Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Starting Basis for a Gaming PC

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,585 ✭✭✭weisses


    Morning all,
    Bit of an unusual one I need advice on please. Im looking to build a gaming desktop. My laptop had an accident so I have windows installed already on its SSD (which still works). Im hoping its 2tb drive is still ok. But for now I just want to put in place the building blocks of a gaming PC. Im not looking to even buy a graphics card right now. I have monitor, keyboard, mouse etc so Im just looking to get a straight replacement for the laptop up and finish it with more ram and a gfx card at a later date.
    I need to keep the budget as low as possible. With that in mind I have a provisional list. Could I get opinions/laternatives please?


    i3 10100 processor: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0883MTJSR/?coliid=I15PE8SF09IDBM&colid=24QQC0P84NKSD&psc=1

    Mainboard: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0895L5MGN/?coliid=I20D3W6PBVDGAN&colid=24QQC0P84NKSD&psc=1

    PSU: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N7TUD87/?coliid=I10CE1VJ5TRCFH&colid=24QQC0P84NKSD&psc=1

    RAM: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07B4FRMGV/?coliid=IASCF81R1FN7N&colid=24QQC0P84NKSD&psc=1

    Case : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07G4TZPQK/?coliid=IT4AH6OGY1072&colid=24QQC0P84NKSD&psc=1

    For starters Swap out your mb and CPU for AMD


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,859 ✭✭✭superflyninja


    I heard that this i3 is a great cpu, 4 cores and 8 threads.

    Any specific recommendations though?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,731 ✭✭✭✭K.O.Kiki


    The i3-10100 is worse than AMD Ryzen 3-3300X.
    https://www.techspot.com/review/2033-intel-core-i3-10100/

    The only upside Intel has is an iGPU; but literally any GPU would take that advantage away.

    PCPartPicker Part List

    CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3400G 3.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor (£129.00 @ Amazon UK)
    Motherboard: Gigabyte B450 AORUS ELITE ATX AM4 Motherboard (£87.98 @ CCL Computers)
    Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4-3000 CL16 Memory (£41.10 @ Amazon UK)
    Case: Phanteks Eclipse P400A ATX Mid Tower Case (£64.95 @ CCL Computers)
    Power Supply: Antec NeoECO Classic 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply (£45.66)
    Case Fan: ARCTIC P12 Silent 24.1 CFM 120 mm Fan (£4.99 @ Amazon UK)
    Total: £373.68
    Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
    Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-07-20 14:17 BST+0100

    Slightly more expensive but better case, good motherboard, and it can play games right away.
    To save money, you could downgrade to 3200G (4 cores/4 threads, £79) or even Athlon 200GE(2 cores/4 threads, £42) while you save up for a GPU & CPU upgrade.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,440 ✭✭✭Homelander


    Just get a Ryzen 2600 + A320M + 16GB DDR4 in 2 x 8GB sticks. Best value on a budget by far and fairly "future proof" due to the number of cores/threads, which is higher than either that i3 or the Ryzen 3300X.

    If you must, just get a €10 2nd hand GPU from CEX or Adverts to get you by until you can afford a real card.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,859 ✭✭✭superflyninja


    Thanks all, Im now leaning toward a 2600


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,684 ✭✭✭✭Samuel T. Cogley


    New Ryzen APUs are out if you want to do some gaming on the CPU and integrated graphics.


  • Registered Users Posts: 607 ✭✭✭Aodhan5000


    I thought the new APUs aren't being sold to DIYers


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,615 ✭✭✭grogi


    Homelander wrote: »
    Just get a Ryzen 2600 + A320M + 16GB DDR4 in 2 x 8GB sticks. Best value on a budget by far and fairly "future proof" due to the number of cores/threads, which is higher than either that i3 or the Ryzen 3300X.

    If you must, just get a €10 2nd hand GPU from CEX or Adverts to get you by until you can afford a real card.

    Despite having only 4 cores 3300x is equally fast. It is a sweet CPU.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,440 ✭✭✭Homelander


    Yes but it's still only 4 cores. It makes sense from longevity POV to get a 6/12 processor over a 4/8, especially when the new consoles out this year are 8/16 based.

    If you plan keeping the core of the machine for a fair few years, the 2600 is a better investment.

    4/8 will become obsolete far quicker, in the same way that the old 4/4 i5's are fairly obsolete now in the bigger AAA games, even though as late as 2018 they were popular gaming CPUs being bought new.

    Due to the new consoles, games will take a massive shift to heavy multi-core/thread over the next few years. It was going that way anyway, the past two years in particular (hence why i5's went from being top CPU's to struggling in some new games rather abruptly), but this will drive it even more significantly.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,859 ✭✭✭superflyninja


    So I found out that the likes of the 2600x don't have on board gfx, which is fine but I didn't know it meant that there would be zero video output.
    That leaves me needing to either buy a gfx card or get a chip with on board gpu.
    I wouldn't have the budget right now to get a card( cheapest I found on amazon was about 140sterling).
    I noticed the ryzen 5 3400g. I know its only 4 cores, but would it be a terrible move to get that chip?


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,684 ✭✭✭✭Samuel T. Cogley


    A 3400G and decent platform would be a good move IMHO. You can buy a second hand Ryzen 3XXX processor down the line and add in a GPU when budget permits.


  • Registered Users Posts: 607 ✭✭✭Aodhan5000


    Other alternative is to buy a cheap gpu like a gt 710 off eBay just so you'll have video output for now. They can be had for around 20 pounds + shipping but you might find a better deal


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,180 ✭✭✭Serephucus


    I'd be going cheap Adverts GPU if I were you, plenty to choose from:
    https://www.adverts.ie/for-sale/computers/desktop-hardware/graphics-cards/499/price_1-50/

    Either you spend €20 on a GPU you can keep around for swap-tests later (or as a handy backup if you ever need to RMA your main one).
    Or, you spend €1-150 on a CPU that'll bottleneck you in future.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,859 ✭✭✭superflyninja


    Aodhan5000 wrote: »
    Other alternative is to buy a cheap gpu like a gt 710 off eBay just so you'll have video output for now. They can be had for around 20 pounds + shipping but you might find a better deal
    This the sort of card you mean? https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-GT710-SL-1GD5-GeForce-Graphics-Efficient/dp/B075DCQ8JN/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=gt+710&qid=1596019003&sr=8-1


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,180 ✭✭✭Serephucus




  • Registered Users Posts: 1,859 ✭✭✭superflyninja


    Serephucus wrote: »

    By the time I include postage its about the same price as amazon prime.

    Hmmmmm I have a choice then. Ive seen GTA V running fine on the 3400g. I could game straight out the gate with that. However, getting the better cpu means a **** gfx card and I presumably wouldn't get much gaming out of it.
    Im not planning on buying a proper gfx card late until next year anyway, so maybe for the current term get the 3400g and then upgrade.

    Aside from gaming Ill be using the PC for Unity game dev and Photoshop/Lightroom. (Im fairly sorted gaming wise, I have a ps4 pro).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,440 ✭✭✭Homelander


    Just get the Ryzen 2600 and a 2nd hand card for cheap, it makes far more sense if you want to play games, use it for productivity and want it to last as well.

    3400G is good for an APU, but it's still super low-end in terms of graphical capability being realistic about it, and it's a low-end CPU compared to other offerings on the market.

    Something like a GTX750Ti for €50 2nd hand will run GTA V at high settings just fine for example.

    Like, if you must, a Ryzen 3100 + 2nd hand €50 card is vastly superior to a 3400G and there's only about €10 in the difference.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,859 ✭✭✭superflyninja


    Im convinced! Ive got my eyes on a 2600x(currently cheaper than a 2600) and will hunt down a gfx card. I think Ill be in position to buy this week. Any thoughts on this case https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MZDP8QT/?coliid=I2X1I4OSOHN3OU&colid=3T5P94HM05K2T&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it


  • Registered Users Posts: 607 ✭✭✭Aodhan5000


    Airflow from the front doesn't look fantastic but it could be worse. Bear in mind it only comes with 1 fan though so you might want to throw in another 1 or 2. If you like the look of it then go for it I'd say, it's decent value for what it is but fans would add another five or ten quid. I've heard "up here" fans are good but lots of people recommend Artic p12s. You can get them for like a fiver apiece : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arctic-P12-Pressure-optimised-120-Case/dp/B07GB16RK7/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=artic+p12&qid=1596030238&sr=8-3

    No RGB on the Artic fans though but the Up Here fans are RGB:
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/upHere-Rainbow-Computer-Cooling-PF120CF4-3/dp/B07VRK8337/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=uphere+fans&qid=1596030303&s=computers&sr=1-3


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,859 ✭✭✭superflyninja


    Thanks!
    There is an led strip on the front so I might grab an Artic fan or two for there and the rgb ones (at a later date) for the body


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 186 ✭✭rpmcs


    Hi, sorry if i,m hijacking thread or i need to in another,

    But i have realised I dont know enough to build my own, so was thinking of something for light/modest gaming and logging in to work etc.

    https://www.lenovo.com/ie/en/desktops-and-all-in-ones/ideacentre/500-series/IdeaCentre-T540-15ICB-G/p/99IC9500324

    After reading through countless threads I felt out of my depth!
    So any pointers would be greatly apprciated.

    Thanks in advance


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,440 ✭✭✭Homelander


    That's crap value for money.

    For example, you can configure this PC to the following, that is still a good bit cheaper than the Lenovo and miles faster (better CPU, better graphics, double the RAM, bigger SSD)

    CPU - 9400F
    Memory - 16GB DDR4 2666mhz
    Hard drives - 250SSD + 1TB HDD
    Graphics - GTX1660 Super 6GB

    https://www.awd-it.co.uk/awd-it-seven-9400f-4.1ghz-six-core-gtx-1650-super-4gb-pc-for-gaming.html

    In that config it comes to about €700 and is double the speed of the Lenovo. Not saying buy that one, but just to give you an idea of the value you can get shopping around.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 186 ✭✭rpmcs


    Cheers Homlander,

    The kinda help i needed!

    Have you knowledge or dealt with AWD-IT before?

    Would it be needed/ worth while money on the 8core cpu?

    Any good monitors that are better or worse?

    Thanks


  • Registered Users Posts: 607 ✭✭✭Aodhan5000


    Building yourself is much easier once you've briefed yourself with some YouTube videos but if you'd rather prebuilt that's ok to. Someone has to keep them in business :) . For monitor suggestions I'd take a look at hardware unboxed probably. They've got great reviews on plenty of monitors. When looking for a monitor you probably want to buy 1080p 144hz or 1440p 144hz however the latter can be a fair bit more expensive and the pandemic has done nothing to help. You also want to look for low response times with monitors to prevent blur etc

    Edit: Don't think 8 core is worth it unless you do video editing or if it's only a bit extra. Modern quad cores get by in most games so I'd say it'll be a while before you see a big performance gap between 6 and 8 core


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,684 ✭✭✭✭Samuel T. Cogley


    I love the fact that some of the Youtubers think its so easy they've got their 8 year old to do it / done it drunk. That said there are some fidly bits like the power switch etc., that sort of thing. Many of us are willing to help in a build. I'm North Dublin if that helps at all.

    I really wish the inclusion of that little block to put all the wires onto externally, then plug that in had taken off.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,564 ✭✭✭✭Skerries



    don't buy that one as it is low profile and won't fit into a full size case


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 22,648 ✭✭✭✭beauf


    I love the fact that some of the Youtubers think its so easy they've got their 8 year old to do it / done it drunk. That said there are some fidly bits like the power switch etc., that sort of thing. Many of us are willing to help in a build. I'm North Dublin if that helps at all.

    I really wish the inclusion of that little block to put all the wires onto externally, then plug that in had taken off.

    This was the best of those...superman...

    https://youtu.be/G2gYUVQrLzQ


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,440 ✭✭✭Homelander


    Skerries wrote: »
    don't buy that one as it is low profile and won't fit into a full size case

    Yes it will. Low profile cards are just low profile board, the brackets are normal full height with optional low profile brackets.

    Some low profile cards don't even come with low profile brackets as standard.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 22,648 ✭✭✭✭beauf


    Aodhan5000 wrote: »
    ....
    Edit: Don't think 8 core is worth it unless you do video editing or if it's only a bit extra. Modern quad cores get by in most games so I'd say it'll be a while before you see a big performance gap between 6 and 8 core

    True.

    If you were building a PC for now and on a tight budget it makes sense to go for lower CPU (if you can get one in stock). If your planning a CPU upgrade in 12-24 months. If this not going to upgraded for the next 2-5yrs then I'd be going for more cores. Because these CPUs are the ones that are in stock anyway.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 186 ✭✭rpmcs


    Thanks for responses and helpful input, dont se myself doing to much up grading so may go for higher cpu.

    Like every walk of life, fields that people dont know much about , pay higher price, which is ok as long as not being totally ripped off!

    Again thanks


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,205 ✭✭✭jiltloop


    rpmcs wrote: »
    Cheers Homlander,

    The kinda help i needed!

    Have you knowledge or dealt with AWD-IT before?

    Would it be needed/ worth while money on the 8core cpu?

    Any good monitors that are better or worse?

    Thanks

    I can vouch for AWD-IT having bought my PC off them late 2019 due to advice received on here. The only small issue was that they were a bit slow off the mark with processing the order as they missed it initially but when I rang they were very apologetic and got it built and out to me pretty quickly.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,859 ✭✭✭superflyninja


    An update on my build....
    I bought these:
    GT 710 2GB GDDR5
    Aresze Bronze Semi Modular PSU
    8GB Ram DDR4 3200
    Ryzen 2600x
    MSI Vampiric Case
    B450m Ds3h Mobo
    I carefully put it all together and....it wouldn't boot up. Zero fan activity, no lights, nada.
    Following some advice I reseated the CPU and disconnected all non essential items from the psu.
    That was pretty much anything on the sata power connection. The sata cable plugged into the modular part of the psu. (There is an ssd, a 2tb hdd and the LED strip on the case is sata powered)
    So the PC started up and went right into the BIOS. I thought its was reseating the cpu that worked. I reconnected the 3 sata bits and the pc wouldn't boot again. I decided to try one by one. I left the LED strip connected and tried to power on. The bloody LED cable started smoking. I tried without the LED connected and nothing. I tried all the sata ports on the psu and the other sata cable that arrived and nothing. Seems like the sata side of the psu is faulty.
    So Im returning it and have bought this in the meantime : Aerocool PSU, its due to arrive Monday.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,684 ✭✭✭✭Samuel T. Cogley


    I hate to tell you this but I had to return one of those.

    KOLINK Enclave would be my recommendation. I think the innards of those Aerocool units have been changed since the positive reviews.

    Seems amazon dont have them any more... Try:

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/QUIET-System-Power-Supply-Unit/dp/B079K5YY31/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=bequiet+psu&qid=1596737176&s=computers&sr=1-1


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,859 ✭✭✭superflyninja


    I hate to tell you this but I had to return one of those.

    KOLINK Enclave would be my recommendation. I think the innards of those Aerocool units have been changed since the positive reviews.

    Nooooo! The affordable evga and corsair ones are out of stock, this was my best bet. Hopefully lightning doesn't strike twice!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,684 ✭✭✭✭Samuel T. Cogley


    Nooooo! The affordable evga and corsair ones are out of stock, this was my best bet. Hopefully lightning doesn't strike twice!

    The BeQuiet one I linked is a very similar price no?


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users Posts: 1,859 ✭✭✭superflyninja


    The BeQuiet one I linked is a very similar price no?
    Ive bought the Aerocool already, its number 6 in amazon's top 10 psu chart and had loads of reviews. Ill see what Monday brings when I install it.
    Think my LED strip will be ok?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,684 ✭✭✭✭Samuel T. Cogley


    Ive bought the Aerocool already, its number 6 in amazon's top 10 psu chart and had loads of reviews. Ill see what Monday brings when I install it.
    Think my LED strip will be ok?

    Dont be afraid to return it if your system is unstable.

    No I reckon that's fecked :(


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,859 ✭✭✭superflyninja


    Bah.ill give it a whirl anyway


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,684 ✭✭✭✭Samuel T. Cogley


    Bah.ill give it a whirl anyway

    Check everything else works first.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,731 ✭✭✭✭K.O.Kiki


    Ive bought the Aerocool already, its number 6 in amazon's top 10 psu chart and had loads of reviews. Ill see what Monday brings when I install it.
    Think my LED strip will be ok?

    99% of Amazon reviewers haven't a clue about quality tbh.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,684 ✭✭✭✭Samuel T. Cogley


    K.O.Kiki wrote: »
    99% of Amazon reviewers haven't a clue about quality tbh.

    and a good proportion of them say it's ****e :pac:


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,859 ✭✭✭superflyninja


    You can all rest easy.
    The new PSU works great. The LEDs on front of the case don't work,but I think I'll live with it. Don't think it's worth the hassle of returning it.
    Pc boots and into windows no problem. I might take a HDD out of an external daddy and pop it in alongside the SSD


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,684 ✭✭✭✭Samuel T. Cogley


    You can all rest easy.
    The new PSU works great. The LEDs on front of the case don't work,but I think I'll live with it. Don't think it's worth the hassle of returning it.
    Pc boots and into windows no problem. I might take a HDD out of an external daddy and pop it in alongside the SSD

    Go the polarity right on the header?


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,859 ✭✭✭superflyninja


    Go the polarity right on the header?

    It's sata connection.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,684 ✭✭✭✭Samuel T. Cogley


    It's sata connection.

    Thought you meant the power and hdd leds


Advertisement