Need recommendations on building a new PC from the ground up

[SuperKungFu]

Hey guys, I've been out of loop for quite some time. Basically, it is time to build the ultimate computer to run any foreseeable high-graphics sim like DCS, or game like Battlefield 4...etc.

 

I actually don't even have the slightest clue of what's good out there anymore, I've been using a laptop with these specs: i5 2.30 Ghz, 6 GB RAM, 1 GB Nvidia GeForce GT525M running on win 7-64 bit

 

Now my plan is to basically get the best of the best and have to compile everything before Black Friday Sale

 

I don't even know what's this talk about EDGE and if that will require more power, either way I need some help:

I would like recommendations on the best: CPU, Graphics, RAM, hard drive, motherboard, power supply...etc.

 

Basically everything that is needed to build the computer from the ground up. Hopefully one of you gents would have some time to explain to me what's good out there, the hierarchy, bang for the buck, what's more efficient, any potential problems to look out for. Thank you!

[159th_Falcon]

If at all possible, i would wait till EDGE is released.

Cause something that runs DCS well now may for whatever reason be buggy in EDGE.

 

EDGE is simply: Eagle Dynamics Graphics Engine

A complete scratch build, nothing to compare whit the old one.

Will have a lot of new (DirectX) features, and Wags even hinted at collidable trees, PROVIDED the performance hit is acceptable for the average user system.

 

Also, AMD has just released a range of "new" graphics cards. And it shouldn't be long before Nvidea introduces a good couple ones as well.

 

Though, besides the GFX card, here is what will make sense to buy;

 

mobo: Asus Z87-A, has everything your need AND your likely gonna use. Feel free to waste money on higher priced boards though.

 

CPU: Intel core I7 4770, will do the job just fine. If you don't mind overclocking, go for the K version which does this very easy using the multiplier.

 

RAM: Kingston HyperX series, at least 16GB and 1600 Mhz, faster memory is not much use these days, MORE memory eventually always is.

 

HDD: assuming its gaming only, Samsung 128GB Pro SSD for the OS only and an Samsung 256GB Evo (or pro) SSD for the games. Do some research on the Samsung 840 SSD's.

If you need mass storage, the Western Digital Caviar Green 3 TB or Seagate Desktop HDD.15 4 TB are good storage disks whit a good price point and still very decent performance.

If you need/want one of the fastest HDD's ass well, research the following;

Hitachi 7K4000 4TB, If you only want 2 or 3 GB then the Seagate 7200.14 is your best bet.

 

PSU: A good one is a must, but no point in overdoing it. Keeping efficiency in mind i would recommend a Corsair HX750 psu, not only because it promises a very good delivery and efficient delivery of its power rating, but it has also been tested as such. Something only few PSU's can say. And all that for a good competitive price.

NOTE: If your gonna run SLI or Crossfire (2 gfx cards) you may need an PSU whit an higher power rating.

 

For the OS, go for Windows 8.1 make sure to get the 64bit version to, though i doubt anyone would dare sell you otherwise.

 

As said, no recommendation on the GFX, much going on in that department and whit EDGE around the corner i would try to hold out.

 

~S~

Personally running whit an AMD 6950 2 GB card getting a solid 30 fps in most cases.

May not be what you looking for. But good enough to hold out till EDGE.

So if you have an old GFX card lying around, trow it in your system first and see how that goes.

[SuperKungFu]

ah ok, any estimated date when EDGE is rolling out?

 

I guess it's too early to buy it now. but good suggestions!

[xxJohnxx]

I agree with that what Falcon said.

 

The graphics card is indeed a difficult decission right now, as mentioned above, because the "not to far away" release of EDGE.

However, we don't know when EDGE will come, so I can give you just a small recommendation on my experiences:

 

I would recommend the ASUS 770 DirectCU II OC or ASUS 780 DirectCU II OC.

I personally had an ASUS 560TI DirectCU II OC and a few months ago I upgraded to an ASUS 780 DirectCU II OC. With that 780 I could note a big FPS jump in DCS.

The ASUS DirectCU II OC series of the NVIDIA cards feature dual fans as well as a slight overclock comming in a nice casing. It runs very quietly under load and was well worth the money in my eyes.

 

I would recommend the 770 but if you have that kind of money go for the 780 or dual 770s.

I am personally more of a NVIDIA guy, so I can't give you any recomendations about AMD cards, sorry!

 

Another point that you have to consider is the case of your PC.

I had a Cooler Master Storm case, which did a great job, however I was a little bit annoyed the day my 780 arrived, to find out that it was simply to big.

As I found out afterwards, not all the cases fit big graphics cards.

So that's something you might have a look at when choosing a case for your computer.

 

:thumbup:

 

Best regards,

 

John

[Cali]

ah ok, any estimated date when EDGE is rolling out?

 

I guess it's too early to buy it now. but good suggestions!

 

When they release it or tell us. :D

[159th_Falcon]

Regarding EDGE, secretly hoping for December. So they can sell Nevada for the Xmas hype.

 

But given the fact that Wags hasn't really updated whit much concrete info and facts, i'm afraid its more like February at the earliest.

 

Saying that, isn't he due to post a video of EDGE any time now?

Yep, it is;

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1917669&postcount=8

Well, assuming all is well. Anyone woke him up yet and gave him a good breakfast?:D

 

Anyway, when that video is posted, we will know a little bit more.

Maybe even a time frame.

 

Another thing that is holding me from buying a GFX card are the prices.

You can spend 400 bucks and still have a mid range card that performs Meh in DCS.

[agrasyuk]

Well, basically more of everything until you reach your budget :)

[sjb5001]

I built my own computer last year after years of being out of the loop too. A lot has changed, but it's all manageable once you sift through the marketing B.S. and gimmicks manufacturers are slapping on their components today.

 

I'd go for an i7 for DCS if you can afford it, but an i5 will do the job well too. An i7 will handle it more smoothly than anything else and you should get a few good years out of it. AMD is okay if you're on a strict budget, like me. You get better computing power per dollar, but their fastest processor is about equal to an i5 2500k in gaming applications.

 

Motherboards are like RAM. They're dirt cheap. I wouldn't pay more than $80 for one, unless you need specialized functions, like wireless networking or multi-GPU support. PCI-E speed should be 16x and make sure the allowable RAM speed is at least 1600 MHz.

 

As for a GPU, I wouldn't spend any more than $200 for a decent card if you're running one monitor. My Radeon 7850 HD never lags behind and I paid $180 for it last year. 1 GB of RAM is recommended, but no more than that. Clock speed is most important.

 

I too recommend Windows 8.1. I'm sure you're no stranger to people scoffing about Windows 8, but I love it. It's a world of difference in terms of speed, file management, and even compatibility with older programs. The UI definitely has a learning curve, but once I got used to it, I found it's faster to navigate my files in Windows 8 than any past version of Windows.

[jctrnacty]

I recommend to get very GOOD Mobo, most important thing, this is heart of the PC, count on overclocking if you dont want to upgrade every year.

 

Choose intel for CPU now, maybe in future AMD will be better.

 

Cooling, noctua is the best.

 

ram: 8Gb for now, 1600mhz , 16gb for future 2400mhz

 

HDD: Samsung 840 ssd and any HDD , they re almost the same.

 

GPU: this is hard to choose, everybody here say that DCS runs better on nvidia but for future maybe better choice is AMD , because of all optimizations to be made for GCN architecture (new consoles)

 

case: coolermaster - centurion or silencio pure 650

 

PSU: enermax or seasonic modular, i use for my PC 500W enermax liberty for 6 years and never had a problem.(look at my sig) every year the power consumption is getting smaller with faster CPUs a mobos so i didnt have to buy better and bigger.

 

Display: Choose 16:10 ratio (1920*1200 or 2500*1600) and IPS or S-pls panel because of colours its better for work. I use benq bl2411pt.

 

Dont buy cheap parts. its better to buy most important parts first and then every month buy another.

[Lange_666]

Did just build a new one two weeks ago, specs in sig.

Lost out 120€ on the GFX card due to a pricedrop after the introduction of the new ATI range of GFX-cards. If they would have been available at time of purchase i would have gone for an R9290X instead of the GTX780 i have now. But i must say that although it's a default overclocked card, it still overclocks quite easely.