timetrapper
n00b
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2012
- Messages
- 23
Hi guys!
I've gotten help on a build from this site in previous years but wanted to build a new SFF that could play these three games on max settings (FFXIV ARR/EQ Next/Archeage) (also keep in mind I had friends build my last 2 rigs but they aren't available anymore and neither are the parts) I'm a beginner and until recently was going to get a laptop, but I've been convinced to get a SFF. Any help or advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
1. What will you be doing with this PC?
I'll be playing MMORPG's on maximum settings for EQ Next, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, Archeage, specifically. I don't need First person shooter or NASA grade capabilities, but enough for max settings on the mmorpg's listed and if possible the capability to upgrade for the next 2-3 years to try and stay max for mmorpg's that could come out down the road.
2. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
$850 flexible (budget with monitor is $1000 so I'm taking out $150ish for a monitor). *Please note for the budget, I'm more focused on getting the job done, I.E. being able to play the 3 games on max settings, as opposed to either getting the fastest/most expensive machine possible or hitting my budget but ending up gimped and on medium settings). So if I need to go higher in budget to hit max settings of the games listed I will, but only if its a necessity. (In my experience, overkill today is worth nothing down the road, though the ability to have the option to make upgrades for the next 2 years worth of games is enticing so I don't mind spending on that, if it will allow me to replace older parts and install new parts to stay up to date.) (there is tax in my state of around 6 percent but don't worry about it). Last side note: I tried this before both with Age of Conan and Aion and was sadly surprised how 2 months after release my PC was gimped for those games. So going a bit overbudget is fine if you think it will save me some heartache in the future. I want to be able to check all those boxes that say bloom etc etc hehe.
3. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
Houston, Texas. Microcenter and Fry’s are close.
4. What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
Case:
CPU:
Cooler:
Video Card:
Motherboard:
Memory:
HDD:
Optical:
PSU: has to be over 600 to support a gaming video card right?
OS:
SSD:
Sound card:
This is all I know I have to buy. If there is something else I need to buy in order to get this thing running and playing games (besides a monitor, mouse, and speakers), please let me know.
5. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. For reused parts, list brands, model #s, and, if applicable, firmware revisions.
None
6. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? etc. Which is more important, size of the system or having the particular feature? Make sure you indicate *required* vs. *wanted* for each feature you list.
Don't know of any specific features (nooblet) I would need for mmorpg gaming.
7. What resolution output do you need? 1080p, 720p, DVD quality, etc for HTPC or list Vertical/horizontal resolution for non-HTPC SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
1080p HDMI minimum. No multiple monitor output required.
8. Does this system need to fit into a particular space? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc.
Able to fit as a carry-on 55cm×40cm×25cm (22×16×10 inches) or in a backpack. Does not need a handle.
9. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have (Screwdrivers/Leatherman, Drill, Dremel, Metal snips, Soldering Iron, Bending Brake, CNC/Welding machines/Plasma cutter, etc...)?
No experience with any of the above. I can buy tools if needed. Haven’t built a PC before but last resort can spend $99 dollars at Fry's to have them build it.
10. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care
Noise/silence isn’t too big a deal unless its loud enough for someone in a room next door to get upset about.
11. How mobile does this system need to be? Need a carrying handle or carrying straps? Is weight important (carry-on bag, etc)? Water cooling quick disconnects, etc?
Would have to be a carry-on on a plane capable. So I'd have to be able to get rid of the water in the water cooler. No handles required. (I guess I could wrap it in bubble wrap and put it in with luggage but I'm afraid it would get rocked in there, so I'd rather put it in the upper storage compartment
12. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit? Remember that OEM copies of Win7 have issues with new motherboards
No. Though I could just buy Windows 8 unless someone else can recommend a free OS that would be fine.
13. When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Inbetween now and the next 2 months.
Thanks for any help you can provide to me! Apologies for the long read!
Timetrapper
I've gotten help on a build from this site in previous years but wanted to build a new SFF that could play these three games on max settings (FFXIV ARR/EQ Next/Archeage) (also keep in mind I had friends build my last 2 rigs but they aren't available anymore and neither are the parts) I'm a beginner and until recently was going to get a laptop, but I've been convinced to get a SFF. Any help or advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
1. What will you be doing with this PC?
I'll be playing MMORPG's on maximum settings for EQ Next, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, Archeage, specifically. I don't need First person shooter or NASA grade capabilities, but enough for max settings on the mmorpg's listed and if possible the capability to upgrade for the next 2-3 years to try and stay max for mmorpg's that could come out down the road.
2. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
$850 flexible (budget with monitor is $1000 so I'm taking out $150ish for a monitor). *Please note for the budget, I'm more focused on getting the job done, I.E. being able to play the 3 games on max settings, as opposed to either getting the fastest/most expensive machine possible or hitting my budget but ending up gimped and on medium settings). So if I need to go higher in budget to hit max settings of the games listed I will, but only if its a necessity. (In my experience, overkill today is worth nothing down the road, though the ability to have the option to make upgrades for the next 2 years worth of games is enticing so I don't mind spending on that, if it will allow me to replace older parts and install new parts to stay up to date.) (there is tax in my state of around 6 percent but don't worry about it). Last side note: I tried this before both with Age of Conan and Aion and was sadly surprised how 2 months after release my PC was gimped for those games. So going a bit overbudget is fine if you think it will save me some heartache in the future. I want to be able to check all those boxes that say bloom etc etc hehe.
3. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
Houston, Texas. Microcenter and Fry’s are close.
4. What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
Case:
CPU:
Cooler:
Video Card:
Motherboard:
Memory:
HDD:
Optical:
PSU: has to be over 600 to support a gaming video card right?
OS:
SSD:
Sound card:
This is all I know I have to buy. If there is something else I need to buy in order to get this thing running and playing games (besides a monitor, mouse, and speakers), please let me know.
5. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. For reused parts, list brands, model #s, and, if applicable, firmware revisions.
None
6. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? etc. Which is more important, size of the system or having the particular feature? Make sure you indicate *required* vs. *wanted* for each feature you list.
Don't know of any specific features (nooblet) I would need for mmorpg gaming.
7. What resolution output do you need? 1080p, 720p, DVD quality, etc for HTPC or list Vertical/horizontal resolution for non-HTPC SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
1080p HDMI minimum. No multiple monitor output required.
8. Does this system need to fit into a particular space? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc.
Able to fit as a carry-on 55cm×40cm×25cm (22×16×10 inches) or in a backpack. Does not need a handle.
9. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have (Screwdrivers/Leatherman, Drill, Dremel, Metal snips, Soldering Iron, Bending Brake, CNC/Welding machines/Plasma cutter, etc...)?
No experience with any of the above. I can buy tools if needed. Haven’t built a PC before but last resort can spend $99 dollars at Fry's to have them build it.
10. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care
Noise/silence isn’t too big a deal unless its loud enough for someone in a room next door to get upset about.
11. How mobile does this system need to be? Need a carrying handle or carrying straps? Is weight important (carry-on bag, etc)? Water cooling quick disconnects, etc?
Would have to be a carry-on on a plane capable. So I'd have to be able to get rid of the water in the water cooler. No handles required. (I guess I could wrap it in bubble wrap and put it in with luggage but I'm afraid it would get rocked in there, so I'd rather put it in the upper storage compartment
12. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit? Remember that OEM copies of Win7 have issues with new motherboards
No. Though I could just buy Windows 8 unless someone else can recommend a free OS that would be fine.
13. When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Inbetween now and the next 2 months.
Thanks for any help you can provide to me! Apologies for the long read!
Timetrapper
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