Buying a rig just for NS2

refuxrefux Join Date: 2002-10-31 Member: 1808Members
in NS2 General Discussion
While I have moved away from PCs to Macs in my household.. NS2 doesn't support macs yet (totally understandable!)

So it is time for me to buy a PC gaming rig!
I've been looking on ibuypower.com at various rigs, and also reading the NS2 forums a bit. I've been looking at <a href="http://www.ibuypower.com/Store/2012_Paladin_E" target="_blank">this one</a>, but then I read that NS2 is currently CPU bound, will a "Intel® Core™ i5-2500K Processor (4x 3.30GHz/6MB L3 Cache)" cut it?

Budget wise under $1000 would be perfect. $800 would be dreamy :)

Suggestions? Thanks!
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Comments

  • marsvinmarsvin Join Date: 2011-03-22 Member: 87920Members
    As you say the gfx card isn't the major bottleneck, so any somewhat modern card will do (I think I heard NS2HD say he uses a Geforce 460? Not 100% sure..)

    As for processor, I have a Phenom II 555 which works reasonably well and as I understand the 2500k is considerably faster, so it should be plenty. Also keep in mind we're still expecting performance increases over the coming patches so I'm hopeful my 'reasonably well' will turn into 'very well' in the near future ;)
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  • WheeeeWheeee Join Date: 2003-02-18 Member: 13713Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    i5-2500k is the way to go if you plan on overclocking.

    please don't buy a pre-made rig if you plan on overclocking.
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  • VarXXVarXX Join Date: 2011-01-24 Member: 78824Members, NS2 Playtester
    Even if you don't plan on overclocking, the 2500k is an amazing cpu.
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  • ObraxisObraxis Subnautica Animator & Generalist, NS2 Person Join Date: 2004-07-24 Member: 30071Super Administrators, Forum Admins, NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, NS2 Developer, Constellation, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Silver, WC 2013 - Supporter, Subnautica Developer, Pistachionauts
    be sure to pair the i5 or i7 with a GeForce 560/ATi 6790 or above.
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  • WolpertingerWolpertinger Join Date: 2011-12-24 Member: 138958Members
    Intel i5 2500k is perfectly fine for NS2.
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  • internetexplorerinternetexplorer Join Date: 2011-10-13 Member: 127255Members
    Make sure to get a better power supply than their "450 watt standard" if you don't want this to turn into a tragedy.

    Other than that, it looks like it will do the trick for NS2. But I can't say for sure (performance varies a lot still, because fully optimizing the game is a difficult thing to do).
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  • DghelneshiDghelneshi Aims to surpass Fana in post edits. Join Date: 2011-11-01 Member: 130634Members, Squad Five Blue, Reinforced - Shadow
    I would not buy a new PC right now. It's hard to wait (I want a new one badly), but there's a new series of graphics cards and new processors coming out march/april, so it's the worst time to buy right now.
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  • SkieSkie Skulk Progenitor Join Date: 2003-10-18 Member: 21766Members, NS2 Playtester, Reinforced - Shadow
    i5 2500k (overclocked at 4,5GHz) and GTX 570 here. Runs pretty well. Although long games on mineshaft really make it slow down.

    Overclocking is really recommended if you're getting i5 2500k because it increases your avg. fps a ton.
    3,3GHz -> 4,5Ghz = 55 avg. -> 70 avg. (data from ~15 patches ago)
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  • refuxrefux Join Date: 2002-10-31 Member: 1808Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1899693:date=Feb 4 2012, 02:24 PM:name=Obraxis)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Obraxis @ Feb 4 2012, 02:24 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1899693"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->be sure to pair the i5 or i7 with a GeForce 560/ATi 6790 or above.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    <!--quoteo(post=1899708:date=Feb 4 2012, 03:32 PM:name=internetexplorer)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (internetexplorer @ Feb 4 2012, 03:32 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1899708"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Make sure to get a better power supply than their "450 watt standard" if you don't want this to turn into a tragedy.

    Other than that, it looks like it will do the trick for NS2. But I can't say for sure (performance varies a lot still, because fully optimizing the game is a difficult thing to do).<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    From looking at the GeForce 520 specs I am certainly thinking along these lines! For an additional $200 (560 GFX + 700w Power upgrades) the performance increase would be massive.

    Thanks for all the feedback guys, can't wait to get back into NS. It has been a looooong time!
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  • VarXXVarXX Join Date: 2011-01-24 Member: 78824Members, NS2 Playtester
    <!--quoteo(post=1899731:date=Feb 4 2012, 11:08 PM:name=refux)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (refux @ Feb 4 2012, 11:08 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1899731"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->From looking at the GeForce 520 specs I am certainly thinking along these lines! For an additional $200 (560 GFX + 700w Power upgrades) the performance increase would be massive.

    Thanks for all the feedback guys, can't wait to get back into NS. It has been a looooong time!<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Don't get a 520. They are horrible. If you are going to buy NVIDIA, don't get anything that doesn't end in 60-80. x90 if you want to take a gamble with new games.
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  • DrummerDrummer Join Date: 2004-02-18 Member: 26654Members
    if at all possible, get someone to build a computer for you, or just do it yourself, the money you save will be worth it. my new pc only cost $400 and i have a phenom II x3 BE overclocked to 3.6ghz and a amd 5670. my fps stay above 30 on summit with medium settings, but for tram and mineshaft i have to drop to low to keep things playable for me
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  • RaikoificationRaikoification Join Date: 2011-10-13 Member: 127076Members
    edited February 2012
    Mmmm, I have a rig got got in summer which was custom built and it runs everything smoothly and on max, heres what it is:

    OS: Windows 7
    Processor: Intel i5-2500k @ 3.3 GHZ quad core
    Ram: 8GB
    Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 560
    SSD: 128 GB
    HDD: 1 TB
    PSU: 600 W

    And this rig costed me about 1000$ (Mostly because of SSD which is $200+), but if you were to get a computer similar to my build it would probably cost 700-800
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  • ScardyBobScardyBob ScardyBob Join Date: 2009-11-25 Member: 69528Forum Admins, Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue, Reinforced - Shadow, WC 2013 - Shadow
    Please don't get the GT 520. The integrated graphics on the 2500K chip outperforms it (see here: <a href="http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html)" target="_blank">http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html)</a>. Either I would go for a better GPU (if you plan on playing any other games beside NS2 on it), or forgo any dedicated graphics and go with the 2500K's integrated graphics.

    Also, if you do plan on overclocking, spending extra on getting a name-brand PSU (like the Corsair 650W) would be worth it. There's nothing like a generic PSU for screwing up your overclock.
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  • DghelneshiDghelneshi Aims to surpass Fana in post edits. Join Date: 2011-11-01 Member: 130634Members, Squad Five Blue, Reinforced - Shadow
    edited February 2012
    <!--quoteo(post=1899738:date=Feb 5 2012, 01:19 AM:name=ScardyBob)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ScardyBob @ Feb 5 2012, 01:19 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1899738"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Either I would go for a better GPU (if you plan on playing any other games beside NS2 on it), or forgo any dedicated graphics and go with the 2500K's integrated graphics.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    This sentence implicates that NS2 would run on the integrated graphics on the 2500K, I can't see how that is possible (even on 640x480).
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  • WheeeeWheeee Join Date: 2003-02-18 Member: 13713Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    like i said. build the computer from components. don't buy a premade rig. they're overpriced and many times only the things that most consumers know about (CPU and video card) are top of the line, and the other parts are not up to par (motherboard, power supply, etc) which will not serve you well at all.
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  • WheeeeWheeee Join Date: 2003-02-18 Member: 13713Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    edited February 2012
    <!--quoteo(post=1899749:date=Feb 4 2012, 09:17 PM:name=Dghelneshi)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dghelneshi @ Feb 4 2012, 09:17 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1899749"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->This sentence implicates that NS2 would run on the integrated graphics on the 2500K, I can't see how that is possible (even on 640x480).<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    i get 5-10 fps in the readyroom on a radeon 9500 (12ish year old card) and a 2.4 ghz pentium 4. true story.
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  • SpacecraftSpacecraft Join Date: 2012-02-03 Member: 143398Members
    edited February 2012
    Get an i5 2500k and a 6950. Heck, you can get two 6950s for a little over 400. Although crossfire is more annoying than helpful. And if you're spending in that range for GPUs you might as well get one 7950.


    But the most important thing is that you get an i5 2500k. That CPU is incredible and will easily last you 2 more years.
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  • antacidantacid Join Date: 2007-08-07 Member: 61821Members, NS2 Playtester
    edited February 2012
    Get an Nvidia GTX 560Ti graphics card. Seriously, any other card is a waste.
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  • JitterzJitterz Join Date: 2011-12-22 Member: 138845Members
    Get 3D it is so awesome!
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  • SpacecraftSpacecraft Join Date: 2012-02-03 Member: 143398Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1899789:date=Feb 4 2012, 08:36 PM:name=antacid)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (antacid @ Feb 4 2012, 08:36 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1899789"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Get an Nvidia GTX 560Ti graphics card. Seriously, any other card is a waste.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Yes this is true. If you're looking in the ~$200 price range, absolutely grab the 560ti. It's an incredible card for the price.
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  • DeadzoneDeadzone Join Date: 2003-07-03 Member: 17911Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    <!--quoteo(post=1899733:date=Feb 4 2012, 07:37 PM:name=Drummer)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Drummer @ Feb 4 2012, 07:37 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1899733"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->if at all possible, get someone to build a computer for you, or just do it yourself, the money you save will be worth it. my new pc only cost $400 and i have a phenom II x3 BE overclocked to 3.6ghz and a amd 5670. my fps stay above 30 on summit with medium settings, but for tram and mineshaft i have to drop to low to keep things playable for me<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    ^THIS
    You pay so much for them to assemble the component's that it's not funny. Doing so yourself is not difficult, especially if you have a friend who can help you with the first one.
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  • ScardyBobScardyBob ScardyBob Join Date: 2009-11-25 Member: 69528Forum Admins, Forum Moderators, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Blue, Reinforced - Shadow, WC 2013 - Shadow
    <!--quoteo(post=1900060:date=Feb 5 2012, 07:24 PM:name=Deadzone)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Deadzone @ Feb 5 2012, 07:24 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1900060"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->^THIS
    You pay so much for them to assemble the component's that it's not funny. Doing so yourself is not difficult, especially if you have a friend who can help you with the first one.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I second this, but mostly cause I'm a big DIY myself. You can usually find (or put together) really good DIY systems if your willing to put in the extra time and effort. For example, just came across this solid build on Newegg that would probably be right up your alley: <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.770956&cm_sp=DailyDeal-_-770956-_-Combo" target="_blank">http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleD...-770956-_-Combo</a>

    That's a 2500K + GTX560Ti system for $809, only needing an OS (e.g. Win 7 Home 64bit for $100), making a kickass gaming PC for $909 + shipping. The downside is having to put it all together yourself.
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  • Banzai¥Banzai¥ Join Date: 2012-02-06 Member: 143902Members, NS2 Map Tester
    edited February 2012
    <!--quoteo(post=1899767:date=Feb 4 2012, 09:28 PM:name=Wheeee)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Wheeee @ Feb 4 2012, 09:28 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1899767"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->i get 5-10 fps in the ready room on a radeon 9500 (12ish year old card) and a 2.4 ghz pentium 4. true story.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    The Radeon 9500 is seriously over 10 years old already? I remember when I went and got an Nvidia 5500Ti, I wonder if that would work just the same.

    OP:I can't suggest anything more than what's been said, although you may want to go cheap pre-built and upgrade that especially since AMD will be popping out the rest of their 7000-series and Nvidia will have their next-line brought out around Q3 of 2012.

    Also, why go MAC? They're completely unreliable, they talk non-stop, and bug-out in almost every process.
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  • WheeeeWheeee Join Date: 2003-02-18 Member: 13713Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    <!--quoteo(post=1900731:date=Feb 7 2012, 04:03 PM:name=Banzai¥)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Banzai¥ @ Feb 7 2012, 04:03 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1900731"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->The Radeon 9500 is seriously over 10 years old already? I remember when I went and got an Nvidia 5500Ti, I wonder if that would work just the same.

    OP:I can't suggest anything more than what's been said, although you may want to go cheap pre-built and upgrade that especially since AMD will be popping out the rest of their 7000-series and Nvidia will have their next-line brought out around Q3 of 2012.

    Also, why go MAC? They're completely unreliable, they talk non-stop, and bug-out in almost every process.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    oh man, bad memory. i guess the 9500 came out in 2002 so, not quite 10 years. still fairly old.
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  • meb3meb3 Join Date: 2011-06-23 Member: 106078Members
    runs about $50 million for a modest supercomputer

    gl
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  • lunsluns Join Date: 2010-12-05 Member: 75502Members
    edited February 2012
    silly thread, imo.

    do not buy or build something for unfinished product. The engine has many issues yet to be fixed, so wait until its officially released to even think about buying, the website doesn't even list basic requirements to run NS2. That should tell you something right there.
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  • VonDoomVonDoom Knee deep in the latency Join Date: 2009-10-08 Member: 68989Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    If you want to build the PC for yourself and save some money, I recommend you go to Reddit's <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/" target="_blank">build a pc</a> subforum.

    I bought the parts and buildt my rig after asking for recommendations, Its a very useful resource.
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  • LV426-ColonistLV426-Colonist Space Jockey Join Date: 2011-08-05 Member: 114269Members, Constellation
    edited February 2012
    Build your own @ newegg.com

    Get a high-end cpu and gpu. Good luck!
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  • WheeeeWheeee Join Date: 2003-02-18 Member: 13713Members, Reinforced - Shadow
    <!--quoteo(post=1900784:date=Feb 7 2012, 07:26 PM:name=luns)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (luns @ Feb 7 2012, 07:26 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1900784"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->silly thread, imo.

    do not buy or build something for unfinished product. The engine has many issues yet to be fixed, so wait until its officially released to even think about buying, the website doesn't even list basic requirements to run NS2. That should tell you something right there.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    i did, for both ns1 and ns2. haven't regretted it either time.
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