New computer for 20 box - need help

[blackbird]

Hey guys,

I've saved up a bit and got around 3500 to drop on a new machine. Looking to build something that can handle 20 boxing no problem, but I am very novice in hardware.

Is there anyone around that can help with some advice for this budget. What's the most important / must-haves?

How would you build your rig?

[Paradoxel]

Hey,

First off... wow!!! $3500 is going to make a monster.

i have a gtx 1070x and a Ryzen 1800x and 64 g of ram. I can do 15 account at 45% load on cpu and ram. My build was around 2kish? So you're more than equipped. I'm not a hardware guru but when I get home I'll edit this and provide a build I'd do.

[blackbird]

Awesome, thanks dude!

[Paradoxel]

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/9XJHcc --- This is the list I came up with. I'm not a computer person, but this is around your $3500 price point.

[blackbird]

Thanks dude!

[MiRai]

If you're going to stick with Intel, then...

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/4FFhf8

For the same price, you get two additional cores by moving to X299, and at the same time, a better PSU, a better cooler, and a slightly cheaper, albeit similar performing, GPU.

However, that cooler is dependent on: 1) your willingness to put liquid near electronics with power applied, and 2) whether or not it fits into that case (from Paradoxel's parts list). Personally, I don't know if you're comfortable with that, or if it even fits into that case (or even if you want that case). You can also look at 280mm variants, and other models from NZXT (Kraken), as well.

The motherboard can also be changed out with any other X299 motherboard. If you want more flashiness and maybe better on-board components, then spend a little more than what I've got listed there.


On the other hand, an AMD Threadripper build would net you an additional six cores (from my prior list):

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Nmf4zM

I gave a bit more attention to that parts list—faster RAM, arguably sexier motherboard, faster m.2 drive, and a sexy case... all for the same price. Again, I'm not 100% certain a 280mm cooler will fit into the case I've selected. I see pictures of the case with AIO liquid coolers mounted at the top, but they might only be 240mm.

Then, if you want to go all out, get yourself an sexy cable set replacement for the PSU (they even have AIO kits), add in some cable combs (pick the right type), then maybe some cable clamps for ease of routing (you'll want several of all three sizes), and you're on your way to a very attractive build. That'll easily add a few hundred to the build just for aesthetics, but it's just money, right?


In the end, I have no idea what hardware it takes to successfully play 20 game clients at the same time, but BigCarl (on the ISBoxer Discord) runs a very similar setup, and he says he has no issues with 20 game clients on a 3440x1440 display.

[blackbird]

Wow, thanks MiRai, your input is much appreciated. The AMD alternative is very interesting indeed, I'll look into this as well!

[Apatheist]

EVGA - GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB FTW3 GAMING iCX Video Card

I've been considering a similar upgrade for some time but I've been putting it off until AMD products stabilize.

Would a single 1080Ti have enough VRAM and grunt to handle 20+ clients? I was considering 2x 1080's. The price is similar and the extra 5GB of VRAM seems like it'd be more useful than the higher frequency on the Ti. Particularly on multi-monitor setups.

I guess it depends a lot on how well Innerspace handles load balancing on GPU's?

[mbox_bob]

Would a single 1080Ti have enough VRAM and grunt to handle 20+ clients?

That depends on too many factors to really quantize.

I was considering 2x 1080's. The price is similar and the extra 5GB of VRAM seems like it'd be more useful than the higher frequency on the Ti. Particularly on multi-monitor setups.

Highly possible, although when it comes to multiboxing and multimonitor configurations, there are always caveats. Some of these are going to be based on the game, others are goingto be based on settings, resolutions, and a few of the earlier too many factors to quantize.

I guess it depends a lot on how well Innerspace handles load balancing on GPU's?

That all depends on how you configure it. Most of it is covered in these couple of pages:
http://isboxer.com/wiki/GPU_Management
http://isboxer.com/wiki/FAQ#Why_do_m...maller_viewers
http://isboxer.com/wiki/FAQ#WoW_was_...d_acceleration (this one is a bit more game specific).

[62doug]

If you're going to stick with Intel, then...

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/4FFhf8

For the same price, you get two additional cores by moving to X299, and at the same time, a better PSU, a better cooler, and a slightly cheaper, albeit similar performing, GPU.

However, that cooler is dependent on: 1) your willingness to put liquid near electronics with power applied, and 2) whether or not it fits into that case (from Paradoxel's parts list). Personally, I don't know if you're comfortable with that, or if it even fits into that case (or even if you want that case). You can also look at 280mm variants, and other models from NZXT (Kraken), as well.

The motherboard can also be changed out with any other X299 motherboard. If you want more flashiness and maybe better on-board components, then spend a little more than what I've got listed there.


On the other hand, an AMD Threadripper build would net you an additional six cores (from my prior list):

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Nmf4zM

I gave a bit more attention to that parts list—faster RAM, arguably sexier motherboard, faster m.2 drive, and a sexy case... all for the same price. Again, I'm not 100% certain a 280mm cooler will fit into the case I've selected. I see pictures of the case with AIO liquid coolers mounted at the top, but they might only be 240mm.

Then, if you want to go all out, get yourself an sexy cable set replacement for the PSU (they even have AIO kits), add in some cable combs (pick the right type), then maybe some cable clamps for ease of routing (you'll want several of all three sizes), and you're on your way to a very attractive build. That'll easily add a few hundred to the build just for aesthetics, but it's just money, right?


In the end, I have no idea what hardware it takes to successfully play 20 game clients at the same time, but BigCarl (on the ISBoxer Discord) runs a very similar setup, and he says he has no issues with 20 game clients on a 3440x1440 display.

Dam if only i could get the same at those prices as in here in Aus that would almost be double those prices