What are the best specs for a new computer?

[Birdjaguar]

I am going to buy a new desktop system and need help in making sure that I don't miss anything. While I will use it for both business and gaming, it needs to be suited for a good gaming experience with games like: Civ, Path of Exile, Skyrim, Total War, EU etc.

Without a monitor, I'd like to keep the price about $1500, but that is not firm.

Motherboard:
Processor:
Graphics card:
Ram:
SSD:
HDD:
What am I missing?

Monitor will probably be 30-34".

Thoughts, recommendations, and experience please. Thanks.

 

[leif erikson]

May want to have a look at this site.

For comparing gaming CPU's.

To compare various graphics processors.

 

[Birdjaguar]

Those links are spectacular!! Thanks.

 

[Zelig]

Yeah, I don't have a whole lot to add on top of those links until you pick out some parts - lots of build options are based on personal preference/priorities.

pcpartpicker.com is great for making/pricing a build and picking out parts.

GTX1070 range GPU won't really drive 4K too well, but great fit for a 34" 3440x1440 display.

 

[Pjpants]

I like this thread, however I am sorta in a unique situation, I have been given the green light on a new desk top. However it must go on my Best Buy credit card... I don't really trust them that much but I haven't had to build a cpu sense like 05. I just got an ok 4K tv that I was hoping to use instead of a monitor. Is there an option for me to make a non-Mac desktop from Best Buy?

 

[Birdjaguar]

This looks like what I am going to get. Comments or suggestions welcome.

i5 6600k
Asus Z170 Pro Gaming mobo
8 GB DDR RAM
Sandisk 480 ultra II SSD
1 TB HDD
Ninvidia 1070
EVGA P2 750 power supply
Dell U2715H 27" monitor

 

[leif erikson]

Looks good;

As cheap as ram is these days, would recommend going with at least 16 GB's.

Good luck, sounds like fun.

 

[shadowplay]

Definitely double up on the RAM there, otherwise it looks pretty good to me.

 

[nebaciv]

I like this thread, however I am sorta in a unique situation, I have been given the green light on a new desk top. However it must go on my Best Buy credit card... I don't really trust them that much but I haven't had to build a cpu sense like 05. I just got an ok 4K tv that I was hoping to use instead of a monitor. Is there an option for me to make a non-Mac desktop from Best Buy?

Sorry if this is a bit late, but looks like you can definitely get what you need from Best Buy. Have a look at their PC Gaming section, they have both ready made machines and components.

This looks like what I am going to get. Comments or suggestions welcome.

i5 6600k
Asus Z170 Pro Gaming mobo
8 GB DDR RAM
Sandisk 480 ultra II SSD
1 TB HDD
Ninvidia 1070
EVGA P2 750 power supply
Dell U2715H 27" monitor

Looks great to me too
Only other thing is the type of RAM, I'd recommend DDR4 if you can!

 

[Zelig]

Yeah, that's a DDR4-only system.

Also would go for 16gb.

Might go for a 2TB HDD just because of how little additional cost they are. Good price/GB is available from 2TB-8TB.

Was going to suggest i7-6700 if you don't need the unlocked multiplier, but still like 50% more expensive, not worth it at current prices.

Monitor is solid, my main is an older Dell model with comparable specs. Secondary monitor is a decade-old 1920x1200 Ultrasharp still going strong.

 

[Birdjaguar]

Thanks all. I will up the RAM to 16 and look at a 2TB HDD. Zelig, your links were a great help, thanks.