Guild Wars 2

Hello! Thanks for taking to time to read my post. I’m in need of some help on building my own computer. This is a task I’ve never undergone before and wanted to make sure I wasn’t going to be over-paying for what I decide to buy. Basically, I want to build a computer that can run GW2 fluidly , with high fps, and on high graphics settings. Since I’m a frequenter in WvWvW, it needs to maintain the high fps in zerg fights as well. I’m not looking to spend top dollar for the absolute best, but enough to get the job done. I’m not sure if this matters or not but, I’m also planning on having dual monitors, if that makes any difference in what sort of parts I should buy. Since I’m new to building a pc, I was also wondering if you all could list all the parts that go into building one. I’m familiar with newegg, but is there any other sites that I should take a look at to purchase my parts from? and is there any particular monitors that you favor that aren’t on the expensive side?

Once again, thanks for taking the time to read my post, I know there’s quite a few questions there and I’d really appreciate the help.

You didn’t really mention a specific budget, so I just made this:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2mFLW

If you’re looking to spend less, it’s pretty easily possible to save some money, especially in the GPU department.

Fermi.2409:

You didn’t really mention a specific budget, so I just made this:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2mFLW

If you’re looking to spend less, it’s pretty easily possible to save some money, especially in the GPU department.

That isn’t too bad of a price, what I figured anyways. Everything you’ve selected is what all goes into a pc though?: Including the disk drives and network cards? And that pc would 100% be able to keep a high fps rate in a zerg vs zerg? And as far as a case, would pretty much any casing be compatible or are there specifics I don’t know about? I’m sorry, I don’t know a lot about what all goes into a pc and wanting to make sure I don’t leave anything out and what not.

Yeah, that’s the entire computer, although I didn’t include a wireless card and/or a disk drive- they’re not really necessary unless you have a specific need for them. If you need both of those, go for this:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2mNVR

As for performance, nothing will keep a ‘high’ framerate in big zergs, but that computer should manage to keep things at ~20+ FPS, from what I’ve seen around here and assuming that you OC the CPU, which is easily playable in such situations.

Fermi.2409:

Yeah, that’s the entire computer, although I didn’t include a wireless card and/or a disk drive- they’re not really necessary unless you have a specific need for them. If you need both of those, go for this:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2mNVR

As for performance, nothing will keep a ‘high’ framerate in big zergs, but that computer should manage to keep things at ~20+ FPS, from what I’ve seen around here and assuming that you OC the CPU, which is easily playable in such situations.

Thank you so much for doing this for me. I guess this will be the computer I plan to buy other than the win8, probably going to get win7. Unless you suggest otherwise and if so, why? I’m going to be buying it a little bit at a time, so I assume the link will not break because I have it bookmarked.

That is a really good system and will do you well.

I would say get Win7, as Win8 has alot to go before it’s suitable for daily use, IMHO. If you want to get Win8, make sure you download and install 8.1, as there have been alot of reported performance issues between 8 and the upgrade to 8.1 (kind of like a service pack install, but does alot to the system during the upgrade).

I have the same system (Except the GPU, which mines a HD7790) and I have ran it on both 8.1 and 7, and the performance is ‘about’ the same. I just prefer Win7 to 8 at this time.

But, do not expect high performance for WvWvW when there are 60+ players on the screen. with out spell effects rolling I get about 35FPS with Character limit set to Low, when the battle starts and spells are rolling it will be between 20-25 (depending on terrain). So that is what you should also expect. It’s even worse when I do the world Boss train (Full Map + All the NPCs + Terrain). And that’s with the CPU set to 4.6Ghz up from 3.2ghz.

Windows 8 is perfectly fine. I’m not sure why you’re saying that it’s not suitable for daily use, but I’ve been using it without issue for 6 months now. The biggest issue that people have, the start menu, is even solvable without issue.

Honestly, getting an older OS doesn’t really make sense, since the newer one is likely to be supported longer. I can’t comment on performance issues or anything, since I’ve had none, but imho Windows 8 is the way to go.

Ok so that rig linked is perfectly capable, you could save some money here and there, but if ur ok with the budget of that rig then keep it as is. It would only be a small amount of saving and tbh i would stick with whats listed just for the ease of mind that u have high quality parts.
That said unless u NEED a wireless network/internet connection, stick with the onboard device and save urself the cost of a wireless card or dongle.

As for W7 v 8. I say stick with windows 7. How long its supported for is a non issue considering by the time its no longer supported there will likely be 2 other verison over W8 to choose form anyway.

WVW performance wont be great, this is NOT the fault of the listed rig, GW2 just isnt optimised to handle the amount of people that WvW is intended to maintain. Even my own rig struggles, and it cost …way more than i care to admit :P

SolarNova.1052:

Ok so that rig linked is perfectly capable, you could save some money here and there, but if ur ok with the budget of that rig then keep it as is. It would only be a small amount of saving and tbh i would stick with whats listed just for the ease of mind that u have high quality parts.
That said unless u NEED a wireless network/internet connection, stick with the onboard device and save urself the cost of a wireless card or dongle.

As for W7 v 8. I say stick with windows 7. How long its supported for is a non issue considering by the time its no longer supported there will likely be 2 other verison over W8 to choose form anyway.

WVW performance wont be great, this is NOT the fault of the listed rig, GW2 just isnt optimised to handle the amount of people that WvW is intended to maintain. Even my own rig struggles, and it cost …way more than i care to admit :P

Thank you for your input, I"ll probably end up leaving the wireless out and got with win 7 because of preference.

I was looking around at monitors and was wondering what IPS meant and if this something I would need?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPS_panel

I personally went for it- I got an Asus VS239 for $160, and love it.

TN:
Pro: Fast respons times (low/no imput lag) good for gaming. Cheap, so alot of monitor use this panel and so u have alot to choose from.
Con:Bad viewing angles & color accuracy

VA:
Pro: Better color,brightness,and viewing angles than TN
Con: Slightly slower respons than TN, still not great viewing angles and color reproduction compared to IPS and PLS.

IPS:
Pro: Brilliant color,brightness, and viewing angles, almost perfect color accuracy.
Cons: Slow respons, not the greatest for gamers who like no imput lag and/or ghosting/shadowing/bluring

PLS: A slighter better version of IPS.

IMO i would get a VA panel. If u want a 75hz or faster screen or just need a ver cheap screen.. get a TN, if not, u might aswell go for VA for the better image. Infact iirc Asus’s 4k 39" monitor thats coming out next year will be using a VA panel and im likely going to be getting that.

1 other option that im mentioning just becouse i use one atm.

Plasma:
Pro: Awsome contrast, color and brightness. 0 ghosting/shadowing due to instant grey to grey response times.
Cons: BIG, minimum size of 42" iirc. Its a TV so expect some input lag. low PPI due to size at 1080p.

I’ve been researching some monitors and this is the one I’ve found that I will probably buy: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236307
What do you guys think? Also, I’ve been watching some videos on building and they mention thermal paste, is this something I will need for this build? I’m also wondering if I will need another cooling/fan system because I’ve been browsing other people’s builds and they have multiple.

Forgot to mention, what keyboards do you all currently use? I’m looking for a decent gaming one with back-lit keys. Suggestions?

TIM aka Thermal Paste: Your cooler may come with its own inbox / pre applied TIM, if it doesnt then u will need to buy some, it isnt expensive at all unless u go for liquid metal TIM’s which i would not recommened for the inexperianced.

System fans: Most good casses have atleast 3 or 4 fans with 2 in 1 out or 2 in 2 out, which is fine for a single GPU build.

Keyboards: You have 2 main types. Mechanical, and Membrane.
Mechanical: Generaly more expensive, more durable, good for gaming and prolific typists, diferent ‘switch’ types for more sensative or less sensative setups and different ‘feel’ to the key presses. Generaly Mechanical keyboards are very neat and tidy looking with just the basic keyboard layout, some can however come with LED backlights to give a little flare to an otherwise dull apperence.

Membrane: Cheaper at the bottom end but can get more expensive than mechanical. Have more features to choose from, are usualy bigger in size and cna be more flashy, but may feel less well made. They can come with mini LCD screens used for multiple purposes within games and monitoring software. Most can be bought with LCD backlight, and many can come with macro keys and other functions. However being membrane means they are not well suited for very high usuage as they wear out quiker than mechanical keyboards. Like prolific StarCraft 2 players who have high APM and will put heavy usuage on the keyboard.

I personaly would like a mechanical keyboard myself, however iv been so used to my Logiech G15 that i could not do without my mini LCD screen thats built into my keyboard, as i use it for more monitoring software. People with multiple monitors ofc wont have this issue, and many feel that mini LCD screens on the keyboard is a gimmick, but i find it very helpfull. IF i ever saw a mechanical keybaord with a built in LCD screen i would jump at it, untill then ill stick with membrane.

Example of a VERY expensive membrane keyboard:
http://www.madcatz.com/strike7/
~£220
Example of LCD Membran keyboard
http://gaming.logitech.com/en-gb/gaming-keyboards

Mechanical Keyboard example
http://www.qpad.com/products/keyboards/mk-80/

Some sort of Ducky or a Razer Blackwidow for a backlit keyboard. Otherwise, whatever rubberdome kb you can get for cheap; once you start sending a bit more, getting a rubberdome keyboard just doesn’t make sense, especially when you can go mechanical for just a little bit more.

I use one of the original Dell Quietkey keyboards, which is a rubberdome board from the late 90s, and is supposedly one of the better rubberdomes in terms of how it feels. I’m looking to upgrade to a CM Quickfire XT with brown switches, though.

Modified the build a little bit and added the accessories I’m buying with it. It’s a complete setup basically.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2oFSP

The reason for the crappy keyboard is because I decided to go with a Razer Orbweaver.
Thoughts?

Looks fine to me, although I do still suggest Windows 8 over 7.

Fermi.2409:

Looks fine to me, although I do still suggest Windows 8 over 7.

I agree, except on the Win8 Front.

Win8.1 is ALOT better over all then 8.0 was. But there are still a hand full of applications that do not work, yet they work under windows7.

The performance between win8.1 and Win7 is very similar, so that isn’t an issue really. Just comes down to the start menu, and application support (the apps I run you probably don’t, as they are mainly networking applications and I am waiting for Vendor updates to fix the support issues…But the issues are still there.)

Just from a personal point of view, I never recommend an OS that I can’t work 100% under with out bugs (even if they are specific bugs that most users would not encounter).

iirc Windows 8 is a little less heavy on the CPU, which is somewhat nice. Complaints about the start screen hold no weight (you can change it if you’d like, or just use it; I’ve actually found myself preferring it to the start menu). App support as far as I’ve seen is fine; judging it on things that people generally won’t use isn’t necessarily the best thing to do- it should depend on the the TC will do.