Streaming Computer Construction
Preface: It's that time again! My old gaming/streaming PC has been retired and sold to a friend of mine, so it's time to build a new one! It's been more than 4 years since my last PC build, and I'm a little behind (to say the least) on the current technology. As such, I'm going to research numerous reputable resources and looking at many benchmark tests on current PC components. All of you lucky Lzuruha heads will be able to reap my research, as I will be documenting everything below. Before we get started, it's important to understand my approach to building this machine.
Let's get started!! (I will be using brackets [[ ]] to close in basic technical explanations of different parts. If you're interested in understanding how the PC works, read these, if not skip them.)
1) CPU- You CPU is going to be taking the brunt of the work, especially when streaming, so make sure you plan accordingly. [[ video encoding is handled by threads located in the core(s) of the CPU. So, in general but not always, more cores means more efficient encoding]] It's pretty standard these days for CPU's to have at least 4 cores, which will work just fine for our purposes. Despite having used an AMD Processor on my previous computer (with no problems at all for anybody still wishing to use their products), decreased prices and many recommendations have turned me to the Intel line of products. Make sure you get the best CPU within your budget so you won't have to upgrade down the line. From what I can tell, any of the processors below will work well for streaming, so research and choose the best model for the games you will be playing. It is also worth noting that the you may want to get a decent CPU cooler for the more expensive ones to help with heating.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: Make sure you read up on your chosen CPU. Most I5's are safe with the stock cooler (assuming you aren't over doing it) but I would suggest an aftermarket cooler to help keep your investment safe for I7 models. Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Hyper-212-EVO.../dp/B005O65JXI has great reviews, and can be had for around 30 bucks.
Good picks from the I5 line, from lowest end model to highest is
i5 7400
i5 7500
i5 7600
i5 7600k
Good picks from the I7 line, from lowest end model to highest is
i7 4770k
i7 4790k
i7 5820k
i7 5930k
i7 5960x
i7 6700k
i7 7700
2) GPU- The graphics card is the next on the agenda. In regards to streaming, this isn't nearly as important as the processor(CPU) so choose a GPU capable of handling the games you play on the setting you prefer. As long as it can handle that, the requirements for streaming will be met as well. I only use EVGA (not the only brand out there, but a brand that has never left me wanting) Popular choices (in ascending price order barring sales) are
Nvidia: GTX 650
GTX 700
GTX 900
GTX 1050 Ti
3) RAM- RAM(memory) isn't terribly important, other than just simply getting quality RAM that doesn't malfunction. Newer motherboards use DDR4 RAM while older ones only are compatible with DDR3 so make sure you check. Don't break the bank here, any reputable brand will do fine. 8-16GB will suffice almost everybody.
4) Motherboard- The motherboard is a place where you can save a bit of money. You don't have to go crazy here (especially if you are not overclocking). Just make sure all of your components are compatible with the chosen motherboard.
5) The Rest- For the rest of the build, I would advise choosing components that are reputable. You will need a case, power supply, harddrive (or solid state drive for you impatient people:P), an operating system (such as Windows 10) and any additional peripherals you may want (I still want my DVD drive). Make sure you choose a case big enough to house all of your components while still having room to breathe (some space is good because airflow is increased for cooling).
CHEAT SHEET: For everyone who wants an even easier time, http://www.build-gaming-computers.co...-computer.html is updated monthly with several recommended PC builds for almost every price point! And of course read and research reviews and bench test before buying anything!
SAMPLE BUILD
This is the build I currently have selected (pending price changes while I save up)
CPU: Intel Core i5-7500 3.4GHz
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H110M-A Micro ATX
GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB
RAM: Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133
Harddrive: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM
Case: Thermaltake Versa H21 ATX Mid Tower
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply
Total: $576.44
Preface: It's that time again! My old gaming/streaming PC has been retired and sold to a friend of mine, so it's time to build a new one! It's been more than 4 years since my last PC build, and I'm a little behind (to say the least) on the current technology. As such, I'm going to research numerous reputable resources and looking at many benchmark tests on current PC components. All of you lucky Lzuruha heads will be able to reap my research, as I will be documenting everything below. Before we get started, it's important to understand my approach to building this machine.
- Simplicity and longevity is important to me, so there will be no overclocking or anything that will increase the degeneration of the components. Yeah, I know “Todd it's completely safe if you know what you're doing,” but I don't and I'm not willing to risk $ to learn.
- My goal is to find the balance between price, power and reliability.
- The computer will be designed for typical usage (school work/research/Youtube etc) as well as gaming (League of Legends/CSGO) and streaming on Twitch.
- I'm not terribly concerned with being able to max out the graphics settings on games, so if you are make sure you sink more $ into the appropriate parts.
Let's get started!! (I will be using brackets [[ ]] to close in basic technical explanations of different parts. If you're interested in understanding how the PC works, read these, if not skip them.)
1) CPU- You CPU is going to be taking the brunt of the work, especially when streaming, so make sure you plan accordingly. [[ video encoding is handled by threads located in the core(s) of the CPU. So, in general but not always, more cores means more efficient encoding]] It's pretty standard these days for CPU's to have at least 4 cores, which will work just fine for our purposes. Despite having used an AMD Processor on my previous computer (with no problems at all for anybody still wishing to use their products), decreased prices and many recommendations have turned me to the Intel line of products. Make sure you get the best CPU within your budget so you won't have to upgrade down the line. From what I can tell, any of the processors below will work well for streaming, so research and choose the best model for the games you will be playing. It is also worth noting that the you may want to get a decent CPU cooler for the more expensive ones to help with heating.
ADDITIONAL NOTE: Make sure you read up on your chosen CPU. Most I5's are safe with the stock cooler (assuming you aren't over doing it) but I would suggest an aftermarket cooler to help keep your investment safe for I7 models. Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Hyper-212-EVO.../dp/B005O65JXI has great reviews, and can be had for around 30 bucks.
Good picks from the I5 line, from lowest end model to highest is
i5 7400
i5 7500
i5 7600
i5 7600k
Good picks from the I7 line, from lowest end model to highest is
i7 4770k
i7 4790k
i7 5820k
i7 5930k
i7 5960x
i7 6700k
i7 7700
2) GPU- The graphics card is the next on the agenda. In regards to streaming, this isn't nearly as important as the processor(CPU) so choose a GPU capable of handling the games you play on the setting you prefer. As long as it can handle that, the requirements for streaming will be met as well. I only use EVGA (not the only brand out there, but a brand that has never left me wanting) Popular choices (in ascending price order barring sales) are
Nvidia: GTX 650
GTX 700
GTX 900
GTX 1050 Ti
3) RAM- RAM(memory) isn't terribly important, other than just simply getting quality RAM that doesn't malfunction. Newer motherboards use DDR4 RAM while older ones only are compatible with DDR3 so make sure you check. Don't break the bank here, any reputable brand will do fine. 8-16GB will suffice almost everybody.
4) Motherboard- The motherboard is a place where you can save a bit of money. You don't have to go crazy here (especially if you are not overclocking). Just make sure all of your components are compatible with the chosen motherboard.
5) The Rest- For the rest of the build, I would advise choosing components that are reputable. You will need a case, power supply, harddrive (or solid state drive for you impatient people:P), an operating system (such as Windows 10) and any additional peripherals you may want (I still want my DVD drive). Make sure you choose a case big enough to house all of your components while still having room to breathe (some space is good because airflow is increased for cooling).
CHEAT SHEET: For everyone who wants an even easier time, http://www.build-gaming-computers.co...-computer.html is updated monthly with several recommended PC builds for almost every price point! And of course read and research reviews and bench test before buying anything!
SAMPLE BUILD
This is the build I currently have selected (pending price changes while I save up)
CPU: Intel Core i5-7500 3.4GHz
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H110M-A Micro ATX
GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB
RAM: Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133
Harddrive: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM
Case: Thermaltake Versa H21 ATX Mid Tower
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply
Total: $576.44
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