Recommendations for PC for a friend

[Devastator0]

Hi All,

I've been hit up by a friend of mine who wants to try and build a solid gaming PC in preparation for Baldur's Gate 3 (but also to play some older and other games - won't be playing anything cutting edge at the initial stages). My friend doesn't have a massive budget so I've basically been tasked to try and put together a listing of parts for him and then put this rig together for him. I haven't put together a mid-range PC for quite some time so I'm not really fully across all of the hardware in that range. I would welcome any recommendations on parts and optimal configurations. If it helps, we're located in Sydney, Australia and his budget would have to be sub $1000AUD. My friend is pretty adamant on getting stuff locally in AU for warranty purposes etc. He's kind of funny like that. PC would also just need to be capable of solid 1080p gaming. No 1440p or 4K stuff for this one.

If you need me to provide any further information or answer any questions, just post and I'll reply.

Cheers to anyone who posts/provides advice.

 

[oxrufiioxo]

System Builder

au.pcpartpicker.com

I'm thinking with the terrible prices over there this is about the best you could do.


I would say have him wait for Ryzen 3000 but it may be out of his Budget.

 

[Devastator0]

System Builder

au.pcpartpicker.com

I'm thinking with the terrible prices over there this is about the best you could do.


I would say have him wait for Ryzen 3000 but it may be out of his Budget.

Thanks for that mate, yeah, the pricing that we get hit with down here is pretty shocking. It's why I've been struggling to get something suitable together for him. Cheers again for that one.

 

[nothappy]

Its a good batch of devices there, mine is more good enough case, cut down on the Power suply rating, and future proof Storage :

System Builder

au.pcpartpicker.com

I'm a bit more frugal, in a way ... hows the second hand pricing down there? maybe ex mining GPU's

Better ask your friend and drill down on his prefference, I am more of an internist (better units inside), My case is nofrils, but a beast lay beneath

I tried my local indonesian retailer and was shocked that you guys get BETTER pricing, If I try to match the units I atleast pay 1400 AUD here in indonesia

 

[Devastator0]

Its a good batch of devices there, mine is more good enough case, cut down on the Power suply rating, and future proof Storage :

System Builder

au.pcpartpicker.com

I'm a bit more frugal, in a way ... hows the second hand pricing down there? maybe ex mining GPU's

Better ask your friend and drill down on his prefference, I am more of an internist (better units inside), My case is nofrils, but a beast lay beneath

I tried my local indonesian retailer and was shocked that you guys get BETTER pricing, If I try to match the units I atleast pay 1400 AUD here in indonesia

Thanks for your input on this one mate, unfortunately the 2nd hand market down here in Sydney isn’t fantastic. The issue I tend to find is that people seem to over estimate the value of their old hardware and it tends to keep the pricing of older hardware quite high.

I do keep a lookout for any decent deals but they are few and far between. But yeah I’ll have to have more of a chat with my mate about this to figure out his preferance.

And wow, it’s really worse in Indo? My sympathies my dude, I know some places really get ripped off but we down here are feeling it at the moment.

 

[racer243l]

Really expensive I have to say. I also came up with a little list for you

System Builder

au.pcpartpicker.com

 

[BarbaricSoul]

just because I don't like micro-ATX and feel a gaming computer needs at least a RX 580-

https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/sjgpfH

 

[Mitchie23]

Found decent articles for that. Building a Gaming PC and Why gaming PC is better than Pre-built PC?
both listed the necessary components and ranked them according to affordability and features. I'm planning to design my own gaming rig and did a little research as well. so far my realisation is, better performance requires a higher budget.

For those who have built theirs, can you post your hardware specs? thank you very much!!

System Builder

au.pcpartpicker.com

I'm thinking with the terrible prices over there this is about the best you could do.


I would say have him wait for Ryzen 3000 but it may be out of his Budget.

yeaa I couldn't agree more. As tempted as anyone might be to dive into the hype, I also recommend that one should wait it out a few more years when it’s become more mainstream and much more affordable.

 

[BarbaricSoul]

Found decent articles for that. Building a Gaming PC and Why gaming PC is better than Pre-built PC?
both listed the necessary components and ranked them according to affordability and features. I'm planning to design my own gaming rig and did a little research as well. so far my realisation is, better performance requires a higher budget.

For those who have built theirs, can you post your hardware specs? thank you very much!!




yeaa I couldn't agree more. As tempted as anyone might be to dive into the hype, I also recommend that one should wait it out a few more years when it’s become more mainstream and much more affordable.

First off, it is always better to start to new thread focused on your subject than coming into someone else's thread and asking a question off topic (that's referred to as "thread high-jacking")

Now, since you did ask a question, I'll give an answer. It is always better to do your own research and come up with a basic starting point for a build. Then I find it very helpful to take the build, and post it on a tech website like Techpower Up for review and change suggestions. If you can get 5-10 people to review your build and make changes, it usually results in both performance gains and cost reductions. Take this thread for example. The first build included a m-ATX motherboard (not needed unless building a small form-factor build IMHO, ATX gives more room for air-circulation around system components for better cooling), a RX 570 GPU, and a $125 case (too expensive for this budget IMHO). It has since been given options for a RX 580 GPU, ATX form factor, more budget minded case, and several different storage options.

As for seeing builds people have done, just click the system specs link under our name

 

[Mitchie23]

First off, it is always better to start to new thread focused on your subject than coming into someone else's thread and asking a question off topic (that's referred to as "thread high-jacking")

Now, since you did ask a question, I'll give an answer. It is always better to do your own research and come up with a basic starting point for a build. Then I find it very helpful to take the build, and post it on a tech website like Techpower Up for review and change suggestions. If you can get 5-10 people to review your build and make changes, it usually results in both performance gains and cost reductions. Take this thread for example. The first build included a m-ATX motherboard (not needed unless building a small form-factor build IMHO, ATX gives more room for air-circulation around system components for better cooling), a RX 570 GPU, and a $125 case (too expensive for this budget IMHO). It has since been given options for a RX 580 GPU, ATX form factor, more budget minded case, and several different storage options.

Hi @BarbaricSoul thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it. I love how helpful this community is. will do better next time.
also, thank you for answering my query!

 

[Splinterdog]

AMD has to be cheaper than Intel, surely.

 

[BarbaricSoul]

AMD has to be cheaper than Intel, surely.

Well considering out of 4 build suggestions, all four included the Ryzen 2600, that kinda points to the fact that the 2600 is the CPU for this budget. But if your curious, for the cost of the 2600, for Intel, you're looking at a i3 9100 for $10 more.

 

[bug]

@Devastator0 Maybe wait for Zen2, see what that does to prices on current parts?
Normally, waiting is a never-ending game, but right now Zen2 is less than a month away.

 

[dirtyferret]

Hi All,

I've been hit up by a friend of mine who wants to try and build a solid gaming PC in preparation for Baldur's Gate 3 (but also to play some older and other games - won't be playing anything cutting edge at the initial stages). My friend doesn't have a massive budget so I've basically been tasked to try and put together a listing of parts for him and then put this rig together for him. I haven't put together a mid-range PC for quite some time so I'm not really fully across all of the hardware in that range. I would welcome any recommendations on parts and optimal configurations. If it helps, we're located in Sydney, Australia and his budget would have to be sub $1000AUD. My friend is pretty adamant on getting stuff locally in AU for warranty purposes etc. He's kind of funny like that. PC would also just need to be capable of solid 1080p gaming. No 1440p or 4K stuff for this one.

If you need me to provide any further information or answer any questions, just post and I'll reply.

Cheers to anyone who posts/provides advice.

I see two paths for you;

Path 1 - Clearly the only proper gaming PC to build is the one in my specs as those are the only "right" parts and any deviation would be wrong and open you and your friend up to ridicule and shame.

Path 2 - While it's too early for hardware requirements it seems from the timelines announced by Larian that Baldurs Gate III will use the same or a similar engine to their studio's Divinity Engine 3.0. That means the first two cores will be pushed to the max with little improvement past four threads (think WoW).

Something along the lines of an i3-8100 (or similar IPC per core) and AMD 570 will do the trick. I would avoid CPUs that drop below that level of IPC even if they offer more cores.

You can choose which path best works for you...I prefer the former....

 

[Splinterdog]

I see two paths for you;

Path 1 - Clearly the only proper gaming PC to build is the one in my specs as those are the only "right" parts and any deviation would be wrong and open you and your friend up to ridicule and shame.

Path 2 - While it's too early for hardware requirements it seems from the timelines announced by Larian that Baldurs Gate III will use the same or a similar engine to their studio's Divinity Engine 3.0. That means the first two cores will be pushed to the max with little improvement past four threads (think WoW).

Something along the lines of an i3-8100 (or similar IPC per core) and AMD 570 will do the trick. I would avoid CPUs that drop below that level of IPC even if they offer more cores.

You can choose which path best works for you...I prefer the former....

Are you suggesting integrated graphics? The i3-8100 uses UHD graphics 630, I believe.

 

[dirtyferret]

Are you suggesting integrated graphics? The i3-8100 uses UHD graphics 630, I believe.

"Something along the lines of an i3-8100 (or similar IPC per core) and AMD 570 "

IPC not iGPU

What Is a CPU's IPC? A Basic Definition

What is the meaning of a CPU's IPC? Instruction per cycle/clock explained.

www.tomshardware.com

AMD 570

AMD RX 570 4GB review: the best budget graphics card around today

Now the dust has settled after the GPU mining tunnels collapsed, the RX 570 has emerged as the absolute best cheap GPU

www.pcgamesn.com

 

[Kapone33]

If money is an object the R5 2400G 4/8 works great as a gaming chip. I would do that instead of the 2600 if you are worried about cost. If I were not getting that the 2600 is a no brainer. Combine that with a cheap B450 a nice 570 4GB and 16 GB of TEAM RAM. In a few weeks look for some nice X370 or X470 boards on the used market.

 

[Devastator0]

I really appreciate everyone’s feedback and suggestions on this one. I’ll be seeing my mate this upcoming weekend so I’ll have a sit down and have a chat with him to find out what he wants to do. I don’t think Ryzen 3000 will be an option due to the impending price rise that’s going to come with it. 2nd gen Ryzen may be the way to go and as previously mentioned, hopefully when 3rd gen comes out, 2nd gen will have a price drop...hopefully.

 

[bug]

I really appreciate everyone’s feedback and suggestions on this one. I’ll be seeing my mate this upcoming weekend so I’ll have a sit down and have a chat with him to find out what he wants to do. I don’t think Ryzen 3000 will be an option due to the impending price rise that’s going to come with it. 2nd gen Ryzen may be the way to go and as previously mentioned, hopefully when 3rd gen comes out, 2nd gen will have a price drop...hopefully.

Fwiw, there's theoretically no price hike for Zen2. The 3600 (non X) can be had for USD199. In fact, the IPC uplift that comes with it is just what the doctor ordered for gaming. And you can use it on existing mobos. You pretty much have to, considering the expected prices for new mobos. The problem I see is availability and the price premium for early adopters.
Long story short, don't dismiss Zen2 just yet. It may end up being out of your friend's reach, but if it doesn't it would be sweet bonus.

 

[Devastator0]

Fwiw, there's theoretically no price hike for Zen2. The 3600 (non X) can be had for USD199. In fact, the IPC uplift that comes with it is just what the doctor ordered for gaming. And you can use it on existing mobos. You pretty much have to, considering the expected prices for new mobos. The problem I see is availability and the price premium for early adopters.
Long story short, don't dismiss Zen2 just yet. It may end up being out of your friend's reach, but if it doesn't it would be sweet bonus.

Yeah, I totally understand what you’re saying there mate, but going by with how I’ve seen new hardware launches go for here in AU, we get completely destroyed on pricing, regardless of the RRP’s or whatever the pricing is in the US. No way to actually know for certain until the actual launch happens and they are up for sale but yeah.

 

[kurosagi01]

This is what I'd do if getting all new :
Although if your friend requires Windows then it will definitely alter all the builds recommended altogether.
If he requires it then he will have to folk out another 100-200.
The GPU can be swapped out if you want push to the full 1000 budget for a 1660ti.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 3 2200G 3.5 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($135.00 @ Shopping Express)
Motherboard: ASRock - B450M Pro4-F Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($99.00 @ Umart)
Memory: G.Skill - Trident Z 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($78.10 @ Newegg Australia)
Storage: Crucial - MX500 500 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.00 @ Umart)
Video Card: PowerColor - Radeon RX 590 8 GB RED DRAGON Video Card ($359.60 @ Newegg Australia)
Case: Corsair - Carbide Series 88R MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($70.80 @ Device Deal)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12III 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($94.50 @ Newegg Australia)
Case Fan: Corsair - Air Series SP120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 37.85 CFM 120 mm Fans ($34.00 @ JW Computers)
Total: $960.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-06-19 20:59 AEST+1000

 

[bug]

@kurosagi01 500GB SSD for gaming? That's not going to cut it, he's going to have to uninstall titles all the time.
My 256GB Windows drive only has 10GB left (I definitely need to do some cleanup) and my games are on a different drive.

 

[Kapone33]

This is what I'd do if getting all new :
Although if your friend requires Windows then it will definitely alter all the builds recommended altogether.
If he requires it then he will have to folk out another 100-200.
The GPU can be swapped out if you want push to the full 1000 budget for a 1660ti.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 3 2200G 3.5 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($135.00 @ Shopping Express)
Motherboard: ASRock - B450M Pro4-F Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($99.00 @ Umart)
Memory: G.Skill - Trident Z 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($78.10 @ Newegg Australia)
Storage: Crucial - MX500 500 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.00 @ Umart)
Video Card: PowerColor - Radeon RX 590 8 GB RED DRAGON Video Card ($359.60 @ Newegg Australia)
Case: Corsair - Carbide Series 88R MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($70.80 @ Device Deal)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12III 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($94.50 @ Newegg Australia)
Case Fan: Corsair - Air Series SP120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 37.85 CFM 120 mm Fans ($34.00 @ JW Computers)
Total: $960.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-06-19 20:59 AEST+1000

You don't need a 590 8GB for 1080P gaming. A 570 4GB or 8 GB would be a better fit for this budget. The MX500 is a great drive but Adata or Silicon Power drives are usually cheaper and just as good.

 

[kurosagi01]

@kurosagi01 500GB SSD for gaming? That's not going to cut it, he's going to have to uninstall titles all the time.
My 256GB Windows drive only has 10GB left (I definitely need to do some cleanup) and my games are on a different drive.

I don't see the harm in having a better lasting and performing GPU if budget can fit it even if it is 1080P gaming, what if his friend decided to play other games that are more demanding? Sure the CPU i've picked may not be the best of choice for any upcoming games but the combo will allow him to play any other demanding games at medium-high comfortably with good frame-rate.
Storage will always be a debate, his friend can easily buy a larger storage drive at later date if he likes, plus I don't see the harm in uninstalling games to replace it with another game if you're done with the game? I'm juggling games perfectly fine with a dedicated 500GB SSD for games which has about 6-8 games installed at the moment but if I run low then i'd just uninstall the games to make room for next.

You don't need a 590 8GB for 1080P gaming. A 570 4GB or 8 GB would be a better fit for this budget. The MX500 is a great drive but Adata or Silicon Power drives are usually cheaper and just as good.

Comments above about the GPU choice.
Yes I'm sure Adata and other brands available are probably cheaper but I just went with a manufacture i'm more familiar with.
The build I shared is just my opinion, If you can fit in a better GPU into the budget even if it exceed the requirements for XYZ game etc then I would do it for the better overall performance.
That 10-20 fps gain picking a 590 or 1660 or 1660ti or even 580 will provide a better overall experience in games.

 

[bug]

Storage will always be a debate, his friend can easily buy a larger storage drive at later date if he likes, plus I don't see the harm in uninstalling games to replace it with another game if you're done with the game? I'm juggling games perfectly fine with a dedicated 500GB SSD for games which has about 6-8 games installed at the moment but if I run low then i'd just uninstall the games to make room for next.

There you go. 6-8 games on a dedicated 500GB drive. Q.e.d.