New to building ----- 4K requirements???

DoctorPDA · Jul 15, 2014

I am new to computer building and to this forum. I want to build a computer that will let me, on a 4K monitor (e.g. the new ASUS PB287Q), do routine stuff like web browsing, but also view photos, and watch 4K videos. I don't think I'd do much editing videos, most I might do would be converting from 4K to 1080p. I don't game at all.

Budget -- ideally $1000 to $1500, for the computer (not including the 4K monitor).

After doing some research, here is a build I was thinking of (SEE BELOW) Would appreciate any suggestions. Can I go even cheaper price than build below? I was thinking that I could always upgrade by adding 16 more GB of RAM (two more 8 GB sticks?), and/or add another 760 4GB Nvidia card in SLI mode? The more recent video cards (770, 780, etc..) are a lot more expensive, and I'm not if the extra bang will be needed. I was also thinking of the 4820K processor (about same price as 4790), mainly because of the higher max RAM of 64 GB (not sure if I got that right), though I don't think I want to mess with overclocking.

Here's an article most applicable to my scenario I think, where even Nvidia 660 2 GB video card worked ok: http://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/4K-Monitor-Requirements-and-Usage-492/

I understand that for gaming, many talk about dual cards, but this doesn't apply to me (I don't think, unless 4K video is equivalent to gaming??) (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/pq321q-4k-gaming,3620.html).

I searched this forum and saw this prior post (http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1915930/basic-video-editing-system-gaming.html), though it's almost 8 months old and I don't think I'll do editing like the opening post was looking into doing.

Thanks!!
Gus

[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/GJvddC) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/GJvddC/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i7-4790 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i74790) | $304.99 @ NCIX US
**Motherboard** | [Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z97a) | $143.99 @ Newegg
**Memory** | [Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-memory-cmz16gx3m2a1600c10) | $144.99 @ Amazon
**Storage** | [Sandisk Extreme II 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/sandisk-internal-hard-drive-sdssdxp240gg25) | $129.99 @ Adorama
**Storage** | [Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st3000dm001) | $102.80 @ Amazon
**Video Card** | [MSI GeForce GTX 760 4GB TWIN FROZR Video Card](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-n760tf4gd5oc) | $239.99 @ Newegg
**Case** | [Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-200r) | $59.99 @ Newegg
**Power Supply** | [SeaSonic G 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-ssr550rm) | $86.98 @ SuperBiiz
**Optical Drive** | [Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-optical-drive-drw24b1stblkbas) | $16.99 @ Newegg
**Operating System** | [Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-wn700615) | $102.98 @ Newegg
**Wireless Network Adapter** | [Asus PCE-AC68 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-wireless-network-card-pceac68) | $97.99 @ Amazon
| | **Total**
| Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available | $1416.68

TechyInAZ · Jul 15, 2014

Video is far less gpu intensive than gaming, which is why even HD 4600 can do 4k video.

But, I'd still get that gtx 760 because if you even try to game at 4k it won't work with HD 4600 so having the GPU will save a lot of headaches.

tiny voices · Jul 15, 2014

Even a gtx760 will struggle with anything over LOWEST settings at 4k. For modern gaming at 4k you really do need a 780ti for decent settings.

The CPU and RAM really have nothing to do with 4k performance.

TechyInAZ · Jul 15, 2014

tiny voices :

He's not gaming though.

EasyLover · Jul 15, 2014

Your build needed some revision for 4k gaming experience. Check this build.

For gaming you would need i5 not i7.
good Noctua cpu cooler
Powerful mobo Asus Hero VII
Most of all powerful GPU R9 290 4GB Sapphire TriX
Why are you buying such an expensive WiFi Card?
PSU is changed to 650w XFX

Enjoy the build under $1500

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus MAXIMUS VII HERO ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($207.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($144.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($86.38 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($102.80 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X Video Card ($389.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($102.98 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN722N 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($13.65 @ B&H)
Total: $1460.72
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

tiny voices · Jul 15, 2014

IF you plan to do no gaming at all, a gtx760 will be more than enough for your needs.

EasyLover · Jul 15, 2014

OP: Pl confirm you don;t game at all then build will be revised to:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus H97-PLUS ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Mwave)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($144.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($86.38 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($102.80 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 4GB Superclocked ACX Video Card ($279.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($55.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN722N 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($13.65 @ B&H)
Total: $1175.73
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Alpha3031 · Jul 16, 2014

I'd just get 8 GB RAM.

And since he's possibly Video editing, I'd get a Xenon 1230 v3 for 30 dollars more

EasyLover · Jul 16, 2014

He is not video editing and yes I agree that 8GB would be enough for him.

DoctorPDA · Jul 16, 2014

Yes, no gaming at all.

I think the most intensive process I will be doing will be playing (with maybe minor editing of 4k) of 4k video at frame rate of 100 mbps (as on the panasonic gh4), on a 4k monitor.

Appreciate the responses to date.

EasyLover · Jul 16, 2014

DoctorPDA :

In that case, consider this build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus H97-PLUS ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Mwave)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.70 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($86.38 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($102.80 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 4GB Superclocked ACX Video Card ($279.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($53.49 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($55.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN722N 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($13.65 @ B&H)
Total: $1098.94
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

DoctorPDA · Jul 16, 2014

EasyLover: Thank you for your time. Looks like a good build.

Few questions if any of you have a chance:

CPU:
-----You recommended i5 4690. I think this article may answer my question (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106-6.html), but does the $90 extra for the i7-4790 offer any significant performance upgrade (8 threads vs 4 threads; 2 MB extra cache)?
-----How about the i7-4820K (http://ark.intel.com/products/77781) ----- on this Intel link, it says it supports up to 64 GB RAM, will this be a better processor for "future proofing", as the other 2 Intel CPUs (4690, 4790) state on the Intel web site they only support up to 32 GB RAM (http://ark.intel.com/products/80810/Intel-Core-i5-4690-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_90-GHz). Is the max RAM dependent on CPU or just the Motherboard capability?
-----Alpha3031 mentioned the "Xenon 1230 v3" for video editing. From looking up some info (http://ark.intel.com/products/75054/Intel-Xeon-Processor-E3-1230-v3-8M-Cache-3_30-GHz), appears the only difference with above CPUs is the Xenon lacks onboard graphics. Is that correct? Is it better for video editing?

VIDEO CARD:
Any reason to choose one brand over another? You changed to EVGA. I think I picked the cheapest one (MSI) which was ~ $40 cheaper. Additionally, any advantage for the 770 with 2 GB RAM versus the 760 with 4 GB RAM, they are both ~ $300. In this article from this website (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-8.html), the 760 seems reasonable based on price/performance.

RAM
I see you changed the brand from Corsair to G. Skill. Any reason to go with one brand over another? They seem similarly priced. Would 16 GB RAM provide any additional benefit if I were to do a touch of editing, like changing a video from 4k to 1080p? I tend to do a huge amount of multitasking.

STORAGE
This website suggests 256 gb SSD (3rd paragraph down, http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/how-to-build-a-gaming-pc,review-32979-6.html) for Windows and other essential programs. What was reason for change to 120 gb... price?

POWER SUPPLY
This website suggests avoiding cheap power supplies (http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/how-to-build-a-gaming-pc,review-32979-7.html), seen some cheap models "go up in flames". How do I know which brand is most reliable?

WIRELESS NETWORK ADAPTOR
I was looking for wireless AC with Dual Band, I think that's why it was more expensive (the ASUS card). There are probably some cheaper options, I'll look into them.

Thanks,
Gus

EasyLover · Jul 16, 2014

CPU
For video editing I should have changed the CPU. You are right in this regard. Better get Xeon E3 because it is cheaper than i7 but it has same functionality of i7. It has 4 cores and 8 threads with HT enabled. It does not have built-in GPU as well but it should be ok with you as you would be buying dedicated graphics card.

GPU
I've already changed the GPU to GTX 760. EVGA is a reliable brand to consider. Their products quality, performance, cooling are excellent and this is backed up by excellent customer support services offered by the EVGA. You actually don't need 4GB because you are not gaming.

RAM
For gaming 8GB RAM is recommended. Whereas for video editing/graphics rendering minimum 16GB RAM is recommended because these apps utilize CPU and RAM resources at their full. Moreover, you will be benefited with high speed RAMs with less CAS Latencies for your requirements.

Storage
Sir, 120GB is plenty for OS and Apps. Use SSD only for OS and Apps and put all other things on HDD. If you are not comfortable then get 250GB. There is nothing wrong with having more capacity. It is subject to the budget.

PSU
Check this list:
http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html

You will find 6 categories under which most of the PSUs have been categorized. PSUs upto Tier 3 are fine but PSUs under tier 4 and 5 should not be bought or if already purchased, be immediately replaced. Rest you need to check the Amps on 12v rail of PSU. Rated efficiency of the PSU. 80+ Certification. There are many things when it comes to PSU and I can't summarize them here

Remember one point when it comes to PSU. Don't compromise on the quality of the PSU otherwise you would risk all of your PC components

WiFi
There are cheaper dual band cards available. Read the review of anyone you select

Kind Regards,

DoctorPDA · Jul 17, 2014

Thanks again for your time. Much appreciated.

Gus

EasyLover · Jul 17, 2014

You are welcome. Glad to assist.

Outlander_04 · Jul 17, 2014

Its insane to use a GTX 760 if you are not gaming regardless of the resolution

A graphics card costing a third of that price will work perfectly well
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/gKjvdC
would be ideal for 4k playback once you have added an optical drive and an operating system
Cost as is is $756 , so its going be about $900 complete .
It will be near silent , and will look at home next to your TV
Unlike the corsair 200r build above which is going to be LOUD thanks in part to the case design and the gaming graphics card

My build will be slower at editing , but if you are not doing that a great deal then I see no problem in going to have a coffee while the computer keeps working

DoctorPDA · Jul 18, 2014

Outlander_04 :

Thanks for response. I don't see a graphics card on the link you have there.

The only article that I found with suggestions / testing for 4K web browsing, video, photos (but NOT gaming) was this one: http://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/4K-Monitor-Requirements-and-Usage-492/#Conclusion

They suggest video card with at least 1.5 GB of RAM. Looks like the 660 2 GB should be fine then, which has display PORT which supports 4K at 60 Hz? Here's one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121660&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

If I do some editing, I want it to be fast. Would that require more RAM? Better video card? Better CPU? All of above?

Outlander_04 · Jul 19, 2014

The AMD processor is an APU . Its graphics are built right in to the chip , and they are strong enough to play some games so very easily strong enough to run a 4K non gaming build

You are right about needing a display port to get 4K at 60 Hz .
I have changed the build to include a mb wth a display port
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/L3q7GX
Costs a little more than the Asus but you do not need the graphics card .

When you click the build link it warns of incompatibility . Thats because the cpu cooler is too tall with the top fan mounted . Just leave it off . The bottom fan is enough for a build like this

EasyLover · Jul 19, 2014

DoctorPDA :

Hey,

Reason for suggesting 760 was that even though you are not gaming, this is an entry level card in 700 series from nVIDIA. At-least get 700 series card even though you are not gaming. Even you may consider GTX 750 for this purpose.

Why going for GTX 660 when 800 series is expected as well. Better have entry level card in 700 series.

For video editing/graphics rendering you would need powerful CPU and more RAM with decent GPU (because you are not gaming)

Don't go for AMD in this case, better stick with Intel.

Outlander_04 · Jul 19, 2014

EasyLover :

EasyLover · Jul 19, 2014

Outlander_04 :

EasyLover :

You did not read me correctly. It is mentioned as entry level in 700 series not literally as entry level in gaming.

Outlander_04 · Jul 19, 2014

EasyLover :

Outlander_04 :

Entry level cards in the 700 series are the 730 and 740 , both of which have a tiny fraction of the power of a GTX760 .
The question you should be asking yourself is why would anyone use a gaming graphics card to play back video when a card costing a quarter as much is perfectly capable of doing the exact same thing

EasyLover · Jul 19, 2014

Outlander_04 :

EasyLover :

Dear, that is GT line not GTX. Anyhow this is upto OP. He should stick with 760 not with old 660. If he considers 660 then better to stick with gtx 750.

No more comments from my side.

Regards,

DoctorPDA · Jul 19, 2014

Easylover, thanks for chiming in (again). Outlander, you bring up a good question regarding video card.

A few comments...

If choosing a video card, I would like a display port (DP) input on it so that I can actually use the 4k 60 Hz option. That is the only port that is supported at this time. The 760 has DP. From what I read on Nvidia site, the 750 and below do not have a DP. The 660 does have DP, but lower level cards do not. Easy lover, I think you're correct in suggesting those level cards, at least for that reason. Also the 760 is only around $40 more than the 660, so not a big difference for me.

Using on board CPU graphics was also a valid question for me. I think that the Asus motherboard (Z97 A) I initially picked has a display port that supports 4k at 60 Hz, according their site. However, this review (http://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/4K-Monitor-Requirements-and-Usage-492/) states they had "choppy results" with on board Intel HD 4600 (for non gaming 4k work), appeared more like "20 Hz".

I don't mind pay a few hundred for a video card if it is needed for optimal performance.

Thanks gentlemen....

EasyLover · Jul 19, 2014

DoctorPDA :

Very true. I was actually gonna say that either get 760 or no card at all and use built-in GPU with DP because you are not gaming. My contention is simple. Get a decent card now wit marginal price difference and be future proof of some sort as well.

Who is saying 750/750Ti does not have DP. Check it here

http://www.ebuyer.com/621487-evga-gtx-750-ti-ftw-acx-2gb-gddr5-dvi-hdmi-displayport-pci-e-02g-p4-3757-kr

Outlander has made a very valid point in this regard. Don't spend your few hundred for a video card if you are not playing or playing casual, but just get a decent/good card for your current and possible future needs.

PS: If you opt for built in GPU then pl keep in mind that it uses/shares certain portion of your PC RAM because it does not have dedicated VRAM as is the case with dedicated graphics cards.

New to building ----- 4K requirements???

Reputable

Titan

Titan

Titan

Splendid

Titan

Splendid

Honorable

Splendid

Reputable

Splendid

Reputable

Splendid

Reputable

Splendid

Titan

Reputable

Titan

Splendid

Titan

Splendid

Titan

Splendid

Reputable

Splendid

Share this page