Suggested VR PC Build (versus New Alienware Aurora)

[ws6ta02]

Hello,

Diving into the world of VR, as I will soon be buying the HTC Vive. So now I need a computer that will be solely used with this VR system.

I see Dell as a Black Friday ad for the New Alienware Aurora ($1400 option)
* Intel I7 8700
* 16GB DDR4, 266MHz up to 64GB
* GeForce GTX 1070 w/ 8GB GDDR5

There is also an $1100 option
* Intel I5 8400
* 16GB DDR4, 266MHz up to 64GB
* GeForce GTX 1060 w/ 6GB GDDR5

Everything I've seen leads me to believe the 1070 is much better than the 1060.

Is this a good price for a VR PC? Or can you recommend a comparable PC build for less?

Building a PC for me is not an issue...just understanding what goes best with what or best value, etc.

Thanks for anyone's help in advance.

 

[Hellfire13]

This will perform similar to the $1400 option... http://www.pcgamer.com/intel-i5-8400-review-the-best-new-gaming-cpu-in-years/

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8400 2.8GHz 6-Core Processor ($199.89 @ B&H)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370 HD3 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($101.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team - Dark 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: SK hynix - SL308 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($78.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($41.77 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Zotac - GeForce GTX 1070 8GB Mini Video Card ($399.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair - SPEC-01 RED ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($36.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1039.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-11-16 13:10 EST-0500

 

[vapour]

If you are willing to build your own, don't buy those unless it is a really good deal. The reason is they will cut on some important parts like ram quality, mb, especially psu. Some actually has weird shaped proprietary psu that you have no way to upgrade without cutting off some part of the case. For your budget<1400 + tax, get this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8600K 3.6GHz 6-Core Processor ($279.89 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG - H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($31.40 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370 AORUS Gaming 5 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($154.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: SK hynix - SL308 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($78.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($41.77 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1070 Ti 8GB DUKE Video Card ($469.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design - Focus G (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G2 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($92.99 @ Best Buy)
Total: $1439.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-11-16 13:22 EST-0500

 

[Sam Poland]

My observations only:

Most popular thread on here: Parts list to build my computer.

2nd most popular thread on here: I built my computer and now it doesn't work.

Ordering some parts and then having just one not work is a real bummer. Did I get the best bang for my buck buying an Aurora? Hell no. But the convenience was/is worth it to me.

Full disclosure: My PSU fan got a bit noisy after 6 mos. Dell sent me a replacement under warranty, zero hassle.

 

[Hellfire13]

My observations only:

Most popular thread on here: Parts list to build my computer.

2nd most popular thread on here: I built my computer and now it doesn't work.

Ordering some parts and then having just one not work is a real bummer. Did I get the best bang for my buck buying an Aurora? Hell no. But the convenience was/is worth it to me.

Full disclosure: My PSU fan got a bit noisy after 6 mos. Dell sent me a replacement under warranty, zero hassle.

Each piece of hardware comes with its own warranty. The pc will be nonoperational for equal number of days, at the cost of better hardware for that price.

 

[ws6ta02]

Hellfire13 & Vapour,

Both of you chose an I5 CPU over an I7 8700. Is there a particular reason? Cost or overkill for my use? Just curious.

Also, the difference in video cards. What does the Ti mean or provide.

Assuming the Ti is an improvement, and money were not an issue....would the 1080 be a step up then?

Would this motherboard be sufficient, if I went with 1080 and/or I7 combo? I would like ot make this computer "obsolete-proof" for a few years anyway.

Thanks for your input on a build though.

 

[vapour]

yes, 8400 is cost effective and very close to 8700 in gaming: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/intel-coffee-lake-core-i5-8400-cpu,5281-11.html

Also 8400 vs 8700k: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0O3MxolJ7s

If money is not an issue, get 8700k with good cooling and good MB for overclocking instead

1070ti is between 1070 and 1080 but can overclock to 1080 level. 1080 is good for 1440p 144Hz, 1070 is for 1440p ~60 FPS. 8400/1070 ti will last for at least 2-3 years while 8700k/1080 should last at least 3-4 years.

 

[Hellfire13]

[

I would like ot make this computer "obsolete-proof" for a few years anyway.

Nothing is obsolete proof in terms of technology. The best approach is the maximum utilization of your resources towards the most optimum output.
For your requirement, you wont need more than a 8400/1070 ideally. It can give you the VR experience you are looking for with utmost content at the minimum price. Going with anything above can give you a bit more longevity but diminishing value of return kicks in, in terms of your need.
But if you still want to go with better hardware, something like this should be good...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($339.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370 HD3 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($101.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team - Dark 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: SK hynix - SL308 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($78.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($41.77 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1080 8GB DUKE OC Video Card ($514.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair - SPEC-01 RED ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($22.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($88.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1369.47
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-11-17 10:17 EST-0500

 

[jufra1084]

I tried replicating the Aurora setup (top i7 chip, top graphics card) and Im basically at around the same price. I will use this computer not only for VR gaming but for environment design and 3d modelling. Im wondering if you guys can suggest what I can shave off to lower the price a bit. Thanks!

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/FN6szM
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/FN6szM/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($339.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370 HD3 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($101.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Team - Dark 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial - MX300 1.1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($237.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Video Card ($504.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design - Focus G (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($68.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($92.99 @ Best Buy)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link - TL-WDN4800 PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Adapter ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1566.40

 

[Hellfire13]

I tried replicating the Aurora setup (top i7 chip, top graphics card) and Im basically at around the same price. I will use this computer not only for VR gaming but for environment design and 3d modelling. Im wondering if you guys can suggest what I can shave off to lower the price a bit. Thanks!

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/FN6szM
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/FN6szM/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($339.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370 HD3 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($101.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Team - Dark 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial - MX300 1.1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($237.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Video Card ($504.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design - Focus G (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($68.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($92.99 @ Best Buy)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link - TL-WDN4800 PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Adapter ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1566.40

Please create your separate thread as this will mess up the original discussion.

 

[jufra1084]

I tried replicating the Aurora setup (top i7 chip, top graphics card) and Im basically at around the same price. I will use this computer not only for VR gaming but for environment design and 3d modelling. Im wondering if you guys can suggest what I can shave off to lower the price a bit. Thanks!

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/FN6szM
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/FN6szM/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700 3.2GHz 6-Core Processor ($339.99 @ B&H)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - Z370 HD3 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($101.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Team - Dark 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial - MX300 1.1TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($237.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Video Card ($504.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design - Focus G (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($68.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($92.99 @ Best Buy)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link - TL-WDN4800 PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Adapter ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1566.40

Please create your separate thread as this will mess up the original discussion.

This is directly related to the original discussion. This is a build based on the Alienware Aurora originally discussed in this thread

 

[ws6ta02]

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/MbvszM

What about this build? Substitute anything?

 

[Hellfire13]

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/MbvszM

What about this build? Substitute anything?

Change the cooler to the Cryorig H7. Its a much better performer at the same price.
Also change the Supernova NEX. Its a mediocre unit.
Rest all good.

 

[vapour]

Some minor adjustment with better mb, ram and psu.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8600K 3.6GHz 6-Core Processor ($295.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG - H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($27.90 @ Newegg Marketplace)
Motherboard: ASRock - Z370 Extreme4 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($154.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: SK hynix - SL308 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($78.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($41.89 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1070 Ti 8GB DUKE Video Card ($469.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair - SPEC-02 ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.89 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G2 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($92.99 @ Best Buy)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link - TL-WDN4800 PCI-Express x1 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Adapter ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1472.60
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-11-25 19:19 EST-0500

 

[Hellfire13]

Better build around same price with GTX1080.
The board comes with lots of connectivity options, overclocking potential and features like superior audio codec with headphone amps, bluetooth and wifi.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8600K 3.6GHz 6-Core Processor ($295.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG - H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($27.90 @ Newegg Marketplace)
Motherboard: Asus - ROG STRIX Z370-E GAMING ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Team - Vulcan 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial - MX300 275GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($41.89 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Zotac - GeForce GTX 1080 8GB Mini Video Card ($499.99 @ B&H)
Case: Corsair - SPEC-01 RED ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - RMx 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($88.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1464.60
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-11-25 20:46 EST-0500