To save up for a new PC...
I already have a sum of money that I have been saving up for the past 2 years now, and I've decided it's time to say goodbye to my shitty 20fps wonder in the near future.
My question is, how much would I be looking at spending to get a PC with a smooth 50-60 fps on Altislife? I don't need a specific list of parts just yet, because I'm certain I won't have enough money, but I'm just looking for a bit of guidance for when I have the money within the year.
My specs : AMD A8-6600k (3.9 ghz quad core) Saphire R7 260X (OC) 6gb RAM (DDR3) 1tb Hard drive Windows 8.1Cooler master 212 evo (Cpu)
PS: I'm currently in college, have been looking for a part time job for a long time and am getting nowhere... Just waiting to go to uni.
Ok so, As I said already, sort answer would be to set aside at least 800 quid, because let's face it - you want to make a stonker.
Depending on if you're selling this machine on or planning to ditch it will change some things. For example, the 212 evo is a good cooler and will do both intel and AMD chips, you can probably hold on to that 1tb HDD, and that R7260X isn't TERRIBLE but you can always replace that down the line.
Ideally for arma as stated ,you want a CPU with excellent performance on a single thread. For this the way is the Holy Church of Intel.
You'll want:
CPU: Intel i5-6600k or the I7-6700k. There are those who will say the i7 is wasted on most games, however as the flagship of the line, it offers the best perofmance, but the i5 is no slouch. Make sure it's a 6600k or 6700k, as the K refers to it being unlocked and overclockable.
GPU: Your R7260X will probably tide you over if you're somewhat strapped for cash after the rest of the parts, but if replacing I'd say get a GTX970. It's powerful, and it doesnt cost the earth. If you're gaming in 1440p/1600p/4k Then skip the 970 and go for the 980 or 980TI.
CPU Cooler: If you're keeping anything from the old computer - hold on to that 212 EVO cooler if you have the Intel Brackets for it. If not, you can just buy another i guess, they're not very dear. If you want to venture into AIO coolers - the Corsair H80i GT is great though a little noisier than air coolers. High-end air coolers like the Noctua DH15 or the BeQuiet Dark Rock Pro are also absolutely amazing. If you want to do customer watercooling - i cant help you, but research research research. Consider practicing on the old pc if theres nothing to lose.
Motherboard: You'll need an Intel Z1xx series motherboard to work with the 6600/6700k CPUs. Go for whatever brand you like that has the features you want and fits your color scheme.
Case: Case is a big part of the build. You want to make sure you have cable routing holes, plenty of space to work in, but at the end of the day its all about looks and if you like it. I have a Corsair 600T White an its massive and gorgeous. I built my housemates computer in a NZXT Phantom 410 and it's a beauty too.
HDD/SSD: Arma (and your PC in general) benefits massively in performance from an SSD. Samsung 850 EVOs are excellent drives. You'll want 500GB minimum really. If the motherboard you're getting support m.2 NVME drives, you can consider one of these for storage (booting is a bit of a ballache to set up on m.2 nvme if you're not technical) but they're pricey. As I said before, keep that 1TB hdd for your main drive, install the games to the SSD. Fast boot times are nice, but you boot the pc up once, Arma will be loading textures off that SSD constantly.
PSU: PSU is THEE main component. It's plugged into EVERYTHING else, and carries the main power, so dont skimp out, have it blow, and kill your whole new PC. Go for a recognised brand. Depending on the components you go for, you'll likely need at least 500W but less than 1KW. When you pick the parts on PC PartPicker, it'll give you a rough estimate on Power - always get a bit higher than required to allow for expansion and heavy power demands.
OS: You will have to buy a new windows licence technically. It's only £100 so dont be tight and pirate it. Security and all that.
Peripherals: I guess you're probably holding on to them but they are all at your own preference.
Typed that out in a rush, so if i missed anything just ask.
