Which Desktop should I buy?

[LegoRat]

Hey I’m looking at buying a PC strictly for the purpose of emulation. I’m basing it off of what Dolphin requires since I figure if I can match or exceed those requirements then everything else (PS2, Saturn, etc) should be easy. Here are some of my preferred options:


#1. Dell Optiplex 9020
CPU: Intel Quad Core i5-4570S 2.9GHz
Graphics: Integrated
RAM: 8GB RAM
OS: Windows 7 Professional
https://www.amazon.com/Dell-9020-Performance-Professional-Refurbished/dp/B07194XM9J/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495728361&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=desktop+computer+i5+windows+8&psc=1

#2. Dell Optiplex 9010
CPU: Intel Quad-Core i7-3770 up to 3.9GHz
Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics
RAM: 8GB RAM
OS: Windows 7 Professional
https://www.amazon.com/Dell-9010-DisplayPort-Professional-Refurbished/dp/B072HVRLRK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1495720790&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=i7+desktop+windows+7&psc=1

#3. Elite Desk 800 (Currently Unavailable)
CPU: Intel Core i7 i7-4790 3.60 GHz
Graphics: HD Graphics 4600
RAM: 4 GB RAM
OS: Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
https://www.amazon.com/EliteDesk-800-Desktop-Computer-DVD-Reader/dp/B00TUW66FC/ref=sr_1_6?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1495679488&sr=1-6&keywords=i7+desktop+windows+8&refinements=p_n_feature_four_browse-bin%3A2289792011%2Cp_n_operating_system_browse-bin%3A12566246011%7C5945862011%2Cp_36%3A2421880011

I don’t really play on using this computer for anything more intense than Dolphin/PCSX2 emulation. As far as I can tell all of these have integrated graphics. However I don’t plan on playing most games at more than 720p with no enhancements.

Which one of these should I buy and could I upgrade the graphics IF I need too. (Sorry it’s been a LONG time since I built a PC. Like over ten years). Thanks!

[KHg8m3r]

I think a more important question is what is your budget? Because if you just want to play emulators, you should build your own PC instead of buying a prebuilt one due to the fact that you can get a lot more speed at a lower price point to get exactly what you need to play Dolphin. Building computers is also so much easier nowadays.

Looking at the 2 Dell computers, I'm guessing you want something around $400. Here is a quick build I just threw together, I stuck a SSD in there so it's $100 more you can leave on or not. It has the capability to run all Dolphin and other current emulators as far as I know (maybe not Cemu, but that requires such high computing power anyway....). The motherboard has the ability to have an overclock-able CPU put in in the future if you ever need more speed. The Intel HD 630 should meet all your needs for the time being, and you can stick a full-sized GPU in there in the future.
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7nNq2R

[TKSilver]

I would avoid the S line of processors, since they are lower power.

#2's processor should be fine, but #3's is a little better. That being said you will need some form of a GPU for both Dolphin and PCSX2 since the older intel integrated is not what you want to rely upon even if you have realistic expectations like you seem to have. The GT1030 or 730 if you can get ine really cheep would handle the graphic acceleration you woukd need and want.

However to use any GPU in a Dell referb you might need to replace not inly the power supply (and the case since that might not be a standard fittting power supply), but possibly the motherboard as well (either due to a lack of PCI slots or the simple fact that the PCI slot can not handle the power draw through the traces that a GPU requires.

[GreenT]

The GTX 1050 draws relatively little power, and doesn't require a separate power lead, drawing all it requires from the slot. The new GT 1030 has even lower power draw, but looks like it is about 30% lower performance overall vs. the GTX 1050. Still much faster than integrated Intel graphics.

[LegoRat]

(05-31-2017, 02:34 AM)I’m leaning towards option #2. For option #2 here were the expansion slots listed from the amazon link: Wrote: 1 half height PCIe x16;
1 half height PCIe x16 (wired x 4);
1 half height PCIe x1;
1 half height PCI

Based on what GreenT has stated I think I’m going to go for the GT 1030. Apparently it’s a good upgrade from an integrated graphics and still has a low power draw:

https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-GeForce-GV-N1030D5-2GL-Computer-Graphics/dp/B071DY2VJR/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1496233918&sr=1-1&keywords=GT+1030

On the amazon link it’s hardware connectivity is listed as:

PCIE x 4

I’ll be honest I don’t know exactly what that means. Do you think I’m good?

(P.S. Thanks for all the help. I’m not really too knowledgeable when it comes to hardware.)

[GreenT]

The GT 1030 is brand new, and we don't have a lot of data on it yet. The first benchmarks I saw on YouTube for it made it look like it was about 30% slower than the GTX 1050. It might be a little slower than that, though. Passmark has a page for it now, though they only have 4 samples so far. Still, here's a link to the comparison between the integrated graphics, the 1030 and the 1050:

http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/compare.php?cmp[]=2&cmp[]=3757&cmp[]=3596

The 1030 still looks like a good choice vs. the integrated graphics, and the price is right. You'll have to let us know how it works for you in Dolphin. 

You'll also want to pick up a Mayflash Dolphin Bar. It's the easiest way to get your Wii controllers connected to Dolphin in Windows 7.

[kevlahnota]

I would choose #3 If its available, and add a decent Video Card later for higher IR.
Anyway a bit OT, but if you would build a Desktop PC, My advice for hardware hierarchy is
Power Supply > Motherboard > CPU > GPU > HARDDISK > RAM
Just from experience that if you would Overclock your PC at a later time, you already have a good Power Supply And Motherboard..