Build a PC for Rome 2 / Hardware Recommendations and Advice Thread

[=Vastator=]

I've looked into the issue, and if you have a powerful CPU, it shouldn't be the sole cause. The lag is the result of the GPU rendering the large amount of soldiers. I have an i7 3770k so it's a pretty strong CPU in its own right.

Even a i7 3770K may cause CPU bottlenecks (with a strong GPU, off course) in Shogun 2 (this because S2 has not a strong multicore support, and by the fact that unit details and shadows settings are CPU intensive, not much GPU, like one should expect...)
Check your GPU usage with tools such as GPU-Z during those big melees.

[Heinz Guderian]

Its not the CPU which is causing the lag if its decent. Its almost certainly the GPU. What temps are you getting on the big battles? Could be a memory or throttling down issue.

[Heinz Guderian]

Unit details and shadows are CPU intensive? That seems counter-intuitive. Are you sure?

[=Vastator=]

Unit details and shadows are CPU intensive? That seems counter-intuitive. Are you sure?

Yes, unfortunately it's so .
You can try yourself: start a big melee, zoom in in a spot where there are many many soldiers on screen, pause, check your FPS: open the menu and lower all graphic settings such as resolution, DoF, HDR (but not shadows and unit details), save; if the FPS remains almost the same, this means you have CPU bottleneck (caused by shadws and unit details). Starting a battle with no shadows and unit details on low should boost a lot FPS in big melees.

[Geniuswas]

Yes, unfortunately it's so .
You can try yourself: start a big melee, zoom in in a spot where there are many many soldiers on screen, pause, check your FPS: open the menu and lower all graphic settings such as resolution, DoF, HDR (but not shadows and unit details), save; if the FPS remains almost the same, this means you have CPU bottleneck (caused by shadws and unit details). Starting a battle with no shadows and unit details on low should boost a lot FPS in big melees.

I did that but once I lowered my res there was a significant increase in fps (from 20-30 fps on 1920x1080 res to >120 fps on 1280x720). Seems to be a combination of both though, because your theory did work with shadows and and other variables.

[=Vastator=]

I did that but once I lowered my res there was a significant increase in fps (from 20-30 fps on 1920x1080 res to >120 fps on 1280x720). Seems to be a combination of both though, because your theory did work with shadows and and other variables.

You have to do that in a situation of heavy CPU load (big melee, zoomed in, with many soldiers fighting at full detail).

[mentecato]

lol i have a NVIDIA GeForce GT 630M

i7 ...
2300 GHz

memory=8091 MB


but shogun 2 works right

[CyberianK]

Hi there,
my current PC is an old DualCore (although OCed at 4Ghz) with a Vertex1 64 SSD 3x1 TB RAID5 and a 2y old GTX 570

I have no problems playing current games with it. CPU never bottlenecked anything even Crysis 3 and FarCry worked nice (not at highest details of course). The upcoming ROME 2 : Total War though makes me want to upgrade my PC. These are the components I selected so far. I once were a hardware enthusiast and still am but I am a bit rusty atm. So it would be really great if you guys could look over this and see if theres something wrong with what I selected.

Mainboard
Gigabyte Z87X-D3H Intel Z87 So.1150 Dual Channel DDR3 ATX Retail
€ 121,07*
http://www.mindfactory.de/product_in...il_856359.html

RAM
16GB Crucial Ballistix Sport DDR3-1600 DIMM CL9 Dual Kit
€ 103,80*
http://www.mindfactory.de/product_in...it_798853.html

CPU
Intel Core i5 4670K 4x 3.40GHz So.1150 BOX
€ 198,83*
http://www.mindfactory.de/product_in...OX_853872.html

Cooler
Thermalright HR-02 Macho Rev.A (BW)
€ 35,22*
http://www.mindfactory.de/product_in...-A_809693.html

SSD System Drive
250GB Samsung 840 Basic Series 2.5" (6.4cm) SATA 6Gb/s TLC Toggle (MZ-7TD250BW)
€ 139,34*
http://www.mindfactory.de/product_in...Z-_816049.html

Data Drive
3000GB WD Green WD30EZRX 64MB 3.5" (8.9cm) SATA 6Gb/s
€ 104,44*
http://www.mindfactory.de/product_in...-s_730686.html

GPU
2048MB Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 WindForce 3X OC Rev. 2 Aktiv PCIe 3.0 x16 (Retail)
€ 226,50*
http://www.mindfactory.de/product_in...16_884245.html

I already have a nice Case, LED screens and an Enermax 600W PSU. I also have a NAS for easy backup solution so I think I don't need the Raid5 anymore together with the new SSD.
I usually keep my CPU+Board for a relative long time. So the plan with this one would be to upgrade the GPU again around 2015 or when needed. Don't wonder about prices in germany prices are higher then in US/UK/CAN plus they include tax.
If anybody spots anything wrong or has recommendations on what I could do better please feel free to post recommendations.

[baptistus]

Hi there,
my current PC is an old DualCore (although OCed at 4Ghz) with a Vertex1 64 SSD 3x1 TB RAID5 and a 2y old GTX 570

I have no problems playing current games with it. CPU never bottlenecked anything even Crysis 3 and FarCry worked nice (not at highest details of course). The upcoming ROME 2 : Total War though makes me want to upgrade my PC. These are the components I selected so far. I once were a hardware enthusiast and still am but I am a bit rusty atm. So it would be really great if you guys could look over this and see if theres something wrong with what I selected.

Mainboard
Gigabyte Z87X-D3H Intel Z87 So.1150 Dual Channel DDR3 ATX Retail
€ 121,07*
http://www.mindfactory.de/product_in...il_856359.html

RAM
16GB Crucial Ballistix Sport DDR3-1600 DIMM CL9 Dual Kit
€ 103,80*
http://www.mindfactory.de/product_in...it_798853.html

CPU
Intel Core i5 4670K 4x 3.40GHz So.1150 BOX
€ 198,83*
http://www.mindfactory.de/product_in...OX_853872.html

Cooler
Thermalright HR-02 Macho Rev.A (BW)
€ 35,22*
http://www.mindfactory.de/product_in...-A_809693.html

SSD System Drive
250GB Samsung 840 Basic Series 2.5" (6.4cm) SATA 6Gb/s TLC Toggle (MZ-7TD250BW)
€ 139,34*
http://www.mindfactory.de/product_in...Z-_816049.html

Data Drive
3000GB WD Green WD30EZRX 64MB 3.5" (8.9cm) SATA 6Gb/s
€ 104,44*
http://www.mindfactory.de/product_in...-s_730686.html

GPU
2048MB Gigabyte GeForce GTX 760 WindForce 3X OC Rev. 2 Aktiv PCIe 3.0 x16 (Retail)
€ 226,50*
http://www.mindfactory.de/product_in...16_884245.html

I already have a nice Case, LED screens and an Enermax 600W PSU. I also have a NAS for easy backup solution so I think I don't need the Raid5 anymore together with the new SSD.
I usually keep my CPU+Board for a relative long time. So the plan with this one would be to upgrade the GPU again around 2015 or when needed. Don't wonder about prices in germany prices are higher then in US/UK/CAN plus they include tax.
If anybody spots anything wrong or has recommendations on what I could do better please feel free to post recommendations.

You will don't need 16 Go ram if you don't use 3d modelling softwares and this kind of program. 8Go is enough for gaming (at this time, games are not in 64bits ).With the extra money You can buy a gtx 670 which is a little better than a gtx 760.http://www.mindfactory.de/product_in...l-_799504.html

[alQamar]

Hi Cyber, you pick is ok, but if you do not need 16 GB RAM for any real use (like video or picture editing on a real 64bit application) you can easily save this money. Also you might look for 1866 MHz RAM with CL9 to have a better performance.
I would not choose the 840 Basic SSD but a Vertex Vortex or Vertex 4 (450) or a Samsung 840 pro because the writing speeds are really crap on the basic series, nevertheless faster than a HDD but not really worth to have imho.

An CPU upgrade in 2015 is not possible. We will have new Intel CPUs then with a complete new architechture and new sockets aswell, and DDR4 RAM, which leaves you with your current Mainboard and CPU selection. An i7 is not recommended for TW (and other games) as Hyperthreading on a quad core is contraproductive most of all times, not if you do the stuff mentioned above.
Your PSU is strong enough to serve this config of course. Instead of Gigabyte I would spent some extra € to an Asus Board like the Z87-m (pro).

could you do me a favor and make benchmarks with your rig in Shogun 2? Thanks a lot, we do not have older dual cores and GTX 570 yet.
Hi Cyber, you pick is ok, but if you do not need 16 GB RAM for any real use (like video or picture editing on a real 64bit application) you can easily save this money. Also you might look for 1866 MHz RAM with CL9 to have a better performance.
I would not choose the 840 Basic SSD but a Vertex Vortex or Vertex 4 (450) or a Samsung 840 pro because the writing speeds are really crap on the basic series, nevertheless faster than a HDD but not really worth to have imho.

An CPU upgrade in 2015 is not possible. We will have new Intel CPUs then with a complete new architechture and new sockets aswell, and DDR4 RAM, which leaves you with your current Mainboard and CPU selection. An i7 is not recommended for TW (and other games) as Hyperthreading on a quad core is contraproductive most of all times, not if you do the stuff mentioned above.
Your PSU is strong enough to serve this config of course. Instead of Gigabyte I would spent some extra € to an Asus Board like the Z87-m (pro).

could you do me a favor and make benchmarks with your rig in Shogun 2? Thanks a lot, we do not have older dual cores and GTX 570 yet.
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showt...TW-performance

[CyberianK]

@alQamar


Thanks for your reply. I agree with the RAM. Maybe I change it to 8. I spoke of GPU upgrade 2015 not CPU. I think an i5 will still be sufficient then. I usually keep CPUs and boards for longer durations. When I upgrade CPU I usually upgrade board and RAM with it like this time.
With the SSD you are also right of course. I have a Vertex 3 in my work notebook and it is really great but of course it is also more expensive than the Samsung. SO I maybe keep the 840 Basic. Its write speed is only half of the pro but access times and read speed are still outstanding. Since I don't expect alot of high volume writes on my SSD it should be OK.

I see what I can do with Shogun2. I deinstalled it after a few playthroughs and only play Empire Darthmod atm but maybe I install it again this weekend.

[alQamar]

Sorry misread it then with the GPU.

[-Concrete-]

How much of a difference will a GTX 770 make over a 760, playing at 1080? Seems like a 760 will probably require medium shadows and a couple of other things (AA) turned off.

[Biggus Splenus]

the 760 is excessive for most users on 1080p. Yes Shadows won't be on ultra, or AA turned to x8. Not even my 780 can pull off the absolute highest settings at 1080p with about 3 full stack armies on the field (although now that I think about it, it's probably my CPU lagging out...), so you'll be investing a lot of money if that's the quality and scale of battles you want.

Now days, the 760 is the highest I'd recommend for 95% of people. Others who want that excess, can get a 770, but it's up to them. 760 is best value, easily.

[Epic28]

the 760 is excessive for most users on 1080p. Yes Shadows won't be on ultra, or AA turned to x8. Not even my 780 can pull off the absolute highest settings at 1080p with about 3 full stack armies on the field (although now that I think about it, it's probably my CPU lagging out...), so you'll be investing a lot of money if that's the quality and scale of battles you want.

Now days, the 760 is the highest I'd recommend for 95% of people. Others who want that excess, can get a 770, but it's up to them. 760 is best value, easily.

Meanwhile you are just showing off your 780..... Like a big meaty steak in front of a dog, let us just lick our lips in awe...

I've got a 760 and other than shadows and AA tweaks, it cranks everything out at Ultra settings running 1080P. If you live in the US then the price versus performance is unbeatable. Currently the best card for your money right now.

Word of the wise, if you buy the Gigabyte model of the GTX 760 make sure your case has plenty of room to install it, the card is an absolute monster.

[alQamar]

The 760 is the same card than the 670 but faster (about 12%) and with each of those cards you do not need to turn any options down /off. They have performance galore for all games including TW so I can second splenyi here of course.
If you want to see how good refer the TW benchmark thread please.

[Biggus Splenus]

Meanwhile you are just showing off your 780..... Like a big meaty steak in front of a dog, let us just lick our lips in awe...

I'll be selling it for a more moderate AMD 9000 card in the future I think, I don't need this horsepower (or CUDApower?)

[Narf]

Could someone give their opinion on this:

• CPU: Intel Core I7 4770K 3.5GHz Box S1150 - Haswell
  
  • (http://www.legitreviews.com/article/2203/)
  
  
• Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87X-OC - Ultra Durable 5
  
  • (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Gigabyte/Z87X-OC/)
  
  
• Power Supply: Corsair Professional Series AX 750 Watt ATX/EPS Modular 80 PLUS Gold
  
  • (http://www.kitguru.net/components/po...-review/all/1/)
  
  
• Case: Corsair Obsidian Series 650D (CC650DW-1) Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Mid Tower Case
  
  • (http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages..._review,1.html)
  
  
• Solid State Drive: Kingston Technology Flash HyperX 3K 240GB SSD
  
  • (http://www.pcworld.com/article/20227...t-version.html)
  
  
• Optical disc drive: Samsung DVDRW 22X SATA Black without Software Bare SH-222AB Bebe
  
  • Didn't find this due to reviews but because of forum talk about this disk on some PC sites were positive about it.
  
  
• Memory: Kingston HyperX Beast Black 16 GB 2133 C11 (2x8 GB)
  
  • (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/K...133_C11/1.html)
  
  
• System: Window 7 Home Premium 64-bit OEM
  
  • Don't feel it needs a review.
  
  
• CPU Cooler: Corsair Hydro Series H100i High Performance Liquid (20%)Cooler
  
  • (http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/...ooler_review/5)
  
  
• Graphic Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 SuperClocked w/ ACX Cooling Video Card
  
  • (http://www.legitreviews.com/article/2240/16/)
  
  
• To this I intend to order three 1920 x 1200 Desktops.

[SamueleD]

Could someone give their opinion on this:

You are going to be needing a particular settings tweak for Shogun 2 and maybe for Rome II also, check it out here, for the rest you'll play on high/ultra, no problem.
The PSU is a bit too much though, check the OP for an appropriate one, also you won't need that expensive motherboard, the one mentioned in the OP will do fine for overclocking.
The liquid cooling is not necessary, but will help with OC, since that CPU can get pretty hot.

I suppose it is not only intended for Rome II gaming?

Edit: I didn't read the last point, for gaming on all three monitors you are going to need more GPU power I think.

[Epic28]

Could someone give their opinion on this:

Hell of a system you got there. What all are you using it for?

If its just for gaming you've got some overkill components that wont be particularly useful but all and all its a great looking setup. Only recommendation would be to get a HDD.