Question GPU for Computer Programming ?

[stevesmith1]

Hello,

I've enrolled in studying computer programming and I'm looking for a graphic card that would be suitable for my needs. I need a graphic card for casual gaming, content creation, and programming tasks.

Here are my two picks:

1. MSI GeForce RTX 4060 VENTUS 2X BLACK 8G OC, GDDR6 PCI-E 4.0, 128 bits, 8-pin x 1, HDMI 2.1 x 1, Display Port 1.4 x 3

2. MSI GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER 12G VENTUS 2X OC, GDDR6X 12GB, 2505 MHz Boost, PCI-E 4.0, 192 bit, 16-pin x 1, HDMI 2.1 x 1, Display Port 1.4 x 3

I'm thinking about purchasing the MSI GeForce RTX 4060 VENTUS 2X BLACK 8G OC due to how I think the MSI GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER 12G VENTUS 2X OC would be a overkill for my needs. Also, the price is much lower and it starts at $399.99 CAD.

I will be working with Java OOP, virtual machines running Linux OS, mobile and web development, SQL databases, digital forensics, ethnical hacking, and so on.

What's your opinion?

Here are my PC specifications:

CPU: Intel Core i7-13700K 3.4 GHz 16-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AK620 DIGITAL
Motherboard: MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory
Storage: Western Digital Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
Power Supply: MSI A1000G PCIE5 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply

 

[Eximo]

If you are keeping it for 4-6 years and doing no upgrades, then I would go ahead with the 4070 Super.

Casual gaming and development could be done with far far less though. Mid-range gaming laptop would suffice for most needs and be portable.

1000W PSU is way more then you need. 750W would be more suitable. Spend the difference on a 2TB SSD or double the memory.

 

[stevesmith1]

If you are keeping it for 4-6 years and doing no upgrades, then I would go ahead with the 4070 Super.

Casual gaming and development could be done with far far less though. Mid-range gaming laptop would suffice for most needs and be portable.

1000W PSU is way more then you need. 750W would be more suitable. Spend the difference on a 2TB SSD or double the memory.

I just edited my storage as my nvme is WD Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0. Yes, I'm planning on using the PC for the next 4-6 years so it looks like I will need to invest into the 4070 Super. Am I okay with 12GB instead of 16GB of VRAM?

As for the memory, you're thinking that I should double it to 64GB?

 

[35below0]

I just edited my storage as my nvme is WD Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0. Yes, I'm planning on using the PC for the next 4-6 years so it looks like I will need to invest into the 4070 Super. Am I okay with 12GB instead of 16GB of VRAM?

As for the memory, you're thinking that I should double it to 64GB?

I think your first choice of 4060 is correct. It is the entry level GPU from nvidia but it's the latest generation GPU and is already overkill for your needs. So put the money elsewhere like extra storage or larger monitor.

You are unlikely to need more than 32 Gb RAM. Also, larger RAM kits are slower, so it's a compromise either way. You can buy a 2x24 Gb kit for 48 Gb. But you might find yourself never using more than 15-20Gb, if that.

Don't pay for what you can't justify.

Less important, but the CPU cooler is more expensive than you need. A cheaper Peerless Assassin would be already more than you need. Arctic 36 is cheap now as well. DeepCool also has cheaper models that will do the job just as well.


I think this would suit you:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-13600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor ($253.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 AERO G ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($269.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial CT2K32G48C40U5 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-4800 CL40 Memory ($178.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 980 Pro 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: TEAMGROUP MP44L 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($112.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte AERO OC GeForce RTX 4060 8 GB Video Card ($319.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Montech AIR 903 MAX ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS GX-750 ATX 3.0 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - Download 64-bit ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1519.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-05-24 20:24 EDT-0400


You can cut RAM in half down to 32 Gb.
And you probably don't need the Samsung there, but it is fast and reliable, and perfect as the OS drive.
Consider adding a 4 or 6 Tb HDD to the build. They're cheap, and much faster when the OS and applications have an SSD at their disposal. Of course, they're not fast but for mass storage or cases where speed doesn't matter, they can do the job.

The Aero motherboard is an expensive one but pretty good. A B760 motherboard would probably be ok, and would save you a lot of money. But if you're keeping this PC for a long time, make it good if you can.

An i7 CPU and a 4070 GPU would also need more power so a more expensive PSU. The difference in your work will be marginal but your wallet will feel it.

Whichever GPU you buy, i suggest a triple fan model. They tend to be less noisy.
Up to you. This is just my opinion.

 

[stevesmith1]

I think your first choice of 4060 is correct. It is the entry level GPU from nvidia but it's the latest generation GPU and is already overkill for your needs. So put the money elsewhere like extra storage or larger monitor.

You are unlikely to need more than 32 Gb RAM. Also, larger RAM kits are slower, so it's a compromise either way. You can buy a 2x24 Gb kit for 48 Gb. But you might find yourself never using more than 15-20Gb, if that.

Don't pay for what you can't justify.

Less important, but the CPU cooler is more expensive than you need. A cheaper Peerless Assassin would be already more than you need. Arctic 36 is cheap now as well. DeepCool also has cheaper models that will do the job just as well.


I think this would suit you:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-13600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor ($253.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 AERO G ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($269.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial CT2K32G48C40U5 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-4800 CL40 Memory ($178.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 980 Pro 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: TEAMGROUP MP44L 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($112.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte AERO OC GeForce RTX 4060 8 GB Video Card ($319.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Montech AIR 903 MAX ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.00 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS GX-750 ATX 3.0 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - Download 64-bit ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1519.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-05-24 20:24 EDT-0400


You can cut RAM in half down to 32 Gb.
And you probably don't need the Samsung there, but it is fast and reliable, and perfect as the OS drive.
Consider adding a 4 or 6 Tb HDD to the build. They're cheap, and much faster when the OS and applications have an SSD at their disposal. Of course, they're not fast but for mass storage or cases where speed doesn't matter, they can do the job.

The Aero motherboard is an expensive one but pretty good. A B760 motherboard would probably be ok, and would save you a lot of money. But if you're keeping this PC for a long time, make it good if you can.

An i7 CPU and a 4070 GPU would also need more power so a more expensive PSU. The difference in your work will be marginal but your wallet will feel it.

Whichever GPU you buy, i suggest a triple fan model. They tend to be less noisy.
Up to you. This is just my opinion.

Thank you for your feedback. The specifications that I have is what I am currently running on my machine. I'm just missing the GPU as I needed to save money. I have extra storage in my PC that I haven't listed. I got a good promotion deal for the CPU, Motherboard, and RAM together. The rest is what I had from my previous my PC except the PSU. As for the cooler, I got on a promotion deal too and I'm enjoying the performance and the display of it. Can't complain. So, I'm thinking the 4070 would be ideal for the CPU I am running at.

 

[35below0]

Thank you for your feedback. The specifications that I have is what I am currently running on my machine. I'm just missing the GPU as I needed to save money. I have extra storage in my PC that I haven't listed. I got a good promotion deal for the CPU, Motherboard, and RAM together. The rest is what I had from my previous my PC except the PSU. As for the cooler, I got on a promotion deal too and I'm enjoying the performance and the display of it. Can't complain. So, I'm thinking the 4070 would be ideal for the CPU I am running at.

Ok, i understand now.
I actually lucked into some expensive parts with great discounts. Sometimes it's worth it to be patient and to shop around.

As for the GPU, the 4070 would be more expensive without making much difference in non-gaming scenarios. If you can afford a 4070 Ti Super, that would be a killer GPU.

Currently the cheapest one is this Zotac Trinity for $790: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/nb...4070-ti-super-16-gb-video-card-zt-d40730d-10p

Also, the 4070 series has been superseeded, or refreshed with the Super line-up, so if going for a non-Ti 4070, take a super.
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/6C...70-super-12-gb-video-card-vcg4070s12tfxxpb1-o

The 4060s do not have Super models, though there is a Ti with more VRAM.

In my opinion, you should pick the GPU based on gaming performance because that will make a difference.

Consider also saving your money until Christmas and Easter, or just keep the option open for an upgrade. New GPUs from Nvidia and Intel are expected to make a big splash, esp. nvidia 50XX series.

Speaking of Intel, this might also be an interesting GPU for you: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/xcNYcf/sparkle-titan-oc-arc-a770-16-gb-video-card-sa770t-16goc
The Sparkle Titan Arc A770 is not a match for a 4070 Super or Ti Super, but it comes with extra non-gaming perks and 16Gb VRAM.

 

[stevesmith1]

Ok, i understand now.
I actually lucked into some expensive parts with great discounts. Sometimes it's worth it to be patient and to shop around.

As for the GPU, the 4070 would be more expensive without making much difference in non-gaming scenarios. If you can afford a 4070 Ti Super, that would be a killer GPU.

Currently the cheapest one is this Zotac Trinity for $790: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/nb...4070-ti-super-16-gb-video-card-zt-d40730d-10p

Also, the 4070 series has been superseeded, or refreshed with the Super line-up, so if going for a non-Ti 4070, take a super.
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/6C...70-super-12-gb-video-card-vcg4070s12tfxxpb1-o

The 4060s do not have Super models, though there is a Ti with more VRAM.

In my opinion, you should pick the GPU based on gaming performance because that will make a difference.

Consider also saving your money until Christmas and Easter, or just keep the option open for an upgrade. New GPUs from Nvidia and Intel are expected to make a big splash, esp. nvidia 50XX series.

Speaking of Intel, this might also be an interesting GPU for you: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/xcNYcf/sparkle-titan-oc-arc-a770-16-gb-video-card-sa770t-16goc
The Sparkle Titan Arc A770 is not a match for a 4070 Super or Ti Super, but it comes with extra non-gaming perks and 16Gb VRAM.

Do you think the prices will rise?

Just read this article yesterday: https://www.techspot.com/news/103135-pc-gamers-face-higher-hardware-costs-tariffs-chinese.html

 

[35below0]

Do you think the prices will rise?

Just read this article yesterday: https://www.techspot.com/news/103135-pc-gamers-face-higher-hardware-costs-tariffs-chinese.html

I expect 40xx series prices to be pushed down by the new GPUs. The performance of the new generation is expected to be much greater, so even if they are priced the same or higher, the price/performance will be better.