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Need Help Building a Streaming Desktop Rig

Laoch de na Iolair Buí
Sekkerhund
Laoch de na Iolair Buí
  • GW2: Sekkerhund.3790
  • ESO: @Sekkerhund
Posted On: 11/24/2015 at 06:30 PM
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I'm hoping to be able to take advantage of some Turkey Week pricing deals and get an upgrade to this old 5 year old potato that I am currently running.  Unfortunately, I am out of touch with the DIY PC market and not sure what brands are good quality or which parts would be just right and not overkill.

What I need:

  • I need a rig that will last at least 3 years and be capable of streaming MMO games on Twitch/Youtube at viewer-desired quality.

Already Have List:

  • 250g SSD
  • 250g SSD
  • 2TB SSHD Hybrid
  • 650w Power Supply (I am hoping that this will carry me, since I am trying to save money)

Need List:

  • Motherboard
  • CPU
  • Graphics Card
  • RAM

Budget:

  • $600-800  (Closer to $600 is strongly desired, but hoping sales will offer better gear for pennies this week, so I widened the range a little)
  • $900 is absolute cap, and I only want to spend between $800-900 if... *IF* ...the deal is on a part so good, I'd be insane to pass it up.

 

I actually hadn't planned to do this right now, but I'm afraid that if I don't, then it might be another year and I am just so limited to what I can do on an aging, buggy ABIT board, w/a Core2 Duo, 4g of RAM and a GTX 460.

 

Last Edited on: 11/24/2015 at 06:31 PM
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Response:

Tiarna de na Iolair Corcra
Jairone
Tiarna de na Iolair Corcra
  • GW2: Jairone.6270
  • ESO: @Ytterin
Replied On: 11/24/2015 at 07:13 PM PST
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Just looking around a little, what you are probably going to spend on components:

Motherboard:  Somewhat variable, but a lower end gaming motherboard with DDR4 compatability is ~170+

CPU:  The cheapest I found that will last well were Gen 6 I5s @ ~200

Graphics card:  Again, you can go with something a little lower or higher, but an AMD R9 at ~200 or similar GeForce card would probably last decently.  I saw more deals on R9s, with most of the comparable GeForce cards in price being the older models (some nice deals on newer R9s right now, it seems.)

DDR4 ram:  You can get some decent prices, and I found 16 GB with a quick search at ~80

If skimp on the ram a little, buying a single piece of 8GB, you should be able to work the rest pretty close to $600.  It isn't max end, but it should be solid to last for a few years.  You can always add ram later if you need, but it is harder to upgrade the other parts without a new build... thus why I looked closer to the limits on those parts for you.

Honestly, the CPU and Graphics card are going to be where you can upgrade much more there, so start shopping with a set price on the Motherboard and ram you want.  Then if you find a great deal you wish to splurge on, you know what you have.

That's my thoughts with a quick look!

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Laoch de na Iolair Buí
Sekkerhund
Laoch de na Iolair Buí
  • GW2: Sekkerhund.3790
  • ESO: @Sekkerhund
Replied On: 11/24/2015 at 09:58 PM PST
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Well, my primary goal is to have a rig that can run a game on high enough settings to look good on a stream at an enjoyable quality.  I don't really understand the streaming requirements, so I am not sure what parts will give me the best balance of stream quality + game graphics quality + price

...as well as being relevant for at least 3 years.  (My current system has lasted me since 2010.  O.O )

I know we have a few experienced streamers in the family, so I am hoping that with that kind of help, I can put something together within my budget.  As I said, the budget is 600-800 with some padding from 800-900 (*some*).

I have some stuff that I need to stream (time limits on accounts), so it's important that I do this ASAP instead of later next year as I'd been planning.



» Edited on: 2015-11-24 22:00:49

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Lorgaire de na Capall
Karbonatom
Lorgaire de na Capall
  • GW2: Karbonatom.3016
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Replied On: 11/24/2015 at 11:53 PM PST
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Hey hope this finds you well. I included everything including the storage on here, So if you have that already just remove it.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BtMnxr
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BtMnxr/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($179.99 @ Micro Center)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($49.99 @ Newegg) <---There are other contained water coolers but corsair is a good bet everytime.
Motherboard: MSI Z87-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($89.99 @ Newegg)<----- At this time DDR4 isn't going to make a difference
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($77.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($77.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate  2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive  ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 960 4GB Video Card  ($204.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($36.99 @ Newegg) <---- You can do better this does not have front facing USB3 ports
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $862.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-25 02:49 EST-0500

 New Egg Offeres the best RMA/Warranty in my experience for up to three years on most parts***

I built this close to my own systems and I run them usually for 3 years. I have done a ton of work on the Processor stuff and my system runs everything at 60+ FPS. This build is just my suggestion, I work with PC's everyday and love to build for friends and family when asked. Let me know if you have any questions.



» Edited on: 2015-11-25 00:02:59

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Tiarna de na Iolair Corcra
Jairone
Tiarna de na Iolair Corcra
  • GW2: Jairone.6270
  • ESO: @Ytterin
Replied On: 11/25/2015 at 09:14 AM PST
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Sekkerhund:

Streaming isn't all that demanding on your PC (quality wise.)  The limiting factor for the actually streaming is your bandwidth (if you use Wifi having a newer router with large bandwidth is important, landlines are a little more forgiving.)  The CPU and memory are the next two factors, and if they are behind you will simply be a little laggy (not nearly as bad as the game looking like it is from the 90s.)  I've never experienced this, but with a 5 year old system you very well might.

Updating your rig still has benefits (games running at higher end graphics will look better on the stream.)  However, in my experience unless you are pushing the very limits of what your PC can do you can effectively stream the content.  *I have done a few in the past, and recently did a little with the DX11 update to Life is Feudal just for giggles showing the graphics changes some.*  This is where you want so spend a little extra for better if you can spare it, probably... graphics will continue to be more and more demanding.

Honestly, as long as you build your next computer with the goal of having it last a while, the streaming part should come easy.  Just pay attention to the internet side of things, because if that isn't capable of sending enough data the game will look terrible.  Streaming software will either use a 'Max Bitrate' or 'Desired Bitrate' type setting, and if your internet can't keep up with the bitrate your graphics will not matter.

Just to give my own impressions from having done a few streams these last few years (I don't stream often, so maybe some of the others have more input for you.)

**Karbonatom's parts list has a number of parts that were exactly what I was looking at when I talked about item prices.  I've personally never needed a liquid CPU cooler for a rig, but then again I haven't lived in the warmest areas.  I know a lot of people love them, but I do think climate plays a huge role (including how warm you keep your place.  You may also need it if you intend to overclock your CPU.)**



» Edited on: 2015-11-25 09:18:55

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Laoch de na Iolair Buí
Sekkerhund
Laoch de na Iolair Buí
  • GW2: Sekkerhund.3790
  • ESO: @Sekkerhund
Replied On: 11/25/2015 at 05:59 PM PST
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Ah, that's good to hear Jairone.  I once tried to do something with streaming, I forget what, and whatever it was basically laughed at my system specs when it ran a system check and said "LOL ... No."  I'm on a good Comcast cable line and my desktop won't be Wifi.

Thank you for the list Karbonatom, I'll take a look for some sales now that I have something for good reference.

I'm curious... why does DDR4 not make a difference over DDR3?  Will that be something that changes in the next 3 years?  If it's something that I can disregard, then cool, as I am sure that DDR3 Mobos will be cheaper than DDR4, if DDR4 is the emerging standard.



» Edited on: 2015-11-25 17:59:49

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Draoi de na Griobhta Glas
Mika
Draoi de na Griobhta Glas
  • GW2: Mikaq.7102
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Replied On: 11/25/2015 at 11:56 PM PST
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I know this is about hardware, but how about software. What kind of software people are using for streaming? I have tried several different software. Some work better than others.

So it would be nice to hear what kind of software streamers are using and compared to their hardware, what kind of settings on those software can be used. Of course everyone network bandwidth plays huge role when talking about streaming, but also software configuration is important.

The most important thing in life will always be the people around you. Salud, mi familia.
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Fili de na Ulchabhan Donn
Radiologikal
Fili de na Ulchabhan Donn
  • GW2: Radiologikal.5840
Replied On: 11/26/2015 at 05:00 AM PST
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@Villaovi 

  We only stream once  a year for Extra life and use OBS.  I think it is really easy to configure and  set up scenes. Of course, it is also free.  I remember trying xsplit premium one year. It had more bells and whistles than OBS. I believe xsplit also has a free version, but I think they have restrictions to streaming  quality.

 

@Sekkerhund

  I agree with Jairone.  We have a mid range rig from 5 years ago and our limiting factor was bandwidth. Of course we live in the middle of nowhere the top speed we could get at the time was 25/2. Once we upgraded to 125/10 we stopped having packet loss.

 

Good Luck streaming!  Viewers will come for the gameplay, but stay for the streamer.



» Edited on: 2015-11-26 05:11:02



» Edited on: 2015-11-26 09:48:20

Vigorously hug them! - Dibs
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Laoch de na Iolair Buí
Sekkerhund
Laoch de na Iolair Buí
  • GW2: Sekkerhund.3790
  • ESO: @Sekkerhund
Replied On: 11/27/2015 at 10:33 PM PST
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So this is what I just purchased, I missed a sale on a EVGA card overnight, I guess Amazon ran out since I checked last night and it wasn't due to expire anytime today.  Luckily, Windows 10 supports "mobile apps" on the desktop, so I was also able to take advantage of a special -5% total order using Newegg's mobile app (since I have a dumb phone), so I actually came out with a really nice upgrade for pretty much exactly where I wanted the price to be.

CPU $299.99   FREE   $299.99 Newegg Buy
CPU Cooler $59.99 -$10.00 FREE   $49.99 Newegg Buy
$10.00 mail-in rebate
 
Motherboard   $114.99 -$40.00 FREE   $74.99 Newegg Buy
$40.00 mail-in rebate
 
Memory $69.99   FREE   $69.99 Newegg Buy
Video Card $209.99 -$30.00 FREE   $179.99 Newegg Buy
$30.00 mail-in rebate
 
Base Total: $754.95    
Mail-in Rebates: -$80.00    
Total: $674.95  

 

 

So with a -$27.25 Black Friday mobile app discount and after the $80 in rebates come in, my total is $646.71 which is pretty nice.  I wanted a EVGA system (video card at least), but I just could not find any good bargains and ASUS still makes some of the best gaming hardware, so can't complain too much.

Thanks to all for the help.  I almost lost my system twice in the last month due to this old motherboard being flakey, so I figured I was at that "living on borrowed time" phase after 5 years, so it will be nice to finally have a system that I won't have to worry about dying and will do some streaming and video/graphical editing/processing.

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Tiarna de na Iolair Corcra
Jairone
Tiarna de na Iolair Corcra
  • GW2: Jairone.6270
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Replied On: 11/28/2015 at 07:32 AM PST
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Looks solid!

Glad we could offer some advice, have fun putting your system together!!

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Laoch de na Iolair Buí
Sekkerhund
Laoch de na Iolair Buí
  • GW2: Sekkerhund.3790
  • ESO: @Sekkerhund
Replied On: 11/30/2015 at 08:36 AM PST
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I was a little concerned about Cyber Monday giving better online deals, but it looks like I still came out ahead (almost $100 and on these specific parts) by getting the stuff with Black Friday deals.

Cyber Monday's pricing for my above purchase on Friday:

Base Total: $771.95    
Promo Discounts: -$15.00    
Mail-in Rebates: -$20.00    
Total: $736.95  

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