Want to Build a Gaming PC

[arsalmaf]

Hi Guys. This is my first thread since joining Tom's Hardware. I wat to upgrade my Dell Optiplex 755 sff because I want to do gaming on it.
I know it's old. But could you guys please recommend a setup so that I could play games like GTA 5, FIFA 17 and COD WW II on like low to medium settings. My budget is around PKR 15,000 around 140-150 US $. Thanks.

 

[imsqam]

Before we proceed can you do me a favor and check on the power handling capability of your PCI-e x16 socket. If there is a restriction from the normal 75W you will see it stenciled on the motherboard just above the slot (see this picture, FYI, it is upside down)
https://sc01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1bLZjIXXXXXXsXFXXq6xXFXXXo/221231019/HTB1bLZjIXXXXXXsXFXXq6xXFXXXo.jpg

 

[jankerson]

Hi Guys. This is my first thread since joining Tom's Hardware. I wat to upgrade my Dell Optiplex 755 sff because I want to do gaming on it.
I know it's old. But could you guys please recommend a setup so that I could play games like GTA 5, FIFA 17 and COD WW II on like low to medium settings. My budget is around PKR 15,000 around 140-150 US $. Thanks.

You can forget playing any AAA games on that no matter what you do, way too old and out of date.

If you want to play games you need to get something a lot newer and stay away from the refurbished systems and NEVER buy an SFF.

 

[imsqam]

Hi Guys. This is my first thread since joining Tom's Hardware. I wat to upgrade my Dell Optiplex 755 sff because I want to do gaming on it.
I know it's old. But could you guys please recommend a setup so that I could play games like GTA 5, FIFA 17 and COD WW II on like low to medium settings. My budget is around PKR 15,000 around 140-150 US $. Thanks.

You can forget playing any AAA games on that no matter what you do, way too old and out of date.

If you want to play games you need to get something a lot newer and stay away from the refurbished systems and NEVER buy an SFF.

I hear what you are saying but some don't have the resources to do this. It will be a push to get the poster something usable but looks like a Quad Q9400S might work. The biggest problem is that damn 280W proprietary shape PSU. Also the GPU slot might be a big issue as I believe that it is wattage restricted. Other big problem will be GPU pricing, it has gone just nuts because of the miners.

 

[jankerson]

Hi Guys. This is my first thread since joining Tom's Hardware. I wat to upgrade my Dell Optiplex 755 sff because I want to do gaming on it.
I know it's old. But could you guys please recommend a setup so that I could play games like GTA 5, FIFA 17 and COD WW II on like low to medium settings. My budget is around PKR 15,000 around 140-150 US $. Thanks.

You can forget playing any AAA games on that no matter what you do, way too old and out of date.

If you want to play games you need to get something a lot newer and stay away from the refurbished systems and NEVER buy an SFF.

I hear what you are saying but some don't have the resources to do this. It will be a push to get the poster something usable but looks like a Quad Q9400S might work. The biggest problem is that damn 280W proprietary shape PSU. Also the GPU slot might be a big issue as I believe that it is wattage restricted. Other big problem will be GPU pricing, it has gone just nuts because of the miners.

The issue is even if they do get a Core 2 Quad GTA 5 would be barely playable. Min specs in GTA 5 would be very rough to say the least.

And SFF's are dumpster material anyway except for what they were made for, simple workstations or email machines. Good for grandma or to donate to a Church or something like that.

Just trying to prevent someone from throwing good money after bad and put it towards something they can use.

 

[imsqam]

Hi Guys. This is my first thread since joining Tom's Hardware. I wat to upgrade my Dell Optiplex 755 sff because I want to do gaming on it.
I know it's old. But could you guys please recommend a setup so that I could play games like GTA 5, FIFA 17 and COD WW II on like low to medium settings. My budget is around PKR 15,000 around 140-150 US $. Thanks.

You can forget playing any AAA games on that no matter what you do, way too old and out of date.

If you want to play games you need to get something a lot newer and stay away from the refurbished systems and NEVER buy an SFF.

I hear what you are saying but some don't have the resources to do this. It will be a push to get the poster something usable but looks like a Quad Q9400S might work. The biggest problem is that damn 280W proprietary shape PSU. Also the GPU slot might be a big issue as I believe that it is wattage restricted. Other big problem will be GPU pricing, it has gone just nuts because of the miners.

The issue is even if they do get a Core 2 Quad GTA 5 would be barely playable. Min specs in GTA 5 would be very rough to say the least.

And SFF's are dumpster material anyway except for what they were made for, simple workstations or email machines. Good for grandma or to donate to a Church or something like that.

Just trying to prevent someone from throwing good money after bad and put it towards something they can use.

You are right, performance would be pretty bad. It would be better to save a little more and replace the mobo. Let's see if the poster responds.

 

[arsalmaf]

So what do you guys recommend I do ?

 

[arsalmaf]

It says PCIe x16 (16,1) 25 W

 

[westeind]

So what do you guys recommend I do ?

wait till u have more money to spend and buy something better

 

[arsalmaf]

So could you guys recommend a suitable and balanced setup for gaming in a budget of 250-300 US $ around PKR 25-30K

 

[westeind]

So could you guys recommend a suitable and balanced setup for gaming in a budget of 250-300 US $ around PKR 25-30K

it may be a little over your budget but this is something i would get with that budget
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/rnWxLD

 

[arsalmaf]

So what kind of performance can I expect with this setup.
P.S will this setup be balanced ?

 

[westeind]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94ErjYk8G1w

 

[arsalmaf]

K thanks

 

[imsqam]

It says PCIe x16 (16,1) 25 W

Okay, thanks ever so much for verifying that for me, I have been asked about this system before and I always wanted to know if I got it right.

You are stuck. The PSU is basically not replaceable but the PCI-e x16 slot only supplies 25W. There is no 6-pin or other PCI-e connector from the PSU. You cannot install a decent graphics card.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015-Supply-H275E-00-For-Dell-XPS-200-210-SFF-275-Watt-Power-Supply-RM117/32388360947.html

As for buying something new for PKR 25-30K I don't think you will do it, on this local website the cheapest CPU is 15K
https://homeshopping.pk/categories/Processor-in-Pakistan/?price_min=15000&price_max=114990&sort=priceasc

If this is your budget then you might want consider building something from used parts. Used CPU's for example are generally quite reliable. Especially if you buy non-overclocking versions. Start by finding a CPU and motherboard. You will want a 4 core CPU or better.

 

[arsalmaf]

It says PCIe x16 (16,1) 25 W

Okay, thanks ever so much for verifying that for me, I have been asked about this system before and I always wanted to know if I got it right.

You are stuck. The PSU is basically not replaceable but the PCI-e x16 slot only supplies 25W. There is no 6-pin or other PCI-e connector from the PSU. You cannot install a decent graphics card.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015-Supply-H275E-00-For-Dell-XPS-200-210-SFF-275-Watt-Power-Supply-RM117/32388360947.html

As for buying something new for PKR 25-30K I don't think you will do it, on this local website the cheapest CPU is 15K
https://homeshopping.pk/categories/Processor-in-Pakistan/?price_min=15000&price_max=114990&sort=priceasc

If this is your budget then you might want consider building something from used parts. Used CPU's for example are generally quite reliable. Especially if you buy non-overclocking versions. Start by finding a CPU and motherboard. You will want a 4 core CPU or better.

 

[arsalmaf]

It says PCIe x16 (16,1) 25 W

Okay, thanks ever so much for verifying that for me, I have been asked about this system before and I always wanted to know if I got it right.

You are stuck. The PSU is basically not replaceable but the PCI-e x16 slot only supplies 25W. There is no 6-pin or other PCI-e connector from the PSU. You cannot install a decent graphics card.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015-Supply-H275E-00-For-Dell-XPS-200-210-SFF-275-Watt-Power-Supply-RM117/32388360947.html

As for buying something new for PKR 25-30K I don't think you will do it, on this local website the cheapest CPU is 15K
https://homeshopping.pk/categories/Processor-in-Pakistan/?price_min=15000&price_max=114990&sort=priceasc

If this is your budget then you might want consider building something from used parts. Used CPU's for example are generally quite reliable. Especially if you buy non-overclocking versions. Start by finding a CPU and motherboard. You will want a 4 core CPU or better.

I guess I could raise my Budget to PKR 50-60k around 500-600 US $. So what would you recommend a pre built or custom built ?

 

[imsqam]

I always prefer getting custom built over pre-built, you control the quality of the components in the build this way. Pre-builts very often provide inferior component models.

Okay, this was the best I could do using the local online vendors. I scanned a bunch of sites and these three seemed to be the most complete for computer components.
https://homeshopping.pk/categories/Computer-Components-Pakistan/
https://www.czone.com.pk/
https://www.galaxy.com.pk/

Originally started with an i3-8100/Z370 combination but it quickly got too expensive. There is a definite lack of availability for low end CPU's and GPU's of any kind. Pricing was much higher than I expected, not sure if you can get better deals by bartering with local vendors. Would have liked to give you 2x4GB RAM but that is another 6K and we are over budget already. I would save up for another stick when you can.

The i3-6100/1050 Ti will play 1080p high settings at 50+ FPS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzZN16RVImI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN_n1PaG2Hs

So biggest problem here is the lack of budget CPU/mobo combinations. Examples would be Pentium G4560/B250 or Ryzen 1200/B350. The i3-8100 would be a great CPU as it is equivalent to an i5-7500 and the price of 15500 is great but the cheapest mobo was 15500, nothing left for the rest of the system. Let me know if there is something else locally.


PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/9Tj8RG
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/9Tj8RG/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel - Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor (Galaxy $12800.00)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - GA-H110M-H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (Galaxy $6500.00)
Memory: Corsair - 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory (CZone $6000.00)
Storage: Seagate - BarraCuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (CZone $5350.00)
Video Card: Gigabyte - GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB Video Card (Galaxy $23500.00)
Case: Corsair - 100R ATX Mid Tower Case (Galaxy $5500.00)
Power Supply: Antec - 500W ATX Power Supply (Galaxy $5400.00)
Total: $65050.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-20 10:24 EST-0500

https://www.czone.com.pk/memory-module-ram-desktop-ddr4-memory-corsair-value-select-memory-%E2%80%94-4gb-1x4gb-ddr4-2133mhz-cl15-dimm-cmv4gx4m1a2133c15-pakistan-p.3897.aspx
https://www.czone.com.pk/hard-drives-desktop-sata-hard-drives-seagate-barracuda-st1000dm010-1tb-hard-drive-bare-drive-pakistan-p.5079.aspx

 

[arsalmaf]

I always prefer getting custom built over pre-built, you control the quality of the components in the build this way. Pre-builts very often provide inferior component models.

Okay, this was the best I could do using the local online vendors. I scanned a bunch of sites and these three seemed to be the most complete for computer components.
https://homeshopping.pk/categories/Computer-Components-Pakistan/
https://www.czone.com.pk/
https://www.galaxy.com.pk/

Originally started with an i3-8100/Z370 combination but it quickly got too expensive. There is a definite lack of availability for low end CPU's and GPU's of any kind. Pricing was much higher than I expected, not sure if you can get better deals by bartering with local vendors. Would have liked to give you 2x4GB RAM but that is another 6K and we are over budget already. I would save up for another stick when you can.

The i3-6100/1050 Ti will play 1080p high settings at 50+ FPS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzZN16RVImI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN_n1PaG2Hs

So biggest problem here is the lack of budget CPU/mobo combinations. Examples would be Pentium G4560/B250 or Ryzen 1200/B350. The i3-8100 would be a great CPU as it is equivalent to an i5-7500 and the price of 15500 is great but the cheapest mobo was 15500, nothing left for the rest of the system. Let me know if there is something else locally.


PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/9Tj8RG
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/9Tj8RG/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel - Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor (Galaxy $12800.00)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - GA-H110M-H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard (Galaxy $6500.00)
Memory: Corsair - 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory (CZone $6000.00)
Storage: Seagate - BarraCuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (CZone $5350.00)
Video Card: Gigabyte - GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB Video Card (Galaxy $23500.00)
Case: Corsair - 100R ATX Mid Tower Case (Galaxy $5500.00)
Power Supply: Antec - 500W ATX Power Supply (Galaxy $5400.00)
Total: $65050.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-20 10:24 EST-0500

https://www.czone.com.pk/memory-module-ram-desktop-ddr4-memory-corsair-value-select-memory-%E2%80%94-4gb-1x4gb-ddr4-2133mhz-cl15-dimm-cmv4gx4m1a2133c15-pakistan-p.3897.aspx
https://www.czone.com.pk/hard-drives-desktop-sata-hard-drives-seagate-barracuda-st1000dm010-1tb-hard-drive-bare-drive-pakistan-p.5079.aspx

The main pricey thing here is the GPU. Could I go for a GT 1030 2GB GDDR5 instead sice I'll be gaming at a resolution of 1280x1024 or 1366x768 maximum. Maybe 1080p sometimes .
The processor you mentioned is an i3 . Well actually i3 5th Generation Processors are prices around PKR 7000 locally so what do you say ?

 

[imsqam]

First, there is no desktop 5th gen i3, all 5th gen i3's are mobile processors. Either 4th gen (i3-4xxx) or 6th gen (i3-6xxx).
https://ark.intel.com/#@PanelLabel122139

The i3-4170 is again a drop in performance compared to the i3-6100. So you are taking away CPU from a CPU demanding game (GTA V).
http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i3-6100-vs-Intel-Core-i3-4170/3511vsm28214

If you go to a GT 1030 then this is the drop in performance you will see
http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GT-1030-vs-Nvidia-GTX-1050-Ti/m283726vs3649
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gpus,4380.html

With an i3-4170 and a GT 1030 you would be able to get acceptable FPS at low/medium settings at 1366x768, anything more and you will likely lag/stutter. Modern GPU dependent games will be out of the question, you cannot expect to get a good playing experience with low end equipment. If you can find a 4th or 5th gen i5 that would work better.

For gaming systems the order of priority is GPU>>CPU>>RAM>>Storage. Typical rule of thumb for pricing is that your GPU should in the range of 150-200% of the cost of your CPU. Here we are at 184% with the 6100 and 1050 Ti. But we could reduce from the Ti to a plain 1050, that will save 6.5K. But in looking at it again for gaming at 1080p you will need 2x4GB of RAM so that adds 6K

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/q9ypjc
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/q9ypjc/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel - Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor ($12800.00)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - GA-H110M-H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($6500.00)
Memory: Corsair - 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($6000.00)
Memory: Corsair - 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($6000.00)
Storage: Seagate - BarraCuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($5350.00)
Video Card: Gigabyte - GeForce GTX 1050 2GB OC Video Card ($17000.00)
Case: Corsair - 100R ATX Mid Tower Case ($5500.00)
Power Supply: Antec - 500W ATX Power Supply ($5400.00)
Total: $64550.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-21 10:36 EST-0500

 

[arsalmaf]

First, there is no desktop 5th gen i3, all 5th gen i3's are mobile processors. Either 4th gen (i3-4xxx) or 6th gen (i3-6xxx).
https://ark.intel.com/#@PanelLabel122139

The i3-4170 is again a drop in performance compared to the i3-6100. So you are taking away CPU from a CPU demanding game (GTA V).
http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i3-6100-vs-Intel-Core-i3-4170/3511vsm28214

If you go to a GT 1030 then this is the drop in performance you will see
http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GT-1030-vs-Nvidia-GTX-1050-Ti/m283726vs3649
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gpus,4380.html

With an i3-4170 and a GT 1030 you would be able to get acceptable FPS at low/medium settings at 1366x768, anything more and you will likely lag/stutter. Modern GPU dependent games will be out of the question, you cannot expect to get a good playing experience with low end equipment. If you can find a 4th or 5th gen i5 that would work better.

For gaming systems the order of priority is GPU>>CPU>>RAM>>Storage. Typical rule of thumb for pricing is that your GPU should in the range of 150-200% of the cost of your CPU. Here we are at 184% with the 6100 and 1050 Ti. But we could reduce from the Ti to a plain 1050, that will save 6.5K. But in looking at it again for gaming at 1080p you will need 2x4GB of RAM so that adds 6K

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/q9ypjc
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/q9ypjc/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel - Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor ($12800.00)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - GA-H110M-H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($6500.00)
Memory: Corsair - 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($6000.00)
Memory: Corsair - 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($6000.00)
Storage: Seagate - BarraCuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($5350.00)
Video Card: Gigabyte - GeForce GTX 1050 2GB OC Video Card ($17000.00)
Case: Corsair - 100R ATX Mid Tower Case ($5500.00)
Power Supply: Antec - 500W ATX Power Supply ($5400.00)
Total: $64550.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-21 10:36 EST-0500

So the previous setup is better ? I am going to be playing all AAA Titles i.e FIFA 18, COD WWII and NFS Rivals The Witcher 3

 

[imsqam]

If you want to get better performance then you will need to spend more money. The last i3-6100 build I gave you is in my opinion a minimum build for what you want.