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computer configuration for 2018
2018-Apr-08, Sunday 09:11 amEven while my computer was still a few years old, I told myself (back in 2012) that I would get a whole new system when the Star Citizen game finally was released for play. It's 2018, Star Citizen still isn't here (but getting close). It is far past time to update my computer. Many organizations amortize their computer systems at 3 year lifespans, but I've had mine since 2010 according to my NewEgg purchase history.
As before, I'm still committed to avoiding high-energy-consumption computing. That temptation is a big one because gaming rigs can draw huge amounts of electricity. Since 2010, however, I have switched to Linux Mint as my exclusive operating system. There's no need to pay Microsoft, and frankly Windows 10 has turned into an advertising platform instead of an operating system. Linux Mint is better, and it's free. I'm also interested this time in maybe trying out a very-low-profile system. Maybe even one small enough to fit under the 4.5" bar on my computer desk that supports the monitors. I wish more cases supported USB C connectors, but that option still seems a very rare feature.
I was surprised to find a case that might be able to do it. Then it's a matter of finding a good graphics card that fits within the size limitations of the case. I think I've got a combination:
So, $2190.82 for a completely new system, good for gaming yet small and power efficient. Not quite the kind of huge workhorse that I typically buy to last me many years at a time. Desktop technology, however, has stagnated in recent years, so maybe this setup is good enough to last for another long cycle of 8 years between upgrades. At $275/year for that 8 year period, it's not a bad deal. But... does it have the power to deliver a great high-end gaming experience, with the new games (Star Citizen) that will arrive while needing lots of hardware?
That's the question. If it does, then I can always buy these parts slowly as they come down in price, finally delivering the complete pc setup later this year. After all, graphics cards are still quite overpriced because of cryptocurrency mining, but that effect should finally wane this year.
Anyway, I'm officially posting this configuration, so I have something for me and others to review over time.
As before, I'm still committed to avoiding high-energy-consumption computing. That temptation is a big one because gaming rigs can draw huge amounts of electricity. Since 2010, however, I have switched to Linux Mint as my exclusive operating system. There's no need to pay Microsoft, and frankly Windows 10 has turned into an advertising platform instead of an operating system. Linux Mint is better, and it's free. I'm also interested this time in maybe trying out a very-low-profile system. Maybe even one small enough to fit under the 4.5" bar on my computer desk that supports the monitors. I wish more cases supported USB C connectors, but that option still seems a very rare feature.
I was surprised to find a case that might be able to do it. Then it's a matter of finding a good graphics card that fits within the size limitations of the case. I think I've got a combination:
| case | $74.99 | $83.29 | Silverstone ML-08 | MiniITX size; 330mm x 140mm graphics; 2.5" drive; STX power |
| graphics | $898.99 | $599.99 | GeForce GTX 1080 | 267mm x 112mm; "blower" form for air flow; needs 500W power supply |
| motherboard | $244.99 | $193.01 | Asus Strix X370-I | MiniITX size; AM4 socket |
| cpu | $299.99 | $189.99 | AMD Ryzen 7 1700 | AM4 socket; 65W power (vs 95W for the 1700X) |
| heat sink | $39.89 | $39.69 | Silverstone AR06 | recommended for this low-profile case |
| memory | $216.99 | $154.99 | G.Skill TridentZ | DDR4 3200; 16GB |
| hard drive | $289.99 | $265.00 | WD Blue 1TB SSD | 2.5" drive |
| power supply | $124.99 | $132.25 | Silverstone SX 600-G | STX power; 600W; recommended for this low-profile case |
So, $2190.82 for a completely new system, good for gaming yet small and power efficient. Not quite the kind of huge workhorse that I typically buy to last me many years at a time. Desktop technology, however, has stagnated in recent years, so maybe this setup is good enough to last for another long cycle of 8 years between upgrades. At $275/year for that 8 year period, it's not a bad deal. But... does it have the power to deliver a great high-end gaming experience, with the new games (Star Citizen) that will arrive while needing lots of hardware?
That's the question. If it does, then I can always buy these parts slowly as they come down in price, finally delivering the complete pc setup later this year. After all, graphics cards are still quite overpriced because of cryptocurrency mining, but that effect should finally wane this year.
Anyway, I'm officially posting this configuration, so I have something for me and others to review over time.