Question / Help Anyone build computers?

[JordanMerch]

Okay so my current machine is a piece of junk and want to upgrade, but I have been told and read everywhere that it is smarter to build your own pc to save loads of money. So I assembled this: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3IhwE (I know nothing about computer parts and based this off of other peoples specs and just some knowledge I had on other computers.

Is my build good? Does it have too much? Too little?

I am just looking for a powerful machine that will be able to stream and run games (at the same time) with ease.
Price range is about 600-800 if anyone wants to help me out.

http://pcpartpicker.com (to pick your own parts)

 

[FerretBomb]

AMD APUs are notorious for being ridiculously weak. Even the high-end AMD stuff is known to deliver inconsistent, peaky performance and run particularly hot... I wouldn't bother with it. I'd go for an Intel Core i5 minimum, or preferably an i7 quad or hexacore. Really, when livestreaming the CPU is THE most important part of your system, to handle the real-time video encoding demands.

ASRock used to be good, but they're on the downhill. I only use ASUS motherboards in my own builds at this point.

You definitely don't need the sound card. Just use the on-board mobo audio. Likewise, you can hold off on a discrete GPU and just use the built-in CPU video accellerator (Intel HD whatever) for a while. It's *easy* to put in a GPU later when you have some spare cash. Not so much to swap to a new GPU or change architectures.

Strongly advise AGAINST using wifi. Run a cable. 9/10 times when someone has a problem with weird framedrops, they're using wifi. It's NOT designed for that, or as a replacement for running a cable for the lazy. It's meant for use by lightweight mobile devices.

Generally speaking, you don't NEED an optical drive in a modern system. Even if you do, going to a $10 no-name CD/DVD drive is usually a workable option... Blu-ray is a luxury, and if you're on a budget you solidly DO NOT need it, especially not for almost $60 if you're trying to come in under costs.

A-Data is a budget RAM name, but it's easily swapped out if there's a problem. I'd still recommend going to 16GB while you're already laying out the cash (preferably 2x8GB so you can expand further later). I'd be a little more concerned about using the A-Data SSD though. I'm paranoid about hard drive failures and performance... may want to Google that model and see if there are many failures/problems reported.

On the up side, good choices for the case and power supply. :)

(Yeah, one of my side jobs a few years ago was building systems for people, and getting the most bang for their buck, as well as planning ahead so they had something they could upgrade later instead of ending up at the top of a very short hill, so to speak.)

 

[JordanMerch]

AMD APUs are notorious for being ridiculously weak. Even the high-end AMD stuff is known to deliver inconsistent, peaky performance and run particularly hot... I wouldn't bother with it. I'd go for an Intel Core i5 minimum, or preferably an i7 quad or hexacore. Really, when livestreaming the CPU is THE most important part of your system, to handle the real-time video encoding demands.

ASRock used to be good, but they're on the downhill. I only use ASUS motherboards in my own builds at this point.

You definitely don't need the sound card. Just use the on-board mobo audio. Likewise, you can hold off on a discrete GPU and just use the built-in CPU video accellerator (Intel HD whatever) for a while. It's *easy* to put in a GPU later when you have some spare cash. Not so much to swap to a new GPU or change architectures.

Strongly advise AGAINST using wifi. Run a cable. 9/10 times when someone has a problem with weird framedrops, they're using wifi. It's NOT designed for that, or as a replacement for running a cable for the lazy. It's meant for use by lightweight mobile devices.

Generally speaking, you don't NEED an optical drive in a modern system. Even if you do, going to a $10 no-name CD/DVD drive is usually a workable option... Blu-ray is a luxury, and if you're on a budget you solidly DO NOT need it, especially not for almost $60 if you're trying to come in under costs.

A-Data is a budget RAM name, but it's easily swapped out if there's a problem. I'd still recommend going to 16GB while you're already laying out the cash (preferably 2x8GB so you can expand further later). I'd be a little more concerned about using the A-Data SSD though. I'm paranoid about hard drive failures and performance... may want to Google that model and see if there are many failures/problems reported.

On the up side, good choices for the case and power supply. :)

(Yeah, one of my side jobs a few years ago was building systems for people, and getting the most bang for their buck, as well as planning ahead so they had something they could upgrade later instead of ending up at the top of a very short hill, so to speak.)

thanks man, I'l try a new build when I get home, just leaving or work, really appreciate your help!

 

[JordanMerch]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3IPaa

is this build any better?

Could you maybe tweek it for me man?

AMD APUs are notorious for being ridiculously weak. Even the high-end AMD stuff is known to deliver inconsistent, peaky performance and run particularly hot... I wouldn't bother with it. I'd go for an Intel Core i5 minimum, or preferably an i7 quad or hexacore. Really, when livestreaming the CPU is THE most important part of your system, to handle the real-time video encoding demands.

ASRock used to be good, but they're on the downhill. I only use ASUS motherboards in my own builds at this point.

You definitely don't need the sound card. Just use the on-board mobo audio. Likewise, you can hold off on a discrete GPU and just use the built-in CPU video accellerator (Intel HD whatever) for a while. It's *easy* to put in a GPU later when you have some spare cash. Not so much to swap to a new GPU or change architectures.

Strongly advise AGAINST using wifi. Run a cable. 9/10 times when someone has a problem with weird framedrops, they're using wifi. It's NOT designed for that, or as a replacement for running a cable for the lazy. It's meant for use by lightweight mobile devices.

Generally speaking, you don't NEED an optical drive in a modern system. Even if you do, going to a $10 no-name CD/DVD drive is usually a workable option... Blu-ray is a luxury, and if you're on a budget you solidly DO NOT need it, especially not for almost $60 if you're trying to come in under costs.

A-Data is a budget RAM name, but it's easily swapped out if there's a problem. I'd still recommend going to 16GB while you're already laying out the cash (preferably 2x8GB so you can expand further later). I'd be a little more concerned about using the A-Data SSD though. I'm paranoid about hard drive failures and performance... may want to Google that model and see if there are many failures/problems reported.

On the up side, good choices for the case and power supply. :)

(Yeah, one of my side jobs a few years ago was building systems for people, and getting the most bang for their buck, as well as planning ahead so they had something they could upgrade later instead of ending up at the top of a very short hill, so to speak.)

 

[AndehX]

That system would be no good for streaming really. You want to move away from AMD CPU's alltogether. Go for a Core i7 4770K if you can. If not go for the Core i5 4670K. get a Z97 motherboard to give you upgrade options in the future.

 

[DJ411]

$600-$800 for a gaming and streaming pc? that might be tough. I just built a dedi streaming machine for around $1200 alone. But i had parts from my other pc so its more like $2000 Streaming PC atm.

Here is a cheap PC built for streaming. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3zOEF Just add any GPU you want that meets the requirements and you should be good to go. Maybe increase the ram too as you would be gaming on this machine.

 

[FerretBomb]

Steps in the right direction. Again, DITCH THE VIDEO CARD FOR NOW. You can use the one built-into the i5/i7. It isn't glorious and you won't be able to run everything maxed out, but it will put you into a MUCH better position to grow into things as more money becomes available and you become able to afford a discrete GPU, and it'll run many games competently.

Definitely don't need Corsair Vengeance memory, budget RAM is fine. Stuff like A-Data and Kingston work just as well, despite what Corsair will tell you.

Find an ASUS bundled motherboard and a mid-end i7. Use the money you save from not buying a video card to upgrade the *most important* parts of the system for a livestreamer... the CPU and motherboard.

I'd probably go with something like this: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3IZjp
It runs over your price by a good bit, but it'll be a VERY solid streaming and gaming machine up until you hit the point where a standalone encoder becomes a requirement. Even then, it could BE your standalone encoder. Really, the trick is to build a system around the important bits... and for livestreaming? That's the CPU.

Heck, with some more slack in the budget, I'd have dropped in a hexacore instead of a quad.

 

[flavored]

While everyone here is going crazy with Intel cpus and are telling you to stay away from AMD I'm going to say that a a relatively cheap AMD FX8320 (hell, even 4350 might do) is absolutely wonderful to play and stream on. 8 cores, great performance it is more expensive though than what you've been choosing so far, but performance wise it is probably the bare minimum you should have this day and age :)

The builds you've been showing are somewhat atrocious (no offence) you really need to discuss this with someone who knows what you're getting into. Streaming is a heavily CPU intensive process thus it has to be capable AND to play modern games you also need a good video card and while people do okay with 650 the best money-to-performance value would probably be GTX770 at the moment (sadly, don't know much about modern ATI cards).

 

[AndehX]

with all due respect to what flavoured says there, hes is bang on with everything he said, except that for the sake of peace of mind and future upgradability, you would definitely be better off with the i7 4770K CPU. It has the integrated GPU which FerretBomb talks about, and it sounds to me like you would GREATLY benefit from the use of intels quicksync technology. Quicksync in the 4770K works VERY well, and while you probably wouldn't be able to use it effectively until you get a descrete GPU, it still does wonders for anyone who plays games, and live streams from the same machine.

FerretBombs spec just above, looks solid, except I would go for one of the new Z97 motherboards to give you room to upgrade in the future. Also I would ditch the SSD for now, to bring the price down. SSD's are not required at all for live streaming, and are really just a luxery for those of us who can afford them.

 

[JordanMerch]

Steps in the right direction. Again, DITCH THE VIDEO CARD FOR NOW. You can use the one built-into the i5/i7. It isn't glorious and you won't be able to run everything maxed out, but it will put you into a MUCH better position to grow into things as more money becomes available and you become able to afford a discrete GPU, and it'll run many games competently.

Definitely don't need Corsair Vengeance memory, budget RAM is fine. Stuff like A-Data and Kingston work just as well, despite what Corsair will tell you.

Find an ASUS bundled motherboard and a mid-end i7. Use the money you save from not buying a video card to upgrade the *most important* parts of the system for a livestreamer... the CPU and motherboard.

I'd probably go with something like this: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3IZjp
It runs over your price by a good bit, but it'll be a VERY solid streaming and gaming machine up until you hit the point where a standalone encoder becomes a requirement. Even then, it could BE your standalone encoder. Really, the trick is to build a system around the important bits... and for livestreaming? That's the CPU.

Heck, with some more slack in the budget, I'd have dropped in a hexacore instead of a quad.

It just sucks that I know nothing about this stuff, but I do trust you since you don't really have any reason to steer me wrong, I guess I'll save up a couple more weeks paychecks ;) Thanks man!

 

[Boildown]

The real question is: Can you get yourself to a Microcenter when they have a crazy-good i7 CPU/MB combo price going?

 

[FerretBomb]

FerretBombs spec just above, looks solid, except I would go for one of the new Z97 motherboards to give you room to upgrade in the future. Also I would ditch the SSD for now, to bring the price down. SSD's are not required at all for live streaming, and are really just a luxery for those of us who can afford them.

Eh, I went for the Maximus as it's a known solid performer, and helps to keep the costs down a bit as it is a little older. Has most of the important futureproofing bits. Any particular reason to go for a Z97? From what I was reading, they were mostly hype, with the next major refresh moving to BGA processors. I may have missed something of course.
I'd moderately agree on the SSD, but it's usually a lot easier to just grab one up-front than spend the time cloning and transferring things over to fit one later. The price isn't terrible, though I'm still not crazy about the brand. Even if he went for a cheap 1TB drive though, he'd only be saving maybe $20-30. Really the bit I worry most about is that Hyper 212 EVO. It's a great cooler... but it's BIG. I'm not sure about the clearances for it, the mobo/cpu, and that case. It'd suck to have to cut a hole in the side if you needed an extra few cm (though could look bad-ass if done right, it's not a prospect for the new builder).

I'd definitely have to disagree with Flavored. No QSV option (necessary especially toward end-of-life), and inconsistent performance makes AMD a no-go in my book for anything real-time, even without the heat issues they tend to have. A cheap renderfarm where it can grind for hours? Sure. But they've been focussing on the budget end for a while, and it shows. That's not a compliment, either.

Cheers Jordan; I'd still recommend doing research on all the stuff involved. This contains a lot of personal preference and 'works for me', even aside from the technical high-points. Likewise, Boildown's mention is absolutely correct... Microcenter or Fry's running a kickass combo is going to give you the most bang for your buck, if you can wait for one to come along. There are other methods, but they take practice (how to effectively negotiate an off-promo discount/bundle).

 

[AndehX]

Z97 will allow upgrading to "Devil's Canyon" CPU's and "Broadwell" CPU's later this year. There isn't much point investing in Z87 at this point. The prices are basically the same, and you're just limiting yourself.

 

[JordanMerch]

lets say i was doing this STRICTLY for stream, take out the gaming, maybe an occasional game once and a while.. would that change the build at all?

 

[flavored]

to strictly stream you need to ensure you have a decent processor, reliable memory. Cheapest motherboard with onboard graphics will do in this case. But you need to have a decent processor which can handle encoding without causing a nuclear explosion.

 

[FerretBomb]

Strictly to stream... as in playing on another system and using a capture card (or local-capturing at an insanely high bitrate via NVENC or QSV and sending it over the LAN to the other system), with the system you're building being purely for encoding grunt-work? I'd probably go for a multi-processor Xeon server system, in that case. You can get them for surprisingly inexpensive rates.

 

[JordanMerch]

Strictly to stream... as in playing on another system and using a capture card (or local-capturing at an insanely high bitrate via NVENC or QSV and sending it over the LAN to the other system), with the system you're building being purely for encoding grunt-work? I'd probably go for a multi-processor Xeon server system, in that case. You can get them for surprisingly inexpensive rates.

yeah so if i was streaming call of duty or some other game (from my xbox) via el gato. Not really using the pc for much else.

Quick build?

 

[JordanMerch]

bump? looking for a build, pretty much just for streaming, minimal gaming on the pc.

 

[Shooter90]

Used your last parts picker update to calculate your wattage using this: http://support.asus.com/PowerSupply.aspx?SLanguage=en

Maybe aim for a 500 watt PSU. Look into a cheaper 600 first and see if you can go lower the price while keeping efficiency. Maybe that will save you some money.

Agree with Ferret, go server if you are just going to use it to process/encode data.