Help Me Build a 4K Intel i7 Desktop Computer

[NCC1701A]

I need to EXPLORE the idea of building a Intel i7 processor computer with 16 gigs of memory, 256 gig SSD and graphics card that outputs 4K. (two monitors outputs if possible/affordable)

 

I don't know anything about graphics cards or motherboards these days. 

 

My application is running something called a Software Defined Radio. It requires i7 and at least 8 gig ram.  

 

so no gaming. just a lot of processor power. External hardware interface to the computer is USB 3.0

 

I will use Windows 10 for the SDR software.  

 

parts must be sourced within Thailand.

 

as low a cost as possible.

 

Thanks.

 

Edited May 14, 2019 by NCC1701A

[OneMoreFarang]

I have no idea about that software.

But you should be able to find recommended specifications.

 

If it's just about a i7 CPU and no special graphic card use an Intel NUC.

https://www.jetcom.co.th/คอมพิวเตอร์เครื่องประกอบ/ComputerBrand/INTEL-NUC-7I7BNH.html

 

Add SSD and RAM and that's it.

They support two monitors.

 

I installed maybe 30 of them over the last years in offices. Everybody is happy with them.

[NCC1701A]

4 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

I have no idea about that software.

But you should be able to find recommended specifications.

 

If it's just about a i7 CPU and no special graphic card use an Intel NUC.

https://www.jetcom.co.th/คอมพิวเตอร์เครื่องประกอบ/ComputerBrand/INTEL-NUC-7I7BNH.html

 

Add SSD and RAM and that's it.

They support two monitors.

 

I installed maybe 30 of them over the last years in offices. Everybody is happy with them.

actually this maybe a solution. i will check this out.

[shady86]

You may consider Ryzen 2700 or upcoming 3000 series coming out later this month. More value and lots of core/threads.

[OneMoreFarang]

6 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

actually this maybe a solution. i will check this out.

When you buy RAM and the SSD you can buy the cheapest from any brand name company.

RAM speed makes almost no difference to computer speed - only in very special performance test.

And all SSDs are fast these days.

You can even put a M2 SSD in that little case and additionally a "big" 2.5" HDD if you want to.

[Pravda]

46 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

parts must be sourced within Thailand.

 

Why? 

[KneeDeep]

 

Take note that i7 being a u variation. So a bit on the weak side.

 

The problem with;

 

Quote

You may consider Ryzen 2700 or upcoming 3000 series coming out later this month. More value and lots of core/threads.

 

is that you will need a separate solution for Graphics. 

 

So you are looking at something like Ryzen 3 2200G or Ryzen 5 2400G. Both will outperform the Core™ i7-7567U 

 

Edited May 14, 2019 by KneeDeep

[kekalot]

had to Google Software Define Radio and it looks very simple software (unless I got the wrong one?)

I would be surprised if you need an i7 for that.. do you have a link for it for requirements?

 

saw someone running something similar to what i found on a raspberry pi 3.. so i must be looking at the wrong thing.

either way outputting 4k is not a big issue, you could likely do it with the integrated graphics from the CPU

 

if you want two monitors you either need a cheap video card (which might be slower than your integrated graphics.. trust me i seen it happen)

or you can buy a USB device for second monitor

[KneeDeep]

https://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i7-7567U-vs-AMD-Ryzen-3-2200G/m219709vsm441832

 

https://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i7-7567U-vs-AMD-Ryzen-5-2400G/m219709vsm433194

[jmd8800]

I bought an Intel NUC i5 and added memory and ssd. USB-C / Thunderbolt display and HDMI. I bought everything in local Chiang Mai computer stores. 25,000 baht last year. i7 would be a little more.

 

Opps specs; i5 - 256 gb sdd Samsung EVO 960 - 16gb memory

Edited May 14, 2019 by jmd8800

[Rice_King]

This site might be of some use to you: PC Part Picker

[shady86]

1 hour ago, KneeDeep said:

 

Take note that i7 being a u variation. So a bit on the weak side.

 

The problem with;

 

 

is that you will need a separate solution for Graphics. 

 

So you are looking at something like Ryzen 3 2200G or Ryzen 5 2400G. Both will outperform the Core™ i7-7567U 

 

Yes, just get a cheap GTX 1650 or even GTX 1050 will handle 4K without any issues.

I would avoid both 2200 and 2400G as they are 4C and 4C/8T parts. Aim for at least Ryzen 5 2600 with 6C/12T for heavy rendering work. The latest 9th gen i7 comes with 8C so depending which gen you are talking about.

 

Just i7 requirement is pretty confusing because previous gen notebook i7 is only 2C/4T, desktop 7th gen i7 is only 4C/8T parts. 

[KneeDeep]

14 minutes ago, shady86 said:

Yes, just get a cheap GTX 1650 or even GTX 1050 will handle 4K without any issues.

I would avoid both 2200 and 2400G as they are 4C and 4C/8T parts. Aim for at least Ryzen 5 2600 with 6C/12T for heavy rendering work. The latest 9th gen i7 comes with 8C so depending which gen you are talking about.

 

Just i7 requirement is pretty confusing because previous gen notebook i7 is only 2C/4T, desktop 7th gen i7 is only 4C/8T parts. 

 

 

You are getting somewhat carried away, considering the the applications in use. What "heavy rendering work"? Graphics card is needing to power to 4k monitors, that is all.

 

AMD Ryzen™ 5 1600 Processor as a standalone CPU would be more than enough, in conjunction with an inexpensive GC such as a GeForce GT 1030 for around 2000 baht.

 

https://www.invadeit.co.th/product/video-cards/gigabyte/gt-1030-low-profile-2g-p042926/

 

 

[KneeDeep]

Also, don't discount the Quadro range for multiple Displays; http://www.pny.com/nvidia-quadro-p400

[shady86]

 

 

You are getting somewhat carried away, considering the the applications in use. What "heavy rendering work"? Graphics card is needing to power to 4k monitors, that is all.

 

AMD Ryzen[emoji769] 5 1600 Processor as a standalone CPU would be more than enough, in conjunction with an inexpensive GC such as a GeForce GT 1030 for around 2000 baht.

 

https://www.invadeit.co.th/product/video-cards/gigabyte/gt-1030-low-profile-2g-p042926/

 

 

Gt1030 wont be able to output two 4k monitors unless you manage to find something with 2 DP or 1DP/1 HDMI combo. DVI doesn't support 4K@60HZ.

 

Thats why i suggested the next thing. Rx 560 above is ok too, just not so efficient.

 

OP should fix a budget first before deciding the parts needed.

[muratremix]

i7 is costly. You can consider i5-9400f at advice.co.th it is cheap and last gen.

Buy a Geforce GTX 1070 second hand from lazada.co.th (IHAVECPU is the shop name) for 5690 - 300 baht discount = 5390 baht net. 

 

256 ssd is lame, you can buy 480-500-512 Gb for 3000 baht or so and it would be pcie nvme ssd.

16gb ram ddr4-2666 is 3550 baht (2x8)

[wgdanson]

16 hours ago, NCC1701A said:

actually this maybe a solution. i will check this out.

I have been there, done it, absolutely the best way. NUC into a 65 inch Samsung, 4K, sorted.

[wgdanson]

16 hours ago, NCC1701A said:

actually this maybe a solution. i will check this out.

Please NCC, what is Software Defined Radio, as opposed to simply connecting to say BBC Sounds, or ANY radio, or TV station via a VPN? Thanks.

I Wikipedia-ed it but there was too much to read! I do partly understand that it is 'manipulating' all your audio via software...but Audacity will do most of that.

 

16 hours ago, NCC1701A said:

actually this maybe a solution. i will check this out.

 

Edited May 15, 2019 by wgdanson

[KneeDeep]

5 hours ago, wgdanson said:

I have been there, done it, absolutely the best way. NUC into a 65 inch Samsung, 4K, sorted.

 

He may need two displays. NUC has two outputs?

[wgdanson]

1 minute ago, KneeDeep said:

 

He may need two displays. NUC has two outputs?

I think the more expensive one's do. Mine has an HDMI and a video port (I think that's what it's called. If not you can get a USB to 2 x 4K HDMI box.

[KneeDeep]

5 hours ago, muratremix said:

i7 is costly. You can consider i5-9400f at advice.co.th it is cheap and last gen.

Buy a Geforce GTX 1070 second hand from lazada.co.th (IHAVECPU is the shop name) for 5690 - 300 baht discount = 5390 baht net. 

 

256 ssd is lame, you can buy 480-500-512 Gb for 3000 baht or so and it would be pcie nvme ssd.

16gb ram ddr4-2666 is 3550 baht (2x8)

 

CPU cost the same as the AMD Ryzen™ 5 2600, so OP should compare.

 

https://www.ihavecpu.com/category/59/graphic-card-การ์ดจอ/nvidia-geforce-series/geforce-gtx-1000-series

 

So many suggestions. The OP's head must be spinning. 

The OP wants to keep the price as low as possible

[jmd8800]

Yes some newer NUCs have both HDMI and Display Port/USB-C /Thunderbolt whatever one wants to call it.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next_Unit_of_Computing

 

I have to say that myself and others have problems with the display port arising after flashing the BIOS to the latest update on some models. My model is NUC7i5BNH. The display port does work however there is no display until the OS takes over from POST. I'm sure Intel is working on it but they've been mum for a month now. HDMI works fine during POST so that is what I use until I can go back to display port.

 

My ethernet port failed and Intel replaced the unit with a brand new one in 3 days.

 

As to the OP's need to keep costs down I don't know how anyone could get much cheaper than a NUC.

[shady86]

One thing to take note while considering NUC, you get less computing power inside a small box and there is no way to upgrade the CPU, only RAM and storage.

 

By going to AMD, Socket AM4 is around since the first gen Ryzen and AMD will continue to support it with Zen 2 so you dont need to invest with a new motherboard.

 

Intel has been changing sockets every 2 generations for the past 10 years, we dont know if new socket/motherboard will be needed for 10th gen.

 

Do consider if you want to upgrade in future.

[KneeDeep]

1 hour ago, jmd8800 said:

Yes some newer NUCs have both HDMI and Display Port/USB-C /Thunderbolt whatever one wants to call it.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next_Unit_of_Computing

 

I have to say that myself and others have problems with the display port arising after flashing the BIOS to the latest update on some models. My model is NUC7i5BNH. The display port does work however there is no display until the OS takes over from POST. I'm sure Intel is working on it but they've been mum for a month now. HDMI works fine during POST so that is what I use until I can go back to display port.

 

My ethernet port failed and Intel replaced the unit with a brand new one in 3 days.

 

As to the OP's need to keep costs down I don't know how anyone could get much cheaper than a NUC.

 

NUC aren't cheap. But it is a neat solution with the possibility for a PCIe SSD.

 

I agree with shady86, but would go with an integrated CPU, such as the https://www.amd.com/en/products/apu/amd-ryzen-5-2400g

 

Superior processing power and graphics output.

 

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Iris-Plus-Graphics-650-vs-Vega-11_7655_8470.247598.0.html

 

https://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AMD/Ryzen_5_2400G_Vega_11/6.html

 

There are also Intel Desktop CPU with Integrated Graphics that also will do the job, if the price is right.

 

i7-7567U is actually a processor for Notebooks..

 

 

 

 

[KneeDeep]