Some rookie questions about PC

[Dwragone]

I'm new to PC building, actually i never even own a PC before, here's a few questions i had about PC.

1)I saw someone say buy cheap 'product key' for OS instead of buying from SLS shops. I saw Carousell selling product keys for as low as $20. However if i remember correctly, someone else said those OS disk(?) you buy can only be used for 1 PC. So how does OS installation works?

2)Is overclocking any good? Some say it reduces CPU/GPU life span, some say you will probably replace your parts by then. If overclocking improves performance drastically, then what need to be take care of when buying cooler and PSU to accommodate the overclocking?

3)What type of monitor is the best? V-sync works with both GPUs but its performance is not the best as i heard. I also heard that Free-sync performance is more smooth than G-sync and is more cheap, does that means i should buy a Radeon?

4)Since GPUs are so overpriced right now, i think i will buy a low end card first then wait for price drop ( IF it ever will!), so is gtx 1050 / rx 580 enough for gaming?

5)Is buying a 1080p 144hz monitor worth it since i will buy better GPU in the future?

6)Radeon vs Geforce? Is difference in performance even noticible?

7)Should buy i5 8600k with the low end GPU since it will last longer than the GPU and can support future builds? It is also not over priced.

 

[michael_thm]

Why buy a low end GPU at all? Why not just wait 3 weeks for the AMD Ryzen 2400G

 

[86technie]

Carousel license have been discussed many times.
If you want to buy go ahead but take note those are
most likely MDSN licenses from education and etc.

The license maybe revoke thus you may see Windows not activated prompt.
Or worse a letter from MS.
I am not creating fear but MS license please don't play around.

If you want to save money on OS license just get pre-build.
DIY wise, like some mention Feburary period was rumour the
new Ryzen APU (Ryzen and Vega graphics SOC chip) will
release.

Thus you don't need to buy a separate graphic card.
Intel wise some models have integrated graphics but graphics
are not good for gaming.

So whether do you need integrated graphics that is up to your usage.

 

[Wataru]

When it comes to GPUs, what i have found is that if your budget allows you to only get the low-end GPUs like the GT 1030, whatever you find on Carousell for the same price (like a GTX 960) will definitely kick its ass. The trade-off is less or no warranty on the 2nd hand GPU

 

[michael_thm]

Personally since I don't play much games except for stuff like Civilization 5 and maybe 6... or Company of Heroes... or MAME... @1080, the built in graphics of the AMD 2400G is more than sufficient...

So I am waiting to build a new system when my BTO is ready in about 3 months.

AMD 2400G with AM4 motherboard
8/16GB ram depending on ram prices.
500GB Samsung EVO SSD
8TB internal HDD
3 x 8TB external HDD
Recycle case and power supply
Recycle current 42" LCD TV

What I am saying is... you don't need a dedicated GPU unless you game the latest graphics intensive titles. Only buy a high end GPU if you really need it. And the way to find out is to start without a high end GPU and ONLY buy one if you find that the gaming performance is less than smooth. Just saying this because you mentioned this is your first PC.

 

[dgenex]

4) 1050 is not similar performance to RX580 btw, better comparison would be 1060 to RX580

Sent from Xiaomi MI A1 using GAGT

 

[Dwragone]

Why buy a low end GPU at all? Why not just wait 3 weeks for the AMD Ryzen 2400G

If you want to save money on OS license just get pre-build.
DIY wise, like some mention Feburary period was rumour the
new Ryzen APU (Ryzen and Vega graphics SOC chip) will
release.

How good will the new APU be, at least comparable to i5 8400 + gtx 1060 3gb?

 

[michael_thm]

How good will the new APU be, at least comparable to i5 8400 + gtx 1060 3gb?

CPU wise, the 2400G should be on par with the i5 8400.

GPU wise, the 2400G is totally inferior to the 1060 obviously.

I guess I was mistaken when I took "low end GPU" for the entry level ones like 1030. We live in different world since a $400+ GPU is low end for you.

 

[86technie]

How good will the new APU be, at least comparable to i5 8400 + gtx 1060 3gb?

APU wise is more on entry level.
The CPU is on par with i5 but graphic
Is on the level of 1030/MX150.
Such chip is more suitable for normal usage than gaming.
If you need GFX1060 level of performance than you need a rig with dedicated graphics.

 

[Wataru]

The 2400G looks like really great value for a sub-1K home desktop for general use (gaming/MS Office).

Its always about perspective. I myself won't put up with GT 1030 level of performance at 1080p, but for kids playing mainly titles like CS:Go, LOL and DOTA 2, the 2400G is a very good option that allows for the budget to go to other components like an SSD etc. If they later on find that they want to play games like PUBG, just throw in a dedicated GPU later on.

Honestly the prospect of gaming on a 2400G still sounds better than doing it on Intel iGPU. The last time i attempted to do so, i tried to find a sharp object to harm myself

 

[yusoffb01]

the cheap license is illegal because its only meant for businesses who pay volume license to microsoft.
https://m.facebook.com/MicrosoftSG/posts/1371994529482661

why pay for something illegal?

 

[Dwragone]

I guess I was mistaken when I took "low end GPU" for the entry level ones like 1030. We live in different world since a $400+ GPU is low end for you.

I'm sorry cuz i am new to pc building, please forgive my ignorance.

 

[Dwragone]

the cheap license is illegal because its only meant for businesses who pay volume license to microsoft.
https://m.facebook.com/MicrosoftSG/posts/1371994529482661

why pay for something illegal?

So i must buy a OS from sls or there is other place that sells it? I still don't really know how OS installation works.

 

[Dwragone]

2)Is overclocking any good? Some say it reduces CPU/GPU life span, some say you will probably replace your parts by then. If overclocking improves performance drastically, then what need to be take care of when buying cooler and PSU to accommodate the overclocking?

One more question i need help with. Thank all of you very much.

 

[-Synchronicity-]

One more question i need help with. Thank all of you very much.

Are you looking at Intel cpu? If yes then get the i7-8700k. Anything less is just not worth to oc. Better off getting an i5-8400 or i7-8700 non k instead of i5-8600k.

And however is a totally different story as all of their cpu are unlocked. Just getting the right motherboard will do. Worth it for and to oc as their provided cooler is actually decent unlike Intel which doesn't even provide a cooler for their unlocked cpu.

Most after market gpu can oc fine. Shouldn't have a huge issue here.

 

[Wataru]

One more question i need help with. Thank all of you very much.

Honestly for both CPUs and GPUs, worrying about their lifespan when overclocking is a bit pointless because by the time it becomes a factor you probably will find it too outdated anyway to use.

Average lifespan for CPU and GPUs is around 5 years, anything above that is a bonus. And you certainly wont want to torture yourself with a 5 year old GPU

 

[shamanboy]

1)I saw someone say buy cheap 'product key' for OS instead of buying from SLS shops. I saw Carousell selling product keys for as low as $20. However if i remember correctly, someone else said those OS disk(?) you buy can only be used for 1 PC. So how does OS installation works?

Google up windows OS installation via usb device. What you essentially need is a thumbdrive with sufficient space and boot OS installation via the thumb drive. Next, you will need a valid cd key which you can purchase from where ever you wish. Or simply use the free windows 10 version that comes by default. I used it for 2 months before converting to the paid one.


2)Is overclocking any good? Some say it reduces CPU/GPU life span, some say you will probably replace your parts by then. If overclocking improves performance drastically, then what need to be take care of when buying cooler and PSU to accommodate the overclocking?

Overclocking will provide you with free performance gains. Substantial or not is not exactly the point. Do note overclocking runs into diminishing returns very quickly, which is why I do not bother pushing my OC too far. Too much hassle and potential cost if I had to invest in an aftermarket cooler.

3)What type of monitor is the best? V-sync works with both GPUs but its performance is not the best as i heard. I also heard that Free-sync performance is more smooth than G-sync and is more cheap, does that means i should buy a Radeon?

Free sync monitors are cheaper, but AMD GPUs have been overpriced since day 1. Get whichever is more cost efficient along with your desired GPU. I don't use sync technology, just a 1080p 144hz monitor. Some say the difference is night and day, but I wouldn't know.

4)Since GPUs are so overpriced right now, i think i will buy a low end card first then wait for price drop ( IF it ever will!), so is gtx 1050 / rx 580 enough for gaming?

1050 and rx 580 are not in the same category to begin with, but to answer your question: a 1050 ti will be sufficient for 1080p esports titles (besides pubg) at 1080p 60 frames. Triple A titles will require some compromise on quality.

5)Is buying a 1080p 144hz monitor worth it since i will buy better GPU in the future?

Display technology is moving along faster than ever today. Will you stick to 1080p for the foreseeable future? If yes, then invest in a 144hz monitor. I would say if you are able to grab a 120hz monitor at a good deal then go for it. 144hz can be somewhat of a gimmick even for 1080p gaming 'lest your gpu is a 1070 and above.

6)Radeon vs Geforce? Is difference in performance even noticible?

Too generic a question. Identify which gpus you are looking out for and youtube the benchmarks.

7)Should buy i5 8600k with the low end GPU since it will last longer than the GPU and can support future builds? It is also not over priced.

Go for the 8400/R5 1600, or wait for Ryzen in February or Ryzen 2 in April. GPU prices are nonsensical atm anyway, so unless your current rig has retired I don't see the point in picking up the 8600k and a low end GPU now.

 

[Dwragone]

1)I saw someone say buy cheap 'product key' for OS instead of buying from SLS shops. I saw Carousell selling product keys for as low as $20. However if i remember correctly, someone else said those OS disk(?) you buy can only be used for 1 PC. So how does OS installation works?

Google up windows OS installation via usb device. What you essentially need is a thumbdrive with sufficient space and boot OS installation via the thumb drive. Next, you will need a valid cd key which you can purchase from where ever you wish. Or simply use the free windows 10 version that comes by default. I used it for 2 months before converting to the paid one.


2)Is overclocking any good? Some say it reduces CPU/GPU life span, some say you will probably replace your parts by then. If overclocking improves performance drastically, then what need to be take care of when buying cooler and PSU to accommodate the overclocking?

Overclocking will provide you with free performance gains. Substantial or not is not exactly the point. Do note overclocking runs into diminishing returns very quickly, which is why I do not bother pushing my OC too far. Too much hassle and potential cost if I had to invest in an aftermarket cooler.

3)What type of monitor is the best? V-sync works with both GPUs but its performance is not the best as i heard. I also heard that Free-sync performance is more smooth than G-sync and is more cheap, does that means i should buy a Radeon?

Free sync monitors are cheaper, but AMD GPUs have been overpriced since day 1. Get whichever is more cost efficient along with your desired GPU. I don't use sync technology, just a 1080p 144hz monitor. Some say the difference is night and day, but I wouldn't know.

4)Since GPUs are so overpriced right now, i think i will buy a low end card first then wait for price drop ( IF it ever will!), so is gtx 1050 / rx 580 enough for gaming?

1050 and rx 580 are not in the same category to begin with, but to answer your question: a 1050 ti will be sufficient for 1080p esports titles (besides pubg) at 1080p 60 frames. Triple A titles will require some compromise on quality.

5)Is buying a 1080p 144hz monitor worth it since i will buy better GPU in the future?

Display technology is moving along faster than ever today. Will you stick to 1080p for the foreseeable future? If yes, then invest in a 144hz monitor. I would say if you are able to grab a 120hz monitor at a good deal then go for it. 144hz can be somewhat of a gimmick even for 1080p gaming 'lest your gpu is a 1070 and above.

6)Radeon vs Geforce? Is difference in performance even noticible?

Too generic a question. Identify which gpus you are looking out for and youtube the benchmarks.

7)Should buy i5 8600k with the low end GPU since it will last longer than the GPU and can support future builds? It is also not over priced.

Go for the 8400/R5 1600, or wait for Ryzen in February or Ryzen 2 in April. GPU prices are nonsensical atm anyway, so unless your current rig has retired I don't see the point in picking up the 8600k and a low end GPU now.

Wow, thank you so much for answering my inquiries, it is really appreciated. I have a better understanding now.
Btw, my current hardware is a 6 years old Intel Pentium+HD graphic laptop Yeah, 'really' good experience so far...

 

[shamanboy]

Wow, thank you so much for answering my inquiries, it is really appreciated. I have a better understanding now.
Btw, my current hardware is a 6 years old Intel Pentium+HD graphic laptop Yeah, 'really' good experience so far...

I feel you, I was forced to build a rig last year with the inflated memory and GPU prices as well. It sucked, but at the end of the day my needs for a computer was the bigger picture so I went ahead.