In June 2014, I replaced the CPU, CPU cooler, and motherboard in my previous computer. While it was just a parts upgrade, that previous one had been upgraded a number of times to where the only original parts I’m using from that build are the RAM and PSU, so it’s time for a new page.
My build is available as a list on PCPartPicker, but here’s a more detailed version:
CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor. I’ve overclocked it to 4.7GHz
CPU Cooler: Corsair H105 73.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler. Has a dual 120mm fan radiator attached to the top of my case.
Motherboard: Asus Z97-PRO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
RAM: Corsair XMS3 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory. This is ancient stuff from 2010 I believe but RAM is no longer the bottleneck it once was.
Graphics: Dual EVGA GTX 780s in SLI. Gaming at 2560×1600 takes real horsepower.
PSU: Corsair Professional 850W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply
Local Storage: Two old Intel 320 Series 160GB SSDs in RAID 0. A modern single SSD is probably faster. I also have two Western Digital 2TB drives and a 1.5TB Seagate drive, all used for random storage.
Network Storage: A HTPC in my living room with six 6TB drive in RAID 5 (27.2TB). It’s also my Plex server. I also have two Synology NASes — one with 10.8TB and the other with 8.04TB.
Total Storage: 51.3 terabytes
Case: Cooler Master HAF 932 ATX Full Tower Case. A nice, big, open-air case.
Primary Monitor: Dell U3011 60Hz 30.0″ Monitor. Huge! The screen space has spoiled me. However since it’s 2560×1600 (twice the pixels of 1080p), it requires a lot of beefy hardware in order to game on it.
Secondary Monitor: Dell U2414H 60Hz 23.8″ Monitor. IPS panel with an incredibly thin bezel. Primarily used for Slack and SSH terminal windows.
Keyboard: Logitech G19. It has a little LCD built into it that’s a bit gimmicky but it’s fun. The keys can also be set to be any color although some of the lights are beginning to burn out.
Mouse: Logitech G500 Wired Laser Mouse. I love this mouse. It’s my second one after my first one finally bit the dust.
Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M50. Incredible value for money and I don’t know why I kept using crappy headphones for so long. I have many thousands of hours of use on mine and they are still working great to this day.
I’m thinking of building a PC that can play GTA 5 when it comes out at a fairly decent graphics (1080p). My budget is between $800-$1000. Any build you can recommend if you’ve got some time? Thanks!
ChooseMyPC.net has some really good pre-configured parts lists based on budgets. Note that it doesn’t include a monitor, keyboard, etc. though.
Here’s their $1000 one for example: http://choosemypc.net/build/?budget=1000&oc=false&options=os
Just adjust the slider to your budget.
GTA5’s recommended specifications are hilariously low though. A super cheap computer could do it supposedly. https://support.rockstargames.com/hc/en-us/articles/203428177
I’d personally wait a few days at the minimum and see what people and reviews say what you actually need to play it at 1080p and 60fps on good settings. I’m suspecting the requirements to get the game is look really good are going to be higher than what they recommend. Plus you should build a bit higher for future games. I’d recommend anything with a GTX 970 in it. It’s the best value for money.
Thanks for your reply! I think I’ll follow your advise and wait for reviews from PC gamers. Meanwhile I can also check if the stuff is available in my local stores.
The reason I’ve never invested in gaming machines is because I’m not a big gamer. I have a PS3 and for the most part, I’m happy with it. I’m just blown-away with the graphics of GTA 5 and as you can probably guess, I’m tempted to see if there’s anything I could find within that budget. Good thing about consoles is they are future proof. I doubt if I can get anything future proof on PC gaming side of things within that budget.
A $1000 will easily be able to keep up with games for 3-4 years, and after that you’ll just need to replace only the video card. Eventually the CPU too but you’ll be able to stretch that out longer. The great thing about a PC is that you can incrementally upgrade it. You can keep using the same case, hard drives, RAM, and other stuff.
Consoles are only future proof because games don’t keep looking better and better. Games on the 360 and PS3 look horrible now in comparison. 😉
Only if I’m wise in my choice of parts, which I’m not. 😛 I’m still deciding between getting a PS4 for now and saving the money, for their graphics is still good enough. Down the road when PC games get better than PS4, I could get a PC. But this GTA 5 is making everything go out of order.. Let’s see what I end up doing.
Thanks for your replies. 🙂 Appreciate it.