Custom Built PC

Suayngam

Active Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2009
Messages
356
Hi guys, I am going to be switching from this computer (ASUS Laptop) to a desktop. The problem I'm having is that I don't know what site I should buy it from. I want to run ARMA 3 on Ultra Settings (Max Settings) without any lag at all. What site would you guys recommend? I was thinking about http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/ but I don't know.
 
Build it yourself, it's not hard at all and you're going to need to save all the money you can get if you want to run Arma 3 at max with decent framerates.

I'd start with something like this: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1pE1R
Obviously that can still be customized further, upgrading/downgrading/changing whatever you want. If your budget is lower than that I doubt you'll be running at max settings but lemme know what it is and I'll put something else together.

I don't know what it takes to max arma 3, I get like 10 FPS on max settings with my 7870, lol. And also it's still Alpha so performance may get better as they optimize it.
I think a 780 should be able to just barely do it, other options could be two 770s, 760s, or 7970s
 
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Agree with http://pcpartpicker.com

Makes it easy to put all the parts together and see what people have to say about them, then buy from an outside source like Amazon or Newegg. Building a PC really isn't that hard, just a little scary. The only problem Ive run into with mine was a defective hard drive out of the box, but that was quickly RMAd without an issue with newegg. Cyberpower I suppose isn't a terrible option, but just remember that you're paying someone else to build your computer and literally send it hundreds of miles to you. You will truthfully either receive a dud or a good computer. At that point though, between both money and accountability, I would just take the "risk" and build it myself.

Here's mine if you wanted something to base it off of (it really didn't cost that much at the end though.....). Plays everything without a hitch, though I'm sure ARMA 3 will be a bit more demanding.

http://pcpartpicker.com/b/Dhk
 
I'd say my budget is 1700-2500? Building my own probably wouldn't be hard if I knew how to do it haha.
 
I'd say my budget is 1700-2500? Building my own probably wouldn't be hard if I knew how to do it haha.

Yeah at that budget I'd go with what I posted first, maybe switching the 780 for 2 770s, and/or adding a nice monitor (Asus VG248QE), headphones, and mouse/keyboard, if you don't already have them.

It seriously is not hard at all to build it, you could probably figure it out just by putting everything where it fits, and there are tons of video guides on youtube you can watch.
 
You can save a considerable amount of money by building your own computer. Take this example.

Here's a parts list that you can order (I made it). It's within your budget.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD4H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($71.35 @ Amazon)
Storage: Corsair Force Series GS 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($85.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($659.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($659.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($84.50 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 850W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($171.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $2384.71
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-08 16:23 EDT-0400)

Now, how much does it cost when you try to get the exact same parts though iBuyPower?

$2500? $2750?

No, it costs $3014.
 
I had literally no idea what I was doing before I built this PC..... As long as you take it slow and allow time to build it and resolve any issues you will coast right through it. I would say it took a total of 2-3 hours to build, minus the hassle of trying to figure out what exactly was wrong with my first hard drive.

Just do a little research before you buy all your parts, know how everything can and should go together, and you will be fine throughout the build.

Here is a video I followed almost religiously (especially since I had similar parts) but everything should be the same. Nowadays the parts aren't a whole lot different from one another. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCohS0guaDE"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCohS0guaDE[/ame]

Here is what I've put together really quickly. I can't say enough good things about the Asus VG248QE monitor or the Samsung Pro SSD so I obviously had to put them in there haha. Obviously since we're not sure what exactly you're looking for or wanting in it, some corners can and probably should be cut

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1pTqx

Another thing I would suggest is to consider SLI. I wouldn't go above SLI 770s because I don't see the value in it, but SLI 770s or even 760s would serve you great. In my mind the 770 would be the best value for the performance you get, but again I'm a little bias. You could always look at a crossfire platform as well if you're not into nvidia
 
I would have to agree with Joe the Plumber. The fact that you dont know how to build a pc from scratch doesnt mean that you should feign ignorance in order to give extra $$ to a company to custom build it for you (especially when they only place a 1 year warranty on all parts, just so that theyll get you to pay extra $$ for additional year(s) warranty).

Heck, if you research power supplies carefully, some come automatically with a 5 year warranty (thats why I chose mine) & you dont have to pay any extra $$ for the extra warranty. But I will also agree that when it comes to watching the videos, dont rush the process by any means. Take as much time as you need & if this involves taking multiple breaks, so be it. The 2-3 hour time table is about avg, which means that you shouldnt put that # into your head. Never hinder yourself on a certain amount of time. The most important thing about these parts is the fact that you get them installed correctly, not simply trying to install them as fast as possible so that you can get to gaming asap.

However I will give 1 simple piece of advice: give yourself some extra patience when it comes to the cpu. Depending on which cpu you purchase will depend on how easy or hard it will be to install the heatsink fan. It sounds like based on your price range that you might be interested in getting an aftermarket heatsink in order to overclock the cpu. If this is the case, then first go search up a video on how to install the specific aftermarket heatsink & again take your time when it comes to installing it because not all aftermarket heatsinks install the same way. Also make sure to get yourself some silicon paste (I choose Arctic Silver 5, but ive heard of other companies who are just as good).

I hope this info helps you out OP.
 
I would have to agree with Joe the Plumber. The fact that you dont know how to build a pc from scratch doesnt mean that you should feign ignorance in order to give extra $$ to a company to custom build it for you (especially when they only place a 1 year warranty on all parts, just so that theyll get you to pay extra $$ for additional year(s) warranty).

Heck, if you research power supplies carefully, some come automatically with a 5 year warranty (thats why I chose mine) & you dont have to pay any extra $$ for the extra warranty. But I will also agree that when it comes to watching the videos, dont rush the process by any means. Take as much time as you need & if this involves taking multiple breaks, so be it. The 2-3 hour time table is about avg, which means that you shouldnt put that # into your head. Never hinder yourself on a certain amount of time. The most important thing about these parts is the fact that you get them installed correctly, not simply trying to install them as fast as possible so that you can get to gaming asap.

However I will give 1 simple piece of advice: give yourself some extra patience when it comes to the cpu. Depending on which cpu you purchase will depend on how easy or hard it will be to install the heatsink fan. It sounds like based on your price range that you might be interested in getting an aftermarket heatsink in order to overclock the cpu. If this is the case, then first go search up a video on how to install the specific aftermarket heatsink & again take your time when it comes to installing it because not all aftermarket heatsinks install the same way. Also make sure to get yourself some silicon paste (I choose Arctic Silver 5, but ive heard of other companies who are just as good).

I hope this info helps you out OP.
I approve this :thumbup1:
 

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