Want to spec a decent self build - questions

bhughes1986

bhughes1986

bhughes1986

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Hi all, first time poster so hopefully this is the right forum for my question..!

Currently a Macbook/XBox One user, I've realised that there is a whole wealth of games available on PC that either my Mac is unable to run effectively, or are unsuited to a console (RTS for example).

If self building is an option and it saves a recognisable amount of money then I am all for doing that - I'm fairly comfortable around PCs and have built in the past so with a bit of youtube guidance I can't see it being an issue.

In terms of performance I would like to build a machine that can comfortably run games such as COH2, Kerbal Space Program, TF2, BF4 and some of the upcoming games such as BF1 (it looks incredible!).

I've been trawling the OC retail site and have seen the following:

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ocuk...i-tower-gaming-pc-configurator-fs-007-tl.html

I have 'self assembled' the components with increases to 16GB RAM, 170 Graphics Card, an OC CPU and bigger SSD:

My basket at Overclockers UK:

Total: £951.72
(includes shipping: £0.00)
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Have I missed anything here? Am I being realistic in my expectations of how such a machine would perform? Is there scope for upgrade later down the line? Is the Asus Z170-E ATX Motherboard any better/worse that the Asus Z170-K?

More importantly, for around £950 is there a better package that I can assemble or someone can recommend? I know I need to budget for monitor and peripherals but they would fall outside this.

Very grateful for any advice/guidance.

Ben
 
Hi

First off you have 2 cpu coolers in your spec. One is included in that 8 pack bundle.

Also I wouldn't pay £250 for a GTX 970. You can get the Gigabyte version for £199 or go with an R9 390/RX 480 if you don't mind AMD.

I would probably look at adding an extra fan in the front, as you only get a rear one included.

My basket at Overclockers UK:

Total: £954.86
(includes shipping: £0.00)
​


​


This isn't pre-overclocked, but it is easy to do on the Gigabyte Z170XP-SLI board.

Have a look at this review/overclock guide posted by Stulid:

https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18690667&highlight=z170xp-sli+startername_stulid
 
Last edited:
Thanks for your replies, they are really appreciated. Lee - I take it that apart from an OS and peripherals this is good to go?

Mr S - how long until the GTX 1060 is out? Would it be compatible with the above?

Thanks again.
 
What will be the resolution of your monitor? Will you be going for GSync or FreeSync?

I won't echo the comments on going for the RX 480 / GTX 1060 over the 970. The 970 tests as good as or better than the RX 480 at 1080p and 1440p and runs cooler. The performance of the GTX 1060 has yet to be seen, but I expect it will meet or exceed the GTX 970 and has more VRAM to boot, so I would prefer that. But wait until the 1060 is tested.

If you decide to splurge on a 3440x1440 monitor, try to find the extra money for the GTX 1070.

An EATX motherboard is only of real use if you're going to have 3 or 4 GPUs.
 
Quartz said:
What will be the resolution of your monitor? Will you be going for GSync or FreeSync?

I won't echo the comments on going for the RX 480 / GTX 1060 over the 970. The 970 tests as good as or better than the RX 480 at 1080p and 1440p and runs cooler. The performance of the GTX 1060 has yet to be seen, but I expect it will meet or exceed the GTX 970 and has more VRAM to boot, so I would prefer that. But wait until the 1060 is tested.

If you decide to splurge on a 3440x1440 monitor, try to find the extra money for the GTX 1070.

An EATX motherboard is only of real use if you're going to have 3 or 4 GPUs.
Click to expand...

It all depends on the game you are playing to determine whether the RX 480 is faster or if the GTX 970 is faster. There is no clear win for either.

The Gigabyte GTX 970 (At £199.99) in my spec or the XFX R9 390 at £209.99 would be the value gpu's at the minute as the cheapest custom RX 480 is almost £250.

If you are talking about 3440 x 1440 then I would go with the R9 390 as it usually performs a bit better than the GTX 970 at higher resolutions.
 
bhughes1986 said:
Thanks for your replies, they are really appreciated. Lee - I take it that apart from an OS and peripherals this is good to go?

Mr S - how long until the GTX 1060 is out? Would it be compatible with the above?

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

Yes :)


The GTX 1060 is released around the 19th of this month from what I have read, but that will be the founders (Reference) edition if they follow the same release pattern as the 1070/1080. You then have a further wait for the aftermarket cards.

If you are just gaming at 1080p resolution then the GTX 970, R9 390 and RX 480 are the best options. The GTX 970 in my spec is currently the cheapest at £199.99.
 
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