Desktop for Gaming and Scientific Computing

[mitchell792]

I'm building my first PC and need your opinions. I'd like to install both windows 10. I have a $3000 budget and my PC would have 2 major tasks:
(1) Gaming on Windows 10.
(2) Scientific computing, and general programming in C/C++, Python, Matlab, and Wolfram Desktop and Mathematica

Any response is appreciated. Thanks for your time!

 

[jays2pence]

You don't need to spend $3000, you could spend $1200 and build a beautiful system for your required purposes.
At which resolution and fps do you hope to game? and which kind of games do you play?

 

[why_wolf]

Ryzen. Scientific programs should almost always make use of all cores, so more CPU cores will be best. I'm going by the assumption that your scientific work will be RAM hungry.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 1700 3.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($269.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua - NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($88.15 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus - PRIME B350M-A/CSM Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($83.45 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($273.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung - 960 Pro 1TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($579.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi - Ultrastar 7K4000 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($65.92 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Superclocked Gaming ACX 3.0 Video Card ($544.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design - Define Mini C with Window MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($74.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - EVO Edition 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($92.18 @ Newegg Marketplace)
Total: $2073.53
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-07-12 16:25 EDT-0400

 

[mitchell792]

You don't need to spend $3000, you could spend $1200 and build a beautiful system for your required purposes.
At which resolution and fps do you hope to game? and which kind of games do you play?

I was hoping for a frame rate of at least 60 fps, preferably 80 or more. I tend to play games like Ark Survival and GTA V. I've my research also involves lots of RAM, especially the data analysis components. I also code my own programs for research and I know they run using lots of memory.

 

[jays2pence]

Yes I would agree that for your purposes a Ryzen based platform would suit you well, Ryzen 5 and 7 CPU's almost match or exceed the performance of their Intel equivalents for a far more reasonable price in both gaming and workload scenarios.

If you wish to purchase best high end performance for price go with the Ryzen 5 1600 with the GTX 1070, this combination is considered overkill for 1080p gaming at 60hz Ultra settings, more than enough power.
do you plan to game 1080p or higher resolutions? the 1070 can also handle 1440p. I would only spend the extra money on the GTX 1080 if you plan to play at 4k or perhaps 1440p 144hz.
It all depends if you are looking to save some money or go all out with your budget.
If you do buy a Ryzen based system, be sure to check manufacturers RAM compatibility list.

here is an example of some compatible parts for Ryzen in GBP, i may have been a little optimistic with the $1200 estimate.



https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/FDPDHN