Venturing into the world of PC sims

[smskeeter23]

I guess it's another build help request. I previously created a post in the Some equipment section but it was suggested that I post here as well.

The other post for more info is here https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/threads/venturing-into-the-pc-world-with-what.334027/#post-10949858

It should be noted that I do not need a monitor (using 55" 3D TV for that), I do have several other cases (full tower) and power supplies (500w-650w) here if I do decide to build one. I would rather find a "boxed" or prebuilt unit if possible but not opposed to building one if I must.

Looking to run iracing at max settings and pcars at least on medium.

I have about $600-$800... but the wife would be happier with the lowest number possible, of course.

 

[kilesa4568]

As a starting bid with Newegg prices:

AMD FX-6300 $105
Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P (probably needs a BIOS update for Vishera but will work) $78
Corsair Vengeance 2*4GB 1600 ram $43
120GB SSD + 1TB HD $40-50 SSD and around $50 for mech drive
GTX960 $180+
280X $225+
290 $250+ (not many left anywhere)
390 $310+
GTX 970 $330+
212 Evo $30

$500 to around $680 with a better GPU.

To avoid any sort of bottle necking of the CPU, a GTX960 fits well but if you wanted to overclock the CPU to fit a better GPU in the mix, you could get a 212 Evo cooler and jump to an AMD 280X or possibly squeak in a AMD 390/GTX 970 within your budget.

The premium with buying a prebuilt will probably eat your whole budget plus you don't need one if you carry some of your spare components over.

 

[TiZzla]

I would recommend going with an intel CPU, having just switched to intel after using a FX-6300 for 3 years. A GTX960 will max out iRacing, 970 will be overkill for what you want.

 

[kilesa4568]

The i3 may be quicker core for core but in the end, the PC may be used for other for other tasks other than the 2 games mentioned. A 6 core will help a lot more with multitasking, editing etc.

I specced below the minimum budget but with the possibility of a bit of future proofing thrown in to match the higher end of the budget. $600-$800 leaves a lot of wiggle room but I know what it's like having a missus looking over my shoulder at the PC components bill. Hence the marriage brownie points spec and the "ok, I'll do lots more jobs round the house and did I mention I love you so much my dear wife" spec.

 

[RX-7_FD3S]

I hope you checked the lag of your tv before using it to play. Not all tv are good to play game on them.

 

[Rallywagon]

Myeself and TIZzla I believe went down this path in another thread, but I too suggest AMD for a budget build. Dollar for dollar, you get more from an AMD. I just got an ASUS M5A99 FX Mobo, the AMD FX 8350 Black Edition CPU running 8 cores at 4.0Ghz, an MSI Radeon R9 380 graphics card and a Rosewill 850w PSU. Paid about 650 for the lot. I run DiRT Rally on ultra settings and War Thunder on Cinematic without a problem with recording software and a web browser typically up on a second monitor.
One word of warning, if you do go with AMD, get a AIO liquid cooler for the CPU. AMD processors run hotter than Intel, having a liquid cooler helps a lot and the stock heat sink on the 8350 needs a lot of good air moving over it to keep the temps below 60 degrees C. Your ears will thank you.

 

[Johnnypenso]

I would recommend going with an intel CPU, having just switched to intel after using a FX-6300 for 3 years. A GTX960 will max out iRacing, 970 will be overkill for what you want.

iRacing is not a difficult game to max out, but other, more modern games like PCars and AC, are. You're right, the 960 will probably be fine for now, the 970 will let him stretch it out another year or two. Comes down to budget really, as it usually does.

 

[TiZzla]

iRacing is not a difficult game to max out, but other, more modern games like PCars and AC, are. You're right, the 960 will probably be fine for now, the 970 will let him stretch it out another year or two. Comes down to budget really, as it usually does.

Yeah OP said he only wanted to run PCars on medium, as a new owner of a 970 I would highly recommend one but depending on pricing and budget it might not be needed. In NZ the 970 is $200-$300 more expensive than the 960 so it's a massive jump in pricing.