RTX 2080 TI vs RTX 5050 - Is used really better?

Summary

In this video, the creator demonstrates how to build a budget-friendly gaming PC for under $500 by upgrading an HP Z4 G4 workstation. The guide covers shopping tips, essential upgrades like the GPU (RTX 2070 Super), SSD, and power supply considerations. The video explains the process of installing components, provides valuable advice on finding the best deals, and gives insight into achieving 1440p gaming performance on a budget. It highlights practical tips for gamers looking for a cost-effective entry into PC gaming while balancing performance and price.

Takeaways

• 😀 You can build a budget gaming PC for around $500 by upgrading an HP Z4 G4 workstation with a graphics card.
• 😀 MicroEnter, a sponsor of the video, offers great tech deals, especially for GPUs, CPUs, and peripherals, with holiday savings in full swing.
• 😀 HP workstations like the Z4 G4, Z2 G4, and alternatives like the Lenovo P520 or Dell models are good options for budget builds.
• 😀 The HP Z4 G4 is a solid option for those looking to get into gaming on a budget, with refurbished options available on platforms like eBay.
• 😀 Key factors to consider when shopping for an HP Z4 G4 include CPU choice, RAM, and power supply (750W or 1000W).
• 😀 Avoid overpaying for Xeon models above the 2133 or 2123 processors, as they offer diminishing returns in performance for gaming.
• 😀 A good price range for a Z4 G4 workstation is around $350 or less, depending on its configuration and upgrades.
• 😀 The 750W power supply on the Z4 G4 can handle most mid-range GPUs, but higher-end GPUs like the 2080 Ti require a 1000W PSU.
• 😀 Adding an upgraded GPU, such as an RTX 2070 Super, along with an extra SSD, can transform the Z4 G4 into a capable 1440p gaming rig.
• 😀 Installing the GPU and SSD in the Z4 G4 is straightforward, with space for clean cable management and easy component installation.
• 😀 Performance for 1440p gaming is achievable with a 2070 Super, but frame rates may vary depending on the game and settings (DLSS and medium ray tracing help).

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to show viewers how to upgrade an HP Z4 G4 workstation into a gaming PC by adding a graphics card and making simple upgrades, while providing tips on where to find good deals on used workstations online.

Why does the presenter recommend using a workstation like the HP Z4 G4 for building a budget gaming PC?

The presenter recommends using workstations like the HP Z4 G4 because they often come with essential components like RAM, storage, and Windows pre-installed, making them a cost-effective starting point for a gaming PC upgrade. This allows gamers to focus their budget on the graphics card and other necessary upgrades.

What is the significance of the 2133 Xeon processor mentioned in the video?

The 2133 Xeon processor is recommended because it offers the best value for money in terms of performance for a budget gaming PC. It provides good multi-core performance, which is important for gaming, and is generally more affordable compared to higher-end Xeon models.

What should buyers look for when shopping for an HP Z4 G4 workstation online?

When shopping for an HP Z4 G4, buyers should look for a system with at least the 2133 Xeon processor, 16GB of RAM (preferably with a configuration that supports quad-channel memory), and a power supply that meets the needs of the planned GPU. It's also important to check if the system has an SSD and the right power supply connectors.

What is the difference between a 750W and a 1000W power supply in the HP Z4 G4 workstation?

A 1000W power supply offers more headroom for high-end graphics cards because it comes with two 8-pin power connectors, whereas a 750W power supply only provides two 6-pin connectors. The 1000W supply is better suited for more powerful GPUs like the 2080 Ti, while the 750W supply is sufficient for a 2070 Super.

What graphics card was chosen for this PC build and why?

The graphics card chosen for this PC build is the Asus RTX 2070 Super, which was purchased for $180. It was selected due to its excellent price-to-performance ratio, as it offers strong performance for 1440p gaming without pulling excessive power, making it a good match for the upgraded workstation.

How does the use of adapters affect the installation of the GPU in this build?

Since the 750W power supply only has 6-pin connectors, an adapter is used to convert one of the 6-pin connectors into an 8-pin connector required for the RTX 2070 Super. This allows the graphics card to be properly powered, but if a higher-end GPU like a 2080 Ti is used, an additional adapter might be needed.

Why is storage an important consideration when upgrading the HP Z4 G4 for gaming?

Storage is crucial because the HP Z4 G4 workstation might come with a small SSD (like 240GB), which may not be sufficient for modern games. Upgrading to a larger SSD (e.g., 1TB) ensures that there's enough space for both the operating system and multiple games, which is especially important as game sizes increase over time.

What are the potential limitations of this upgraded workstation for 1440p gaming?

While the upgraded workstation with the RTX 2070 Super can handle 1440p gaming, it may struggle with demanding AAA titles, especially at high refresh rates. Gamers who prioritize high FPS may need to lower settings or stick with 1080p gaming for smoother performance.

What gaming performance did the upgraded HP Z4 G4 achieve in the video?

In the video, the upgraded HP Z4 G4 performed well in the game 'Arc Raiders' at 1440p resolution using DLSS balanced mode and dynamic low-ray tracing at medium settings. It achieved playable frame rates, although performance could be affected by more demanding games or higher refresh rate targets.