I've been a long time gamer but fairly new to gaming on PC. I have always been primarily a console gamer.. So I'm kind of looking for confirmation and/or input on what I have put together so far.
I'll start off with what I have. I was given a brand new HP ProDesk 400 G3 SFF desktop. The motherboard is mITX (have pulled out the mobo and tested it in a case a buddy had laying around to confirm size), it takes DDR4 RAM (which it has 8GB of) and has an Intel Skylake i5 6500. The mobo has 1- PCIE 3.0 x16 slot and one of the smaller PCIE x1 slot.. But that one isn't going to matter so much. Decent so far, aside from no dedicated graphics and a crappy case to build in.
I don't really plan on keeping it stock and already have a case on its way to transplant the internals to (Phanteks Enthoo Evolv iTX) along with this PSU. Here is where my questions will start.
I have all intentions on running OBS to stream. I can already run Minecraft just fine, so long as I'm not streaming. It even runs fine while I'm streaming.. But the stream itself, is very (VERY) choppy (It's not the settings in OBS, I am very confident in that). I plan on doubling RAM (to 16GB) and getting a GPU to drop into that new case. Would that help alleviate that issue? Would this GPU suffice? I have no intention on doing anything (gaming wise) on this computer aside from Minecraft and streaming. I also plan on booting off of an SSD (I have this one here, ready to go) and using the (factory) 7200RPM spin drive purely for storage.
I guess this post is more on the side of looking for confirmation, of what I'm pretty sure I know.
Also, I guess I'll throw this question in here as well.. Can anyone recommend me a good keyboard and (full size, big hands) mouse that won't cost me an arm and a leg? I have about $125 (give or take) in my peripherals budget.. And I hate gaudy looking keyboards, figured I'd toss that in there, lol. I'm using pretty standard equipment as far as that goes right now.. Logitech K360 keyboard and a Logitech M570 Trackball (the wireless one with the blue ball) Mouse. Don't get me wrong, I actually love the mouse.. But holy crap is it unreliable. I have to clean where the ball sits, daily. It seems like it doesn't register ball movement sometimes.. Eh, I'm getting off track.
Anyway, any and all input is welcomed. Thanks a bunch!
If the motherboard has 2x PCIE slots, it isn't standard M-ITX and possibly won't fit in an Enthoo Evolv ITX. If it does physically fit, you still won't be able to drop in a GPU as the full x16 slot is the second down (as per this picture), meaning you'll only be able to use single slot cards (and that's if the slots even line up with standard ATX PCI/E slots on a case - OEM/prebuilts can be notorious for not following spec). Buying another standard M-ITX H110 board (one of these?) would solve all these issues, maybe consider it if you already bought the case? (That said though, looks like there's a possibility of RAM being SODIMM (laptop) rather than desktop, would need new RAM too)
Steaming, GPU will most probably help, but what's CPU usage like when you're streaming? SSD for booting/playing and recording to second drive is a good idea too.
Couple of options for keyboards: Ducky Zero (have one, love it, though this one isn't backlit) Corsair K40, AZIO (little bit of an unknown, looks okay though), K740, G213
The RAM is standard desktop RAM. The mobo itself bolts right into a mITX pattern.. As I said, I physically had it in a different case and it went in just fine.. I didn't however, check to see where the full x16 slot lines up, but the card I'm looking at is only a single slot. I have access to my buddies case yet, I'll bolt it in again and check. If it doesn't work, I'll pick up a different mobo. The expensive part (CPU) is there already. Just not sure how comfortable I am prying the CPU from the Mobo and putting it on a new one, but I'll try it, lol.
The CPU doesn't appear to be under much stress, It's not running hot, and seems to be humming along. To get the stream to be remotely smooth, I have to dial down the video settings to achieve better frame rate on both the game and stream.. But again as stated earlier, I can get the game to be playable, but can't get the stream to be happily view-able.
Yeah, looks like the board should fit going by the size of the Evolv ITX, but I think you'll still have issues with that GPU. While it has a single slot bracket, if you take a look at the cooler it actually occupies two slots which will cause issues if it's slotted into the second slot down in an Evolv (that PSU shroud will be in the way).
That said actually, looks like the board in the HP is longer than standard Mini-ITX too.. usually they don't go too far past the end of a PCIE slot, but this one extends out quite a bit. Is your buddies case M-ATX or M-ITX?
Transplanting the CPU should be fine, just make sure you pick up some new thermal paste from somewhere as it will need replacing (can't be reused). The GPU will definitely help judging by what you're saying, the 750Ti is a good card, a bit on the low-end side nowadays, but perfectly enough for Minecraft. If you do plan on or end up getting a new motherboard, I would advise getting a full size ITX GPU rather than low-profile, better thermals = less throttling and more OC headroom if you ever feel that way inclined.
His case was definitely an M-ITX case. Looking closer at the case, you're correct. Trying to look a little bit further into the future.. Do you think this case would be a better solution? (Can you tell I'm a Phantek fan? lol). It would allow for full ATX mobos in the future, if wanted.. And allows an M-ITX now.. And would allow for a full size GPU.
Cases are more personal preference to be honest so up to you, would definitely fit the existing motherboard in fine though, and offer more flexibility for future upgrades and GPUs if you're not overly concerned about keeping the ITX size.
And yeah haha, I too am a Phanteks fan (though not literally haha! ) and have an Enthoo Evolv ATX Tempered Glass Edition. Absolutely love it.
Well, at least I have a little time to think about it. I presume I could always do this another way since I already have the stuff to do it (didn't think of it till now). Could route my video output through my video capture device (that I used to use on my PS3 and 360) and ship the signal to my laptop to stream. That has an i5 4210u with a sufficient amount of RAM, so it "should" be able to handle streaming. I'll give that a go after work tomorrow.
I finally have a stable Minecraft server set up in Linux so that is good to go when I finally get up and rolling with my channel. Now to figure out my monitor setup and I'm gold. Glad I'm not picky when it comes to that or I'd end up spending a fortune (this is quite literally, only for Minecraft and daily computer tasks). I'm using this crappy 24" Dell that I have actually grown an affinity towards, with an almost as crappy 24" Acer that I can't wait to stop looking at daily. I'm in the midst of building a new (L-Shaped) desk for my 1/2 of a cubicle (that I share with the fiancee who has the other 1/2) and I can't build my hutch and monitor riser until I figure out what monitors I want.
I'm torn between 3 options:
1.) Getting another one of the 24" Dells that I'm currently using because they aren't half as bad as one would think.
2.) Getting 2 new monitors of either 24" or 27" flavor.
3.) Picking up a 34" ultrawide and hope for the best (and maybe having to end up getting a second screen anyway).
The first is the cheapest route and I don't think I'd be unhappy. The second option.. Well, who wouldn't be happy with a pair of brand new monitors? Option 3 is the one I'm most unsure about. I could see conflicts streaming (in 21:9) unless I'm playing in a standard 1080p (16:9) windowed mode.. Which somewhat defeats the purpose of getting an ultrawide for the real estate when it comes to gaming.. Although, I could use the rest of the monitor to view other things related to my channel (chat, etc) as needed. Or, if I end up needing a second screen, probably getting a 19" and putting it in portrait mode.
As bad as it is, I'm leaning toward option 1 for cost effectiveness to how happy I will be ratio. I have yet to be spoiled by a nice, high end gaming monitor so I have no idea what I'm missing. What I will get for the first time though, is a clean pair of matched monitors.
I've made my choice as far as keyboard and mouse go, though. Settled on the SteelSeries Apex 350 keyboard because of the massive amount of macros (I run a league on an online gaming site that makes this largely appealing [giving out rules and whatnot]) and the pair of built in USB ports.. And I think It's neat looking. Dedicated media buttons in addition to everything else it has, are nice as well. Also, settled on the SteelSeries Rival 300 mouse.. On account of my fairly large paws and positive reviews by others who also have fairly large paws.
I've been a long time gamer but fairly new to gaming on PC. I have always been primarily a console gamer.. So I'm kind of looking for confirmation and/or input on what I have put together so far.
I'll start off with what I have. I was given a brand new HP ProDesk 400 G3 SFF desktop. The motherboard is mITX (have pulled out the mobo and tested it in a case a buddy had laying around to confirm size), it takes DDR4 RAM (which it has 8GB of) and has an Intel Skylake i5 6500. The mobo has 1- PCIE 3.0 x16 slot and one of the smaller PCIE x1 slot.. But that one isn't going to matter so much. Decent so far, aside from no dedicated graphics and a crappy case to build in.
I don't really plan on keeping it stock and already have a case on its way to transplant the internals to (Phanteks Enthoo Evolv iTX) along with this PSU. Here is where my questions will start.
I have all intentions on running OBS to stream. I can already run Minecraft just fine, so long as I'm not streaming. It even runs fine while I'm streaming.. But the stream itself, is very (VERY) choppy (It's not the settings in OBS, I am very confident in that). I plan on doubling RAM (to 16GB) and getting a GPU to drop into that new case. Would that help alleviate that issue? Would this GPU suffice? I have no intention on doing anything (gaming wise) on this computer aside from Minecraft and streaming. I also plan on booting off of an SSD (I have this one here, ready to go) and using the (factory) 7200RPM spin drive purely for storage.
I guess this post is more on the side of looking for confirmation, of what I'm pretty sure I know.
Also, I guess I'll throw this question in here as well.. Can anyone recommend me a good keyboard and (full size, big hands) mouse that won't cost me an arm and a leg? I have about $125 (give or take) in my peripherals budget.. And I hate gaudy looking keyboards, figured I'd toss that in there, lol. I'm using pretty standard equipment as far as that goes right now.. Logitech K360 keyboard and a Logitech M570 Trackball (the wireless one with the blue ball) Mouse. Don't get me wrong, I actually love the mouse.. But holy crap is it unreliable. I have to clean where the ball sits, daily. It seems like it doesn't register ball movement sometimes.. Eh, I'm getting off track.
Anyway, any and all input is welcomed. Thanks a bunch!
If the motherboard has 2x PCIE slots, it isn't standard M-ITX and possibly won't fit in an Enthoo Evolv ITX. If it does physically fit, you still won't be able to drop in a GPU as the full x16 slot is the second down (as per this picture), meaning you'll only be able to use single slot cards (and that's if the slots even line up with standard ATX PCI/E slots on a case - OEM/prebuilts can be notorious for not following spec). Buying another standard M-ITX H110 board (one of these?) would solve all these issues, maybe consider it if you already bought the case? (That said though, looks like there's a possibility of RAM being SODIMM (laptop) rather than desktop, would need new RAM too)
Steaming, GPU will most probably help, but what's CPU usage like when you're streaming? SSD for booting/playing and recording to second drive is a good idea too.
Couple of options for keyboards: Ducky Zero (have one, love it, though this one isn't backlit) Corsair K40, AZIO (little bit of an unknown, looks okay though), K740, G213
And mice: G602, MX Master, Corsair M65, Nixeus, Sensei Raw
Heaps more options out there for peripherals though, best option may be going in-store to try some out?
K95 RGB / Logitech G502 PS / Alienware AW3418DW / ViewSonic XG2703-GS / Sennheiser HD 598
The RAM is standard desktop RAM. The mobo itself bolts right into a mITX pattern.. As I said, I physically had it in a different case and it went in just fine.. I didn't however, check to see where the full x16 slot lines up, but the card I'm looking at is only a single slot. I have access to my buddies case yet, I'll bolt it in again and check. If it doesn't work, I'll pick up a different mobo. The expensive part (CPU) is there already. Just not sure how comfortable I am prying the CPU from the Mobo and putting it on a new one, but I'll try it, lol.
The CPU doesn't appear to be under much stress, It's not running hot, and seems to be humming along. To get the stream to be remotely smooth, I have to dial down the video settings to achieve better frame rate on both the game and stream.. But again as stated earlier, I can get the game to be playable, but can't get the stream to be happily view-able.
Thanks for the keyboard / mouse suggestions!
Yeah, looks like the board should fit going by the size of the Evolv ITX, but I think you'll still have issues with that GPU. While it has a single slot bracket, if you take a look at the cooler it actually occupies two slots which will cause issues if it's slotted into the second slot down in an Evolv (that PSU shroud will be in the way).
That said actually, looks like the board in the HP is longer than standard Mini-ITX too.. usually they don't go too far past the end of a PCIE slot, but this one extends out quite a bit. Is your buddies case M-ATX or M-ITX?
Transplanting the CPU should be fine, just make sure you pick up some new thermal paste from somewhere as it will need replacing (can't be reused). The GPU will definitely help judging by what you're saying, the 750Ti is a good card, a bit on the low-end side nowadays, but perfectly enough for Minecraft. If you do plan on or end up getting a new motherboard, I would advise getting a full size ITX GPU rather than low-profile, better thermals = less throttling and more OC headroom if you ever feel that way inclined.
K95 RGB / Logitech G502 PS / Alienware AW3418DW / ViewSonic XG2703-GS / Sennheiser HD 598
His case was definitely an M-ITX case. Looking closer at the case, you're correct. Trying to look a little bit further into the future.. Do you think this case would be a better solution? (Can you tell I'm a Phantek fan? lol). It would allow for full ATX mobos in the future, if wanted.. And allows an M-ITX now.. And would allow for a full size GPU.
Cases are more personal preference to be honest so up to you, would definitely fit the existing motherboard in fine though, and offer more flexibility for future upgrades and GPUs if you're not overly concerned about keeping the ITX size.
And yeah haha, I too am a Phanteks fan (though not literally haha! ) and have an Enthoo Evolv ATX Tempered Glass Edition. Absolutely love it.
K95 RGB / Logitech G502 PS / Alienware AW3418DW / ViewSonic XG2703-GS / Sennheiser HD 598
Well, at least I have a little time to think about it. I presume I could always do this another way since I already have the stuff to do it (didn't think of it till now). Could route my video output through my video capture device (that I used to use on my PS3 and 360) and ship the signal to my laptop to stream. That has an i5 4210u with a sufficient amount of RAM, so it "should" be able to handle streaming. I'll give that a go after work tomorrow.
I finally have a stable Minecraft server set up in Linux so that is good to go when I finally get up and rolling with my channel. Now to figure out my monitor setup and I'm gold. Glad I'm not picky when it comes to that or I'd end up spending a fortune (this is quite literally, only for Minecraft and daily computer tasks). I'm using this crappy 24" Dell that I have actually grown an affinity towards, with an almost as crappy 24" Acer that I can't wait to stop looking at daily. I'm in the midst of building a new (L-Shaped) desk for my 1/2 of a cubicle (that I share with the fiancee who has the other 1/2) and I can't build my hutch and monitor riser until I figure out what monitors I want.
I'm torn between 3 options:
1.) Getting another one of the 24" Dells that I'm currently using because they aren't half as bad as one would think.
2.) Getting 2 new monitors of either 24" or 27" flavor.
3.) Picking up a 34" ultrawide and hope for the best (and maybe having to end up getting a second screen anyway).
The first is the cheapest route and I don't think I'd be unhappy. The second option.. Well, who wouldn't be happy with a pair of brand new monitors? Option 3 is the one I'm most unsure about. I could see conflicts streaming (in 21:9) unless I'm playing in a standard 1080p (16:9) windowed mode.. Which somewhat defeats the purpose of getting an ultrawide for the real estate when it comes to gaming.. Although, I could use the rest of the monitor to view other things related to my channel (chat, etc) as needed. Or, if I end up needing a second screen, probably getting a 19" and putting it in portrait mode.
As bad as it is, I'm leaning toward option 1 for cost effectiveness to how happy I will be ratio. I have yet to be spoiled by a nice, high end gaming monitor so I have no idea what I'm missing. What I will get for the first time though, is a clean pair of matched monitors.
I've made my choice as far as keyboard and mouse go, though. Settled on the SteelSeries Apex 350 keyboard because of the massive amount of macros (I run a league on an online gaming site that makes this largely appealing [giving out rules and whatnot]) and the pair of built in USB ports.. And I think It's neat looking. Dedicated media buttons in addition to everything else it has, are nice as well. Also, settled on the SteelSeries Rival 300 mouse.. On account of my fairly large paws and positive reviews by others who also have fairly large paws.
Any who, I've gone on enough in this post, lol.