[jwd55]

Hello.  I'm considering a new computer primarily for games.  No, I won't build it myself but I have a good friend who will (he's upgraded others for me).  What I want to know is how to decipher or decode the Intel processor chip names, e.g. i5, i7, etc., and the other "information" that's part of the name.  I want a 64-bit machine but no, it doesn't have to be the latest and greatest; I'm not planning on multiplayer  and I mostly stick to turned based games.  It's just that even some of those are going to require much more than my current computer can deliver.  Thanks!

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 GhostLoad

 

Here is all the Intel Tech, > http://ark.intel.com/

Cross ref with this list, > http://www.intel.com...or-numbers.html

The info is rather dry and does not tell you how a CPU will perform.

 

You will need to decide the budget for a CPU, then look for a model class, i3/i5, I would not even bother with the I7.   Then reviews and benchmarks, i.e.> http://www.ocaholic....id=1129&page=14.

 

Then how high a performance GPU you will need for the type of games, matched to the type of display you use.

 

If you would like us to configure some builds for you, just list the games you play, other stuff you do on the computer, a budget and the country where purchasing parts. we would be happy to assist you. 

[iammykyl]

 GhostLoad

 

Here is all the Intel Tech, > http://ark.intel.com/

Cross ref with this list, > http://www.intel.com...or-numbers.html

The info is rather dry and does not tell you how a CPU will perform.

 

You will need to decide the budget for a CPU, then look for a model class, i3/i5, I would not even bother with the I7.   Then reviews and benchmarks, i.e.> http://www.ocaholic....id=1129&page=14.

 

Then how high a performance GPU you will need for the type of games, matched to the type of display you use.

 

If you would like us to configure some builds for you, just list the games you play, other stuff you do on the computer, a budget and the country where purchasing parts. we would be happy to assist you. 

[jwd55]

OK, thanks.  Let me look at the links first, then I'll get back about the games.  Might take a day or two; this is on my list but not highest priority.  I save that for the boss (aka my wife and financial consultant).  Also, I've been using computers since the 80's but have not kept up with technology, especially as the components get more and more complex.  THAT's why I'm here.  Thanks again!

Edited by jwd55, 11 November 2015 - 09:13 AM.

[iammykyl]

 

You are welcome.

[jwd55]

OK, iammykyl, thanks for waiting. I'll try to keep this simple. I wanted a new computer because (1) my present system is going on 5 years old, and (2) some games I want to buy require a 64-bit machine. Here are the 64-bit games I'm considering: Cities Skyline, Star Drive 2, Stellaris, and Worlds of Magic. In addition, there are lots of others on my list that don't REQUIRE 64-bit but may require more computing power (and video capability) than I have. I prefer turn-based games; my hand-eye coordination is not good and anyway I'm not at all into first person shooters or massive real-time battles. (With a **very few** exceptions.)

I'm in the U.S. and purchase a lot from Amazon, just not all computer stuff. I've bought from New Egg and Tiger Direct and God knows who else. I'm OK with spending $200 or $250 on a processor. Maybe more if necessary.

FYI, my original thought was to build a system around an nvidia GeForce GTX 960 or 970. In my comparative ignorance, those seem like they would be sufficient for a few years. But again, there are a variety of configurations around those two and I don't know enough to make a good selection. Whatever I wind up with I want it to be backward-compatible with most of my other games. Also, I'm using Win7 Pro at the moment, and I'm wondering if I can stick with 7 or will I need to go with Win8.

Finally, what I'm hoping for is good advice in plain English. Sorry, but tech-specs just don't convey a lot to my non-tech mind. Anyway, THANK YOU!!! for whatever help/advice you have to offer. It's appreciated.

Edited by jwd55, 11 November 2015 - 04:54 PM.

[iammykyl]

sorry for the delay, just flat out today, 

A build for your consideration. 

Latest platform to give optimal upgrade path.

CPU is more than enough for your needs, > http://www.eurogamer...-i3-6100-review

Memory tested on the MB. > http://www.gskill.co...2484&model=2515 You will ned to enable XMP in the BIOS.

If your OS is an OEM version, it is not transferable to a new system, included OS in the parts.

GTX 760 will be good for your present/future type gaming.

case is very good, but you may wish to choose a different style.

 

> http://pcpartpicker.com/p/NBGLGX.

[jwd55]

Wow! I say again, WOW!!!

That's quite a response and a VERY good list of components. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

OK, but a couple of quick questions, if you don't mine. Why a solid state drive in addition to a standard hard drive? And you recommend Win10; why? I ask that question out of learned fear of MS when they come out with any new Windows OS. Just asking...

Thanks again. And yes, this has been an exceptionally helpful session! You get all the points I have to give. Tell you boss I said that.

[iammykyl]

Thanks for your kind words, you are very welcome.

Why a solid state drive in addition to a standard hard drive?

A SSD used for the OS and programs install, it will load the OS faster, make the applications snappier, load maps in games with less lag, that's all to do with the faster read speed.

The HDD is for Data storage.   You can relocate user folders from the SSD (or a HDD) to the second drive.   Should you need to reinstall the OS, or that drive fails, your Data is safe as it is separate.  The second drive is not to be regarded as backup, you should still have a backup stratagy for important Data, to a dedicated drive or flash. 

You recommend Win10; why? I ask that question out of learned fear of MS when they come out with any new Windows OS.

Sorry, my mistake, as you mentioned possible going to 8.1, that is what it should have been, now corrected.

You can get a free upgrade to W10 until June next year.   If you do not like it, you can revert to your original OS, but only for 30 days, after that, you stuck with W10.

https://www.microsof...indows/features

Update, > http://pcpartpicker.com/p/WGxfwP

[jwd55]

OK, iammykyl, thanks again. About the SSD, I realized about 2 seconds after I posted those questions and signed out why I can use an SSD. Duh!!! My bad.
No problem about Win8.1 vs. Win10. By June next year I'll know when/if I want to go to 10 - or whatever will be the new MS OS at that time.

I really appreciate your help, and the components list, and especially your patience with me.

I hope to get the computer by Christmas or thereabouts and when I do I'll let you know. But as far as I'm concerned, this officially closes the topic for me. Thanks again!

[iammykyl]

No worries wd55.  

We don't close topics, so an OP can come back any time with questions/results related to that topic.

 

A couple of items to add to the list.

Some TIM, *thermal insulation material, > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16835186038

An internal mini system speaker like this, gives coded beeps if any hardware errors found at POST, > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16812201032

Re. W10 upgrade.   Make sure that all Data is backed up, or image the drive, as the W10 inbuilt recovery process has been reported as sometimes failing, then your Data is unrecoverable. 

​

[jwd55]

Hello again, iammykyl. Thanks for the additional items info. Actually, I'm glad to know you don't close topics. I'll most probably have questions when we start putting this system together. I expect that's several weeks away (after Christmas?) since I've got to find some money to get started. But knowing the topic is not closed, I'll check in here once in while; if you find anything better or cheaper, please post it for me. THANKS!!!

[jwd55]

Hi, Iammyky. Merry Christmas! So, things went better than expected and I'm not only closer to building a new computer, I've got a bit more spending money than I expected. So some new questions for you...

I'm thinking now of using an Intel Core i5 quad-core. If I did, which of the countless variations would you recommend?
Along with that I'm thinking of 16 GB memory. (Not sure if that's what you originally recommended; BUT, I need a version of Win8.1 that will use that.)
I'm also thinking of an Invidia GEForce 960 with 4 GB onboard memory (instead of 2 GB).
And I'm wondering if all this would fit comfortably in a mid-tower?

Assuming I do this, what would the above changes do to your other recommendations, esp. power supply, cooling, motherboard, etc.?

If this sounds like I'm starting over, I apologize...but...I guess that is, in fact, what I'm doing.

Thanks again!!!!!!!!

[iammykyl]

Gday jwd55, Happy new year.

No worries, your not starting over, just making adjustments.

Not sure of your budget, let us know if too much.

PSU is OK, no need to change.

8GB of RAM is more than enough, you would only need more for enthusiast video/photo editing.

OS selected is W8.1 64 bit ver, that's what you need to recognize/use more than 4GB or RAM. .

 

changed,

i3 to i5 CPU, non O/C, $60 more if you want the  i5 K for overclocking.

Full tower to Mid tower.  Everything will fit, has good cooling.

2GB GPU to 4GB, same model.

Assuming I do this, what would the above changes do to your other recommendations

 Put the price up  

New configuration, > http://pcpartpicker.com/p/mY2b7P

.

[jwd55]

And a happy New Year to you, too! Wow! You guys are FAST!!! Thanks!

Ok, those changes won't break my budget, at lease I don't think so; I've got some flexibility. I do not need or want over-clocking, so that's $60 I can spend elsewhere.

I have an old (2009) ViewSonic VX922 LCD 19" monitor, which seems to be ok for everything I've got now. Do you think it will do for this new system? I will share it with my regular computer via a KVM switch (already in place).

I want to digest this info for a day or so, then I'll get back to you.

Again, thanks for the quick response and for your patience with me. I appreciate that - a LOT!

[iammykyl]

You are very welcome  jwd55

Also add this mini motherboard diagnostic beeper, when ordering parts  > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16812201032