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Technical & Scientific => Hardware => Topic started by: ober on February 02, 2020, 12:57:05 PM

Title: Gaming computer
Post by: ober on February 02, 2020, 12:57:05 PM
So my kids are using computers more and more and my daughter uses my wife's old computer that I built and my son uses my computer.  Daughter is in the basement, son is in my office.  I have 2 issues to solve:


1) I need to either build or buy a computer for him so he's not using mine.  I am thinking desktop/tower since I would buy him a monitor either way.
2) My modem/router is currently in my office 2 floors up from the basement where the kids are.  The wireless reaches down there easily but they claim that the internet speed isn't as good and it's hard to play games online.  This second issue is something I might have to contact the cable company about.  I tried putting in a wifi extender but the speed and throughput was actually worse than without it.


So my question to you all is: do I build or buy a tower... and has anyone else dealt with the wireless issues I'm running into?
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: Mike on February 02, 2020, 04:59:22 PM
Have you looked at a mesh network?  I use the Netgear Orbi and am happy with it.  My router is up stairs in a closet and I have a satellite that have two computers hard wired into.  I have another satellite out in the garage.  And we have a ton of wireless devices.  So in this case, you'd have the router where it is and put a satellite either in the basement or a floor down, wherever gives the best coverage.

I recently built a gaming tower for about a grand.  I'm probably going to use the same specs and rebuild my personal computer since it is old and having problems.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: ober on February 03, 2020, 12:28:26 AM
That Orbi system seems to be out of stock everywhere and on top of that it's kind of expensive.  I talked to Spectrum and they will run cables in my house for $50.  We'll see once they see what I want.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: KnuckleBuckett on February 03, 2020, 06:18:54 AM
If you can get copper get it.  No wireless competes with copper.  I use and dig Obi also, though not for my gaming PC which is on copper.

Some mesh systems are better at speed than others.  If you do go mesh take that into consideration.

Build a tower with him.

Asus mobo, AMD Ryzen 7 3700x, EVGA/Corsair/NZXT/Seasonic Power supply @ 650-700W, NZXT H510 series case, GPU AMD RX5700 8GB, at least 16GB of mem, and a 2K monitor with Freesync.  Solid machine with legs and an easy to build in case.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: ober on February 03, 2020, 08:33:19 AM
AMD processor?  I never thought I'd see the day... :D

I think I'm going to have them run wires.  It seems like the easiest option.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: ober on February 03, 2020, 08:47:53 AM
Oh and if I am going with those specs, I'm building it for myself and giving him mine ;)  I gotta think more about this.  I just put together the parts and it's more than I want to spend.  So I either drop down a generation or ... I don't know.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: Mike on February 03, 2020, 11:04:49 AM
That Orbi system seems to be out of stock everywhere and on top of that it's kind of expensive.  I talked to Spectrum and they will run cables in my house for $50.  We'll see once they see what I want.
Is that $50 for one drop or many drops?  Nice thing about a good wifi network is that it gives more flexibility.  Also, Amazon has plenty of Orbis

If you can get copper get it.  No wireless competes with copper.  I use and dig Obi also, though not for my gaming PC which is on copper.
Unless you are a top-tier player you probably won't notice the difference.  In my setup (copper plugged into satellite) I am getting really good speed and latency.  Even my new purely wireless box is still getting the same results.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: ober on February 03, 2020, 03:19:12 PM
I'm going to find out what the $50 covers when they come out.  Honestly if they give me just one drop in the basement I'll gladly put a hub in and run wires to the devices that need it.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: KnuckleBuckett on February 04, 2020, 06:07:54 AM
Oh and if I am going with those specs, I'm building it for myself and giving him mine ;)  I gotta think more about this.  I just put together the parts and it's more than I want to spend.  So I either drop down a generation or ... I don't know.

Those are solid minimum specs unless you want to be dialing back settings or upgrading all the time.  I used to back off a bit on CPU, but these days both the GPU and CPU are really well utilized by more and more games.  Be patient and watch for sales.  They happen all the time.  It will likely save you around 30%.  Oh and I forgot the storage.  Get an M.2 NVME the best bang for the buck and all the sales are at the 1TB mark.  Plus games are big these days.  So, for cabling you will have the case front panel, the two power connectors for the mobo, and the GPU power.  With that case, meaning you won't need much routing work, it is like a few minutes.  Oh and fans.  They need juice too.  The AMD stock cooler is actually nice. 

https://bensbargains.com/categories/computer-parts-116/

https://slickdeals.net/computer-deals/?src=catnav_computers
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: ober on February 04, 2020, 09:25:38 AM
You realize my current machine is well under those specs and I run current games on pretty high settings?  I'm not saying I want to go bottom of the barrel but I may go a little under that.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: KnuckleBuckett on February 05, 2020, 06:09:09 AM
I always try to build a machine, not for today, but to last ~5-6 solid gaming years.  Giving it that kind of legs helps with the pain of the cost.  Mine usually goes 6 with a GPU update at black Friday of 5.  I am going to be in the market in 2021 near the holidays I think.  For the PC part not the GPU part.  Also the games are really developed visually for 2K not 1080 and it shows when you see the difference.  I finally made the switch to 2K a year or so ago, grudgingly.  Glad I did though, really helps with field of view and immersion.  I kept my 1080 for my second monitor.  My monitors tend to hang out with me for a decade or a bit more.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: KnuckleBuckett on February 05, 2020, 06:10:22 AM
Just found this.  This is what I use.  https://www.costco.com/.product.1300092.html
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: ober on February 05, 2020, 08:52:12 AM
I generally do the same - my last build was.... 5 years ago?  I have upgraded the hard drive and just replaced the video card when my last one died but otherwise it's going strong.  Things aren't leaping forward nearly as fast as they used to which is why I'm fine not getting nuts with the build for my son.  I mean honestly, he mostly plays Roblox, Minecraft, and TABS.  He'll randomly jump into Just Cause 3 or 4 but that's the most taxing game he really plays.  I'm not saying that won't change but I really think the next major evolution will be VR and that will require a whole different setup and I will do a separate investment for that. 

I think I'm going to see what Spectrum is willing to do and for how much.  The Orbi seems decent if I go down that path.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: KnuckleBuckett on February 06, 2020, 06:05:33 AM
Found this....

https://www.highgroundgaming.com/best-mesh-routers/

Basic search - best mesh system for gaming.

I think everybody wanted 4K by now, but though the software is about ready or ready, the hardware is way behind.  My 2070 can do 4K but only NOW with a single monitor and probably not cranked and at 60Hz.  Probably not in a year from now with the hot games on the way.  Even cards above the 2070 struggle with 4K.

I hope that in another generation or two they might be there.  As nice as 2K made gaming, I am cool waiting.  Also raytracing.  My gosh that is nice.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: ober on February 07, 2020, 12:04:30 AM
Thanks - if the spectrum thing ends up being more I'll pick one of those up.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: KnuckleBuckett on February 07, 2020, 06:06:30 AM
https://slickdeals.net/f/13846052-microcenter-in-store-only-amd-2600x-80-3700x-260-3800x-280?src=frontpage&attrsrc=Test%3AfpPersonalizedWidgetV2%3AControl%7CFeature%3AisPersonalized%3Afalse
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: ober on February 07, 2020, 08:45:03 AM
Interesting... still haven't decided to pull the trigger yet but I need to setup some slick deals alerts when I decide which parts to buy.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: ober on March 17, 2020, 04:39:38 PM
Ok, so with this whole Coronavirus nonsense, I needed to kick my son out of my office... and quick.  So I bought him a CyberPowerPC that should last for a while (I should have kept it myself since it has better specs than mine but I didn't want to swap hard drives or set everything back up).  Anyways, I also gave him my second monitor and the PC came with a mouse and keyboard so for a little less than 700 he's setup.

Now, onto the networking issue.  Spectrum came out and as I expected, their support people are liars.  So that option is out.  I'm back to Mesh networking.  I've been reading reviews and lists all fucking day and they all contradict each other and I'm sure half of them are sponsored.  I'm trying to stay under $300 and I think I've narrowed it down to a few options:

Deco-M5 (https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Deco-Whole-Home-System/dp/B06WVCB862/ref=sxin_4_osp149-6c612974_cov?ascsubtag=amzn1.osa.6c612974-24f0-4e18-a005-d590414ccbfd.ATVPDKIKX0DER.en_US&creativeASIN=B06WVCB862&cv_ct_cx=deco+m9&cv_ct_id=amzn1.osa.6c612974-24f0-4e18-a005-d590414ccbfd.ATVPDKIKX0DER.en_US&cv_ct_pg=search&cv_ct_wn=osp-search&keywords=deco+m9&linkCode=oas&pd_rd_i=B06WVCB862&pd_rd_r=59d991d9-7f63-4d04-b34c-13bd96b0d7fe&pd_rd_w=qlEsl&pd_rd_wg=B22hP&pf_rd_p=dac4d66e-658f-4cae-b10d-a35ac5eca0c3&pf_rd_r=1TQE1WPJXPBH3EZVFX3M&qid=1584473482&tag=ignarticleonsite-20)

Eero 3 pack (https://www.amazon.com/Introducing-eero-mesh-WiFi-system-3-pack-/dp/B07WMLPSRL/ref=sr_1_4?crid=AHWLKAGGDWJ5&keywords=mesh%2Bnetwork%2Brouter%2Bsystem&qid=1584470777&sprefix=mesh%2Bnetwork%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-4&th=1#customerReviews)

Orbi (https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Orbi-Ultra-Performance-Whole-System/dp/B01K4CZOBS/ref=pd_di_sccai_5/134-2102079-8348532?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01K4CZOBS&pd_rd_r=d66c0aff-8620-4494-9f97-5dde9c52f745&pd_rd_w=h56w0&pd_rd_wg=yaeWq&pf_rd_p=e532f109-986a-4c2d-85fc-16555146f6b4&pf_rd_r=E8052PB103T02A18P3PG&psc=1&refRID=E8052PB103T02A18P3PG)

The thing that is keeping me from pulling the trigger is that there are some pretty strongly worded reviews on some of these about dual band vs. tri-band and all sorts of other non-sense.

I was actually about to pull the trigger on a google nest wifi system but the main router for that doesn't have a wifi port which is a non-starter for me unless I also buy a wireless card for my PC.

Help me choose!  Or if there is a better option I'm all ears.  I know you guys said to go with the Orbi previously but for some reason I can't just do it without more info.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: ober on March 17, 2020, 04:46:24 PM
Ugh... now I'm going down other paths: Nighthawk (https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Ethernet-Wireless-Optimized/dp/B07RZ2Y4KY/ref=sxin_2_ac_d_pm?ac_md=3-2-QmV0d2VlbiAkMjAwIGFuZCAkMzAw-ac_d_pm&cv_ct_cx=netgear%2Bnighthawk&keywords=netgear%2Bnighthawk&pd_rd_i=B078GWJ44Z&pd_rd_r=6b847fe0-c926-4022-9f18-dd1151abdbe5&pd_rd_w=3LrDd&pd_rd_wg=77gb3&pf_rd_p=0e223c60-bcf8-4663-98f3-da892fbd4372&pf_rd_r=Y8GX0BF3QC62JXVDH86T&qid=1584477718&th=1)
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: KnuckleBuckett on March 18, 2020, 06:18:58 AM
I have the NETGEAR - Nighthawk 32 x 8 DOCSIS 3.1 Voice Cable Modem and the NETGEAR - Orbi AC2200 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi System (3-pack).  Got them a year ago.  Could not be more pleased.  The occasional firmware updates are a snap and our coverage is property wide.  This includes the lawn.  I am wired into the Orbi and the rest of the house including her work from home office are wireless. 

Setup was simple and problem free, once I got the crappy Comcast phone call out of the way to set my modem in place of theirs.  We have had no issues with either part of the system thus far.


Cyberpower isn't what it used to be.  Might be worth the Gamers Nexus watch.  https://youtu.be/rRlCtp_q1YM



Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: ober on March 18, 2020, 09:24:24 AM
Which model number on the Orbi?  Seems like there are multiple under AC2200.  RBW30, RBK20W??  Seems like maybe the RBK23 is the one I would go with if the Deco falls through: https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Orbi-Whole-Home-System/dp/B07CQDHPFT/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=orbi+ac2200&qid=1584537796&sr=8-3
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: Mike on March 18, 2020, 10:20:12 AM
I got the CBK40 Sep '18 and am quite pleased with it.  The main reason for that particular version was that it had the built in cable modem.  I then went and got the RBW30 satellite and it has been ok-ish.  I think it might be at the end of range so it hasn't always been great.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: KnuckleBuckett on March 18, 2020, 07:29:16 PM
Which model number on the Orbi?  Seems like there are multiple under AC2200.  RBW30, RBK20W??  Seems like maybe the RBK23 is the one I would go with if the Deco falls through: https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Orbi-Whole-Home-System/dp/B07CQDHPFT/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=orbi+ac2200&qid=1584537796&sr=8-3

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/netgear-orbi-ac2200-tri-band-mesh-wi-fi-system-3-pack/6255529.p?skuId=6255529

That one.

With.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/netgear-nighthawk-32-x-8-docsis-3-1-voice-cable-modem-voice-support-black/6319962.p?skuId=6319962
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: ober on March 19, 2020, 08:58:47 AM
The M5 should arrive in the next hour or so.  Somehow I missed that it was only dual-band.  I will try it out but my boss is offering up his Orbi for 200 if I don't like this one.  He's moving to a new house and needs a bigger system but his current house is about the same size as mine.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: KnuckleBuckett on March 20, 2020, 06:01:41 AM
Can always return anything that doesn't pan out.  Keep us updated.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: ober on March 20, 2020, 09:16:49 AM
Got the M5 yesterday, set it up last night.  Unless something goes south, I think I'm going to stick with this.  There are 3 units and I have 1 on each floor of the house.  In the basement where it was needed the most, the computers running wirelessly definitely benefited - ping dropped to a 1/3 and download speed almost doubled... but THEN I hardwired them to the unit.  HOLY SHIT it was like they were hardwired directly to the modem!!!  Other small things like Hulu seemed to load faster, etc.  Setup was easy and the app is really good.  There is built in antivirus and parental controls as well.  I'm really impressed and really happy.
Title: Re: Gaming computer
Post by: KnuckleBuckett on March 21, 2020, 08:38:44 AM
Yup.   :thumbsup:

You can use the app to make sure the firmware is up to date.  I just got one a couple days back.