Building computer, hardware questions

Building computer, hardware questions

joe.friedman
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Building computer, hardware questions

joe.friedman
Explorer
Explorer

I'm a high school student using Autodesk Inventor and Revit 2016, and I'm planning on building my own computer, but I'm not sure on what hardware to get. I'd love to buy big and high tier hardware all at once to avoid spending money on the hardware, and the upgrades later. But I'm afraid of spending too much, and having the next generation of RAM or CPU outperforming the top-of-the-line stuff I plan to buy now, and the standards rising and coming quick, leaving me in the dust. Here's my system and what I intend on using my build for:

 

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7sBLYr
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7sBLYr/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i7-7700 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($302.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B250M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard  ($83.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory  ($214.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($97.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($49.33 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB GT OCV1 Video Card  ($239.99 @ Jet)
Case: Deepcool TESSERACT WH ATX Mid Tower Case  ($36.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G2 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($78.89 @ OutletPC)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer  ($16.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1121.83
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-03-01 18:44 EST-0500

 

      - For a processor, games recommend an i5 or better with >2.5 GHz, but Autodesk recommends an i7 with >3 GHz. For the complex assemblies (>1000 parts) they recommend >3.3GHz. I'd love a quad core i7 with hyper threading, so it's like 8 cores, as opposed to an i5 (7600) which doesn't have hyperthreading so it's 4 cores.

 

      - Also, I'd like a GPU rated best for 1080p displays, since I'm not sure how good 1440p is or if it's even worth the fuss.

 

      - And with memory in my mind the more the better, but most games and softwares require 4/8GB and recommend 8/16GB. Autodesk recommends 16GB, but 20 GB for large, 1000 part assemblies, which I don't intend working on, but the extra "wiggle" room sounds nice.

 

      - For storage, a fast boot time would be great, so I plan on a small SSD ofr the OS, but I'd love for fast application and game loading, but a larger SSD is rather pricey IMO

 


At what point does the cost exceed the value of the faster/better model? Again, I'd love to go big and buy more than what I need so I have space to grow into, but I'm afraid the next generation will come and leave m in the dust with all of this expensive, last-gen hardware. I have no set budget, but plan on the build to be cheaper than the same hardware in a pre-built machine. What would you do in my situation for hardware? 

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dgorsman
Consultant
Consultant

You're always going to have "last year's model" with computers, so first order of business is getting over that.  What you've spec'd is really quite good - not excessive in any one area (maybe RAM, but hey - it's cheap), not bottlenecking it in any one area either.  Good choice with a modular power supply - extra dangling cables can make a build frustrating.  Make sure it has the connectors to support the video card.

 

You should be good for several years with that.

----------------------------------
If you are going to fly by the seat of your pants, expect friction burns.
"I don't know" is the beginning of knowledge, not the end.


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jeanchile
Advisor
Advisor
Accepted solution

Well... I didn't have time to read your entire post but I think I got the gist of it and I think your in luck.

 

Neil just did two videos you'll find worth your time. Start with this one. Then maybe watch this one next.

Inventor Professional
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Anonymous
Not applicable

I suggest to visit some sites for reviews before you set it. It's better to do a list for your target materials that you will purchase.

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