re: PC Discussion - Gaming, Performance and Enthusiasts

13.6 beta 2


Looking for opinions on something --

I'm working on a PC guide at the moment, that walks a newbie through configuring a build, part by part -- essentially, what to look for and why.

As part of the guide, I wanted to configure an example build with a particular budget, just to show what you'd get with X amount of money. Just not sure what a good baseline budget is. I think it would be ideal for this sample build to have all around good performance in most applications, with excellent 1080p performance (i.e., consistent 60+fps with very high or max settings in most games, not necessarily including MSAA or SSAA).

Whatever budget I choose will have a natural deviation of 10% or so, since I won't be able to update it every time X brand of GPU gets a rebate deal or otherwise changes in price.

I'm thinking a nice, round budget would be $1,000 not including monitor. My gut says some of you are probably going to say that's waayyy too much. You can get by with less, but I think that's the budget you need to get not just an excellent gaming rig, but an all-around workhorse with some futureproofing in mind.

I suppose I could do multiple sample builds.
$500 steam box, $1,000 performance PC, $1500 powerhouse for 1440p, etc.

Would just be a pain to update them all every few months.

Open to suggestions. I've seen build help threads on both sides of the spectrum -- some with challenging low budgets, and others with unnecessary inflated budgets, and many in between.

my current newegg wishlist "quicklists" as i like to call them have gaming builds in the following ranges (tower only, no OS):
$450
$550
$750
$1200
$1550

just as a reference. those of course have margins in mind since they are for sale. i have been updating them around the same time TH does a build for the money, so usually quarterly, or if a new release or major price drop happens.

eta: changed the price points, i hadn't changed the titles since the last time i updated.

I'll add this. you could think about making two sections, one for those who have no interest in ever OCing and one for those who might consider it in the future. That would effect mobo chipset, cpu, and gpu selections for those adhering to a strict budget.

I played both with KB/M, but like I said in another post, I haven't touched a console controller in many years. The experience may be better on a controller for all I know, but I didn't feel "limited" or awkward with kb/m.

ok cool. i havent used a controller for anything other than mario kart wii since 2007 or so.
Im just trying to figure out how to start on this backlog of games.

MY advice is to just play it on kb/m and if you just can't do it then get a controller. What did it for me was I hated driving in San Andreas with the kb/m and Assassins creed was unplayable without a controller.

quote:

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Assassins creed was unplayable without a controller.

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Curious, why? I ask because I fricking hate assassin's creed, and maybe the controls are to blame.

However, I had a great time playing sleeping dogs with KB/M.

What program do you guys are to rip DVDs onto your hdd? I'm considering selling off a few of my DVDs and streaming them from my pc if I want to watch them.

youll need to install the following:
handbrake
dvd43 plug in
libdvdcss.dll (this is simply added to the handbrake install folder)

im thinking about creating a google drive account just for the folks in this thread and letting us store some software like this there

Power just went out at the start of my Sunday.. gaming relaxation day.

I have a wireless Verizon LTE hotspot to support the MBP for a few but the outcome looks grim. Why must I bee tortured to low detail rendering? Why must I feel so distant from my Titans on this day? Why why why?????!