PC Components.

[FiveOh617]

So I've been looking at options for a new PC for about a month now and I pretty much want to blow my brains out. Im a pretty smart guy, but this stuff is just WAAAAY too fucking complicated.

So I want a machine that will last me about 4-5 years that will play ArmA 2, DayZ and PR:A2 effectively. I'm not SUPER rich and I don't need the absolute top of the line, I just want to get the job done. I know when it comes to PC components, you can spend a lot more for only a slight increase in performance.

I would like to use an Intel i7 processor, however there's so many different variations I'm not sure which to get. Also, I've heard some people say that the i5 processors are just as good as the i7.
I also have no intentions of overclocking. I'm not an expert with computers, nor do I want to do anything that would even remotely put my system at risk.

Next is the RAM. I would tend to believe that I would need 16GB. Is this correct? Would I use 2 8GB slots or 4 4GB slots? I have no idea. Fuck.

Worse is the graphics card. I would like an Nvidia card, I just have NO idea what to get. Some people say the GT 690, others say its too overpriced... As I've been saying, I need a card that doesn't necessarily need to be top of the line, just one that will efficiently get the job done.

So once all of those have been picked out, I'm not sure what motherboard will be compatible with all of these parts, let alone most effective. Then I need to figure out what power supply to get.

This is all leaving my head spinning and any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

[Pedz]

Processor wise, unless your doing CPU intensive tasks, image editing, video editing, maths... Then an i5 will do exactly what an i7 does in your case in reality.

You won't need 16GB. 8GB is more than enough. Stick with 2 4GB sticks, and if you really need the extra because somehow you're using 90% of it, then sure go ahead and stick another 2 sticks in

With the nVidia line, the 690 is for mental people, you can get two 680s for less, and that is exactly what makes up a 690... So no reason to get the 690 other than immense amounts of RAM, which I don't see being any particular benefit over two 680's. But if you don't want to blow the doors off and go insane, just stick with a single 670GTX or 680GTX dependant on you budget, it will easily hold its own on ARMA2 on full settings. Depends on your screens resolution too.

Motherboards are generally simple to pick, most will tell you what socket they work with, if you're sticking with intel and the "Ivy bridge" set of processors, generally stick with a Z77 board (socket 1155) and the processor will fit and work. Same with the GPU's, just make sure that if you plan to buy two GPU's that the motherboard is SLI (for nVidia) or Crossfire (AMD) capable. It will say in the product description.

[FiveOh617]

That post was immensely helpful and I thank you very much. Do you have a recommendation of any specific i5 processors or graphics cards? Also, what would be the benefit of two GPUs?

[Pedz]

That post was immensely helpful and I thank you very much. Do you have a recommendation of any specific i5 processors or graphics cards? Also, what would be the benefit of two GPUs?

Apologies for using a British site, knowing you're from the states, it's just easier for me to navigate as I have used it many times before, the parts will be named the same, so a quick search in your preferred store will show you the price in USD.

Intel CPU Core i5 3570K Quad Core IvyBridge Processor OEM - CM8063701211800 - Scan.co.uk

That is the kind of processor that will do great, if later on in life you feel you want to stretch the CPU by a few GHz, you can, but not really necessary.

Again dependant on your budget I'd suggest nVidia 670 or 680

A 670, pre-overclocked to get the most out of it, but you needn't worry about that.
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 Windforce 3X NVIDIA Graphics Card - 2GB - GV-N670OC-2GD - Scan.co.uk


a 680 by a different manufacturor
Palit 2GB GeForce GTX 680 JetStream NVIDIA Graphics Card - NE5X680H1042-1040J - Scan.co.uk


Out of the two, the 680 is the preferred choice of course. Manufacturers generally don't make too much of a difference, possibly in warranty length but they still get their chip designs from nVidia and all the chips are made by TSMC (semiconductor chip manufacturer). Another thing to look for is the cooling, some with have different cooling bolted on, as the two above have. This can either make it quieter or cooler, but can be louder, all depends on which cooler method they use. Best thing to do is to hit up some reviews on the one you think looks the best .

EDIT: Another thing that might vary from manufacturers of GPU's is the ports, some will offer more display ports and remove DVI-DL or offer HDMI etc....

As for the advantage of two GPU's, its as straight forward as having in simple terms, two people to do one job. But the problem is they can only use one set of tools (Memory, RAM). So two GPU's can process a lot more and give higher FPS, but games will have to be optimised, and if you have multi or large resolution (2k by 2k resolution +) then memory might start to be an issue. Most games nowadays are optimised for "SLI" and "Crossfire", so will see nearly 2x the frames per second, but generally you'll see a 1.8x improvement.

[Cossack]

Btw Pedz, as page file is off etc as you use SSD, 8 GB might run dry. I have 4 GB and PC have like 3 years and I can feel, it runs dry on RAM. So, maybe, if can afford, go for those 16GB I suggest people go with 2x4GB sticks, so can upgrade later (maybe).