Author Topic: Please help me pick parts for a PC build... (Read 7001 times)

Mupepe · « **on:** July 07, 2016, 10:18:12 AM »

I'm looking for recommended parts for a PC build. I don't have many requirements. My wife will mostly be using it to do school work. I might use it to stream some stuff to my Nvidia Shield or Xbox. I just need to make sure it has a video card capable of dual monitor output which I imagine shouldn't be an issue in this day and age. I'd also be happy if it could play Civ VI. I don't need it on the highest settings. Just playable!

I'd like to spend less than $500 with one monitor (I already have one). I'm not sure if that's possible since I haven't priced out anything for PC's in years. I'd also like it to be upgradeable for the future so if I wanted to throw in a new video card or processor and get some serious PC gaming action going I could.

Let me know if I need to adjust my expectations and budget or if there's a generic Dell or HP type setup that already fits the bill and budget.

headwalk · « **Reply #1 on:** July 07, 2016, 10:56:16 AM »

this is disgusting. try poundland or your nearest charity shop.

Mupepe · « **Reply #2 on:** July 07, 2016, 11:11:42 AM »

what the hell is poundland??

Either way, I found this guy....

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/Online/SecondaryInventorySearch.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dfh&cs=22&key=dTpy%2bRZFSAZHm5VEh1fLaQ%3d%3d&puid=c9643871

I can get it for about $440. Decent?

It seems much cheaper than what I could build for myself according to pcpartpicker.com

thisismyusername · « **Reply #3 on:** July 07, 2016, 11:16:47 AM »

Quote from: Mupepe on July 07, 2016, 11:11:42 AM

what the hell is poundland??

Either way, I found this guy....

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSales/Online/SecondaryInventorySearch.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dfh&cs=22&key=dTpy%2bRZFSAZHm5VEh1fLaQ%3d%3d&puid=c9643871

I can get it for about $440. Decent?

It seems much cheaper than what I could build for myself according to pcpartpicker.com

The system was not able to process your request.

If it has at least an i5 and 8gigs RAM, you should be more than fine with it. Maybe even an i3, but that won't run Civ6 maybe.

You could get a GPU later if you can find a decent pre-built with the above two factors. But with the new CPU's/architecture coming out (or is it already out?) I don't know if Civ6 will run well on the system. You could just stick with Civ5 for now. Double so with the amount of mods and lack of expansion packs for Civ6 currently (or for the next two years?)

Mupepe · « **Reply #4 on:** July 07, 2016, 11:22:08 AM »

Dell's website blows. Either way...

Processor: Intel Core 6th Generation i5-6400 Processor (Quad Core, up to 3.3GHz, 6M Cache, 65W)
•Windows 10 Home 64bit English
•1 TB 2.5-Inch SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
•8GB Dual Channel DDR4 at 2133MHz
•16X DVD + RW Drive
•NVIDIA GeForce GT 730 2GB DDR3
•Black
•Dell Outlet XPS 8900

Looks like it meets your criteria. The only thing that's completely foreign to me at this point is video cards. I have no idea what's decent anymore.

thisismyusername · « **Reply #5 on:** July 07, 2016, 11:23:49 AM »

I'm not too sure about the 730. But you could always rip that card out and get a better (read: Newer) one depending on if the power supply and motherboard will support that sort of power upgrade.

I don't think you'll be able to run Civ 6 with that GPU, but everything else looks fine to me.

Madrun Badrun · « **Reply #6 on:** July 07, 2016, 11:24:45 AM »

that gpu sucks.

Madrun Badrun · « **Reply #7 on:** July 07, 2016, 11:25:50 AM »

i cant image not being able to play civ with it. civ is not graphics intensive.

fistfulofmetal · « **Reply #8 on:** July 07, 2016, 11:27:32 AM »

I recently learned of a site called PCPartPicker where you literally go down the line and pick which parts you want and it only surfaces other parts as long as they are compatible with what you already have.

Mupepe · « **Reply #9 on:** July 07, 2016, 11:36:01 AM »

Quote from: fistfulofmetal on July 07, 2016, 11:27:32 AM

I recently learned of a site called PCPartPicker where you literally go down the line and pick which parts you want and it only surfaces other parts as long as they are compatible with what you already have.

Yeah I used that. The cheapest I could get was $460 with no GPU and half the hard drive space. Didn't seem worth it. It's only because I have a %30 off code that I'm considering this route.

Quote from: thisismyusername on July 07, 2016, 11:23:49 AM

I'm not too sure about the 730. But you could always rip that card out and get a better (read: Newer) one depending on if the power supply and motherboard will support that sort of power upgrade.

I don't think you'll be able to run Civ 6 with that GPU, but everything else looks fine to me.

Yeah I'm trying to see if I can find what motherboard they use.

Quote from: TheInfelicitousDandy on July 07, 2016, 11:25:50 AM

i cant image not being able to play civ with it. civ is not graphics intensive.

This is really all I care about short term

I'm just worried that PC gaming might grab me in the future and I want a path forward.

thisismyusername · « **Reply #10 on:** July 07, 2016, 11:52:55 AM »

Quote from: TheInfelicitousDandy on July 07, 2016, 11:25:50 AM

i cant image not being able to play civ with it. civ is not graphics intensive.

Well, I mean framerate to move around the map and processing turns (which is more CPU intensive) wise...

Turn-based doing your strats, yeah... the GPU won't matter too much. But framerate, it might?

Mupepe · « **Reply #11 on:** July 07, 2016, 11:56:47 AM »

Quote from: thisismyusername on July 07, 2016, 11:52:55 AM

Quote from: TheInfelicitousDandy on July 07, 2016, 11:25:50 AM
i cant image not being able to play civ with it. civ is not graphics intensive.

Well, I mean framerate to move around the map and processing turns (which is more CPU intensive) wise... Turn-based doing your strats, yeah... the GPU won't matter too much. But framerate, it might?

In the past this is what has usually ended my Civ games... when processing the turns gets too long

I think I'm going to just have to spring for a custom build if I want to avoid that.

Mupepe · « **Reply #12 on:** July 07, 2016, 12:07:44 PM »

Ok screw it:

Processor: Intel Core i5-6400T 2.2GHz Quad-Core OEM/Tray Processor - $149
Heatsink/Cooler: SilenX EFZ-100HA2 58.0 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler - $10
Motherboard: ASRock B150 Gaming K4 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard - $85
RAM: Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory - $31
HDD: Hitachi Ultrastar 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive - $36
Case: Rosewill Galaxy-02 ATX Mid Tower Case - $30
Power Supply: EVGA 400W ATX Power Supply - $25
OS: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit - $84

Any recommendations on this? Specifically, what video card is recommended? Like I said, I really just want to play Civ VI but with the option to upgrade in the future.

Madrun Badrun · « **Reply #13 on:** July 07, 2016, 12:26:43 PM »

Get something with 4gb vram, just in case you play other games.

Cerveza mas fina · « **Reply #14 on:** July 07, 2016, 12:39:34 PM »

civ needs a good cpu

i5-6400t , dont do it, even an i3 thats cheaper would beat it in performance in most games due to faster speed, the 6400 is the suckers choice as the 6500 is a lot better but only 15 bucks more

as far as a gpu you can try to get a rx480 thats just out, 199 bucks and it has 299 buck performance compared to nvidia

anyhoo check here whats good today and fits your needs dont take it from me

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gpus,4380.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-cpus,3986.html

Mupepe · « **Reply #15 on:** July 07, 2016, 01:15:24 PM »

Ok. So based on that I replaced that CPU with this one...

Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core OEM/Tray Processor for $193

Going to do some reading on the GPU's.

Brehvolution · « **Reply #16 on:** July 07, 2016, 01:22:01 PM »

Ditch the spindle drive for a Solid State. 256gb are so cheap now. If you need more space in the future you can add a cheap 2TB USB drive.

Mupepe · « **Reply #17 on:** July 07, 2016, 02:38:56 PM »

Fair enough. Is SSD that big of a difference? Never used one. the PC I'm rocking is from 2006

A-Data Premier SP550 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive - $58
MSI Radeon R9 380 4GB Video Card - $160
Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core OEM/Tray Processor - $193
SilenX EFZ-100HA2 58.0 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler - $10
Gigabyte GA-B150M-DS3H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard - $66
Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory - $31
Rosewill Galaxy-02 ATX Mid Tower Case - $30
EVGA 400W ATX Power Supply - $30
Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit - $84

All said and done around $660

Thoughts? Advice?

Edit: Didn't notice this handy link to my build: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/WfCpbj

Brehvolution · « **Reply #18 on:** July 07, 2016, 02:54:15 PM »

The SSD will make a huge difference.

That 400W power supply may be a bit too low. The video card you listed will be great for you. I have a 390 and they recommend a 750W power supply, but my 600W works just fine. You will probably be alright.

fizzel · « **Reply #19 on:** July 07, 2016, 04:33:28 PM »

Quote from: headwalk on July 07, 2016, 10:56:16 AM

this is disgusting. try poundland or your nearest charity shop.

Cerveza mas fina · « **Reply #20 on:** July 07, 2016, 06:17:24 PM »

Quote from: Brehvolution on July 07, 2016, 02:54:15 PM

The SSD will make a huge difference.

That 400W power supply may be a bit too low. The video card you listed will be great for you. I have a 390 and they recommend a 750W power supply, but my 600W works just fine. You will probably be alright.

think a good 500w gold supply will be a great investment

Brehvolution · « **Reply #21 on:** July 07, 2016, 09:12:41 PM »

We're gonna find out.

Mupepe · « **Reply #22 on:** July 07, 2016, 11:00:49 PM »

I thibk i might just get this...

http://slickdeals.net/f/8883815-dell-inspiron-3650-desktop-i7-6700-16gb-ddr3l-2tb-hdd-amd-radeon-r9-360-579-free-shipping

Anyone see a problem? It's $100 cheaper and better than the setup I put together

brawndolicious · « **Reply #23 on:** July 07, 2016, 11:19:03 PM »

Reading through the comments that looks like a good deal. One commenter mentions that it might be a potential issue for future upgradeability that it has two RAM slots and an unconventional power supply shape so I'd just look up what power supply dimensions are on the market to get an idea if the box is good for the long term.

I don't know much about computers tho.

Madrun Badrun · « **Reply #24 on:** July 09, 2016, 06:09:07 PM »

Mups you don't have a windows vista or 7 cd?

Mupepe · « **Reply #25 on:** July 09, 2016, 06:44:01 PM »

Thanks dufus. Two things, someone above told me to ditch the 6400 in favor of the 6500 because it was gimped. I believe dandy was the one who told me to get a 4gb video card.

No vista or 7 CD.

Mr Gilhaney · « **Reply #26 on:** July 09, 2016, 09:58:00 PM »

Why dont you just pirate windows 10? Works nicely.

Mupepe · « **Reply #27 on:** July 10, 2016, 12:46:36 AM »

Last time I tried to pirate Windows 7 it was such a PITA. Every few months it seemed like they found out and would give me that black background and bug me to register my copy with a legit key. I caved and bought after that. I figured they had finally gotten decent at finding pirated copies.

Cerveza mas fina · « **Reply #28 on:** July 10, 2016, 02:07:43 AM »

mups i got an original windows key for you

i bought it cause i thought id build a pc

Cerveza mas fina · « **Reply #29 on:** July 10, 2016, 07:00:27 AM »

You might as well get a i3 6100 instead the i5 6400 and save 50 bucks.

Rufus · « **Reply #30 on:** July 10, 2016, 07:05:01 AM »

That's going to be even worse for Civ.

Cerveza mas fina · « **Reply #31 on:** July 10, 2016, 08:31:14 AM »

just read civ5 wasnt really optimized for ht and mt

Rufus · « **Reply #32 on:** July 10, 2016, 08:49:30 AM »

I could have sworn it was. Huh. Guess an i3 might be a good option then.

Mupepe · « **Reply #33 on:** July 10, 2016, 09:27:11 AM »

Quote from: Premium Lager on July 10, 2016, 02:07:43 AM

mups i got an original windows key for you

i bought it cause i thought id build a pc

PM sent

Will a 2 GB card be ok for other games if I decide to play them? What about the i3?

Mupepe · « **Reply #34 on:** July 10, 2016, 10:28:58 AM »

Well an Nvidia card does sound good to me because I have an Nvidia shield. I'd like to do that streaming shit from my PC to my TV. I'm not really interested in getting max settings (obvs since I've always been a console person) but if a game I am interested in comes out in the near future it would be cool to have the option to check it out without having to worry.

Mupepe · « **Reply #35 on:** July 10, 2016, 10:47:14 AM »

How does the 950 compare to those two? Could I conceivably play games for the next couple of years with it on medium settings or something? I don't think I care enough about gaming to drop $300 on just the card

Mupepe · « **Reply #36 on:** July 10, 2016, 12:07:24 PM »

Thanks. Yeah I don't really care much about heat and noise. I'll be in another room playing with a wireless keyboard and mouse or controller. As long as I can play without watching a slideshow and the price is right I'm good with that. Thank you.

Cerveza mas fina · « **Reply #37 on:** July 10, 2016, 03:23:53 PM »

pm sent

950 is ok for now but 480 will prob be enough for 5 years for your needs.

G The Resurrected · « **Reply #38 on:** July 10, 2016, 05:45:41 PM »

The 480 is topped out and runs hot. Heat = enemy so my vote goes for the 1060 in this case cause it has room to top out and it'll be a cooler card at stock. But who are we even joking both of these cards are not gonna be available readily for the next month or more. Stick with the I5 6th gen don't get the I3 you'll regret it later. If you can spend the least on the ram and put the savings into a larger SSD. Even at the lowest ram speeds you'll be fine since you won't be overclocking or eeking out performance for anything major. But you will want space for your games and stuff and having a huge SSD is well worth it.

just my two cents.

G The Resurrected · « **Reply #39 on:** July 10, 2016, 05:55:21 PM »

Tamato Tomato like I said it's just my two cents. The idea is to find the right balance between cost and longevity/performance.

Mupepe · « **Reply #40 on:** July 10, 2016, 07:15:30 PM »

Thanks everyone. The 480 does sound nice. I don't really care about power consumption. The only downside not being able to stream to my TV via the nvidia shield.

El Babua · « **Reply #41 on:** July 10, 2016, 07:45:13 PM »

Just wait a couple weeks for the 1060. AMD

Also an i5 6500 would be good enough for the next couple years as well.

Mupepe · « **Reply #42 on:** July 13, 2016, 07:41:28 AM »

What is Vulkan?

Fifstar · « **Reply #43 on:** July 13, 2016, 07:54:46 AM »

Low Level API for graphics cards, basically the new opengl. It seems to greatly increase performance, especially for AMD cause their drivers are seemingly still shit.

ID just released an update for Doom and AMD cards made a big jump. Nvidia cards also got a boost, although mostly in combination with slower cpus.

Mupepe · « **Reply #44 on:** July 13, 2016, 07:57:19 AM »

All these damn choices. I'm buying in pieces so I think I'll leave the video card to last to see what happens over the next couple of weeks. I'll probably end up talking myself into going for the latest and greatest. Damn.

Cerveza mas fina · « **Reply #45 on:** July 13, 2016, 08:12:19 AM »

i3 6100 is plenty for normal gaming as Dufus said, coupled with a RX480 you'll be a happy man.

Rufus · « **Reply #46 on:** July 13, 2016, 10:54:06 AM »

Quote from: Fifstar on July 13, 2016, 07:54:46 AM

Low Level API for graphics cards, basically the new opengl. It seems to greatly increase performance, especially for AMD cause their drivers are seemingly still shit.

ID just released an update for Doom and AMD cards made a big jump. Nvidia cards also got a boost, although mostly in combination with slower cpus.

Vulkan basically grew out of Mantle, AMD's low-level API. They probably benefit more from it because it's tailored more to their architecture. AMDs cards are more bottlenecked by CPUs, too, which a CPU-usage reducing API plays into as well.

At least that's my extremely limited, probably not worth writing out in the first place pleb understanding of this.

Alcoholic Fish · « **Reply #47 on:** July 13, 2016, 11:44:21 AM »

Anyone know when the aftermarket RX 480s are supposed to be released?

Rufus · « **Reply #48 on:** July 13, 2016, 12:07:15 PM »

Should be this month.

Madrun Badrun · « **Reply #49 on:** July 16, 2016, 10:57:37 AM »

https://www.instagram.com/p/BH592gCBRTn/

Rufus · « **Reply #50 on:** July 16, 2016, 10:59:31 AM »

The fucking term needs to die. Why Terry Crews, why!?

Madrun Badrun · « **Reply #51 on:** July 16, 2016, 11:00:28 AM »

Ya it was all fun and games till a black man tried to join the master race, eh Rufus?

Rufus · « **Reply #52 on:** July 16, 2016, 11:02:10 AM »

you motherfucker

Mupepe · « **Reply #53 on:** July 16, 2016, 11:22:22 AM »

Terry Crews is so fucking cool

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Author Topic: Please help me pick parts for a PC build... (Read 7001 times)