Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread - Page 418

On November 26 2014 17:43 Blazinghand wrote:


OK so I dug out my old tower and here's the details. This tower is 10 years old.

It's an Antec Sonata II which looks like it has room for an ATX mobo (I think that's what's in there right now). The expansion card slots have just over 5" vertical and 11.5" from the back to the HD Trays. I'm assuming I'll want a certain amount of clearance between the HDs and the GPU so this probably limits me to GPUs 10" or shorter in length.

It also has an EVGA 430W PSU. The PSU is currently able to power on the existing mobo, GPU, HDD, and CD Drive (all of which are far too ancient to actually be useful).

The mobo is super old and I seem to remember the CPU is like a single-core processor of some kind. The GPU is also similarly ancient. This computer was able to play Sc2 when it came out, but only barely. I doubt anything but the tower, the CD Drive, and maybe the PSU would be useful here. Assuming I have no care for the PSU, but I hold onto the case (which should be fine as long as I don't get a really long GPU), and that I can stream with a non-Oced i5, here's what my build looks like now:

CPU: Intel i5-4590 - $200
GPU: MSI R9 280 (10.6") - $200
HSF: Cooler Master 212 - $35
Mobo: MSI Z97-G45 Gaming - $135
Memory: 8 GB Ram - $60
Storage: Intel 520 Series SSD 240GB - $110
Storage: WD Blue 7200RPM 1TB - $55
Case: Antec Sonata II
PSU: new EVGA 100-W1-0430-KR 430W - $30

subtotal: 825
total with tax: 900

This would leave me with enough cash left over to pick up a couple 1920x1080 monitors right away. I'd be able to stream my games with this setup and play new games as they come out.

I feel like there's virtually no reason to spend that much on a computer and use a standard 24" 1080p TN monitor like that like most people get, especially at that kind of price.

All monitors are compromised in one way or another, so it's up to you which attributes you prioritize, but something like that is ticking the good-at-nothing box. If you want the best responsiveness and low blur for a better gaming experience without losing out in quality anywhere, you can pay $100 more for that, and it might well be worth it. If you want much better color consistency across the whole screen (no solid colors, webpages looking like gradients from top to bottom when they're not supposed to be) and better overall picture quality and ability to judge and process photos at the expense of very slightly more motion blur, you can get that for a similar price. If you want better color consistency and much deeper blacks at the expense of somewhat more motion blur, that's also available at a similar price.

Personally for the intended usage I'd recommend the second option. You can get a Dell P2414H for $160 after promo code (ends today, do it now; EMCWWWB36):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824260149

The rest looks good to me.

On November 27 2014 03:04 GGman wrote:
Hey everyone,

I've posted here last Saturday with my suggestion for a PC build (see lower). Sadly, I had to unexpectedly leave for couple of days and didn't really have time to respond, but thanks to everyone that contributed!

+ Show Spoiler +

Based on the comments, suggestions and own curiosity, I've since done some research, mainly on Intel/AMD CPU comparsions, OC possibilities etc.

I've come to the conclusion that since my PC is mainly for gaming, Intel CPU is indeed better. Thus, I've reviewed my previous build and reconsidered the budget. I came up with two possible builds:

1) 550 EUR in total
+ Show Spoiler +


2) 830 EUR in total
+ Show Spoiler +

Now, I have couple of questions for you (and I ofcourse welcome any criticism and notes, not just towards asnwering the questions):

1) Are there any critical mistakes in those builds?
2) Does the increased budged for build no.2 reflect in rise in performace (aka would it be 50% "better")?
3) Is there point in trying to have GPU and MoBo from the same manufacturer?


Thanks a lot for any input!

On November 27 2014 05:56 xeo1 wrote:
what processor/motherboard/gpu would you guys recommend for a $1000 budget with no overclocking?

On November 27 2014 05:14 y0su wrote:

3) no
2) for games like dota 2 or other non AAA titles you probably won't notice that much difference. Your best bang for the buck would probably be to use the GPU from system 1 in system 2.
1) System 2 would also run on a much cheaper mobo: http://www.alza.cz/asus-h81m-e-d562702.htm (unless you have other requirements). Someone else can also speculate if the fan in Sys 1 would be enough to OC...
Typically you can also get better price / performance from AMD video cards as well - the R9 270 you listed in your initial build is good step up from the 750ti for 20€ (I'd feel more confident with it for GTA V at least).

On November 27 2014 06:31 GGman wrote:


Thanks for the suggestions; I'll definitely consider going AMD R9 2X0 family.

As for your 1), IMO that MoBo would be insufficient for that system, especialy with OC and those RAMs. But I might be wrong.

On November 27 2014 07:02 Cyro wrote:
Which games?

On November 27 2014 07:15 Cyro wrote:
4690, 970