New computer

Entropy

Full Member
So I'm thinking about buying a new computer and I thought I'd ask for a recommendation!

My thoughts:

1) I will only need the base station: I have Windows 7 (unless Windows 8 is worth it?), a monitor, speakers etc already.
2) I'd like it to be really quiet as I hate noisy computers.
3) I don't really play a great deal at the moment, but I'd like to play Star Citizen and Elite Dangerous on high graphics when they come out.
4) Not really bothered about cost as I haven't upgraded for five years, but I don't want to waste money on something that will be worth hundreds of pounds less tomorrow.

As Star Citizen is a way off and presumably 4K, does it make more sense getting a lower end computer now and then buying a new one when it comes out? Or could I get away with decent quality components and just changing my graphics card?

I'd basically like an upgrade now because I haven't bought myself anything for a while, my computer takes too long to boot, and I want to have a PC that I can keep away from my girlfriend so that it's protected from viruses. Plus there are a few games such as Wasteland 2 that I would like to play at max settings without issue.

Cheers!

Chris
 

Rochdale

l33t g1bb0n
Staff member
There are no single graphics cards at the moment that would do 4K.

If you don't want to waste money then just go 2 steps off the bleeding edge, you should get a decent PC base between �600 and �1200 depending on the spec of individual components.

There are a whole range of pre-built machines over at Scan but I know other guys on here use other suppliers too.
 

Entropy

Full Member
Thanks for this: I'll have a look at Scan and see if I can find something that looks an okay price
 

Chick

Cartwheel RIGHT
A quick shopping list:
Memory: 16gb (maybe 32)
CPU: get a Haswel i7 or i5. Their Power to Heat ratio is awesome, resulting in great cooling performance. If things are getting 'too pricey' go for an i5, very little outside of videoediting world uses all cores of an i7.
Cooling: Get a All-In-One CPU Watercooler unit, They are well wicked.
HDD: Get a 256-500gb SSD for your main system. Then add Platters to taste.
GFX: the ATI 290's are getting mad respect at the moment. I am a Nvidia fanboi though, but don't really know what's amazing but can look it up for you if ya want ?
 

Entropy

Full Member
Thanks Chick! I've done some research, and I think the games that I would like to play are: Divinity: Original Sin, Elite: Dangerous and GTA V. Everything else seems to not require a fast computer. I'm going to speak with a mate to help me choose everything so I'll send through your recommendations, but if there's something specific you recommend on the graphics card front I'd be keen to hear (I think my mate said a GFX 780). We haven't discussed price yet, but he's trying to get me to buy a 2.5k monitor as well, though I'm very happy with my 1080p, and I don't really see the value in the upgrade.
 

Chick

Cartwheel RIGHT
780 seems pretty solid.
Try to get an IPS monitor that does 1980 x 1200 - you won't regret it.
The only other massive never look back upgrade i can suggest is a mechanical keyboard if you don't have one already. my CMStorm is one of the best things I've bought >.<

Oh - Motherboard wise - don't skimp! a top end i5 and top end mobo is >> a mid range i7 and mid range mobo.
 

Entropy

Full Member
I had quite a long chat with my friend last night and we confirmed most of the details. The main two issues I have now are:

1) Making sure the computer is as silent as possible (ideally, I think it needs a foam padded case, but potentially watercooling too); and
2) Finding a company that can build a custom PC with silenced components.

I've struggled a bit with both, so any advice would be great, as an off the shelf computer probably won't be quite right, and I'm not capable enough to build the whole thing myself!

Cheers,

Chris
 

Chick

Cartwheel RIGHT
One more thing i remembered to mention:
CPU's and Mobo Chipsets often come in a Overclockable and non-overclockable version. EG i5 3750 and 3750k (the later is OCable). Chipsets too - though i'm a bit out of the loop on what's what. i Think the i5 4770 K is the OC chip.

Putting everything together is pretty simple these days - as long as you have compatible bits - which we and your mate can check.
 

Rochdale

l33t g1bb0n
Staff member
decent watercooling will add some fair money... maybe just get a good pair of headphones instead :D
 
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