Project Reality Forums

Hey guys,

Im looking into buying a new rig from PC Specialist (Anyone ever used these before? Good or bad?)

The rig im looking into is this,

Processor (CPU): AMD FX-8350 Eight Core CPU (4.00GHz/8MB CACHE/AM3+)
Motherboard: ASUS? M5A97 LE R2.0 (DDR3, USB3.0, 6Gb/s)
Memory (RAM): 8GB KINGSTON DUAL-DDR3 1600MHz (1 x 8GB)
Graphics Card: 2GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 750 Ti - DVI, mHDMI, VGA - 3D Vision Ready
HDD: 1TB 3.5" SATA-III 6GB/s HDD 7200RPM 32MB CACHE
HDD2: 1TB 3.5" SATA-III 6GB/s HDD 7200RPM 32MB CACHE SEAGATE
Power Supply: CORSAIR 350W VS SERIES? VS-350 POWER SUPPLY
Processor Cooling STANDARD AMD CPU COOLER

This going to all cost around ?516.00 with the quote i was given.

I play mainly PR, ARMA 3 and ARMA 2 but i will also occasionally be playing BF4 etc.. What would this rig do in terms of performance on all the games?

CPU and RAM look good, the GTX 750 Ti is not too powerful though... you might get a quite low fps in PR... better a 760 or even 770...

DO NOT go with the standard AMD CPU cooler. They are livid junk. Look at getting a Cooler Master Hyper 212 or something along the lines of that.

And you may need a larger power supply than that. The FX 8-cores are power hungry hogs.

Hyper 212 is utter shit for the 83XX, mobo is meh too. Go 8320 and a H80+ with a decent mobo and DIY.

ashton wrote:
Processor (CPU): AMD FX-8350 Eight Core CPU (4.00GHz/8MB CACHE/AM3+)
Motherboard: MB AM3+ 990X Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3
Memory (RAM): DDR3 2x4GB 1866MHz Kingston HyperX Predator CL9, KHX18C9T2K2/8X
Graphics Card: GeForce GTX760 ASUS OC 2GB DDR5, DVI/HDMI/DP/256bit/GTX760-DC2OC-2GD5
HDD: 1TB 3.5" SATA-III 6GB/s HDD 7200RPM 32MB CACHE
HDD2: 1TB 3.5" SATA-III 6GB/s HDD 7200RPM 32MB CACHE SEAGATE
Power Supply: 730W Thermaltake Smart SPS-730M Modular, 14cm fan/87%/80PLUS
Processor Cooling Cooler Master GeminII M4, RR-GMM4-16PK-R1

In general you do not need eight cores, 4 would sustain, with higher clocks, especially for arma3, added a better mainboard.
As for RAM, you better get 2x4GB ddr3 1866 sticks rather than one 8gb 1600.

GTX750Ti is 128bit, you would get a lot better performance with 760 and 770, or look into some of the radeons for cheaper solutions, just get 256bit or higher.

And youll need better PSU, for all of this, one I put is just an example. Look at PSU very seriously as on any part of PC. If it fails it may fry the entire PC, so investing in it, youre investing in security.

ashton wrote:Hey guys,

Im looking into buying a new rig from PC Specialist (Anyone ever used these before? Good or bad?)

I used them for my latest rig,here is the thread on it https://www.realitymod.com/forum/f329-hardware-custom-builds/125983-pre-built-pc-under-700-pounds.html and the specs are in my profile.

As you see I had a small problem which was kind of both of our fault but they fixed the problem fast,hassle free and the main thing free of charge even though the new component (A PSU) was worth more then the one replaced.
They also didn't plug the USB 3.0 cable into the slot but its not exactly rocket science to plug it in yourself.

I'd say they are a pretty good overall but the testing they do leaves alot to be desired.

I think the problems I had would have been the same no matter where I bought it but the customer service may not have been so good.

MaSSive wrote:In general you do not need eight cores, 4 would sustain, with higher clocks, especially for arma3, added a better mainboard.
As for RAM, you better get 2x4GB ddr3 1866 sticks rather than one 8gb 1600.

GTX750Ti is 128bit, you would get a lot better performance with 760 and 770, or look into some of the radeons for cheaper solutions, just get 256bit or higher.

And youll need better PSU, for all of this, one I put is just an example. Look at PSU very seriously as on any part of PC. If it fails it may fry the entire PC, so investing in it, youre investing in security.

Would there be a 'noticeable' performance difference in an 8 core cpu with that clock? Or would it give similar performance as a 4 core at 4.0GHz/8MB Cache?

As for the GPU i think i am going to opt for a GTX 770 2GB, it seems like it will easily cope with what i can throw at it.

The PSU is temporary, i have my own Corsair 1000W HX1000 ? 80 PLUS which i will be installing so power will be next to no problem.

What would be the improvements using the MOBO you suggested over using the M5A97?

I have changed the RAM over to the Kingston Hyper-X Beast Dual-DDR3 2133MHz X.M.P (1x 8gb) They only do single sticks and do not seem to do dual sticks of ram which i find weird personally. But i guess it makes the machine less cluttered in the long run.

Trooper909 wrote:I used them for my latest rig,here is the thread on it https://www.realitymod.com/forum/f329-hardware-custom-builds/125983-pre-built-pc-under-700-pounds.html and the specs are in my profile.

As you see I had a small problem which was kind of both of our fault but they fixed the problem fast,hassle free and the main thing free of charge even though the new component (A PSU) was worth more then the one replaced.
They also didn't plug the USB 3.0 cable into the slot but its not exactly rocket science to plug it in yourself.

I'd say they are a pretty good overall but the testing they do leaves alot to be desired.

I think the problems I had would have been the same no matter where I bought it but the customer service may not have been so good.

I have heard mixed reviews about them, most of them reviews seem confident and they are good reviews. I have seen the odd one or two regarding customer service, but if they are willing to rectify mistakes for free then its worth the price. Did you have any problems with the machine in the long run or has it performed well?

I also heard they sometimes they will substitute ram and other things for a cheaper version if they dont have it? Is this true or did your machine come with everything you ordered?

Currently then my updated setup is...

AMD FX-4350 Quad Core CPU (4.3/4.2GHZ - 4MB CACHE/AM3+)
ASUS? M5A97 LE R2.0 (DDR3, USB3.0, 6Gb/s) (Still debating)
8GB KINGSTON HYPER-X BEAST DUAL-DDR3 2133MHz X.M.P (1 x 8GB) (Only do single sticks)
2GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 770 - 2 DVI, HDMI, DP - 3D Vision Ready
120GB KINGSTON V300 SSD, SATA 6 Gb (450MB/R, 450MB/W) (For OS, Would this make a 'massive' difference?)
Super Quiet 22dBA Triple Copper Heatpipe AMD CPU Cooler
Corsair 1000W HX1000 ? 80 PLUS Modular PSU

Any suggestions for changes? I know the MOBO could do with a change but im still considering that atm.

If you have the money, at the minimum get the V variant of the ASUS boards. Should be called M5A97-V.

Edit: Never mind, they changed the names on me since I bought one.

I wouldn't go for a 120 GB SSD but a 240 GB one instead, not that expensive anymore those days (imo).

Yes, OS will load in 7 sec (to logon screen), to desktop will take you 28 sec.

Kingston SSDNow V300 120GB SSD Review - Page 7 of 8 - Legit ReviewsReal World Copy & Boot Tests

ashton wrote:Would there be a 'noticeable' performance difference in an 8 core cpu with that clock? Or would it give similar performance as a 4 core at 4.0GHz/8MB Cache?

More cores the better, but what I wanted to say is that you can save money and get the 4 core, since I dont think you have any application that will put to good use that 8 cores. Unless you do some nasty rendering, baking jobs, or video editing etc...

If you're going down the FX Piledriver route, you should stick with 8350, since 4350 even if overclocked to 5 Ghz cant compete with it. That is what benchmarks say about it, and since difference is huge, I wouldn't recommend 4350.

ashton wrote: As for the GPU i think i am going to opt for a GTX 770 2GB, it seems like it will easily cope with what i can throw at it.

Superb choice.

ashton wrote: The PSU is temporary, i have my own Corsair 1000W HX1000 ? 80 PLUS which i will be installing so power will be next to no problem.

What would be the improvements using the MOBO you suggested over using the M5A97?

Great, PSU is more than fine, I just reacted since you placed 300W PSU on the list.

Asus has UEFI bios, and is a bit worse for OC since it has 4+2 phase CPU VRM, while Gigabyte one has traditional BIOS although its dual, and has 8+2 phase VRM, so it will OC better.

Let me google that for you < No pun intended, just for the sake of search

ashton wrote:
I have changed the RAM over to the Kingston Hyper-X Beast Dual-DDR3 2133MHz X.M.P (1x 8gb) They only do single sticks and do not seem to do dual sticks of ram which i find weird personally. But i guess it makes the machine less cluttered in the long run.

Well if you want dual channel and better bandwidth you should get two of those, or get 2x4GB, or keep it like this and then add more later, but make sure you get the same stick.

Another useful link > https://www.realitymod.com/forum/f329-h ... igars.html

ashton wrote:
I have heard mixed reviews about them, most of them reviews seem confident and they are good reviews. I have seen the odd one or two regarding customer service, but if they are willing to rectify mistakes for free then its worth the price. Did you have any problems with the machine in the long run or has it performed well?

I also heard they sometimes they will substitute ram and other things for a cheaper version if they dont have it? Is this true or did your machine come with everything you ordered?

PC has worked perfect since I got it...It was an inadequate PSU that was my problem..The part picker software said it would be enough but it wasn't so it was both our mistake.

Mine for not doing my homework and there's for the software telling me it was ok.They sent me a more powerful one the next day and all has been fine since.

I got exactly what I ordered personally.
I have also heard of them using more expensive parts if the one you wanted is not in stock so I guess it depends.

Daniel wrote:I wouldn't go for a 120 GB SSD but a 240 GB one instead, not that expensive anymore those days (imo).

Yes, OS will load in 7 sec (to logon screen), to desktop will take you 28 sec.

Kingston SSDNow V300 120GB SSD Review - Page 7 of 8 - Legit ReviewsReal World Copy & Boot Tests

I will certainly look into it. I will only be loading the OS onto it and maybe arma 3 so space is not a major issue tbh. But if i can get one for not a lot more expensive the extra space will certainly be a bonus.

MaSSive wrote:More cores the better, but what I wanted to say is that you can save money and get the 4 core, since I dont think you have any application that will put to good use that 8 cores. Unless you do some nasty rendering, baking jobs, or video editing etc...

If you're going down the FX Piledriver route, you should stick with 8350, since 4350 even if overclocked to 5 Ghz cant compete with it. That is what benchmarks say about it, and since difference is huge, I wouldn't recommend 4350.



Superb choice.



Great, PSU is more than fine, I just reacted since you placed 300W PSU on the list.

Asus has UEFI bios, and is a bit worse for OC since it has 4+2 phase CPU VRM, while Gigabyte one has traditional BIOS although its dual, and has 8+2 phase VRM, so it will OC better.

Let me google that for you < No pun intended, just for the sake of search



Well if you want dual channel and better bandwidth you should get two of those, or get 2x4GB, or keep it like this and then add more later, but make sure you get the same stick.

Another useful link > https://www.realitymod.com/forum/f329-h ... igars.html

I do some video and photoshop editing but nothing major. I am considering the 8 Core as ARMA 3 can use up to 6 (More fps the better) but like you said would getting 8 cores be a waste? I have seen AMD do a 6 Core version but i haven't looked into that. I think its certainly something to consider.

Yeah i forgot to mention it was only a temp thing. Atleast i do get a backup 300w psu

Im not a big fan on OC as i know how ermm 'dangerous' it can be. I guess overtime i will OC but if the motherboard i chose will sustain me for a year then i guess i can look into upgrading to a better motherboard.

As for the RAM i guess my only option will be to purchase an extra identical stick to make it 16gb or get a 4gb stick with the PC and purchase another 4gb identical stick. I really dont see myself ever using 16gb but i guess it can be turned into a ramdisk. Its always there if needed, which i doubt.

As for CPU cooling what do you think about the Super Quiet 22dBA Triple Copper Heatpipe AMD CPU Cooler?

Everything will be placed into a AeroCool Strike-X GT with a 5 fan controller, with 6-8 fans in the case so i guess cooling really is not a problem?

Trooper909 wrote:PC has worked perfect since I got it...It was an inadequate PSU that was my problem..The part picker software said it would be enough but it wasn't so it was both our mistake.

Mine for not doing my homework and there's for the software telling me it was ok.They sent me a more powerful one the next day and all has been fine since.

I got exactly what I ordered personally.
I have also heard of them using more expensive parts if the one you wanted is not in stock so I guess it depends.

I have seen that problem when i asked for a quote. It said a 350w would handle my specs but i knew for sure it wouldnt.
I guess if they are sending out more expensive replacements then its a win situation so i think i will certainly go for these guys and see how it pans out.

Read this regarding processors, and then make a decision on your own.

AMD Piledriver FX-4350, FX-6350 & FX-8350 Review - Play3r

I was searching about this myself and have found that 8350 can outperform an OCed 4350 @ 5Ghz while 8350 being on stock clocks and this made me look into 8350 more.

As for CPU cooling what do you think about the Super Quiet 22dBA Triple Copper Heatpipe AMD CPU Cooler?

What is this make? Ive never heard about it, but by search I can see its a Intel platform cooler. You might be perfectly fine with stock cooler, but to be on the safe side, you should get something a bit better. If you dont plan to OC any of the mentioned will do.