Question Obscene tech dimwit needs help replacing prehistoric pc $1k-$1.5k budget)

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Jun 25, 2022
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Hi folks,

I'm in need of an entirely new system and am looking for some help on this forum. I'll try to follow the 'How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice' guidelines as much as possible. Bare with me if I do something wrong; I'm new here and I know as much about computers as Donald Trump about modesty.

Edit: accidently posted thread already. Info and questions will follow.

Edit:

Approximate Purchase Date:
The closer the better, I'd preferably have everything ordered within a couple of days.

Budget Range:
Don't exactly have a set budget. I'm just gonna pay for what is needed. If possible, I'd like to keep everything within the $1k-$1.5k budget range I provided in the title.

System Usage from Most to Least Important:
I'm a professional online poker player that's recently made a switch to playing on Android apps. I want to get these apps on desktop by using the emulator LDPlayer. I need to be able to use a maximum of 8 emulators at the same time, without using over 75% of my system resources. This is somewhat of a known practice within the poker community, so I'm not just blindly experimenting around. This is really the only important reason why I'm looking for a new system.

Are you buying a monitor:
Nope, I already have a basic triple monitor setup that doesn't need improvement.

Parts to Upgrade:
My current pc almost explodes when I request it to open an app or browser, so I'm really in need of an entirely new system. I don't know all the parts of a pc, but mine is almost prehistoric, so I can't imagine any current parts will serve me much use. So entirely new setup it is.

Do you need to buy OS:
I will replace the motherboard, so I'll need new license. I may have a family member with a tech background that has a bunch laying around, so I may not have to purchase another one. I'm not looking for a fancy OS though, so probably won't cost a ton of schmeckles either way.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts:
No preference; I have no knowledge at all where I can get entire systems or individual parts for good deals. Any tips regarding this would be hugely appreciated.

Location:
Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Parts Preferences:
GPU: I was given the GeForce GTX 1070 as a suggestion. The GPU is the most important for what I intend using the pc for.
CPU: I was given the Intel Core i7-8700 as a suggestion. It's a bit old and inefficient though, so I'm looking for a different CPU from Intel with eight processors. Whether it's a single thread or multiple thread processor doesn't seem to matter for what I intend using the pc for.
RAM: 32GB

For reference: An 8 emulator setup was used on the GTX 1070, Intel Core i7-8700 and 32GB RAM and ran moderately smoothly. These parts were suggested to me by the app developers, so they provide a very good guideline for how strong the parts need to be for what I intend to do with them. I'm looking for something that's maybe a little bit stronger (20%-ish), but these parts/specs are a real good indication for what I need.
This was the only information I was given, so I presume these are the parts that are most important. I'd like any parts I haven't addressed to be of similar quality to balance the pc out (I don't know if this makes any sense), unless they're gonna cost a fortune.


Overclocking:
I'm not quite sure. I was told the emulators can't surpass using 75% of my system resources, so running the processor at a higher speed than the manufacturers intended sounds like I'd be doing the opposite, so I believe this to be a bad idea. If anyone can correct me on this, please do.

SLI or Crossfire:
A single strong GPU should do the trick, so I don't think I'll need this.

Your Monitor(s) Resolution:
1920x1080
1920x1080
1920x1080


Additional Comments:
I don't know if it makes sense to purchase a prebuilt pc or purchase parts and housing individually. I don't know what would cost me more and how difficult it will be for a novice to built the pc from scratch. My father is a retired system manager from Schipol Airport though, so he'll be able to assist me without a problem. What would you guys recommend doing?

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading:
As mentioned: because I need to be able to run 8 LDPlayer emulators at once. I might purchase some games in the future as well, but it's really not a priority.

Any help would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks,
TheAbsoluteGPUNewb
 
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https://azerty.nl/product/nzxt-h510-flow-midtowermodel/4600651
NZXT H510 Flow Mid Tower Case €80,95

https://azerty.nl/product/seasonic-focus-px-550-voeding-intern/3979954
Seasonic Focus PX-550 80+ Gold Modular Power Supply €99,00

https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B09NTMRRTL
MSI PRO B660M-A DDR4 €139,99

https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B09MDFH5HY
Intel Core i5-12400F €189,00

https://www.megekko.nl/product/1994/1117527/CPU-Luchtkoeling/DeepCool-AK400
DeepCool AK400 CPU Cooler €34,90

https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B07RW6Z692
Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3200 32GB (2x16GB) CL16 €109,90

https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B08GVDNTGJ
Crucial P2 2TB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD €169,90

https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B08BNNSJMZ
ASUS TUF GAMING RTX 3060 OC 12GB Graphics Card €584,00

Total: €1407.64

A better look at those components.

https://nzxt.com/product/h510-flow

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-B660M-A-DDR4

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...2400f-processor-18m-cache-up-to-4-40-ghz.html

https://global.deepcool.com/product...AK400-Performance-CPU-Cooler/2021/15222.shtml


1646752739_IMG_1611920.jpg
 
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Jun 25, 2022
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Wow, thanks so much for the elaborate response, Why_Me!
Would you say the GPU is as good or better as the Geforce GTX 1070 I mentioned? It's really the most important part for the pc. Just want to double check.

Thanks again, I really appreciate it.
 
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Additional Comments:
I don't know if it makes sense to purchase a prebuilt pc or purchase parts and housing individually. I don't know what would cost me more and how difficult it will be for a novice to built the pc from scratch. My father is a retired system manager from Schipol Airport though, so he'll be able to assist me without a problem. What would you guys recommend doing?
...
Dear self described Tech Dimwit... ignoring the obscene part. Do yourself a great big favor and buy a pre-built. It's a far, far easier path. That is, of course, if you really are as you suggest.

You don't need to buy a new OS license key, but you'll have to put up with the UnActivated watermark in Windows and (possibly) reduced functionality. Any OEM license key that's been activated may not be used on a new motherboard but you can buy un-activated keys fairly cheap on any of several legitimate web sites...and they're not pirated. Any pre-built you buy should come with Windows (or Linux if preferred) pre-installed.

GamersNexus has done a very revealing series of evaluations of pre-built computers (check out their you-tube channel). It's focused on systems in the North American markets but may still be helpful to you for things to look for. HINT: in general, the worst value pre-builts are not who you think; avoid the Dell's, HP's and Lenovo's for instance.
 
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What pc are you now running?
What is the make/model of your three monitors?
To attach them, the graphics card needs to have the appropriate set of outputs.
What connections are possible?
HDMI, Displayport, vga, or dvi.
The recommended gpu is a GTX750ti.
The GTX 1070 is much more capable than that.
You need to verify that it has the monitor connections you need.

Was the suggestion of a I7-8700 to run on a single instance of the LDplayer app,
Or was it for running all 8 instances?
The app apparently does not need much to run.
View: https://www.reddit.com/r/LDPlayerEmulator/comments/cjpn8x/ldplayer_system_requirements/

I am thinking that something like a I5-12400 would be plenty.

You may get better answers by talking to the LDplayer community forums.
 
Jun 25, 2022
6
2
15
What pc are you now running?
What is the make/model of your three monitors?
To attach them, the graphics card needs to have the appropriate set of outputs.
What connections are possible?
HDMI, Displayport, vga, or dvi.
The recommended gpu is a GTX750ti.
The GTX 1070 is much more capable than that.
You need to verify that it has the monitor connections you need.

Was the suggestion of a I7-8700 to run on a single instance of the LDplayer app,
Or was it for running all 8 instances?
The app apparently does not need much to run.
View: https://www.reddit.com/r/LDPlayerEmulator/comments/cjpn8x/ldplayer_system_requirements/

I am thinking that something like a I5-12400 would be plenty.

You may get better answers by talking to the LDplayer community forums.
Hi geofelt, thanks for your response.

What pc are you now running?
I don't know exactly, but I don't see this being relevant. It's a twelve year old piece of junk that at this point can't even perform basic tasks anymore.

What is the make/model of your three monitors?
Philips 243V7QDAB, all three of them.

To attach them, the graphics card needs to have the appropriate set of outputs.
What connections are possible?
I currently make use of the HDMI, VGA and DVI option for my monitors, I believe.

You need to verify that it has the monitor connections you need.
Will do, thanks for the tip.

The recommended gpu is a GTX750ti.
The GTX 1070 is much more capable than that.
But these are recommendations for use of a single emulator, right? These were the recommendations I was given by people in the industry that actually develop third party software to improve playability on the apps, so I have a bit of a hard time believing that running eight emulators at the same time will be peanuts and doable with unimpressive hardware. I was also told by a confidant who introduced me to this way of playing poker that the emulators generally run terribly and are a nuisance if you don't have a really strong pc.
Can you explain to me why your recommendations would make sense if I'll be running the app eight times through eight individual LDPlayer emulators at the same time? Not trying to be a twat, genuinely looking for answers.


Was the suggestion of a I7-8700 to run on a single instance of the LDplayer app,
Or was it for running all 8 instances?
The I7-8700, GTX 1070 and 16GB RAM were tested when running eight individual LDPlayer emulators at the same time, which coincidentally is the exact number of emulators I intend on running. The hardware I was advised was suggested to run on eight instances of the LDPlayer emulator. As RAM is pretty cheap I'll just go for 32GB RAM, but 16GB RAM would actually easily suffice for running eight LDPlayer emulators.

The app I'll be running through the emulators is named PokerBros by the way. I'll be running third party software simultaneously that allows you to play with hotkeys, improve the method of placing a bet and that notifies you in certain ways about actions being taken. I don't think the third party software demands a lot of power, but perhaps it's notable to add.


Thanks for your message. :)
 
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Jun 25, 2022
6
2
15
Dear self described Tech Dimwit... ignoring the obscene part. Do yourself a great big favor and buy a pre-built. It's a far, far easier path. That is, of course, if you really are as you suggest.

You don't need to buy a new OS license key, but you'll have to put up with the UnActivated watermark in Windows and (possibly) reduced functionality. Any OEM license key that's been activated may not be used on a new motherboard but you can buy un-activated keys fairly cheap on any of several legitimate web sites...and they're not pirated. Any pre-built you buy should come with Windows (or Linux if preferred) pre-installed.

GamersNexus has done a very revealing series of evaluations of pre-built computers (check out their you-tube channel). It's focused on systems in the North American markets but may still be helpful to you for things to look for. HINT: in general, the worst value pre-builts are not who you think; avoid the Dell's, HP's and Lenovo's for instance.
I really am as I suggest, lol, so thanks for your input. I think I'll text my father to find out if he'll have a hard time putting the pc together. As I mentioned, he worked as a system manager at Schiphol Airport, so he knows a great deal about systems and computers. Depending on his response, I'll buy a prebuilt or individual parts.

I'll just get my ass an OS package, no big deal.

I'll take a look on GamersNexus's YT channel.
What would you say is the best bang for buck option; purchasing individual computer parts, or buying a prebuilt PC?

Thanks for your message. :)
 
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What would you say is the best bang for buck option; purchasing individual computer parts, or buying a prebuilt PC?
...
It's dangerous to paint with broad strokes on such things. But if you're trying to build a high-end gaming power house it would probably be cheaper, and certainly much more successful, for you to build it yourself.

But then, you can find any number of very capable pre-builts in your budget range for the type of "gaming" you've described. And it will work: it will either work or you take it back and they make it work or you get a refund.

But you might end up paying more if you do it DIY for several reasons: one, you probably can't match their buying power for things like a decent GPU (for instance) or two, being a novice at this, you can end up buying something twice (keep receipts) because of unexpected results. With a DIY, YOU are the one you take it back to if it doesn't work, and YOU make it work.

But lastly: do you like a challenge? If you've never done it and want to learn DIY computer building certainly is a fun challenge to conquer. If you like that sort of thing.
 
The monitors you have will connect via hdmi, dvi and vga(ugh!)
A typical GTX1070 such as this EVGA GTX1070
will have only one hdmi and one dvi connection, plus 3 displayport connections that you would not use. It is best to not have to depend on adapters.
https://www.newegg.com/evga-geforce...tx 1070&cm_re=gtx_1070-_-14-487-248-_-Product
Check out your proposed graphics card.

I would highly suspect that the emulators are each single threaded.
Once you have a pc with 8 processing threads, you are likely home.
To evaluate processors, look a the passmark ratings.
A i7-8700 for example has 12 threads and a passmark rating of 13078.
That is when all 12 threads are fully busy.
The single thread rating is 2674:
https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i7-8700+@+3.20GHz&id=3099
As a comparison, the I5-12400 also has 12 threads, but with a rating of 19538/3531.
Probably a very good processor for your use.

If you are not eager to build a pc, you still may want to select your parts and have a local shop or microcenter assemble one for you.
Pre built pc's will often include no name power supplies.
You do not want to go cheap on the psu.
Insist on one with a 7 to 10 year warranty.
 
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