Resolved: Assistance needed regarding a computer enhancement situation.
Resolved: Assistance needed regarding a computer enhancement situation.
Hello! This is my initial post, even though I’ve been observing this community for a long time. I wouldn't describe myself as technologically adept, but I’ve recently dedicated some time to learning the fundamentals. I would greatly appreciate assistance from someone knowledgeable who could review my request and offer their insights – I’ll strive to present it in a clear and detailed manner. Thank you so much for your consideration!
Here’s my current computer configuration: (Upgrade Budget: ~$1200)
Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64-bit
Motherboard: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Z97-PRO GAMER (Socket 1150)
Processor: Intel Core i7-4790K @ 4.00GHz, Haswell 22nm Technology
CPU Cooling: Stock Fans
Memory: 16GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 799MHz
Graphics Card: 4095MB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 (ASUStek Computer Inc)
Storage: 1TB Hard Drive, 250GB Solid State Drive
I've owned this PC for approximately four years and am now planning to enhance it with liquid cooling. My primary objective is to stream video games while maintaining consistently high frame rates, specifically for competitive play in Fortnite. I typically achieve frame rates between 140 and 180 (on a 240Hz monitor) with all settings set to low, including disabling shadows. However, my frame rate drops below this level when I’m streaming using XSplit software.
I have a few questions:
1) I've been considering upgrading to an RTX 2070S or a GTX 1080ti, which would represent considerable improvements. However, could my current processor become a limiting factor and render these upgrades ineffective?
2) I’ve purchased a Corsair H100i Pro liquid cooler for my CPU. Should I install it, considering that my CPU temperatures reach 70-72 degrees Celsius during gaming?
3) Will I need to replace my processor when upgrading my graphics card?
4) Regarding memory, would a larger capacity – specifically, 32GB – be beneficial for my upgrades?
Please feel free to address these questions selectively or provide general guidance. Thank you again for taking the time to evaluate my setup!
Keep waiting…
1) It hinges on what activities you’re aiming for. Performance isn't solely determined by graphics card power.
2) A poor investment. Return it and purchase a separate cooling solution, addressing temperatures exceeding 85°C during intense use.
3) This relates to point one – it varies. Certain setups require significant processing power, others prioritize memory, and still others depend on graphics capabilities or software restrictions—often a blend of these factors.
You’ll be best positioned to identify which enhancements will yield the greatest improvement.
4) Not at present. You might be able to operate it in certain games by simultaneously loading a massive amount of modifications within the application itself.
A $1200 budget, you say? Unless you delay until Intel’s 10th generation processors become available at the end of this month, Ryzen 3000 represents your most economical choice. The less expensive Intel processors suffer from a deficiency in hyperthreading, which can negatively impact performance in tasks requiring extensive parallel processing.
The RTX 2070S might limit your graphics card’s performance by approximately 20%, though this difference may not be immediately noticeable. You could consider upgrading your processor, motherboard, and memory to achieve a more significant improvement in frames per second. Even though the i7-4790K is a solid processor, an upgrade would effectively address the 2070S’s limitations.
Simply install it with your existing cooling solution, considering factors that may affect thermal performance.
Your choice depends on your needs. If you prioritize gaming, an Intel upgrade would be beneficial. However, if you frequently perform multiple tasks simultaneously, a Ryzen processor may be more suitable.
It's contingent on your usage scenario; streaming and gaming alone might not warrant an upgrade, whereas demanding workloads would certainly justify one.
I’m attempting to assemble some hardware components:
AMD Build:
[PCPartPicker Part List]
Category|Item|Cost
-------|------|-----
Processor |AMD Ryzen 5 2600X 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor| $199.90 (Amazon)
Cooler |Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 74.34 CFM CPU Cooler| $29.99 (Amazon)
Motherboard |ASRock B450M Steel Legend Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard| $149.99 (Amazon)
Memory |G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory| $72.98 (Amazon)
Graphics Card |MSI GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8 GB GAMING X Video Card| $638.99 (Amazon)
All prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts.
Total | $1091.85
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/3gTQ9G
I suggest upgrading from DDR3 to DDR4 for a significantly improved experience. Please review the build I've created for you. 😀
Intel Build:
[PCPartPicker Part List]
Category|Item|Cost
-------|------|-----
Processor |Intel Core i5-9400F 2.9 GHz 6-Core Processor| $164.95 (Amazon)
Cooler |Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 74.34 CFM CPU Cooler| $29.99 (Amazon)
Motherboard |ASRock B365M Phantom Gaming 4 Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard| $133.59 (Amazon)
Memory |G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory| $72.98 (Amazon)
Graphics Card |MSI GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8 GB GAMING X Video Card| $638.99 (Amazon)
All prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts.
Total | $1040.50
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/L2FRb8
With the AMD configuration, you could achieve considerable overclocking across various components and it’s particularly well-suited for tasks such as video editing, streaming, and gaming. The Intel build offers enhanced gaming performance.
Greetings, Cookiez! Firstly, thank you very much for your assistance. I’d like to continue with Intel because my primary interest is gaming. The processor you selected in the build is an i5, and I currently possess an i7 – should I retain my existing one, or is this new i5 a superior choice compared to my current i7?
The i5-9400F can outperform the i7-4790K in certain scenarios, and for most budgets, it's a perfectly adequate choice. Alternatively, you could consider an i5-9600/K or an i7-9700/K alongside a Z370/Z390 motherboard if you intend to overclock. However, the i5-9400F (without a graphics card included) is suitable for current needs. If you’re willing to spend slightly more, an i5-10400/F or an i5-10600K with a Z490 motherboard would be a worthwhile investment for the long term, as 10th generation Intel processors introduced hyperthreading to all i-series CPUs. Nevertheless, the 10th generation Intel platform and Z490 motherboards are relatively new and therefore carry a higher price tag, so it might be beneficial to wait for prices to decrease.
If you choose to replace the components I suggested, you might consider keeping them on hand for resale when someone requires a replacement part.
Hold on...
1) It hinges on the games you intend to play; performance isn't solely determined by graphics card power.
2) A poor investment – return it for a refund and address cooling issues if temperatures exceed 85°C during intense use.
3) This is closely linked to point one; it varies depending on the situation. Games require varying levels of processing power from the CPU, memory, graphics card, and software limitations – often a combination of these factors. You'll be best equipped to discern which upgrades are most important for your specific needs.
4) Currently, it’s possible to work around this limitation through excessive in-game modifications loaded simultaneously. For a $1200 budget, awaiting Intel’s 10th generation release at the end of this month or choosing a Ryzen 3000 processor represents the most cost-effective path. Intel’s lower-priced CPUs suffer from a disadvantage due to their absence of hyperthreading, which negatively impacts performance in games requiring significant multi-core processing.
Thank you for providing those responses. Considering this, it would likely be more advantageous for me to invest $1200 in a complete new system (such as the one you recommended for $1177.09) rather than improving existing components?