Topic: The HTPC-build-for-around-20k thread (price w/o peripherals)

[Verbl Kint]

Starting this thread as I think 20k seems to be the reference budget for most who are building a pc.

For this 20k budget estimate, the ones included should be:

• Processor
• Motherboard
• RAM
• Video card
• SSD
• PSU
• Casing
• Optional:
  
  • Hard Drive
  • Soundcard
  • Aftermarket Cooling
  • Optical Drive
  • Network Card/s (eth/wifi/bt/ir/etc)
  • Others

Basically, the 20k estimate should be just for the CPU.

[Verbl Kint]

So let me start...


I'd like to build a CPU that can do decent VR, 4k 30fps video (HEVC or maybe BD), and CIV 6 at 1080p 60fps.

I am thinking of using an i3-6100 paired with an RX 480, a decent 120GB SSD (ideas?) then just get a cheapo board, case, and psu (suggestions welcome!).

Budget should not go over 24k.

Any advice on alternatives or whether this is a good idea?

[Stagea]

I am thinking of using an i3-6100 paired with an RX 480, a decent 120GB SSD (ideas?) then just get a cheapo board, case, and psu (suggestions welcome!).

Any advice on alternatives or whether this is a good idea?

I think you're on the right track. I suggest looking at a faster processor though.

VR requires higher frame rates so the CPU should not be bottlenecking the GPU during complex gaming scenarios. Frame drops and head tracking lag from a saturated CPU will result in a terrible VR experience. Officially, the lowest approved CPUs for the Oculus Rift are the i5-4590 and the FX-6350. For the HTC Vive they recommend to go with at least the i5-4590 or the FX-8350. Lower processors will still result in a VR-ready benchmark result under SteamVR, but that bench is more GPU-intensive than CPU-intensive. Realistically, I wouldn't go below an i5-6400 or an FX-8300/8320E.

[Stagea]

You may have to look at used items. Even when considering prior gen items, a new set will go past 24k without the case and power supply (PC Hub prices).

AMD FX-8300 Black    - 5700
Asus Strix GTX 970 4GB    - 10999
Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P - 3920
Team L7 Evo 120 GB - 1750
G.Skill Aegis 8 GB DDR3 - 1850

Total   24219

[Verbl Kint]

You may have to look at used items. Even when considering prior gen items, a new set will go past 24k without the case and power supply (PC Hub prices).

AMD FX-8300 Black    - 5700
Asus Strix GTX S970 4GB    - 10999
Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P - 3920
Team L7 Evo 120 GB - 1750
G.Skill Aegis 8 GB DDR3 - 1850

Total   24219

Thanks for the leads! I also typically reference PCHub on TPC for pricing.

If we add in a PSU, I stand to go over budget, unfortunately.  Will do a bit more research and check alternatives (like the second hand market).

[Stagea]

Thanks for the leads! I also typically reference PCHub on TPC for pricing.

If we add in a PSU, I stand to go over budget, unfortunately.  Will do a bit more research and check alternatives (like the second hand market).

You're welcome. Even an older Sandy Bridge or Ivy Bridge i5 would work just fine (especially the K variants). Fit it with 8GB RAM and a VR-capable GPU (at least a GTX 970 / GTX 1060 or R9 290 / R9 390 / RX 480).

[SiCkBoY]

So let me start...


I'd like to build a CPU that can do decent VR, 4k 30fps video (HEVC or maybe BD), and CIV 6 at 1080p 60fps.

I am thinking of using an i3-6100 paired with an RX 480, a decent 120GB SSD (ideas?) then just get a cheapo board, case, and psu (suggestions welcome!).

Budget should not go over 24k.

Any advice on alternatives or whether this is a good idea?

How about an Intel NUC i5? It'll be around 24k more or less with 120Gb SSD and 8GB RAM.

Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Tapatalk

[Stagea]

How about an Intel NUC i5? It'll be around 24k more or less with 120Gb SSD and 8GB RAM.

Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Tapatalk

Might not work for his games and VR though.

[Verbl Kint]

You may have to look at used items. Even when considering prior gen items, a new set will go past 24k without the case and power supply (PC Hub prices).

AMD FX-8300 Black    - 5700
Asus Strix GTX 970 4GB    - 10999
Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P - 3920
Team L7 Evo 120 GB - 1750
G.Skill Aegis 8 GB DDR3 - 1850

Total   24219

CIV 6 is about to be released real soon (10/21 release date). Would like to inquire if this would still be the best choice this week.

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Edit: What about the RX 480 over gtx 970?

[Stagea]

CIV 6 is about to be released real soon (10/21 release date). Would like to inquire if this would still be the best choice this week.

Edit: What about the RX 480 over gtx 970?

The RX 480 8 GB is indeed a good option now that it's down to <13k for some models. Galax is selling their GTX 1060 6 GB for the same price too.

If you can squeeze a few thousand more, the i5-6400 or i5-6500 with a basic motherboard like the Asrock H110M-HDV and 8GB (or 16GB) of DDR4 should get you quite far. Team Elite DDR4 is very cheap nowadays (<2k per 8GB stick).

[Verbl Kint]

That's a good point. That Asrock also has a small footprint too so I can get away with a small case.

Will probably need to read up on i5-6500 vs i5-6400.

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