[SOLVED] GPU for non gaming PC

Samule1234

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Jul 10, 2020
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Hi,
I want to build a new PC but I won't be using it for gaming. I made a parts list https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/BxnrFG
but I have one problem: Since the PC wont be used for gaming but for writing emails and watching YouTube I don't need a powerful GPU. I originally wanted to go for and intel core i5 9600k so that I could use the integrated graphics but I decided against it as it has half the threads of the ryzen 5 3600 and I would also have to get a cooler. Problem with the ryzen 5 3600 is that it doesn't have integrated graphics. I currently have a gt 1030 as the gpu in the parts list but i dont really know if that is a good idea or if its sufficient for YouTube.

What GPU should I get? does it make more sense to get the i5 9600k?
Again it wont be used for anything more than writing emails and watching 1080p YouTube videos.
 
You could get Ryzen 5 3400G instead. It has integrated graphics.

Or for basic/non gaming graphics card you could go with GT 710 instead.

GT 1030 is considered entry level gaming card. If you decide to go with it, then choose model with active fan (not passive model). Passive models tend to run rather hot.
 

Samule1234

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Jul 10, 2020
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You could get Ryzen 5 3400G instead. It has integrated graphics.

Or for basic/non gaming graphics card you could go with GT 710 instead.

GT 1030 is considered entry level gaming card. If you decide to go with it, then choose model with active fan (not passive model). Passive models tend to run rather hot.

Thanks for the reply! the 3400g seems to be a lot worse than the 3600. Is there a higher end version that would preform like the 3600 or better? Also would the GT 710 be good enough for 4k Youtube videos? I really dont want the gpu to be the bottle neck here.
 
Yes. No problem.
But definitely go with active cooler model -like this one:

1024.png
 

Samule1234

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Jul 10, 2020
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It gives lots more flexibility as to how well the card can push. Newer cards have newer drivers, supporting newer programs and qualities. Older cards run with older drivers that lack support for 4K videos and such.

Ok so if im going to use it for watching Youtube at 1080p, write emails, browse the internet and view a pdf every once in a while is the 1030 going to work? I dont really think the card will need to do much more than be a display adapter.
 
Ok so if im going to use it for watching Youtube at 1080p, write emails, browse the internet and view a pdf every once in a while is the 1030 going to work? I dont really think the card will need to do much more than be a display adapter.
Yes the GT 1030 will be fine for what you want to do. Thinking about it you may as well buy an Intel i3 with integrated graphics. Something like this:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i3-10100 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($176.99 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B460M D3H Micro ATX LGA1200 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Memory Express)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-2666 CL16 Memory ($84.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Western Digital Blue SN550 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ Canada Computers)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 USB 3.0 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($57.67 @ Vuugo)
Power Supply: Corsair CX (2017) 450 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($84.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Total: $609.62
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-07-12 10:13 EDT-0400
 
If you want Ryzen just because then this would work:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($255.50 @ shopRBC)
Motherboard: MSI B450M BAZOOKA MAX WIFI Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($147.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16 Memory ($99.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Western Digital Blue SN550 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ Canada Computers)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GT 1030 2 GB Video Card ($111.10 @ Vuugo)
Case: Fractal Design Meshify C Mini MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($129.50 @ Vuugo)
Power Supply: Corsair CX (2017) 450 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($84.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Total: $909.06
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-07-12 10:41 EDT-0400
 

Samule1234

Prominent
Jul 10, 2020
44
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Thank you! The intel build seems nice but i think i would get the i5 9600k instead. One more thing according to userbenchmark the i5 9600k preforms better than the ryzen 5 3600. How is that possible the i5 has half the threads of the ryzen 5?
 
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-10600K 4.1 GHz 6-Core Processor ($399.99 @ Newegg Canada)
CPU Cooler: Corsair iCUE H100i RGB PRO XT 75 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($174.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z490M GAMING X Micro ATX LGA1200 Motherboard ($218.99 @ Mike's Computer Shop)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16 Memory ($99.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Western Digital Blue SN550 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ Canada Computers)
Case: Fractal Design Meshify C ATX Mid Tower Case ($149.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: Corsair CX (2017) 450 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($84.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Total: $1208.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-07-12 11:15 EDT-0400


Kind of expensive for a system used for email and web browsing. It's not something I would recommend for non gaming purposes.
 
Solution
You're over thinking massively for your uses in my opinion. I would go ryzen simply for the upgradability factor, intel keep changing sockets and boards like the wind over the last 4 years.

3400g would be absolutely fine and do everything you need.

Or a straight non apu and the gt 1030.
 
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