Suggestions On First Workstation Build

Espira · August 27, 2015

Hi there!

I want to upgrade from my nearly 4 year old Toshiba Satellite to something that can handle heavier loads and run some games.

The intent of the workstation is primarily Software Compiling, Video Editing, 3D Rendering and a decent amount of gaming.

The programs I'll be using primarily are:

Unity

Visual Studios

Android Studio

Adobe After Effects, Flash, Photoshop

The games I'm looking to run are:

Rocket League

Hearthstone

GTA V

Nothing crazy like Witcher 3 highest settings, but enough to play those games without stutter.

I've put together PC's before, but never picked out the parts. Regardless I did some looking and came up with this build: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/s4b8gs

Some choices like the RAM I just went all in with to give myself a ball park figure, but I realize I may not need that much. I will be starting off with 1 monitor (none chosen yet, a not too expensive suggestion would be appreciated) but eventually will want a 2nd.

This build is slightly more expensive than I intend, but I want it to last for a good while.

Any and all CnC is appreciated. Thanks !

TheSLSAMG · August 27, 2015

I'd try to swap out the GPU for the GTX 950. Other than that, it looks solid. You could also consider an Intel Xeon as there may be an option within your budget that offers Hyper-Threading.

Oberon.Smite · August 27, 2015

Solid build for the price, but as @TheSLSAMG said, try finding a cheap 950 if you can.

Vivilacqua1 · August 27, 2015

Looks good, but the 750ti will struggle a bit in GTA V. maby a 950 as SLSAMG siad.

Buizel10 · August 27, 2015

comin up:

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/8k273C

Thunder Down Under · August 27, 2015

This is a overall better balanced system http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/sz273C

theocuff322 · August 27, 2015

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/34JMt6

The extra CPU cores will make video rendering a lot faster. I downgraded your SSD and added a cheap HDD because you'll need more storage if you're gonna be making videos. I suggest getting another 1TB drive sometime in the future as well. I also swapped that GPU for a 950, so you can actually run your games [emoji14]

The monitor that I would recommend for this build is the Acer H236HLbid. It's 23", 1080p, and has an IPS screen for better quality colour. It's pretty cheap, coming in at around $170 CAD.

Espira · August 27, 2015

Hey guys thanks so much for the advice! After looking through all your suggestions and asking around some of my friends (I'm studying in Comp.Sci and a lot of them are enthusiasts), I've come to have 2 builds in mind. I would love your inputs on which I should pick.

Both Cases

Changed the PSU to 80+ Gold

Changed cases

Won't need an HDD as I already have a 2TB one on me

Upgraded Video Card as suggested

AMD

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($212.00 @ Vuugo)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($31.98 @ NCIX)

Motherboard: MSI 970 GAMING ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($124.98 @ Newegg Canada)

Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($135.98 @ Newegg Canada)

Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($112.99 @ Amazon Canada)