• Advice on a New PC for Game Design and Gaming
    17 replies, posted
Hola, I'm currently enrolled in a game design program in college and I'd like a computer that can keep up with the computers in the design labs as well as one that can be used for gaming. I live in the USA and the programs I will be using are zBrush, UE4, maya and generally programs like photoshop and flash which won't be too much of an issue. I would also love to be able to use this computer for gaming but the ability to run programs smoothly, ESPECIALLY UE4, is priority #1. I know basically next to nothing about building computers and I've asked some of my teachers for assistance but would also like to know what facepunch recommends. I don't exactly have a budget at the moment because this is mostly to gauge how much I would have to spend for an ideal machine, but i DEFINITELY don't want to spend over $1,000. Again though, I don't know anything about this so maybe that is unrealistic to expect which is why I'm making this thread. My school computers use 1920X1080 monitors so ideally I'd get one of those as well.
This will allow you to play new games on high, and almost any older game on max. I haven't included an OS, because you can either get one dirt cheap via your school, or if your school is enrolled in dreamspark premium, for free. Everything is pretty standard, the monitor is an IPS so you'll get the most accurate colors for modeling programs. [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kdGvqs]PCPartPicker part list[/url] / [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kdGvqs/by_merchant/]Price breakdown by merchant[/url] [b]CPU:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54690]Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor[/url] ($209.99 @ Newegg) [b]Motherboard:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-h97pro4]ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard[/url] ($86.66 @ Newegg) [b]Memory:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/crucial-memory-bls2kit4g3d1609ds1s00]Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory[/url] ($74.99 @ Micro Center) [b]Storage:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st1000dm003]Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive[/url] ($52.92 @ Amazon) [b]Video Card:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-video-card-gtx760dc2oc2gd5]Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB DirectCU II Video Card[/url] ($239.99 @ Amazon) [b]Case:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/rosewill-case-challenger]Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case[/url] ($49.99 @ Newegg) [b]Power Supply:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-p1550sxxb9]XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply[/url] ($60.74 @ Amazon) [b]Optical Drive:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/lg-optical-drive-gh24nsb0]LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer[/url] ($14.99 @ NCIX US) [b]Monitor:[/b] [url=http://pcpartpicker.com/part/lg-monitor-24mp55hqp]LG 24MP55HQ-P 60Hz 23.8" Monitor[/url] ($149.99 @ NCIX US) [b]Total:[/b] $940.26 [i]Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available[/i]
Not trying to bring any hassle to the table, but since OP is also going to work in Maya, shouldn't they be better off with a more-core CPU from AMD? Just a suggestion, this build does rock as-is.
I've been discussing this with a lot of my friends and even went on reddit for some help and my PC is looking more like this now, [url]http://pcpartpicker.com/p/K2sbCJ[/url] I was wondering if you guys had any opinions on this in general and as opposed to the previous build that was suggested.
[QUOTE=Retyuoligkl;45305851]I've been discussing this with a lot of my friends and even went on reddit for some help and my PC is looking more like this now, [url]http://pcpartpicker.com/p/K2sbCJ[/url] I was wondering if you guys had any opinions on this in general and as opposed to the previous build that was suggested.[/QUOTE] You should only get a server processor if you plan on leaving your computer on over prelonged periods of time (like a server would be). There's no reason for you to get a server-grade processor instead of a mid-range consumer-grade processor. Another thing you gotta look out for is that that PSU can hold everything you throw in. I'm running a GTX 770 and an FX 6300 on the same PSU, and I had issues with overclocking my CPU in that state. The 290X has a higher TDP than the GTX 770, so you might want to look for 650/700 watt with that card. Another thing that might be worth it, is finding 1833MHz memory somewhere if you can find a good deal. Production applications tend to take more advantage of faster RAM than gaming applications do. The memory suggested in the other build is a well-known brand, unlike PNY (or they just aren't active in Europe. I just never have heard of PNY before). His build is quite superior on multiple fronts. The extra memory might help, depending on if you use it. Multitasking does become less of a pain with more memory. You're also going over your budget by 230 with your own configuration.
[QUOTE=xNickston;45305980]You should only get a server processor if you plan on leaving your computer on over prelonged periods of time (like a server would be). There's no reason for you to get a server-grade processor instead of a mid-range consumer-grade processor. Another thing you gotta look out for is that that PSU can hold everything you throw in. I'm running a GTX 770 and an FX 6300 on the same PSU, and I had issues with overclocking my CPU in that state. The 290X has a higher TDP than the GTX 770, so you might want to look for 650/700 watt with that card. Another thing that might be worth it, is finding 1833MHz memory somewhere if you can find a good deal. Production applications tend to take more advantage of faster RAM than gaming applications do. The memory suggested in the other build is a well-known brand, unlike PNY (or they just aren't active in Europe. I just never have heard of PNY before). His build is quite superior on multiple fronts. The extra memory might help, depending on if you use it. Multitasking does become less of a pain with more memory. You're also going over your budget by 230 with your own configuration.[/QUOTE] I do plan on leaving my computer running quite a lot, I only see myself shutting it down for maybe 3-5 hours a day so I was told that is a good choice. As for the PSU, is this one a good choice? [url]http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-cx750m[/url] For the memory, what is something you would recommend? I'd like the extra memory but I'm not sure where to start looking in terms of brands. It's worth noting that my storage is also PNY, do you think that could be an issue? Also yeah I've noticed but my parents are willing to help me out with this as much as I need so I'll be able to pay them back the damages.
[QUOTE=Retyuoligkl;45306054]I do plan on leaving my computer running quite a lot, I only see myself shutting it down for maybe 3-5 hours a day so I was told that is a good choice. As for the PSU, is this one a good choice? [url]http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-cx750m[/url] For the memory, what is something you would recommend? I'd like the extra memory but I'm not sure where to start looking in terms of brands. It's worth noting that my storage is also PNY, do you think that could be an issue? Also yeah I've noticed but my parents are willing to help me out with this as much as I need so I'll be able to pay them back the damages.[/QUOTE] It's nice to hear you got some backup financially. If you keep it running and active, the server processor is a good choice. Idling over night is still a no on it. cx750m is a really nice one. Corsair again, and corsair is just a wonderful brand. I don't even need to click the link to tell you that. For memory, 1866MHz is nice, and a 16GB kit is preferred. Could be either 2x8 or 4x4 sticks, like [URL="http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f31866c9d16gxm"]these[/URL] or possibly [URL="http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f314900cl9q16gbzl"]these[/URL]. At the moment of typing I do realize that your mobo doesn't naturally support 1866MHz memory. You're going to have to enable XMP in the bios. If you don't feel comfy with changing advanced settings, get a 1600 MHz kit instead, like [URL="http://pcpartpicker.com/part/crucial-memory-bls2kit8g3d1609ds1s00"]this one[/URL], or [URL="http://pcpartpicker.com/part/crucial-memory-bls4kit4g3d1609ds1s0"]this one[/URL]. Gskill and Crucial are both really nice brands. You might want to switch it out, but I really don't know how PNY performs. I've never heard of it. Personally I wouldn't take the rist and search for a quality SSD. Kingston usually has high-quality cheaper ones as part of their SSDNow! Line. Other brands noteworthy are Adata, Samsung and Intel. [URL="http://pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7te250bw"]This one's rated really high for not too crazy of a price.[/URL]
Alright, how is this looking? [url]http://pcpartpicker.com/p/yD9qBm[/url] As for the 1866MHz memory, exactly how hard is it to enable that? Because more memory sounds nice.
[QUOTE=Retyuoligkl;45306185]Alright, how is this looking? [url]http://pcpartpicker.com/p/yD9qBm[/url] As for the 1866MHz memory, exactly how hard is it to enable that? Because more memory sounds nice.[/QUOTE] 1866 MHz doesn't mean that you gain more memory, it means that you run it at a higher rate, effectively speeding up some pro-grade applications. Enabling it isn't exactly hard, it's a matter of setting a setting on your motherboard to XMP instead of Default. I haven't done it myself because I am a cheap-ass who doesn't work with faster-rated memory. Your build looks really nice so far. I'm not sure if you'd rather want an AMD card or an Nvidia one. As far as I can tell, it's purely preference-based. And should be a question of "is the R9 290x cheaper than the 780 right now". As for the other parts, they're all of good quality, so you should be fine. Edit: When I say some, I do mean some. Not many other applications benefit from it. A secondary function of faster RAM is making your overclocks stable, allowing you to ramp up the FSB clock easier. If this doesn't make sense to you, though, ignore it.
A xeon is actually an excellent choice if you need hyperthreading on a budget. I would go with it. Also I'd stay away from the corsair cx. CWT makes them, and they can be a bit too cheap on the caps for my tastes. And sorry I haven't responded to your PM yet, I'm on vacation and the reception here is terrible
[QUOTE=Levelog;45308120]A xeon is actually an excellent choice if you need hyperthreading on a budget. I would go with it. Also I'd stay away from the corsair cx. CWT makes them, and they can be a bit too cheap on the caps for my tastes. And sorry I haven't responded to your PM yet, I'm on vacation and the reception here is terrible[/QUOTE] If I might ask, why hyperthreading on a budget for a typical gaming PC when an overclock to 4-4.5Ghz pushes a CPU far past the performance benefits hyperthreading requires? A typical 4670k (on a z97 board) isn't going to crap out on you even if you run it down 24/7 overclocked for several years. If you're doing some serious game design work, focus on big multiple monitors, with an IPS panel as your main for better color reproduction. Multiple monitors increase maximum workflow by a good amount and something like a big Korean 2560x1440 QX2710 / DP2710 or Catleap would serve you well in having a large main work-surface to do your thing on.
[QUOTE=fishyfish777;45308684]If I might ask, why hyperthreading on a budget for a typical gaming PC when an overclock to 4-4.5Ghz pushes a CPU far past the performance benefits hyperthreading requires? A typical 4670k (on a z97 board) isn't going to crap out on you even if you run it down 24/7 overclocked for several years. If you're doing some serious game design work, focus on big multiple monitors, with an IPS panel as your main for better color reproduction. Multiple monitors increase maximum workflow by a good amount and something like a big Korean 2560x1440 QX2710 / DP2710 or Catleap would serve you well in having a large main work-surface to do your thing on.[/QUOTE] I was originally intending to use multiple monitors but buying a 2nd one is way out of my budget. I do have several monitors lying around that I could use but I'm not sure I'll be able to buy 2. [editline]6th July 2014[/editline] [QUOTE=Levelog;45308120]A xeon is actually an excellent choice if you need hyperthreading on a budget. I would go with it. Also I'd stay away from the corsair cx. CWT makes them, and they can be a bit too cheap on the caps for my tastes. And sorry I haven't responded to your PM yet, I'm on vacation and the reception here is terrible[/QUOTE] I dunno, so far I've been told by several people the corsair is the way to go and I'm going to trust their judgement on that, as for the PM that's alright I've been getting a lot of help from you guys here and in several other places along with my friends. [editline]6th July 2014[/editline] [QUOTE=xNickston;45307639]1866 MHz doesn't mean that you gain more memory, it means that you run it at a higher rate, effectively speeding up some pro-grade applications. Enabling it isn't exactly hard, it's a matter of setting a setting on your motherboard to XMP instead of Default. I haven't done it myself because I am a cheap-ass who doesn't work with faster-rated memory. Your build looks really nice so far. I'm not sure if you'd rather want an AMD card or an Nvidia one. As far as I can tell, it's purely preference-based. And should be a question of "is the R9 290x cheaper than the 780 right now". As for the other parts, they're all of good quality, so you should be fine. Edit: When I say some, I do mean some. Not many other applications benefit from it. A secondary function of faster RAM is making your overclocks stable, allowing you to ramp up the FSB clock easier. If this doesn't make sense to you, though, ignore it.[/QUOTE] HAH that didn't make sense to me so I'll just go with what I got there, I've had several people telling me that's the way to go so I'll just figure that out when the time comes.
The corsair AX series is great. The cx series is not. What most people don't realize is most companies, like corsair, don't make their power supplies. They design the shell. Different series, and sometimes different models in the same series, are actually made by different manufacturers
I have the Corsair CX750 and have heard it's the best of the CX line. As for multi-monitor, use any you can get your hands on. Even a 15 inch 1024x768 monitor can prove useful for window management.
In the end it's obviously your decision. It is a huge deal? No. But I personally wouldn't.
The Corsair PSU's are good for a budget, but for higher wattages you're better off getting a seasonic because they make (their own) better PSU's. The CX-series and CX750W is just recommended because it's often on sale and it works good so it's easy to recommend, that doesn't mean it's the best one
Yeah. They are solid for low end systems, I just wouldn't recommend them for a high powered build. They use cheap capacitors, and have subpar, but not terrible, voltage ripple that can decrease the lifespan on components.
[QUOTE=Levelog;45312560]Yeah. They are solid for low end systems, I just wouldn't recommend them for a high powered build. They use cheap capacitors, and have subpar, but not terrible, voltage ripple that can decrease the lifespan on components.[/QUOTE] I haven't had any problems with mine, and I've been using it for two systems in a row. Have had it for near two years I believe. [QUOTE=fishyfish777;45308684]If I might ask, why hyperthreading on a budget for a typical gaming PC when an overclock to 4-4.5Ghz pushes a CPU far past the performance benefits hyperthreading requires? A typical 4670k (on a z97 board) isn't going to crap out on you even if you run it down 24/7 overclocked for several years.[/QUOTE] The reason is that Xeons are qualified to run 24/7 under heavy load. 4670k isn't tested as extensively. It's one of the reasons that the latter is a consumer-grade product and the first one an enterprise-grade product, and for a computer that's going to be used for your studies, you'd damn well hope that it will keep up for the entirety of your study.
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