Looking to build PC

[TColeman12]

I'm currently looking to build myself a gaming computer. I found a place that will help me build it. I'm wondering if it'll be good enough for NR2003. I quoted their email.

"Hey Trey! The latest high end specs are AMD Quad Core 4.2GHz, 8GB, 250GB SSD, Radeon R7 250 2GB 128 bit graphics, USB3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard with Windows 10 (includes case, power supply, DVD drive, and wi-fi adapter, but no peripherals). And, we often customize to meet specific needs or if you already have some specific components in mind."

Edit: I hope this thread isn't in the wrong place. I figured it'd go here as it has relation to NR2003.

 

[Darren Ingram]

That will be plenty to max/almost max out NR2003 with a good frame rate with 2048 cars. The 4.2 GHz CPU clock speed will help out a lot with FPS.

 

[TColeman12]

Thanks, Darren. Would it be able to handle most other games pretty well such as iRacing, Euro Truck, Rocket League, The Division, etc?

 

[Darren Ingram]

Thanks, Darren. Would it be able to handle most other games pretty well such as iRacing, Euro Truck, Rocket League, The Division, etc?

Easily meets the minimum requirements for iRacing, Euro Truck Sim 2, and Rocket League. The Division, I don't think you'll be able to max out, but you'll be able to run it at a good FPS on Medium/High. Probably not ultra settings.

 

[TColeman12]

Thanks. That's good to know.

 

[RacerXero84]

The 128-bit card might find yourself bottlenecking in terms of performance in that area. I usually recommend at least a 256-bit card to any client looking to build a PC, particularly those looking to get into iRacing.

That solid state will change your life. Boot and load times are amazing if paired with a good mobo/CPU.

Windows 10 is hit or miss, not a lot of legacy support, still some bugs, errors, etc. Still, better than 8 or 8.1 IMO.

The one in which I JUST built my wife has a 4790K 4.0 Ghz i7 Quad core with an Asus Z97 motherboard, 32 GB DDR3 1600 RAM, 120 GB SSD, and a R9 390 8GB GDDR5 512-bit card: ~$1000 for that, the 650 watt PSU and the case with some extra fans. Probably could get it cheaper now, that is of course without an operating system, which is pretty cheap depending on where you get it and what version of 7/10 you are looking for.

I'm interested in knowing what model the AMD CPU is, quad cores have been out for some time and while the CPU speed is great, older models will have a more difficult time processing multiple apps as well as games than, say, a newer model with slightly less Ghz. Also, you say 8GB DDR3 RAM.... what is the bandwidth? Because that will also make a difference, as well as the model of the motherboard.

 

[TColeman12]

The 128-bit card might find yourself bottlenecking in terms of performance in that area. I usually recommend at least a 256-bit card to any client looking to build a PC, particularly those looking to get into iRacing.

That solid state will change your life. Boot and load times are amazing if paired with a good mobo/CPU.

Windows 10 is hit or miss, not a lot of legacy support, still some bugs, errors, etc. Still, better than 8 or 8.1 IMO.

The one in which I JUST built my wife has a 4790K 4.0 Ghz i7 Quad core with an Asus Z97 motherboard, 32 GB DDR3 1600 RAM, 120 GB SSD, and a R9 390 8GB GDDR5 512-bit card: ~$1000 for that, the 650 watt PSU and the case with some extra fans. Probably could get it cheaper now, that is of course without an operating system, which is pretty cheap depending on where you get it and what version of 7/10 you are looking for.

I'm interested in knowing what model the AMD CPU is, quad cores have been out for some time and while the CPU speed is great, older models will have a more difficult time processing multiple apps as well as games than, say, a newer model with slightly less Ghz. Also, you say 8GB DDR3 RAM.... what is the bandwidth? Because that will also make a difference, as well as the model of the motherboard.

Let me get back to you on that. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Darren Ingram]

Also, I don't know what price range you're in, but AMD 8-Core CPU's are relatively cheap.

Even though that won't help with NR2003 as it only uses a single core, it will help in newer software.

 

[TColeman12]

A bit of a update, guys. This Thursday, I'll be meeting with one of the guys from the company to discuss further about custom options and everything else. Then I'll be able to get back to you guys with answers to your questions. Basically, I'll be paying $625+ for the class and components depending on what items I want to customize (4 core or 8 core CPU, 128 or 256 bit video card, and various other items.) Also, I'll post picture updates while I'm at the class for anyone who's interested.

 

[Alan Harkleroad]

So this is a class on how to build a computer and you use your own components?

I agree with the above. The AMD cpu and a 2gig 128bit gou are going to be bottlenecks for new games like the division and so on. I would recommend a 4690 i5 and a r9 390 or 380 to be safe or 960 GTX.

All depends on your budget though. Hate to see you waste money and have to upgrade almost at the offset.

 

[RacerXero84]

I would recommend a 4690 i5 and a r9 390

That would be the GPU I got the wife... that thing is beastly...

 

[TColeman12]

Yes, it's a class where you learn how to build a computer and choose your components. I see what you're saying. I'll be sure to bring these things up in my meeting today.

 

[Alan Harkleroad]

This is what i love to do, i am a linux engineer now. But the entry level stuff is so much more fun. Building them is fun.

Have fun. Its like legos the possibilities are endless. You can use almost anything within reason.

 

[TColeman12]

A late update, guys. The meeting went well. I'll stick with the components listed in the first post until I have enough money to do a overhaul. I'll definitely keep your recommendations in mind. My first class starts on the 7th so stay tuned for picture updates.

 

[Alan Harkleroad]

Well have fun with it. The SSD will make it run like butter no matter what components you have. If they dont instruct you to make a master image once you finish the build and have your OS and Applications installed, I would do it anyway. That way you dont have to go through the hours of install again between the OS, Drivers, App configuration, and game downloads.

The way I do it is I setup the OS and All drivers, all primary applications (Photoshop, PSP, Office, Visio, NR2003, Steam, Origin, Media Monkey, iTunes, etc) and then use my acronis disk to take a disk image of the main drive. I export that to an external drive. If anything happens to my SSD I can do a quick restore and be back up and rolling in about an hour. I highly recommend you do the same.

 

[RacerXero84]

Well have fun with it. The SSD will make it run like butter no matter what components you have. If they dont instruct you to make a master image once you finish the build and have your OS and Applications installed, I would do it anyway. That way you dont have to go through the hours of install again between the OS, Drivers, App configuration, and game downloads.

The way I do it is I setup the OS and All drivers, all primary applications (Photoshop, PSP, Office, Visio, NR2003, Steam, Origin, Media Monkey, iTunes, etc) and then use my acronis disk to take a disk image of the main drive. I export that to an external drive. If anything happens to my SSD I can do a quick restore and be back up and rolling in about an hour. I highly recommend you do the same.

YES. Anyone who says not to doesn't value time.

Massive time saver there, regardless of the build! Good call Alan.

 

[TColeman12]

Does anyone know anything about this video card and which one is better?
http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=02G-P4-3751-KR

http://www.evga.com/Products/Product.aspx?pn=02G-P4-3753-KR

 

[RacerXero84]

I had something similar to that a while back, stout little card that will get things running, just have to shave the eye candy a bit (referencing the 128-bit form of the card there). It's GDDR5 and has a nice clock speed with a good amount of video ram.

Overall, a good starter card to get things moving, and not too bad a price either (I'd still price shop if I were you, Newegg has email deals that could upgrade you to the next level for the same price on occasion)

 

[Alan Harkleroad]

750TI is a nice budget card, though for about $60 more you can have the improved 960, so its worth looking at that.

 

[TColeman12]

Hey Alan, can you link me to the 960 you're talking about?