New PC Build - Heavily Modded GTA IV

dunhammers

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Sep 17, 2014
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I'm looking to build a new desktop pc that can run a heavily modded GTA IV smoothly with as high settings as possible. The only other requirement is that it can also handle running a handful of virtual machines. I would like to get the best bang for my buck. Here is the kind of system I am thinking of:

1. Intel Xeon E3-1240 V2 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
2. ASRock Z77 Extreme3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
3. DDR3-1600 240-pin DIMM 11 2x8GB (Expand to 32GB for more VMs)
4. Samsung MZ-7PD128BW 840 Pro Series 2.5" SSD 128GB x 2
5. I have no idea what graphics card


I am mainly interested to know if I lack what will be necessary or I if I have any excesses. I was thinking the two SSDs, so one could be for main OS and apps and the other dedicated to GTA IV.

The other big question I have is what kind of graphics card to get with all the different options out there. I'm looking for something in the $200 range, but would go higher if it really made a difference. Also wondering if 4GB over 2GB really matters?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!
 
Solution
Here you go,
http://ark.intel.com/compare/75055,75122. For a v3 xeon you will need a 1150 socket, so change the motherboard.

Either get one bigger SSD or get a SSD for the OS and a HDD for the rest. SSD's with higher capacity usually are faster or more reliable.

Alexdiaz

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Jun 22, 2014
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As for the CPU, do you really need a server grade CPU? Those aren't for gaming, there are for servers. Get a I5-4690k instead, it'll perform a LOT better in games. I think 16gbs even for heavily modded games is overkill. I would never use more than 8gbs unless I was video editing or something that eats up a lot of ram. For the GPU, I would try to spend an extra $40 and get a GTX 760 but if you only have $200, then go with a R9-270x or R9-280. 4GBs vs 2GBs doesn't matter for gaming if your only using one monitor. If you're using more than one then it will matter. The SSDs are your choice, if you get them you'll get faster boot times and load screens but if you don't get them, you can get a better GPU or CPU.
 

15MichaelHarper

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Sep 4, 2014
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You really have no need for the xenon, briliant CPU not aimed at gaming really you should go for an i7 or even something like an i54770k both briliant prosessors and as GTA IV requires only 2 corse it will functions beutifly with 4, the ram is a good pick but you can easily overclock it too to get better preformance! graphics card; thats a good question there isnt much arround that will really kick ass for that little money i would recomend not spending as much on the less vital components, like save some money get 1ssd and a WD 1tb Black they are verry powerfull reliable drives not as quick but that only matters for game load screens really and if you can put up withh a couple of extra seconds wating then it will suit you better in the long run! - this machine will aslo be incredible for multitasking and video/photo editing! Back to graphics cards id recomend a 650ti or a 7850! both budget cards but they over the best proformance for money!
 

Shodoman

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Sep 19, 2012
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I don't think you know what you're talking about.
True it's not necessary for games though.

Pick a graphics card that fits your processor if you don't plan on changing it. I'd recommend 2gb for 1080p; a Radeon 280 - 280X would match an I5 or if you like Nvidia a 760.
Modding usually places a lot of pressure on the video card as you are changing textures and effects (depends on the mod, ofc, but i'm thinking that's what you are changing in GTA IV). I have a 7870 and Oblivion with heavy mods can put my 2gb card to it's knees because of improper optimization of the mods. So does Doom 3 heavily modded and it hasn't got open space areas. Mods can bring down any configuration out there.
 

SuperAdithya

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here you go, mate. A 1000$ GTX770 i5-4690k Z87 good build with PSU:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($224.74 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.65 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z87-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($124.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Mushkin Redline 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Superclocked ACX Video Card ($310.00 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair Carbide Series 300R Windowed ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $992.33
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-18 08:31 EDT-0400
 

dunhammers

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Sep 17, 2014
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Thank you very much for all your quick responses! And I especially appreciate the information about what kind of graphics card to choose.

I was thinking of using the Xeon chip, because I do not intend to overclock and do not need the integrated GPU. It is my understanding that the server line of processors run cooler, are more reliable and less expensive. The Xeon E3-1240 is basically the same as the i7-4770 except for the GPU, is it not?

The other part of the equation when it comes to the processor, is that I also want to be able to run a handful of virtual machines. Though I do not mean to run GTA in a VM.

Thanks again!
 

Shodoman

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Sep 19, 2012
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Here you go,
http://ark.intel.com/compare/75055,75122. For a v3 xeon you will need a 1150 socket, so change the motherboard.

Either get one bigger SSD or get a SSD for the OS and a HDD for the rest. SSD's with higher capacity usually are faster or more reliable.
 
Solution