 AMXystic
Interesting thread, I'm following along cause I was planning to build one too. Looks like $800-900 is the minimal?
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10-23-2013, 05:35 AMHoboROFL yes some no name website with a global traffic ranking under 150,000...Quote:
Originally Posted by Gamemako
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10-23-2013, 05:37 AMAlishI'm going to 1 up this, this is the only build list in this thread that has made any sense at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fiorana
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10-23-2013, 05:38 AMHoboI'm going to learn him all I want sir.Quote:
Originally Posted by PerrythePlatypus
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10-23-2013, 05:40 AMVivikYes a 120Gb solid state drive with no other HD makes perfect sense.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alish
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10-23-2013, 05:42 AMAlishMechanical storage is dirt cheap anyways. 120 is more than enough for OS and a few games to start, more storage can be added much later in the road. That list makes a lot more sense than the ones in here that recommend an APU to start.Quote:
Originally Posted by Vivik
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10-23-2013, 05:45 AMFioranaIts not perfect, but most people have a HDD or two lying around they can throw in a pc, if you're updgrading your old one just scavange it for optical drives and hard drives or just replace the SDD with a normal hard drive.Quote:
Originally Posted by Vivik