Looking for help on building/upgrading high end gaming PC
Discussion
Hey all never looked in this part of PH before! I’m looking for some advice/a service provider for maintaining/building/updating a high end gaming PC. I used to have “a guy” but he seems to have disappeared off the face of the planet and I’m a complete technomong so need someone who can help upgrade/build new high end gaming PCs. Does anyone know of anyone or a company based Southampton way that can do call outs and assist with this sort of thing please?
I would seriously consider having a crack at it yourself.
People think that building a PC is hugely complicated and it really isnt. Most of the bits are just plug-and-play these days, with installing the OS being done by pressing a few buttons.
I reckon you could easily build one yourself by spending an hour or so watching a few youtube videos.
People think that building a PC is hugely complicated and it really isnt. Most of the bits are just plug-and-play these days, with installing the OS being done by pressing a few buttons.
I reckon you could easily build one yourself by spending an hour or so watching a few youtube videos.
The Beaver King said:
I would seriously consider having a crack at it yourself.
People think that building a PC is hugely complicated and it really isnt. Most of the bits are just plug-and-play these days, with installing the OS being done by pressing a few buttons.
I reckon you could easily build one yourself by spending an hour or so watching a few youtube videos.
I'd echo this - it's daunting the first time you do it but once you have, and you realise how relatively easy it is, then its pretty rewarding (and saves £££'s too).People think that building a PC is hugely complicated and it really isnt. Most of the bits are just plug-and-play these days, with installing the OS being done by pressing a few buttons.
I reckon you could easily build one yourself by spending an hour or so watching a few youtube videos.
It's just bewildering to start with due to the range of options and terms available. Lots of help online though - which motherboard works best with which components etc. Can actually become quite an interesting project. Just don't forget to make sure the case you order is big enough - some of the juicier cards and things now are pretty substantial.
I've always sourced parts from either ebuyer or overclockers, and have only ever had one problem (bad Ram stick) that was easily and quickly resolved by OC at the time.
Compared to the issues I've had and seen others have with ready built and supposed high end systems it's by far the better option to build your own.
I know the feeling, first time I built a PC it took me months of reading before I went for it, but it really is very simple, it's just like wall sockets and plugs, most of it only goes in the right place one way, can't really plug in the wrong part, so it's not that complex.
There's two way to go about it, well... That's how I go about it...
1-built you what you need(want)
2-built to your budget
Example, I only use a TV, my TV only goes up to 1080 resolution, I'm not going to buy a 4K TV anytime soon, so for graphics card I went with a nVidia 1070, but built everything else with top quality parts. My total costs is around 1200 pounds.
Or, set a budget of say...600 quid, then compare every part and see what you can get for 600 quid. It's very time consuming but working to a budget is always hard work.
There's two way to go about it, well... That's how I go about it...
1-built you what you need(want)
2-built to your budget
Example, I only use a TV, my TV only goes up to 1080 resolution, I'm not going to buy a 4K TV anytime soon, so for graphics card I went with a nVidia 1070, but built everything else with top quality parts. My total costs is around 1200 pounds.
Or, set a budget of say...600 quid, then compare every part and see what you can get for 600 quid. It's very time consuming but working to a budget is always hard work.
I have just built one, not done it in a while but its dead easy, luckily my eldest had just built one whilst at college and I took advantage of the geekery his mates displayed on the price/performance question.
I spent £850 but already had a 250 GB SSD in my ancient one as I upgraded it.
His mates, being students knew how to get the max performance for the minimum outlay, the i5 6600K can be overclocked and gives plenty of CPU power for most games and apps, the 1060 video card is pretty unbeatable for 1080p gaming and 8 GB of ram is enough for most eventualities.
Above that kind of spec, you get the law of diminishing returns kick in, but I would have gone higher if I could have afforded it, but whether it would make any difference, I doubt it, it aces anything I throw at it, and when it doesnt I will upgrade it, I am just not that high level a gamer to feel the benefit from anything more powerful at this point and it is so far ahead of my old one it is untrue.
I would say to not go mad and throw money at it unless you are sure you need the extra power.
I spent £850 but already had a 250 GB SSD in my ancient one as I upgraded it.
His mates, being students knew how to get the max performance for the minimum outlay, the i5 6600K can be overclocked and gives plenty of CPU power for most games and apps, the 1060 video card is pretty unbeatable for 1080p gaming and 8 GB of ram is enough for most eventualities.
Above that kind of spec, you get the law of diminishing returns kick in, but I would have gone higher if I could have afforded it, but whether it would make any difference, I doubt it, it aces anything I throw at it, and when it doesnt I will upgrade it, I am just not that high level a gamer to feel the benefit from anything more powerful at this point and it is so far ahead of my old one it is untrue.
I would say to not go mad and throw money at it unless you are sure you need the extra power.
I have just built one, not done it in a while but its dead easy, luckily my eldest had just built one whilst at college and I took advantage of the geekery his mates displayed on the price/performance question.
I spent £850 but already had a 250 GB SSD in my ancient one as I upgraded it.
His mates, being students knew how to get the max performance for the minimum outlay, the i5 6600K can be overclocked and gives plenty of CPU power for most games and apps, the 1060 video card is pretty unbeatable for 1080p gaming and 8 GB of ram is enough for most eventualities.
Above that kind of spec, you get the law of diminishing returns kick in, but I would have gone higher if I could have afforded it, but whether it would make any difference, I doubt it, it aces anything I throw at it, and when it doesnt I will upgrade it, I am just not that high level a gamer to feel the benefit from anything more powerful at this point and it is so far ahead of my old one it is untrue.
I would say to not go mad and throw money at it unless you are sure you need the extra power.
I spent £850 but already had a 250 GB SSD in my ancient one as I upgraded it.
His mates, being students knew how to get the max performance for the minimum outlay, the i5 6600K can be overclocked and gives plenty of CPU power for most games and apps, the 1060 video card is pretty unbeatable for 1080p gaming and 8 GB of ram is enough for most eventualities.
Above that kind of spec, you get the law of diminishing returns kick in, but I would have gone higher if I could have afforded it, but whether it would make any difference, I doubt it, it aces anything I throw at it, and when it doesnt I will upgrade it, I am just not that high level a gamer to feel the benefit from anything more powerful at this point and it is so far ahead of my old one it is untrue.
I would say to not go mad and throw money at it unless you are sure you need the extra power.
The Beaver King said:
I would seriously consider having a crack at it yourself.
People think that building a PC is hugely complicated and it really isnt. Most of the bits are just plug-and-play these days, with installing the OS being done by pressing a few buttons.
I reckon you could easily build one yourself by spending an hour or so watching a few youtube videos.
I agree. I had never built my own PC until last year and after a few days of watching YouTube vids and a little Googleing it was easy. People think that building a PC is hugely complicated and it really isnt. Most of the bits are just plug-and-play these days, with installing the OS being done by pressing a few buttons.
I reckon you could easily build one yourself by spending an hour or so watching a few youtube videos.
The Beaver King said:
I would seriously consider having a crack at it yourself.
People think that building a PC is hugely complicated and it really isnt. Most of the bits are just plug-and-play these days, with installing the OS being done by pressing a few buttons.
I reckon you could easily build one yourself by spending an hour or so watching a few youtube videos.
This. 100 times this.People think that building a PC is hugely complicated and it really isnt. Most of the bits are just plug-and-play these days, with installing the OS being done by pressing a few buttons.
I reckon you could easily build one yourself by spending an hour or so watching a few youtube videos.
Also when the time comes to upgrade anything / replace anything you'll just break out the Philips screwdriver and do it.
Plus there are a few really good Youtube videos (Paul's Hardware etc) on PC building.
T1b
Same here, I'd recommend self building. The only thing I've ever struggled with is BIOS settings, I also once plugged something into the wrong socket and thought I'd blown the computer up, but it basically was refusing to start (and therfore protected itself from damage) because it detected the fault.
Building it yourself is a doddle.
Setting up Win10 is super easy also.
Couple of questions.
What resolution are you looking at playing in? 1080, 4k etc.
Are you interested in VR?
What is your budget?
If you don't fancy dicking about with the BIOs, Overclockers sell prebuilt overclocked CPU/MoBo/RAM bundles that are all configured. For a gaming focussed system a Core i5 is plenty. No real need to spend more.
16GB of memory should be considered normal now (Just Cause 3 would not run properly with 8GB installed).
DO NOT SKIMP ON THE POWER SUPPLY! Sorry, but this is overlooked so often. A good quality PSU with the right wattage for your system is a must.
My HTPC is a i5 6400 with a GTX960 (It's about a year old). That allows good frame rates with lots of shiny at 1080.
Setting up Win10 is super easy also.
Couple of questions.
What resolution are you looking at playing in? 1080, 4k etc.
Are you interested in VR?
What is your budget?
If you don't fancy dicking about with the BIOs, Overclockers sell prebuilt overclocked CPU/MoBo/RAM bundles that are all configured. For a gaming focussed system a Core i5 is plenty. No real need to spend more.
16GB of memory should be considered normal now (Just Cause 3 would not run properly with 8GB installed).
DO NOT SKIMP ON THE POWER SUPPLY! Sorry, but this is overlooked so often. A good quality PSU with the right wattage for your system is a must.
My HTPC is a i5 6400 with a GTX960 (It's about a year old). That allows good frame rates with lots of shiny at 1080.
Edited by conkerman on Thursday 8th December 12:43
Built my first one two years ago. It's due a complete overhaul now.
As others have said, it isn't too difficult. just make sure you get compatible components (motherboard socket and form factor, matching case, correct processor etc.). Make sure the power supply has enough grunt. You can use websites to get an idea of your power requirements.
Take your time when building. Beware of static and handle sensitive components carefully (hold processors by the edges, RAM etc. by the edges).
In relation to the OS, get a proper OEM one. Don't buy the cheapest option you see on Amazon or Ebay. Sometimes, these are knock off versions for specific brands of PC build like Dell.
Youtube is your friend as there are loads of videos out there.
In relation to thermal paste on the processor, I use the pea sized dot in the centre method. Seems to have worked for me when changing my cooler from the stock one last year.
Any specific queries, just ask.
As others have said, it isn't too difficult. just make sure you get compatible components (motherboard socket and form factor, matching case, correct processor etc.). Make sure the power supply has enough grunt. You can use websites to get an idea of your power requirements.
Take your time when building. Beware of static and handle sensitive components carefully (hold processors by the edges, RAM etc. by the edges).
In relation to the OS, get a proper OEM one. Don't buy the cheapest option you see on Amazon or Ebay. Sometimes, these are knock off versions for specific brands of PC build like Dell.
Youtube is your friend as there are loads of videos out there.
In relation to thermal paste on the processor, I use the pea sized dot in the centre method. Seems to have worked for me when changing my cooler from the stock one last year.
Any specific queries, just ask.
I agree with all of the above except the spending big part.
I spent quite a bit more than most 4 years ago building mine and bar a GPU update last year (MSI 980ti) it's still good for another year or two at least.
I can throw nearly anything at it and run it on Ultra or High at 1440p with good FPS.
So you can buy midrange and risk struggling in a year or two or spend a little extra and future proof yourself that bit longer.
I spent quite a bit more than most 4 years ago building mine and bar a GPU update last year (MSI 980ti) it's still good for another year or two at least.
I can throw nearly anything at it and run it on Ultra or High at 1440p with good FPS.
So you can buy midrange and risk struggling in a year or two or spend a little extra and future proof yourself that bit longer.
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