Guide: Building a PC to play FFXIV

[abknight]

Re: Guide: Building a PC to play FFXIV

lol, i was suspicious too, but then again i'm the paranoid type.
but he did help me alot, he suggested this build for my first attempt at building a pc. tell me what you guys think:

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GV-R577SO-1GD Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Green WD15EARS 1.5TB 64MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Newegg.com - Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner - CD / DVD Burners

seems on the up and up^^

I'd stay away from the combo deals. Newegg takes components that they're having trouble selling, puts them together, and offers a small "combo discount." That case is garbage. It has 2 exhaust fans and no intake fans, so right away you'd have to spring for a couple of fans and install them, yourself. You can get a much nicer case for less money (Newegg.com - AZZA Helios 910 Black Japanese SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case).

The CPU is fine,board is probably fine, usually RAM is RAM. There's a chance you'll get a bad stick of RAM from any manufacturer. Go to MSI's website and find the RAM quality vendor list to see what your other options are. There may be something of better quality for cheaper.

That HDD is a bad, bad idea. It's slower than balls and unless you are building a porn server you're never gonna fill 1.5TB. I'd recommend Newegg.com - SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive . It's as fast as some lower end SSD.

DVD drive doesn't matter. Anyone here will probably tell you to spend $50 more for a GTX 460, or $100 more for a 5850. Keep in mind that the motherboard only supports crossfire, not SLI.

Even for your first PC build, I really recommend you spend the time (seriously, a couple hundred hours over a few weeks if you are interested enough) to browse the net and learn about components and building. Hopefully you'll end up making a much wiser decision and saving a lot of money for this and future builds.

[KeechwaTembo]

Re: Guide: Building a PC to play FFXIV

I've been spending hours a day on this for a couple weeks now, problem is, 90% of "computer speak" is gibberish to me.

What one guy says is perfect for me/my budget, another says he's completely wrong. Who am I supposed to believe, know what I mean?

It's infuriating at times.>.<

[KeechwaTembo]

Re: Guide: Building a PC to play FFXIV

K, just tweaked the build a bit, and here's what I got so far:

Same graphics card: Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GV-R577SO-1GD Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

Same CPU: Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ955FBGMBOX

The case you suggested abknight: Newegg.com - AZZA Helios 910 Black Japanese SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Different RAM based on reviews(775 total, 81% 5/5): Newegg.com - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL

With HDD, I'm torn between your suggestion ab, and another guy's:

Yours: Newegg.com - SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

His: Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Only difference I can see is the first one has 16mb cache, and the other has 32mb cache for like $10 more. My question is, is it really worth it for the extra 16mb, and which is better quality over all?

Well that just leaves motherboard, DVD drive, and power supply, unless I'm forgetting something. So please feel free to help with some suggestions. Priority being the MB of course, since the dvd is probably a "just pick one" situation, and power supply's probably a similar setup, maybe a little more specific.

Thanks again.

[DakAttack]

Re: Guide: Building a PC to play FFXIV

So, I was going to reccommend this mobo, below, but I realized it doesn't support SATA 3.0, so you'll probably want to continue looking. It's a good starting point, though, because it supports your RAM, CPU, and is the same manufacturer as your GPU. If you think you may ever want to Crossfire, you'll definitely want to find a mobo that can support two GPUs both in x16 mode, but that'll cost more. Generally, you should be able to find something that supports SATA 3.0 around this price.

Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3 AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard

[WishMaster3K]

Re: Guide: Building a PC to play FFXIV

K, just tweaked the build a bit, and here's what I got so far:

Same graphics card: Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GV-R577SO-1GD Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

Same CPU: Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ955FBGMBOX

The case you suggested abknight: Newegg.com - AZZA Helios 910 Black Japanese SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Different RAM based on reviews(775 total, 81% 5/5): Newegg.com - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL

With HDD, I'm torn between your suggestion ab, and another guy's:

Yours: Newegg.com - SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

His: Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Only difference I can see is the first one has 16mb cache, and the other has 32mb cache for like $10 more. My question is, is it really worth it for the extra 16mb, and which is better quality over all?

Well that just leaves motherboard, DVD drive, and power supply, unless I'm forgetting something. So please feel free to help with some suggestions. Priority being the MB of course, since the dvd is probably a "just pick one" situation, and power supply's probably a similar setup, maybe a little more specific.

Thanks again.

The 5770 should be fine for the game. You won't be TOO pleased with the graphics, but at the very least, you can CFX another one in about a year and be fine. I run an OC'd 5870 and the game looks great on my rig in 1920 x 1080, so even at 1600 x 900 or 1440 with yours, it'll be awesome. But, might I suggest this card? I have the 5870 version of that, and the architecture is awesome and my card stays VERY cool. It's also very quiet even at 100% fan speed.

Definitely look for Black Edition AMD CPUs, I have the 955 as well and it overclocks very well. Might I also suggest you ditch the stock heat sink and add this to your order? Zalman CPU coolers that are compatible with AM3 socket type

For cases, go with reviews and looks; ultimately you have to like it. That case you have looks good, and it looks like it has a good deal of fans. Does it have on-board fan speed control? This is the case I have, and it's a bit pricey. I personally think it's worth it because I have great airflow and I can hide all the cables in a panel under the mobo that thumbscrews off.

I haven't investigated your link beyond looking at the specs, but check to see if there is any mention (or pics) of it's wire management system. Also, check out Youtube or google for reviews and installation tips for whatever case you're looking into.

I use GSkill RAM, but mine doesn't have those Teeth at the top and was about $10 more expensive. I trust them though, so that should be fine.

And did you read my outdated first post? >.< You should have started with the motherboard...
You can start here for motherboards. I already trimmed down the mobos that accept AM3 and have 2 PCI-E 2.0 slots, so look at reviews for mobos in your price range.

I personally prefer a modular power supply. Also check out the minimum wattage needed for your GPU.

Newegg has a calculator that gives you an idea of what kind of PSU you should be getting for your rig. FYI, most people have "Regular" motherboards.

Pick an optical drive that burns DVDs at a decent speed; they can be found for under $30.

[DakAttack]

Re: Guide: Building a PC to play FFXIV

I use A-DATA Gaming Series, and they work fine for me. Nothing to mention as either positive or negative. The teeth are heat spreaders, and may interfere with certain CPU cooler fans, depending on its positioning. It's really only necessary if you plan to OC, though, because they probably wont get enough heat to spread otherwise.

[KeechwaTembo]

Re: Guide: Building a PC to play FFXIV

K, here's the new build:

Graphics card you suggested WishMaster3K: Newegg.com - MSI R5770 Hawk Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

Same CPU: Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ955FBGMBOX

Same case: Newegg.com - AZZA Helios 910 Black Japanese SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Same RAM: Newegg.com - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL

HDD I think I'm gonna go with: Newegg.com - SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

DVD Burner, unless anyone has a better suggestion: Newegg.com - ASUS Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - CD / DVD Burners

Motherboard I want to run by you guys: Newegg.com - MSI 870A-G54 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

Which just leaves power supply. Did the calculator thing, and it said "recommended PSU wattage: 438W". So with that in mind, any suggetions? And of course any tweaks at all, I'd love to hear em.

[DakAttack]

Re: Guide: Building a PC to play FFXIV

With that motherboard you'll have one PCI-E 2.0 x16 slot running in x16 mode, and another running in x4 mode, meaning only 1/4th the amount of data will pass through it. It wont Crossfire well if you ever become interested in it.

You should do fine with a 500W power supply, just make sure it's quality.

[WishMaster3K]

Re: Guide: Building a PC to play FFXIV

With that motherboard you'll have one PCI-E 2.0 x16 slot running in x16 mode, and another running in x4 mode, meaning only 1/4th the amount of data will pass through it. It wont Crossfire well if you ever become interested in it.

You should do fine with a 500W power supply, just make sure it's quality.

Agreed. Look for a 16/8 if anything, because a 5770 is good but will become dated soon. AMD cards scale well when run in parallel, and unlike sli, you don't need exactly the same card (or something like that. I forget exactly what the requirements of SLI are). I fully support getting a 16/8 board. You could also do 16/16, but its been benched to show only a minuscule difference.

[wrongfeifong]

Re: Guide: Building a PC to play FFXIV

Agreed. Look for a 16/8 if anything, because a 5770 is good but will become dated soon. AMD cards scale well when run in parallel, and unlike sli, you don't need exactly the same card (or something like that. I forget exactly what the requirements of SLI are). I fully support getting a 16/8 board. You could also do 16/16, but its been benched to show only a minuscule difference.

If you call 15% differences is minuscule. Yea sure. Don't worry your overclock might only give that 15% as well. Why overclock when it is minuscule ? You have consider this.

Second card OC you get another 15% on top of that 15% overclock ..but i never OC xfire GPU so i can't tell if you can.

[WishMaster3K]

Re: Guide: Building a PC to play FFXIV

If you call 15% differences is minuscule. Yea sure. Don't worry your overclock might only give that 15% as well. Why overclock when it is minuscule ? You have consider this.

Second card OC you get another 15% on top of that 15% overclock ..but i never OC xfire GPU so i can't tell if you can.

I'm sure the price difference between a card that has x16/x16 compared to a x16/x8 or a x16/x4 is negligable when you're making a rig that's upwards of $1000+, but to people keeping rigs on budgets, the difference of $20 might be a big deal.

All I'm saying is that I read two articles that highlighted that the difference isn't really that apparent. 15% is a gross exaggeration, and maybe we're reading different benchmarks under different builds under different circumstances, so I'll just link you to the post I've read.

Introduction - GTX 480 SLI @ 2560x1600 - GTX 480 SLI PCIe Bandwidth Perf. - x16/x16 vs. x8/x8 | [H]ard|OCP

[KeechwaTembo]

Re: Guide: Building a PC to play FFXIV

Alright, I decided on a PSU(read some really good things about corsair): Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

And regarding the MB, I can't find a good one with 16/8 for a similar price. My total atm is $765.92, and the budget's supposed to be $700>.>

With shipping, make that $790.17, and if I count the MIRs, subtract like $70 from the total, so about $720.17. Still over, so I'm not sure if I can slap an extra $40 or so to upgrade to a 16/8.

Other than that though, pretty much decided on everything but MB. If you can suggest a reliable MB with 16/8 if possible for even near $100, that would be great.

[WishMaster3K]

Re: Guide: Building a PC to play FFXIV

And regarding the MB, I can't find a good one with 16/8 for a similar price. My total atm is $765.92, and the budget's supposed to be $700>.>

Define "good". What price were you looking at, btw?

This is the motherboard I have, for example, so I'm not sure what comparative mobos you saw.

---------- Post added at 10:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:03 PM ----------

Oh nvm, I see that in post #337

[KeechwaTembo]

Re: Guide: Building a PC to play FFXIV

Just checked that MB out, and it looks great. Think I might be done^^

---------- Post added at 07:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:21 PM ----------

K, so here's the, for now at least, final build:

Case: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811517007

Graphics: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814127490

CPU: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819103808

Memory: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820231277

HDD: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16822152181

DVD Burner: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16827135204

PSU: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817139005

And MB: Newegg.com - ASUS M4A79XTD EVO AM3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard

Mind giving the list a once over guys? Just to make sure everything's good quality, and more importantly, compatible with each other. Thanks.

[abknight]

Re: Guide: Building a PC to play FFXIV

Mostly looks fine, not sure about the mobo. If you're going to crossfire in the future I'd say spend the extra $20-30 on a board that fully supports dual x16. I don't have time to mill through everything on newegg right now, just happened across Newegg.com - MSI 790FX-GD70 AM3 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard . Someone else should search. Are you planning on using the stock heatsink that comes with the CPU? I don't know how it will handle the heat. If you are using it, you'll need to buy some thermal paste for 5 bucks.