In our category ” PC month ” we traditionally offer the best gaming system configurations in three price categories. Regardless of class, any one of them allows you to enjoy the actual game projects. Well, when there is the possibility of theoretical calculations to verify in practice. We decided to recreate the vital basic gaming PC build in real “combat” conditions to check on what is capable of a level platform. Along the way, pay attention to the features of the selection, assembly, and adjustment components.
CPU
For an entry-level gaming system, we recommend the use of processors Intel Core i3 family. These dual-core chips support multi-core logic technology Hyper-Threading (HT), allows the CPU to simultaneously process up to four data streams. The presence of HT provides an opportunity not only to bypass the starting check on the number of computing units in some projects, but also actually increases the computing power of processors, not only in games but also any other multi-threaded applications. The examples do not need to go far enough to start the Task Manager, estimating the number of active processes.
In this case, the best option would be one of the most affordable version – Core i3-6100. Cheap options with index «T» in the title, we initially reject. To reduce the power consumption in this case, reduced the maximum clock speed of processors and, consequently, their productivity. Models subfamily Core i3-63xx have 100-200 MHz higher operating frequency and increased the amount of up to 4 MB of L3 cache.
COMPARE PRICES
Some performance improvements such improvements will definitely give, but their influence in the games will be vanishingly small, despite the fact that the difference in the cost of chips is noticeable. Of special note is a model Core i3-6098P, that in spite of the less high-speed integrated graphics and a lower clock frequency has declared TDP of 54 watts. At equal value with Core i3-6100, it is the latter is preferable. It is not surprising that this model of the processor is now the most popular chip in catalog.
Retail versions of Core i3 processors offered complete with the standard cooler. Unprepossessing air cooler as a whole to cope with the removal of heat from the processor with a very moderate overall power consumption. However, aluminum profile radiator unit is very easy, because you need to increase the fan speed for normal heat dissipation, which increases the noise emitted.
COMPARE PRICES
To improve cooling efficiency, and reduce the number of decibels, we have used an alternative option – Zalman CNPS5X Performa. This is one of the most popular on the market cooling. The cooler costs about $ 20. The compact model tower consists of a set of aluminum plates, which are combined with three heat pipes and blown 92-mm fan. Not the ultimate dream for the discerning connoisseur of silence and overclockers, but it will definitely be interesting to the base case.
MOTHERBOARD
To create a vital basic gaming PC build platform game is fine, one of the most affordable models of motherboards based on chipset Intel H110. It is important initially to determine the full set of available ports and expansion slots.
COMPARE PRICES
For a visual example, we used the ASUS H110M-K value of about $ 55. It seems to be easy, but there is a complete set of essential accessories. The power unit has a 5-phase power scheme. Build additional VRM not cooled, but considering the processor used, as well as the absence of acceleration, it is quite a permissible option. Two memory slots allow you to use up to 32 GB DDR4 RAM. Crazy draws attention to the fact that the market is also invited to board ASUS H110M-K D3, which has identical functionality, but it supports DDR3 memory. If you do not have in stock RAM of the standard, then look in the direction of DDR3 has no meaning. On the available frequencies increased bandwidth DDR4 will be partly offset by the increased timings, however, the new RAM standard, economical, allows the use of the modules twice the volume and probably more useful in the next upgrade. DDR4 – our choice.
Equipped with ASUS H110M-K is not surprising, but at the same time the most necessary things there. Support for the entire line of Intel Skylake processors, one PCI Express x16 and two PCI Express x1 slots, four SATA 6 Gb / s, high-speed USB 3.0 (the pair of external and internal connector for output of two ports on the wall of the housing). Sufficient number of USB 2.0 and even isolated area audio section with backlight and specialized containers. Last seen at all wonderful for $ 55 on the board. Overall – a modest and tasteful.
RAM
The minimum amount of RAM for the gaming system – 8 GB. Motherboards based on Intel H110 / B150 / H170 chipsets allow the use of RAM only at rated speed – DDR4-2133. The potential for higher speed modules can be opened only using a platform based on high-end Intel Z170 / X99. For base systems based on these boards are used, which generally simplifies the selection of a particular set of memory.
For the experiments, we used a set of HyperX FURY HX424C15FBK2 / 8. Two modules with a total capacity of 8 GB can operate in dual-channel DDR4-2400 mode with latencies CL15-15-15. In addition to the compact and highly spectacular radiator modules series HyperX FURY interesting system to automatically select the maximum speed limit. Last yet determined the motherboard, because, unfortunately, in this case, DDR4-2133 (CL14-14-14).
Two modules will occupy the two available slots on the motherboard. Therefore, if you want to eventually increase the amount of RAM, it is necessary to think about buying another set. Add modules without having to replace already installed will not work. You can initially consider the option of purchasing a single module to 8GB instead of a pair of 4-gigabyte. In this case, will be active as a single-channel access mode, which reduces the bandwidth of the memory subsystem. It’s not good for tasks such as archiving data or video encoding, but the impact on the number of shots in the games will be minimal.
VIDEO CARD
But from what is fundamentally dependent on the system’s power, it’s the video card. Not so long ago, as a starting point for an entry-level gaming system we started to recommend the Radeon RX 460, which has shifted from that position last frequenter – GeForce GTX 750 Ti. The new model from AMD based on 14-nanometer chip Baffin offers a very interesting entry-level price / performance ratio. The recommended price of Radeon RX 460 c 2 GB of memory on the American market – $ 109. However, this device cost without taxes. The retail sales in Ukraine similar versions cost $ 140-160.
ASUS DUAL-RX460-2G
For a visual example, we used one of the most accessible versions – ASUS DUAL-RX460-2G. This is the basic version with a simple family DUAL original cooler, which uses a large aluminum radiator, scavenged a pair of fans. The card has a recommended frequency formula. The graphic processor in peak increases the frequency up to 1200 MHz and 2 GB of GDDR5 memory running at 7000 MHz. One of the interesting features of note that the card does not need to run additional power. Stated TDP Radeon RX 460 is 75 watts, which means the video card can ‘feed’ slot PCI-Express x16 motherboard. Well, that appetites modest graphics card, and it is relatively inexpensive, we have already figured out, but will prove to be such an adapter in the games, will find out during the practical test.
Aggregators
For the basic game system, we recommend that often use the hard drive capacity of 1 TB. This is the minimum amount of HDD which in general may be enough for this class of systems. New games take up more space on the disk. Projects 40-70 GB in the order of things, because too capacious your drive will not be exact.
For the basic game system, we recommend that often use the hard drive capacity of 1 TB. This is the minimum amount of HDD which in general may be enough for this class of systems. New games take up more space on the disk. Projects 40-70 GB in the order of things, because too capacious your drive will not be exact.
TOSHIBA DT01ACA200
To test the system, we used a Toshiba DT01ACA200 2TB hard disk drive, purchase of which will cost about $ 70-75. Discs half the volume cost about $ 50. Justification buying more capacious HDD depends on your real needs. Recall only that the free space on the drive you will need not only to install the games. Photos, videos, torrents, every so often “eats” most of the hard drive.
Manufacturer and model specific hard drive is not as fundamental. Here it is possible to rely on some kind of personal preference and trust in a particular brand. Features actual HDD are about the same. The main criterion – reliability – can not be measured previously. Since the HDD, we will install the game and not only store media content, it is advisable to use a spindle wheels at a speed of 7200 rev / min. Yet they higher speed than the low-speed version 5400/5900 rev / min and have the best search time, which is also important for downloading games.
As for the performance of a class of devices, the difference is not essential. If you are really interested in speed, it is to the SSD. SSDs offer a radical acceleration of read / write operations. They have a much higher not only linear transfers but also the fundamentally different speed of data access. SSD has become a mandatory attribute of the medium and high grade. This time we also decided to attach to the solid-state current and potential owners of gaming basic configurations.
KINGSTON HYPERX FURY SHFS37A / 120G
The test system was equipped with a drive HyperX Fury SHFS37A / 120G capacity of 120 GB. SSD is this capacity have become the starting point. The cost of this class of device – about $ 50. The range is very very wide, choose the appropriate model simple. The version of the HyperX is based on proven controller SandForce SF-2281, having a well-known features of the various data compression level. SSD also uses flash chips with cell MLC, which have a high share in terms of the number of rewrites. To a 120 gigabyte model HyperX Fury claimed total amount of data written (TBW) at 354 TB, whereas SSD TLC entry level This parameter is 50-100 TB. Often, the latter is also sufficient for a home system, but more headroom for sure will not be superfluous.
Volume of 120 GB is sufficient to install the operating system and the whole set of everyday applications. Yes, the game will still have to be installed on the hard drive. Capacious SSD is still quite expensive, at least for the initial class of systems.
HyperX – a trademark of the world’s largest independent manufacturer of storage devices – the US company Kingston® Technology Company, Inc. The main specialization of HyperX – the creation of high-performance solid state and flash drives, DDR3 and DDR4 memory, as well as gaming headsets, and gaming accessories. Actively promoting the idea of gaming and eSports, HyperX supports more than 20 teams competitive players around the world.
POWER SUPPLY
Stable food – the guarantee of health of your system. It is an axiom requiring no proof. It must simply accept. Whatever the temptation to save on power supply, immediately discard the idea. Choosing a block, even for relatively affordable systems, you should not rely on the possibility of the most affordable price of $ 15-20 models. With such a retail price in Ukraine, which has taken into account taxes, logistics and earnings of the seller, you can only guess what the real cost of producing such BS. Trust this device to the power of their system would be very lightly. A reasonable minimum for the power unit of 400-500 W – $ 30-50. Models included in this price category certainly handle the load created by the PC of the middle class.
ZALMAN ZM500-LE II
For example, in our assembly, we used the Zalman ZM-500LE II block. Model with a total capacity of 500 watts, which is capable of 12 lines in total to give up 444 watts.
Pre-estimating demand components, we were confident that the actual power consumption of the system in the current configuration does not exceed 200 watts. In this case, it would be possible to restrict power supply less power. For example, using one of the models 400 watts. However, the power supply with a good margin will not restrain itself in subsequent upgrades of the system. BP at 500 W without allowing any problems to equip the system of any top-end graphics card, processor and replace fill all available hard disk drive bays. Have confidence that the PSU cope with a significantly increased workload for something so worth it.
HOUSING
This is where the really where you can personalize. Of course, to choose the system block is only in appearance very reckless, but he should at least pleasing to the eye. Yet the system unit is always in sight, except for the cases when the body is hidden under a desk or in a special niche. It has all the tastes are different, because to recommend any specific model difficult.
ZALMAN Z1 NEO
We gathered in the housing system Zalman Z1 NEO. The updated model of the Korean developer for the price is well equipped and configured. The housing has a non-trivial design of the pallet place for laying of cables, the USB 3.0 port on the front panel, four bays for 3.5-inch drives with seats for 2.5 “, as well as almost unlimited space for the installation of long video cards (up to 375 mm ). In addition, the model was originally equipped with three 120-mm fans, two of which have a blue LED backlight. Cherry on the cake – translucent Plexiglas window in the side wall through which you can see all the splendor of his system.
Zalman company relies in the development of their lineup on quality, inherent to modern gaming PC, – maximum efficiency, quiet and bright expressive design. All these properties are inherent case, power supply and cooling systems of the Zalman, popular among users for their optimal combination of price and quality.
MOTHERBOARD
ASUS H110M-K (INTEL H110, MATX) $ 55
The total cost is slightly higher than what we originally lay to buy basic components of the gaming system. In this case, we use the original cooler instead of the standard. If you want to make quieter, have a little extra. We also added the SSD, which was not originally included in the launch configuration. Without solid state drive is already very difficult to imagine a computer that level, so let yourself a little “dessert.” The RAM can safely take DDR4-2133, although the savings would be penny. If you just do not want to continue to use more energy-intensive components, you can do the PSU power of 400-450 watts. It will keep in your wallet $ 5-10. Can I choose the cheaper housing? The market is a sufficient range, but we would not recommend to look towards the more affordable models – the shortcomings manifest in the most inopportune moment. In any case, before buying is to evaluate not only its appearance but also the layout, amenities and the convenience of assembly. It is likely that already on the basis of a rapid assessment you decide not to save on the case.
PERIPHERY
Monitor – another component of the gaming platform which is not worth saving. You also have to look at the picture every day on this screen. With the right choice of the monitor can be 5-10 years or more. The degree of obsolescence display much lower than in most of the internal components of the PC. Of course, collecting a relatively inexpensive system, it is unlikely you will be looking in the direction of expensive monitors. It is the best option in this case would be the 23-24-inch model with a screen resolution of 1920 × 1080 cost $ 170-230.
Monitors on the basis of a family of IPS matrices tend to offer wider viewing angles and color-rich palette. While the displays are TN-matrix can provide a maximum speed of switching the pixels, eliminating the appearance of loops and image artifacts even in the most dynamic scenes. Also monitors based on TN is set in many high-priced game models, because the matrix of this type can provide a very high refresh rate (200 Hz), which is important when using G-Sync and FreeSync. If for serious work with the color choice of the type of matrix practically does not cause problems, it is not so clear for the game system.
ASUS VP247H
As an illustrative example, we used the ASUS VP247H. This monitor with a diagonal of 23.6 “, which is used for TN-matrix c resolution of 1920 × 1080 and semi-matt anti-glare coating. The claimed response time – 1 ms (G-to-G), Brightness – 250 cd / m2 and viewing angles – 170/160 °. The model is a practical package of frosted plastic. Minimum gloss on the stand, the same applied to corporate concentric pattern. The height of the screen is not changed, whereas the inclination angle can be adjusted between -5 to +20 degrees. Three inputs are provided for connection of the source: DVI-D, D-Sub and HDMI.
Of the nice features worth noting the absence of flicker at any level of the backlight. In this case, the PWM modulation is simply not used to adjust the brightness, because the issue of possible phantom flares dramatically resolved.
There is no question, and with image blurring in fast motion gaming. Fast response time delivers even from minimal plumes and the vagueness of the contours of objects.
Quite pleasant overall impression leaves and image quality. Despite the fact that it uses TN-matrix least satisfactory at the final image. Yes, color gamut, gradients and color accuracy is not perfect, but for the class is quite on the level. The monitor has a surprisingly good viewing angles and deprived of unpleasant crystalline effect, which very often can be seen on the screen with a matte finish. Play around with the settings, you can get a decent picture rich, and should not be ignored Splendid presets, they significantly alter the image by asking directions during setup.
Gaming peripherals is not a mandatory attribute of the entry-level system, but it allows you to manage effectively while “working” sessions. Of course, you can get the most affordable set of the most necessary devices, but specialty products helps to enjoy the game, allowing you to quickly adjust the desired fashion, and plunge into the appropriate atmosphere.
For the basic game system, we used a set of gaming peripherals from the family ASUS Cerberus.
ASUS ROG CERBERUS KEYBOARD (90YH00R1-B2RA00 )
Keyboard ASUS Cerberus Keyboard looks very similar to mechanical models, but in this case, the key is still provided a membrane mechanism. Miracles do not happen, “Mechanics” is expensive. In this case, when you press the keys should make a greater effort. The keyboard is made in an aggressive design. Black plastic body has a non-trivial forms of chopped, and the bottom panel of bright orange color. ASUS Cerberus Keyboard supports multiple levels of backlighting, which can change color from red to blue. At the base of the keyboard provides one-piece metal plate, which is to protect the device while playing the righteous anger of the owner. In the active region WASD keyboard layout can support up to 19 simultaneous keystrokes. How useful in real life, such a feature is useful keyboard, hard to say, but it can definitely help out, so it is a drainage system that allows you to withdraw without consequences accidentally spilled liquid.
ASUS ROG CERBERUS GAMING MOUSE (90YH00Q1- BAUA00)
ASUS Cerberus Mouse – the mouse’s entry-level with optical sensor. The model has a medium size, as well as a symmetrical body shape, so well suited for both right-handers and for those who are used to keep the retaliation weapon in his left hand. For convenience, the side panels are located ergonomically designed rubber inserts. In addition to the usual buttons “back and forth” under the scroll wheel button is available to switch resolution optical sensor (500/1000/1500/2500 dpi). On the back of the device has a series of backlit logo, whose color changes when you switch dpi.
ASUS ROG CERBERUS MOUSE PAD (90YH00T1- BDUA00)
Separate surface for the mouse – in fact, a mandatory attribute. Special texture improves positioning accuracy. ASUS Cerberus Mouse Pad pleasant to the touch pad tissue-type rubber-based. The playing surface is the average dimensions – 300 × 400 × 4 mm. It does not take too much space on your desktop at the same time allows you to not feel any restrictions shooters even with sweeping management style. Fabric surface has a small, dense weave, gentle for Teflon mouse feet. Along the perimeter provided serger, prolonging life is to mat.
ASUS CERBERUS (90YH0061-B1UA00)
Complementing the peripheral set Headset ASUS Cerberus Headset. Even with a good acoustic set is not always possible to use the desired volume level, especially during the evening session. Because an individual voice as a tool almost mandatory in the arsenal of an amateur play. If we collect the full set Cerberus, you can look in the direction of the respective gaming headset from ASUS. The model has a 60 mm neodymium transducers with input impedance of 32 ohms. Plug-in microphone can be detached if you are not using a headset to communicate during the game. The sound quality is decent, for this class of devices. Before buying it is desirable to ensure a comfortable fit headset – headband size may not be enough for long-term comfort of the game.
Gamers who want to win in any game, you need the best components. High definition sound, powerful bass and compatibility with different digital devices – ASUS Cerberus. Convenient sensitivity adjustment – four levels of DPI – Cerberus Mouse and keyboard gaming Cerberus Gaming Keyboard has a separate group of 12 easily accessible macro keys to increase the reaction speed of the game.
As you can see, the periphery – is a serious item of expenditure, which is often in the heat of the impact the choice of the main components originally not taken into account, and the whole kit is bought already on leftovers. Do not do it this way. If using a text editor, tables, and the browser still somehow possible to cope with cheap but working the periphery, then the game is suitable harness worth it.
BUILDING THE SYSTEM
With the assembly of all the components matched surely cope even novice users to distinguish from the screwdriver pliers. All the elements are unified, because having even the basic skills and complete guide, it is difficult to make a mistake.
Ease of assembly depends on the design of the housing. In this respect, Zalman Z1 NEO is very good. You can start with the installation of the processor to the motherboard, and cooler mounting. When mounting a Zalman CNPS5X Performa should pay attention to the location of the translucent plastic plugs that regulate the distance guides. Looking into the guide, it is important to establish their position Socket 115x. After mounting frame is fixed, it’s time to think about thermal grease. Complete with cooler offered a small tube c corresponding consistency. Causing thermal grease with a thin even layer, can be mounted cooler.
Pre-releasing a couple of screws, catch bracket metal loops on the mounting plate tabs. Then tighten the screws with a screwdriver until it stops. After securing the cooler, you can immediately install memory modules. It’s funny, even for entry-level motherboards ASUS DIMM slots are used with single-sided fixation. Here they come in handy, as it allows further without any problems reinstall the modules without removing the card.
Cooler Zalman CNPS5X Performa compact enough, the radiator does not create any problems when installing memory modules. In this case, the strips on the coolers also have modest size.
Before you install the motherboard into the case better than the pre-fix the power supply. In this case, the PSU bay is at the bottom of that rather unusual for this class of cases.
Immediately before installing the boards it is important not to forget about the plate for the panel interface. To fix the ASUS H110M-K took us further tighten a few brass pillars, which are supplied with the housing.
Zalman Z1 NEO has extra space for cable management tray. Free space is not very much, but if you want basic communication is still possible to carry out outside the workspace.
The platform has a large enough screen to access the fan mount on the reverse side of the board. However, the set CPU cooler better still outside the housing. The pallet is also provided an opening for the construction of additional CPU power cable. However, it is located is not very good. If the front of the motherboard you can not mount an appropriate stretched cable, then squeeze connector in the hole will not succeed. In this case, fortunately power cable length of 60 cm was enough to put him gently on the board.
In case sufficient number of seats to be installed drives. Conversely PSU basket placed on the three devices, and there can be used as a 3.5-inch HDD, and the storage format of 2.5. ” For the latest on the plastic bracket provides holes for screw fastening. Hard disk Toshiba DT01ACA200 we put in the middle compartment.
Above the basket provides space for long graphics cards. Just above there is also a niche for one HDD and one 2.5 “drive. If the system is already collected, chosen for these devices is not very convenient, because there can be mounted stationary drives that are not periodically removed from the unit.
On the reverse side of the system tray is also provided another seat for a 2.5-inch drive. It is here that we have fixed the system SSD. If necessary, remove it simply, only need to remove the side panel and remove the four screws.
After you install a dual-slot graphics card, is available one PCI Express x1 slots. Since the model used Radeon RX 460 does not require an additional power supply is not relevant in this case, the power cables can be neatly attach next to the PSU. Free space between the tray and the right side panel quite a bit, but you can try to hide the cables in this niche.
With the interface cable from the drive any difficulties. In this case, SATA ports are located at the lower edge of the printed circuit board. Access to them is free. With the same ease cables connected to output on the front panel audio ports, a pair of USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0. Power / Reset buttons and indicators better connect before installing the video card, since the corresponding comb in this case located on the board above the ordinary.
As for the cooling system, two 4-pin fan connectors provided on the PCB. One is used for the CPU cooler, another – for the body. Coincidentally, this is enough for our configuration. To the free terminal, we connected the fan mounted on the back wall. It has a 3-pin connector, but the speed controlled by the DC. A pair of 120mm fans with illumination on the front wall are connected directly to the power supply through the Molex-connector.
As a result, we have quite a spectacular external systems. On the front panel are placed two ports USB 2.0 and one more high-speed USB 3.0, and 3.5-mm audio jacks for a headset.
At the rear of the chassis are two PS / 2 ports, four USB 2.0, a pair of USB 3.0 and Ethernet socket. If you need to use the built-in graphics processor, offers outputs DVI and D-Sub. To connect three speakers provided.
In the case of the gaming system is still the monitor will be connected to the output of the video card, but here we have a choice of three ports – DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort. The last two in the photo covered with plastic dust caps.
THE PAPER
After assembly, it must be the primary platform configuration. In particular, this applies to the cooling system. The normal version of the CPU cooler fan speed can be varied in the range 1300-2600 rev / min. Given its design as well as the actual heat 14-nanometer Core i3, originally wanted to get a quieter solution.
The fan on the rear wall and the default is rotated at about 1000 rev / min. The frequency is not so high, but why not experiment?
To set up the system is to use the firmware application AI Suite. Many owners just ignore systems software products and it is in vain.
Basic auto-calibration fans showed that the board may adjust the CPU fan speed from 750 to 2600 rev / min. But this is a rather pleasant surprise. The ability to lower the minimum threshold to 750 rev / min instead of 1300 r / min is very useful.
Hull fans are controlled within 400-1100 rev / min. Also a nice bonus, there is nothing to him in vain to drive the air at full speed.
As we have noted, the fan speed on the front wall is not governed by the forces of the board, as they are connected directly to the power supply. It will help to develop that extra computer fan control. The speed of the propellers can not glowing monitor. Subjectively, they rotate at a speed of 1000-1500 rev / min. For our configuration, this airflow from the outside rather redundant. For energy-intensive systems are not installed graphics card, and a basket for storage is not jam-packed with hot hard drives. In this case, the fans can be completely turned off. Lovers of silence probably go that way.
If beckoning lights on the front panel still want to save is to look for the option to manually reduce the fan speed.
In idle mode GPU temperature does not exceed 25 degrees. All this thanks to the active cooling system. The fans on the cooler does not stop spinning, as a minimum, with rev / min speed of the order in 1850. The adapter is not exactly silent in this mode, but particularly vociferous can not say.silence lovers should look away cards STRIX series. At rest, they are silent, but the more expensive “dual” options.
Under load, the ASUS DUAL-RX460-2G chip is heated to 65 degrees. Turnover increased almost up to 2100 rev / min. Noise level – below average.
As for the CPU, then a half-hour extreme load Chipo warmed up to 64 degrees. Given that the speed of the fan Zalman CNPS5X Performa increased in all up to 1300 rev / min, we are satisfied with the result. Besides gaming chip temperature only gets to 60 degrees, exceeding this threshold only in OCCT stress test.
We also measured the power consumption of the base platform game. If we consider that the claimed Thermo (TDP) of the processor is 51 watts, and video – 75 W, there is nothing surprising in the fact that the actual consumption of the entire system in real games ranged between 115-135 watts. This overall figure is already at the output of the system unit, taking into account the consumption of the motherboard, memory, drives, fans and non-ideal power supply efficiency. The gaming system this level of energy consumption a little more than a 100-watt incandescent bulb. Good result. In the mode of the system unit is quiescent power consumption of about 35 watts. Recall that the installed PSU is designed for a total load of 500 Watts. A good supply gives confidence that the PSU power enough even to replace the Core i7 processor and install top-end graphics card.
PERFORMANCE
It is time to evaluate what is capable of starting the configuration. If we consider the conditional specialization PC, the best examiners here will be most demanding games.
The Ex of Deus: Mankind Divided – resource-intensive project, which is highly desirable for the video card of the middle class. Nevertheless, we tried to get the experience of playing in the new brainchild of Eidos Montreal, using our basic game configuration. According to the built-in benchmark mode with high quality graphics system provides an average of 29 frames / c at maximum 37 frames / c. Not much. Just not the mode in which you can have fun, even though it is not particularly dynamic shooter, shooter, or rather not at all.
The mode with medium quality settings on complex scenes has about 35 frames / c and 40-50 frames / c indoors. Play already noticeably more comfortable, but the picture looks more modest. Even giving up the special effects and reducing the demands on the graphics quality in the trade stalls with vegetables still get 35-40 frames / c, although in most cases is of the order of 50-60 frames / c. Using DirectX 12 provides a gain of only 2-3 frames / c, that can not affect the big picture. New Deus Ex often scold for not very good optimization
Another known absorber video resources – Rise of the of Tomb Raider . Adequately assessing the potential of the assembled system, we tried to get a comfortable level of performance in a mode with average graphics quality settings. Integrated performance test in this case reflects the average of 45 shots / c. This means that the performance in certain situations will decrease.
The examples do not have to go far. At the very beginning of the game in the conquest of icy mountain slope of the number of frames / c sometimes it goes down to 35. But on average still, have 40-45 frames / c. You can play around with the settings but are not limited global presets. The possibilities here are many. Last but not least is to disable PureHair. Playful curls Lara look impressive but taken on a few fps to, and this is not a situation where you can just throw away a valuable resource.
The preset low-quality graphics fps average increased to 58, but these settings affect significantly on the final image because it is recommendable to be based on the average preset and with a shortage of staff / c to experiment with the available options.
Having a bunch of Core i3 + Radeon RX 460, adventures in the world of Fallout 4 can be started in a mode with high quality graphics, counting approximately 50 frames / c. The Ultra mode is about 40 frames / c, and with a decrease in quality to the average level of productivity will grow to 55-60 frames / c. The performance of the processor and the graphics card is enough to study the wasteland, which can overshadow a weary delay when changing another location. Given the fact that as the game has to do it all the time, recommended whenever possible to install Fallout 4 on the SSD. Impressions of the game will be radically different.
For age and resource-intensive, but no less interesting Metro: Last Light Redux can conquer c Radeon RX 460. The load on the CPU is relatively small, but the card game forces tighten thoroughly. You want to get comfortable performance – do not turn SSAA settings. Supersemplingovoe smoothing here puts on his knees much more powerful adapters. If you give it up, with the Very High preset receives an average 37 frames / c, High – 49 frames / c, in the mode of average quality, when the game still looks quite so good, the system displays on the mountain about 60 shots / c. In this case, the life in the caves would be much more fun.
Mad Max is a decent optimization. With maximum quality settings, the number of frames / c is in the range 40-55. However, the twist parameter all the way is still not recommended. During the complex fight scenes fps sags to 32-35 frames / c. Minimum reducing the quality of the graphics, the inhabitants carry postapokaliptichnyh good and bright regions is becoming much more comfortable.
In Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor at high quality settings, we get a very comfortable 55-65 frames / c. The game is well optimized and does not lose too much in the picture after changing the settings. If desired, even Ultra mode can be used in which the game although it requires more than 2 GB of video memory, graphics card with test outputs on the mountain about 40-50 frames / c.
If you wish to arrange in the Dirt Rally , it can be done easily by setting the highest quality graphics. Scene saturated vegetation, productivity may decrease up to 40 frames / c, but in general you can expect to average 50 frames / c. If you want a greater ease in management and dynamics, the choice of preset “High” allows without any loss in picture quality even throw additional 15-20 frames / c.
The story of Geralt The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, can be penetrated at 37 frames / c, if you set the mode with high-quality graphics, simultaneously disabling the option HairWorks. The preset with medium quality settings get about 45 shots / c. For this class action is an acceptable performance.
DOOM by id Software, this is where you have to show all their skill and reflexes shutter. Think fast, shoot a lot. The mode with average quality graphics performance varies between 30-50 frames / c when using OpenGL. Daylight Vulkan provides a 20% increase, and here it is very appropriate. Note that even if you have 8 GB of RAM, during the game you can hear the rustling of the hard disk.
Still in demand GTA V with standard graphics quality settings with Full HD shows in the city of 50-60 frames / c. It is important to activate the MSAA. When using x2 performance drops to 35-40 frames / c, with MSAA x4 – up to 25-30 frames / c. The game does not allow the use of higher quality textures, pointing to the limitations of the local video memory. Well, not very much and wanted. All the same, the owner of the portion of the base game drive configuration still receive.
“BACK TO THE FUTURE”
As you can see by the results of the tests, the most problematic is the position of the system graphics card to be expected. Despite the fact that this is the most expensive component of a PC, to which we allocate the purchase order of $ 150, here there is still something to improve and something to strive for. Sooner or later it will want more. If you want to here and now, let’s look at the alternatives. You can look towards the GeForce GTX 950 2 GB. The growth of the order of 10-20% at a price of $ 175-190 adapters. Interesting, but expensive Radeon RX 470 4 GB. Buying this model will cost about $ 250, and you can expect a performance increase of 75%. Very good choice may be already announced GeForce GTX and 1050 GTX 1050 Ti. These models already presented , but sales will begin later.
If you want even more, it can be good options GeForce GTX 1060 3/6 GB or Radeon RX 480 c 4/8 GB of memory on board. But will there be enough in this case, the performance of Core i3-6100, to unlock the potential of video card of the middle class? To answer this question, we “try on” our system, ASUS ROG STRIX-RX480-O8G-GAMING. That’s how it looks externally.
Effectively, is not it? Fortunately, this is not only an additional source of illumination in the case. After replacing the video card performance in all games nearly doubled (+ 90-120%). Usually, the difference is easy to see a difference of 20-30% when the increase is two-fold, it has the striking effect. After replacing the video card power consumption of the system in games has increased to 240-260 watts.
Final results are sometimes only 5-10% lower than those that we have received during this card test platform with the Core i7-6700K. And in the latter case, the board used in the Intel Z170, and the memory worked at DDR4-2666 mode. Overall, Core i3 even for the effective upgrade in the future, you will need only replace the video card.
RESULTS
The base’s configuration allows feeling comfortable even in a relatively new resource projects. To get acceptable performance in some “heavy” multiplatform games at a resolution of Full HD, sometimes it is necessary to reduce the graphics quality settings to medium. The main stop – card. Radeon RX 460 2GB can be regarded as the starting point and the minimum adequate solution for the entry-level gaming system. Even more available adapters will not be able to provide adequate performance. Despite the fact that the video card in our case the most expensive component of the system unit, she is the first candidate for replacement in the future, when the current performance has missed stops or will be able to upgrade.
While these key components of the system, processor, and graphics card, largely determine the possibilities of gaming platform, the overall impression from the use of the system also depends on the rest of the required components of the vital basic gaming PC build. Even when building a relatively inexpensive configuration is more attentive to the choice of elements, rather than relying only on luck. Such an approach is justified. A successful game starts!
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