Hardware & Technical Computer Build to run Elite Dangerous

[KING5TON]

I have a cheaply put together PC, all the parts apart from the PSU and motherboard were second hand. Just wanted suggestions as to what people would recommend as a £250 upgrade. I know the GPUs don't have enough VRAM.

i5 2300
Asus P877-V-LK
8 GB DDR3 1333
750w Corsair PSU
GTX 460 768MB in SLI

Samsung Synchmaster 22" 1680x1050

Windows Vista 64 (I know, but it was free!)

I'd personally upgrade the GPU to something better

This 7970 is only £203.70 (look at the super specials bit) and is a beast for that price (I have a 7970 myself so can attest) and you get a few free games too!

Use the remaining money to get a small SSD

If you find that your PC still doesn't have enough grunt for you then you can overclock your CPU by 400Mhz on the stock cooler (if you had a K version I'd suggest getting a better heatsink and wapping up the overclock)

 

[Zieman]

I have a cheaply put together PC, all the parts apart from the PSU and motherboard were second hand. Just wanted suggestions as to what people would recommend as a £250 upgrade. I know the GPUs don't have enough VRAM.

i5 2300
Asus P877-V-LK
8 GB DDR3 1333
750w Corsair PSU
GTX 460 768MB in SLI

Samsung Synchmaster 22" 1680x1050

Windows Vista 64 (I know, but it was free!)

You could get a new GTX 770 for that price. Or AMD R9 280X.
PSU is fine with these.

 

[Calico Jack]

Good call! I hadn't really thought about overclocking the CPU, I forgot the regular ones overclock a little.

Might do that when I upgrade the GPU if it gives a performance benefit. No great loss if I melt it - if the spare room desktop is broken , I'll be able to justify a bigger chunk of the household income to upgrade it!

 

[KING5TON]

Good call! I hadn't really thought about overclocking the CPU, I forgot the regular ones overclock a little.

Might do that when I upgrade the GPU if it gives a performance benefit. No great loss if I melt it - if the spare room desktop is broken , I'll be able to justify a bigger chunk of the household income to upgrade it!

It'll give a very very slight benefit.
I've overclocked my 3570K from 3.4Ghz (3.8Ghz boost) to 4.4Ghz (all the time) and to be honest I've not see any difference. I did originally over clock to 4Ghz , then up to 4.2Ghz and settled on 4.4Ghz but there was months in between each increase so maybe that's why I've not see a great improvement in performance.

Just monitor your temps with an application like CoreTemp when overclocking and ensure your processor stays less that 80/90 degrees. Mine once hit 105 degrees when I'd knocked the stock cooler off and it still lives (I turned it off quick like though....and then cleaned my undies)

 

[Slawkenbergius]

OCCT turned itself off after one of the cores of my 3570k hit 85 degrees while running a 4.4ghz test. I decided on a 4.2ghz overclock (boost), which keeps temps below 80. I've got a Noctua cooler, but only run with one fan on low speed, because I found that two together was creating turbulence and making an annoying noise.

Can't say I've really noticed the 400mhz make much difference.

 

[Erimus Kamzel]

What are peoples opinions on the following cards?

• R9 280X 3GB
  
• GTX 770 2GB

This is the last piece of my jigsaw, after months of saving I've got the rig I'll be using for ED and SC in the bag, just need to choose between these two cards.

From help from the SC forum I got some good info on each card, as in the 280X runs at cooler temps than the 770, but is slightly louder. Not sure what's the most important factor here (the card will be going into a mini-pc build so maybe temps are the deciding factor?). But I'm looking for info from anyone who has either of these cards really. Just how good are they?

Also the 280X supports directx 11.2 whereas the 770 only supports directx 11.1. Is that relevant?

 

[Pyros]

What are peoples opinions on the following cards?

• R9 280X 3GB
  
• GTX 770 2GB

This is the last piece of my jigsaw, after months of saving I've got the rig I'll be using for ED and SC in the bag, just need to choose between these two cards.

From help from the SC forum I got some good info on each card, as in the 280X runs at cooler temps than the 770, but is slightly louder. Not sure what's the most important factor here (the card will be going into a mini-pc build so maybe temps are the deciding factor?). But I'm looking for info from anyone who has either of these cards really. Just how good are they?

Also the 280X supports directx 11.2 whereas the 770 only supports directx 11.1. Is that relevant?

The 280x has a superior chip and extra memory. It consumes more energy and therefore is a bit louder/hotter. And typically it is cheaper. Nothing wrong with the GTX 770 - fine card also, but personally I'd buy the 280x without thinking twice. While at the moment both cards are close (280x is slightly above), the 280X will age better.

Currently the DX 11.0 vs DX 11.1 makes no significant difference. A bit - or even less - like the irrelevance of PhysX.

A good 280X to get in terms of noise/price/performance usually is the Asus DCII - it has a superb cooler and is factory OC.

 

[Rog]

This may be of interest/help to some folks here:

Building a PC for your budget and level of gaming complete w/assembly step by step

It's dated 21st November this year, and comes with quite a few pre-specced systems at different price points:

THIS ONE for example, coming in at about $631 USD (£385 GB, $692 AUS)
THIS ONE for example, coming in at about $843 USD (£515 GB, $924 AUS)
THIS ONE for example, coming in at about $999 USD (£610 GB, $1095 AUS)
THIS ONE for example, coming in at about $2494 USD (£1524 GB, $2734 AUS)

Click on the links, it takes you to a full list of components, and where to get them at best price (or near offer).

Click in the top right corner to get data for your country.

It would also appear that for gaming purposes, you get very diminishing returns once you go higher than a good quad core i5 (£180-ish). Better off spending money on the GFX card.

 

[Erimus Kamzel]

The 280x has a superior chip and extra memory. It consumes more energy and therefore is a bit louder/hotter. And typically it is cheaper. Nothing wrong with the GTX 770 - fine card also, but personally I'd buy the 280x without thinking twice. While at the moment both cards are close (280x is slightly above), the 280X will age better.

Currently the DX 11.0 vs DX 11.1 makes no significant difference. A bit - or even less - like the irrelevance of PhysX.

A good 280X to get in terms of noise/price/performance usually is the Asus DCII - it has a superb cooler and is factory OC.

I've had my mind set on the 770 for a while but must admit the 280X has nudged ahead from the info I've been reading about it over the last few days. Are you sure its the hotter card though?, from the website I've looked at it seems to run a good 10 degrees cooler than the 770. I think since its going into a mini pc case its important to keep the temps down as much as possible (I won't be overclocking anything).

Cheers Pyros. :smilie:


Edit:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ASUS/R9_280X_Direct_Cu_II_TOP/30.html
This has the 280X listed as running at 32 degrees idle, 70 degrees load.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Zotac/GeForce_GTX_770/30.html
This has the 770 running at 42/80.

Unfortunately I haven't been able to find another site that can confirm it (I always like a 2nd opinion of these things )

 

[Commander Mick]

Before you make the final decision on this Mick, Might I suggest having a word with someone you trust to look over the deal for you and just make sure you're not missing anything and are fully aware of all the details.

I don't know anybody locally who is even interested in this game and also knows also about computers. Another words, I don't know anybody personally who would know how to build a computer specifically for what this game needs.

I have tried getting friends who did show interest in playing Elite in the past interested in Elite - Dangerous, but I got no Facebook responses from them.

Neither is my dad and he isn't terribly good with building computers from scratch either.

I do miss the days when Elite or any other game only demanded a standard machine like a Commodore 64 computer, disk drive and joystick. These days, you now have to spend more money. Even if it's because we now what more from this game as well.

 

[Commander Mick]

Looking at your Graphics Card.......

Let's hope it is - as your specs are very close to what I ordered - and am about to start building...


Intel Core i7 4770K 3.5GHz
NZXT Kraken X40 140mm AIO Liquid CPU Cooler
ASRock Z87 Killer Motherboard
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB
G.Skill Sniper F3-1866C10D-16GSR (2x8GB) 16GB DDR3
Intel 530 Series 120GB SSD
Seagate Barracuda 2TB ST2000DM001
NZXT H630 Case Matte Black
Seasonic G-650 80Plus Gold 650W
Microsoft Windows 8.1 64bit
2 x BenQ RL2455HM 24in LED Gaming Monitor
2 x Antec Halo 6 LED Bias Lighting Kit
Thrustmaster T.16000M Joystick for PC

Pic here :

Spoiler

I think you have a much better graphics card than the one I had be given on my potential set up.

Among other things.

As for Liquid CPU Coolers, they may be more efficient and quieter than fans, but you may be screwed if they spring a leak.

 

[Commander Mick]

Yes, it is a quad-core. If you're getting this PC 'just' for gaming, you should consider replacing the i7 4770 with i5 4670 (fits in the same motherboard), which is also a quad-core, and spend the price difference on better Graphics card (and PSU, if needed).

Definitely upgrade that graphics card!
And double-check that the PSU is not some low-wattage generic unit, you don't want any unexpected surges or fluctuating voltage to damage those expensive components you have picked.

SO far as I said earlier, I am spending nearly $3000.00 AUD on this machine so far.

I could go as high as paying $4000.00 if I wanted to, as I have been able to get a loan for that much money, but it's to be used in Harvey Norman only.

So I think I will stick with the i7 even if it is as you say not really needed, but I was looking to get a better graphics card.

What graphic card would you suggest for that computer they have for me?

As they have told me I could upgrade any part I wanted.

What is a PSU exactly:S:S:S You have me worried know about getting a electric shock or causing any fires.

 

[jabokai]

SO far as I said earlier, I am spending nearly $3000.00 AUD on this machine so far.

I could go as high as paying $4000.00 if I wanted to, as I have been able to get a loan for that much money, but it's to be used in Harvey Norman only.

So I think I will stick with the i7 even if it is as you say not really needed, but I was looking to get a better graphics card.

What graphic card would you suggest for that computer they have for me?

As they have told me I could upgrade any part I wanted.

What is a PSU exactly:S:S:S You have me worried know about getting a electric shock or causing any fires.

Dude, don't you have someone local to help you with this? I don't mean to be rude but you're obviously a bit of a PC innards newbie and I wouldn't like to see you getting ripped off by salesmen whispering to each other!

The PSU is the Power Supply Unit. This is somewhere that some shops scrimp on - they'll provide ones with the right "numbers" but they'll often be cheap and nasty and prone to failure and not really up to the level of the other components. Plenty of good brands - Corsair, Seasonic, Bequiet, etc - but they're usually a bit more expensive than the no-names.

 

[Commander Mick]

I like your more detailed reponse here

Name quite similar to Pyros, extra points!!!

I've seen a computer with that name before. It's totally new to me.

It is a fast quad core, no problems here. Without counting with extra expensive versions and OC able ones, it is the best CPU around.

I'm glad I got that part right

Good amount of RAM, it would be interesting to know the SSD brand.

I will ask about that one then.

POS graphic card, stay well clear of this. 660 and 670 were EOLd by nVidia. Graphics to get (at sub 400 USD): AMD - 270 & 280X; nVidia: GTX760 & 770. Currently AMD cards have a better bang for the buck ratio, with the 280x being a byte better than the more expensive 770.

What is POS exactly? Actually I think I meant Nividia : GTX760 & 770 when I said 660 & 670. My mistake

I hope the salespeople at Harvey Norman will allow this upgrade.

I do not find BR - actually optical disks - currently very useful for a PC. But it is a bit a matter of personal opinion..

Not sure about that one either

Main point is to switch the graphic card - not necessarily only due to ED. Cannot comment much on prices...

I had figured this to be so, even when the sales person told me the graphics card already supplied would do good enough job with games like COD: Ghosts & Battlefield Four

I should really let these sales people at Harvey Normanknow about Elite - Dangerous and it's official forum (Direct to this thread/topic here.) and they can alter things from there.

 

[Commander Mick]

Very wise words there TJ. Always double check everything and if something seems off, walk away. I also think you would be much cheaper just building your own system or perhaps even upgrading an older one. That way you can pick and chose to suit your own budget.

Walk away :S:S:S

Though, I do find it hard to ignore how they had helped me with my finance problem.

Really upgrade any of existing computers to the desired specs. I'm not even sure if it's possible to upgrade these older existing models to what has been required here.

 

[illu Minti]

I've had my mind set on the 770 for a while but must admit the 280X has nudged ahead from the info I've been reading about it over the last few days. Are you sure its the hotter card though?, from the website I've looked at it seems to run a good 10 degrees cooler than the 770. I think since its going into a mini pc case its important to keep the temps down as much as possible (I won't be overclocking anything).

Cheers Pyros. :smilie:


Edit:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ASUS/R9_280X_Direct_Cu_II_TOP/30.html
This has the 280X listed as running at 32 degrees idle, 70 degrees load.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Zotac/GeForce_GTX_770/30.html
This has the 770 running at 42/80.

Unfortunately I haven't been able to find another site that can confirm it (I always like a 2nd opinion of these things )

This is the rig am ordering tomorrow, it has the GTX770 4GB, there may be better cards out there, but this baby will do the trick and am happy with it, but each to their own in preferences

http://www.dinopc.com/shop/pc/-b-NEW-b-Dark-Reign-94p1829.htm

 

[Commander Mick]

I've never built a computer before and now I don't know I I ahve the Time

Also very wise words. Building or upgrading a system really is not as hard or as scary as you, or anyone, might think.

Just think of it as a jigsaw except you don't put the picture in the box at the end, you get to play in the picture.

Well, there is not much time left before Alpha testing and it would be great to just accept what has been offered to me from that store after they solved my finance problem and be done with the thinking and planning my computer part by part carefully.

As unwise as that sounds

 

[Calico Jack]

Hi Commander Mick,

If you asked for a machine to play Battlefield 4 on and they spec'd an expensive machine with a GT 630, and said that would be fine, they either don't know much about gaming or are trying to rip you off.

If you are going with what they are offering - A GTX 760 would be a good minimum or better a GTX 770.

 

[deusx_ophc]

need approval for you helpful commanders pls

i have come to the conclusion that there is no way to run a 4k display at decent mhz and fps with a "silent" setup regardless of cost, right?

1. because the monitors are just no up to mhz and g-2-g rates of 5+ ms
2. gtx 770+ vram 6bg + means loud even if watercooled (and fully custom wc is a bridge to far)

so i will go for a rig based around the BenQ XL2720T

is that ok?!

 

[Erimus Kamzel]

This is the rig am ordering tomorrow, it has the GTX770 4GB, there may be better cards out there, but this baby will do the trick and am happy with it, but each to their own in preferences

http://www.dinopc.com/shop/pc/-b-NEW-b-Dark-Reign-94p1829.htm

That's pretty close to what I'm going for, and from Dino PC too Except I've gone for one of their custom mini pc builds.

Intel Core i5 4670
Windows 8.1 (64-bit)
Gigabyte H87N-Wifi
8GB Corsair 1600mhz Vengeance (2x4GB)
Toshiba 128GB SSD
AMD Radeon R9 280X 3GB
Iiyama 24" E2483HS-B1 LED (HDMI, DVI, VGA)
Fractal Design Node 304
650W Corsair VS