Need Help! - Programming / Game Development / Graphic design / Gaming

[TheRealNuravictus]

1. Budget & Location

I am in the USA  $USD and my budget, I fully recognize this will probably get to be insane. I want to keep it under $6000 but it is up for debate and if there is a good enough reason I can argue for more of a budget for the build. My partners and I have discussed and believe we do NOT need a $80,000 super computer at this time. I also realize I will need to watercool the cpu and gpu especially since the new 20 series run very hot from what I read.

 

2. Aim

What will the system be used for? I am the lead developer for a small company, we are creating a new game from scratch with this I wear ALOT of hats and have to have a computer that can do many different things. I want an animal that can "brute force through" issues instead of freezing or crashing. Programming, game development, graphic design(yes 3d), video editing and testing. I will also do some web browsing and office use. Yes this will mean I am running GIMP or Blender or both and unreal plus other odds and ends open and running. So yes I need heavy duty cpu and gpu capacity. I mess around on games like rappelz and minecraft and I test many different games for when one of the other developers wants me to take a peak at something specific. 

 

3. Monitors

How many monitors do you plan on running? Do you plan on moving to more monitors in the future? What resolution are they at too?

 

This gets complicated. so I am still looking in to monitor upgrades. At this time I am thinking 3 monitors. I will end up with an ultra wide as my primary(32-38" range. A gaming monitor with high refresh of 144hz or better for testing and will otherwise be used on its other axis for programming and finally a 4k  to 8k+ for sRGB / Rec 709 and adobe rgb accuracy. If this could be adjusted to two monitors that take care of all of that, it would be spectacular. Currently I use 2 ASUS 27" monitors and will not go below a 24". Honestly I would also love to find a monitor I can adjust on the fly to different resolutions for testing that it would show true resolution instead of having weird stretching.

 

4. Peripherals

Do you also need to purchase peripherals such as keyboards and mice as well as monitors ect. Also please tell us if you'll need an OS such as Windows.

Well I am thinking of using windows 10 pro and possibly dual booting into linux, but that is still under debate. 

Keyboard wise, during my day to day I LOVE using mechanical keyboards (Logitech g15 anyone) but when I am talking to partners, collaborating or what not and typing away, the click click of a mechanical drives the other people nuts! So I have been considering changing to a optical and no I wont settle for any soft touch ordinary junk! I require quality that will last and when I really want to push it (think competitive gaming) it can take it and beg for more. I am thinking maybe Razer Huntsman Elite, Gigabyte Aorus k9 optical but I am open to options. As for a mouse, I will probably need a new one of those too, my current is getting wore out.

 

5. Why are you upgrading?

My old computer is 6 years old, it is a i7 4770k on a z87 mpower with a AIO liquid cooling on the cpu, 16 gb ram and AMD radeon 7800. My hard drive is solid state 128gb. This is in a coolermaster HAF and using windows 10  home and dual boot linux. (Yes this is my old personal computer)

I have been thinking about it, I think I could get away with replacing the AIO with a new one and upgrading the GPU and drop in a new solid state. My worry is, most computers last 4-8 years on average, if I am lucky stretch it to 10. Yes this was on the upper end of things when it was built but that is no longer the case. A new solid state like a samsung 870 pro/evo would atleast prevent me from loosing data if I crashed out if I set it up as the drive I save on as I work. 

 

6. Other info?

I am thinking mATX or larger.

I am currently considering cases, Gamer storm Genome / Cougar Panzer Max / Cougar Conquer / Thermaltake Core P90 / Thermaltake Core P5 / Thermaltake Tower 900

I have never done a custom loop and if I paid someone to do it I was thinking maingear but I get alot more bang for my buck doing it myself. 

I am considering waiting for Intels next release this fall for the 10nm architecture. 

 

I found an old thread on a pc for game development 

 

I am just thinking out loud here so feel free to step on the thought. 

PCPartPicker part list:

CPU: Intel - Core i9-9900K 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor  ($525.89 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z390 AORUS XTREME WATERFORCE EATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($907.99 @ Newegg) 
Memory: Corsair - Dominator Platinum 64 GB (4 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory  ($549.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Samsung - 860 Evo 2 TB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($295.00 @ Amazon) 
Main HDD: Samsung - 970 Evo 2 TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive  ($549.99 @ Amazon) 
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce RTX 2080 Ti 11 GB FTW3 ULTRA GAMING Video Card  ($1399.99 @ Amazon) 
Case: Thermaltake - The Tower 900 Snow Edition ATX Full Tower Case  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA P2 850 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($158.90 @ OutletPC) 
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Pro OEM 64-bit  ($114.39 @ OutletPC) 
Total: $4702.13
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-02-26 00:05 EST-0500

 

Further I do recognize the i9 extreme series like the i9 9900x or higher varient would provide more cpu power, that is part of why I bring this hear and ask. There could very well be better options out there and I don't have the slightest clue. Yes this raises the price about $500 starting and can go up to $1500 which is nearly double to four times the msrp of the cpu I picked above. Not to mention power consumption and heat issue, to the point I would need a bigger power supply which doesn't mean much really but the heat factor would walk me into required watercooling if not almost be getting into delidding territory. But it does significantly add pci-e lanes and cpu memory and cores which would add up to time.

 

Any and all input would be greatly appreciated!

Please and Thank you in advance!!!

 

BTW why does this have to be so expensive?!  Back when this was built this comp would have been like $2k range. lol oooo how I miss the gpu market that made sense and the ram market that was balanced. 

 

Should I wait for the end of the year / next year to see the next architecture and hopefully see if industry catches up to itself so we can see prices come to more non insane numbers?

[suchamoneypit]

You are spending a LOT of money on super premium RAM and an absolutely obscene motherboard (like holy shit $900 thats out of this world expensive, did you pick parts by sorting by most expensive?). Also, your storage is overkill. Get a single large capacity high speed SSD, and then a large capacity HDD. Store current projects, windows, and program on the SSD, and anything you're just storing and not using can sit on the HDD. You could get 90% of the storage speeds for 1/3 or 1/4th the price. You are also paying probably double what you need to on the PSU. Just by trimming out those you could probably go with a 32 core 64 thread threadripper for less money versus an 8 core intel. You're looking at like 350%+ more raw performance at less money. Also im not sure what your workload is like but a 2080ti is also probably not necessary, you could probably get by with a 2080 but by taking out those ridiculously expensive things I've mentioned the 2080ti seems affordable in that sense.

[suchamoneypit]

Also, custom watercooling is really unnecessary for what you're doing, and it'll massively complicate the build and significantly increase costs.

[suchamoneypit]

Its late for me and im not expert on a threadripper builds so I'd have to sit down for a bit (maybe tomorrow) and throw together a proper system after looking at the options but with that current setup you are literally throwing away thousands of dollars. Some changes are in order. For $6000 you can build an absolutely insane computer far better than that. Hell even a dual threadripper with 64 cores/128 threads might even be in the budget (but unnecessary).

[TheRealNuravictus]

To those who have replied.

That is exactly why I have come here  

I know which part goes in which slot sort of build knowledge but I do not know parts, that is not exactly in my knowledge or skill base and thus why I am here asking for help from those who know vastly more than me. 

 

As for the SSDs, I would probably atleast double the hard drives on there to be perfectly honest. Overkill? Maybe...probably....but here is the way I run my work computer for projects.  

drive 1 - OS and programs. This holds the in progress saves of projects.

drive 2- Linux because linux This I could get away with 128 or so. I suppose I could give this up.....but I do love linux and will release my game supporting it. Dont judge me!

drive 3 - Daily projects saves, new things sent in to me that have been reviewed and I plan to utilize and anything that I value more then passively something on my computer in general.

drive 4 - Larger compiling of projects, this could be if some big steps where made, something big sent in or just weekly progress saves.

 

I have been thinking about setting up a raid but I really don't understand raid setups well. My server guy got a headache trying to explain them and just told me to trust him lol and not worry about it. Also I am utilize cloud storage as another backup and a plug in only as I need it backup.  

Yes I am a backup freak and a bit paranoid. Maybe I need a server to save stuff on....I really don't know and don't want my server guy yelling at me more.....

 

ooo since you asked, I sorted by ratings mainly. I saw that motherboard was well rated and highly recommended by review sites for that cpu BUT that one was like $500 and I am probably getting ripped off getting one with a water block already attached. Probably not the best thing to do if I am being honest. So I am super thankful wonderful people like all of you are here to set me straight.

[TheRealNuravictus]

1 hour ago, TH3R34P3R said:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type	Item	Price
CPU	Intel - Core i9-9900K 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor	$525.89 @ Amazon
CPU Cooler	Corsair - H150i PRO 47.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler	$139.99 @ Newegg
Motherboard	Gigabyte - Z390 AORUS MASTER ATX LGA1151 Motherboard	$259.99 @ Newegg
Memory	G.Skill - Trident Z RGB 64 GB (4 x 16 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory
Storage	Samsung - 970 Evo 500 GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive	$149.99 @ Samsung
Storage	Samsung - 860 Evo 1 TB 2.5" Solid State Drive	$147.99 @ Amazon
Storage	Seagate - IronWolf 10 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive	$298.88 @ OutletPC
Video Card	EVGA - GeForce RTX 2080 Ti 11 GB XC ULTRA GAMING Video Card	$1249.99 @ B&H
Case	Corsair - SPEC-OMEGA RGB ATX Mid Tower Case	$149.99 @ Newegg
Power Supply	Corsair - RMx (2018) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply	$89.99 @ Newegg
Monitor	BenQ - BL2711U 27.0" 3840x2160 60 Hz Monitor	$710.72 @ Amazon
Monitor	Acer - XB271HU bmiprz 27.0" 2560x1440 165 Hz Monitor	$599.99 @ Newegg Business
Monitor	Acer - Predator X34 34.0" 3440x1440 120 Hz Monitor	$948.80 @ OutletPC
Keyboard	Logitech - G910 Orion Spark Wired Gaming Keyboard	$115.85 @ OutletPC
Mouse	Logitech - G502 Proteus Spectrum Wired Optical Mouse	$44.99 @ Walmart
Headphones	Sennheiser - GAME ZERO Black Headset	$139.79 @ Amazon
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total (before mail-in rebates)	$5612.84
	Mail-in rebates	-$40.00
	Total	$5572.84
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-02-26 12:56 EST-0500

 here is what i can come up with for ya. 

Just pasting this over here since the hard work was done, I also very much appreciate that a cpu cooler was added, I noticed it very much so helps with dust build up compared to older computers I have had. Just a very light dusting and I am done once every 6 months with almost no dust to show. On average how long are we seeing AIO (upper end ones) last?

 

If I am understanding your monitor recommendations correctly,

The Acer predator is a semi color accurate high frequency ultra wide.

The Acer xb271uh bmiprz is for a higher hz monitor that actually displays appropriate dimensions instead of stretching.

The benq is the high definition color accuracy monitor - a beautiful recommendation  Thank you

[suchamoneypit]

3 hours ago, TheRealNuravictus said:

Just pasting this over here since the hard work was done, I also very much appreciate that a cpu cooler was added, I noticed it very much so helps with dust build up compared to older computers I have had. Just a very light dusting and I am done once every 6 months with almost no dust to show. On average how long are we seeing AIO (upper end ones) last?

 

If I am understanding your monitor recommendations correctly,

The Acer predator is a semi color accurate high frequency ultra wide.

The Acer xb271uh bmiprz is for a higher hz monitor that actually displays appropriate dimensions instead of stretching.

The benq is the high definition color accuracy monitor - a beautiful recommendation  Thank you

AIO should last for years. I have friends with AIOs running 24/7 for over 6+ years now (liquid cooled 3570ks), and thats on low end OEM models. That's not to say there aren't exceptions though, things can fail. In terms of your monitors, you are spending the amount on your monitors as a decent high-end rig would cost. I understand you are developing games though im not sure what your priorities are. You are paying a massive premium for very high resolution displays (all 3 of them) at a very high refresh rate. Do you really need that high refresh rate on all of the monitors? All refresh rate does it lets you see more frames rendered per second and it can help prevent screen tearing which can happen if you are say running a game at 300FPS on a 60hz monitor. You are pretty much paying like $800 premium just so you see your mouse move smoother on the screen your do your work on. That money can either be saved, or used for a massive increase in CPU performance. On top of this, 2 of the displays are ultra-wide. Are you aware of how massive of a monitor setup this is? Some of your screen space is going to be so far to your side it might be downright inconvenient to use, and you're going to need a huge desk. Its going to be a full head turn just to see the edges of your screens. Me being someone who had 3 1080p monitors all 24", i found it pretty useless having my monitors that wide. You look at a setup significantly wider. Your GPU certainly won't be rendering stuff on all those displays at those refresh rates at once (even a 2080ti). And if you really were going to be utilizing all those pixels and the refresh rate available, your CPU certainly isn't paired to match (you're spending 3 times more on monitors than the brain of your computer, which is the thing which is doing the majority of the work for your job).

 

So essentially you were really overspending on a bunch of components, followed our suggestions, then spend the thousands you saved on a pretty obscene monitor setup, one of which in my opinion is very excessive for your task. Even just 1 normal monitor next to 1 ultrawide is very wide, and you are gonna have 1 large normal monitor and 2 large ultrawides. For game production, I really don't think you need this enthusiast level of monitors, you're paying like 300-400% premium for a difference I don't even think you are going to notice in your use case. Also keep in mind the very small amount of users playing games using ultrawide monitors. Your going to want to be testing the game on a normal sized monitor, not on a monitor size and aspect ratio 0.1% of users are using. My suggestion would be to have 1 4K monitor at a high refresh rate for a enthusiast monitor to test games, and then maybe 1 ultrawide monitor at high resolution but a normal 60hz refresh rate which would be the main monitor you develop on (the screen space is nice for productivity).

[TheRealNuravictus]

1 hour ago, suchamoneypit said:

So essentially you were really overspending on a bunch of components, followed our suggestions, then spend the thousands you saved on a pretty obscene monitor setup, one of which in my opinion is very excessive for your task. Even just 1 normal monitor next to 1 ultrawide is very wide, and you are gonna have 1 large normal monitor and 2 large ultrawides. For game production, I really don't think you need this enthusiast level of monitors, you're paying like 300-400% premium for a difference I don't even think you are going to notice in your use case. Also keep in mind the very small amount of users playing games using ultrawide monitors. Your going to want to be testing the game on a normal sized monitor, not on a monitor size and aspect ratio 0.1% of users are using. My suggestion would be to have 1 4K monitor at a high refresh rate for a enthusiast monitor to test games, and then maybe 1 ultrawide monitor at high resolution but a normal 60hz refresh rate which would be the main monitor you develop on (the screen space is nice for productivity).

Hey,

I think you hit the nail on the head of what I am looking for

 

Monitor 1 = Main work station 

Monitor 2 = Rotated up on side for programming / rotate down for testing

 

Here is where it gets complicated.

Within them I want a high refresh rate, high detail and color accuracy so sRGB / rec 709 / adobe rgb / dec - p3 and atleast 10 bit color that can be calibrated.

 

Lets break this down and show my intent.

Task #1  - I have to verify color accuracy, it is so easy to mean to show one thing and the monitor that is not accurate shows another. I also need to verify detail in a project. This is what my partners want, this is what I want. This is very similar to audiophiles. I have literally called my designer and said I asked for this color, this looks bizarre this way, and this what happened, the response was "I did, your monitors suck, stop by tomorrow and I'll show you." They spoke the truth, even putting their monitor on my computer, my current monitors do not do color accuracy and can not be calibrated. Granted yes I could leave this as a trust my designer but given how far some monitors are off and some of the subtle things you can do that only others with a high grade monitor can see.....I don't like the risk there. Also I am suppose to verify everything before it is signed off and added....

 

Task #2 - I have to have a work station and I want an ultra wide

 

Task #3 - I need to test and I want a monitor similar to what my users will use and push good quality to premium for atleast 1440 HD with 144hz range so I can push optimization given how the gpu acts under load of a higher end monitor.

 

The first build was a shot at achieving what I asked for.....I am very open to suggestion and to learn from all of you.

If I can get this in two monitors I would be ecstatic. 

Also yes I completely understand the size issue, I use 2x 27" monitors and it gets to be wide.... but I work heavily on both, I really like dual monitors.

 

My desk - https://www.btod.com/btod-vertdesk-v3-l

[TheRealNuravictus]

I found a few monitors I will throw out there, just curious what others think of them as we continue this build discussion.

These seem to be color accurate ultra wide to combine two monitors on the list leaving the second to be a pure gaming monitor.

Yes these monitors are all bloody expensive, the u3818dw is $900, others a bit more expensive, others a little less.

 

Dell U3419W - The big brother to the Dell U3415W claiming 10 bit color and good color accuracy.

Dell U3818DW - claiming much better color accuracy ultra wide vs prior mention. (This definitely pushes the max size)

LG34WK95U-W - this is decent color accuracy but lg seems to struggle to use a true 10bit color table

Dell UP3216Q - I would call this another big dog in the color accuracy department.

BenQ has many good monitors to include BL2711U and PD3200U

[suchamoneypit]

15 hours ago, TheRealNuravictus said:

I found a few monitors I will throw out there, just curious what others think of them as we continue this build discussion.

These seem to be color accurate ultra wide to combine two monitors on the list leaving the second to be a pure gaming monitor.

Yes these monitors are all bloody expensive, the u3818dw is $900, others a bit more expensive, others a little less.

 

Dell U3419W - The big brother to the Dell U3415W claiming 10 bit color and good color accuracy.

Dell U3818DW - claiming much better color accuracy ultra wide vs prior mention. (This definitely pushes the max size)

LG34WK95U-W - this is decent color accuracy but lg seems to struggle to use a true 10bit color table

Dell UP3216Q - I would call this another big dog in the color accuracy department.

BenQ has many good monitors to include BL2711U and PD3200U

I'm personally no expert on things like color accuracy and ultra-high end monitors, I don't want to give you misguided advice, I suggest bringing that info and making a dedicated post on the Displays category (and explain your use case). You will likely get better advice from monitor enthusiasts there.

[TheRealNuravictus]

Hey sorry I haven't been on in a bit, any other thoughts on possible builds?