Building a family gaming setup and need help

[Bartonarms]

Hi All,
I'm turning my aging gaming rig into a family gaming setup and need some help. Basic specs: i5-3570 @ 3.4Ghz, msi GTX 670, 16GB RAM. Connecting this to a new TCL series 5 4k TV.

We have 5 and 7 year-old boys, so I'm thinking LEGO games, Minecraft, Overcooked, and other 4-person family fare. So, not super-demanding stuff. As such, I'm hoping we can stick with just the Steam OS and not pick up another Windows license.

First of all, is there any glaring problem that I'm not aware of so far?

Second, I'm trying to figure out a 4-person controller setup that won't break me. Need to know if these options will work, and/or if there's a better option out there:

- 4 cheap (<$20) PS4-style wireless controllers and a bluetooth dongle (yes, my comp has no bluetooth)

- 4 Logitech 310s (or similar) and a 4 USB splitter

Preference would be to avoid the XBOX style because they seem too bulky for small hands. Also, hoping for wireless, but it's not a dealbreaker.

What do you guys think?

[Omega]

SteamOS is barely maintained, so I recommend against running it.

Try GamerOS instead. (Yes I know the name is horrible).
https://gamer-os.github.io/

You can install Minecraft on GamerOS using their Steam Buddy tool.


Also I doubt that hardware will do a good job running at 4K, even light games.

It will also not be able to do 4k@60Hz over HDMI you will be locked to 30Hz. 30Hz is really not a pleasant experience.

[Guydodge]

looks ok for those games,minus the gtx 670 may not be enough for 4k.im thinking at least
a 4gb or even 6gb card.you can run lower resolution,would help

https://graphicscardhub.com/how-much-vram-for-gaming/

[Guydodge]

Omega の投稿を引用：

SteamOS is barely maintained, so I recommend against running it.

Try GamerOS instead. (Yes I know the name is horrible).
https://gamer-os.github.io/

You can install Minecraft on GamerOS using their Steam Buddy tool.


Also I doubt that hardware will do a good job running at 4K, even light games.

It will also not be able to do 4k@60Hz over HDMI you will be locked to 30Hz. 30Hz is really not a pleasant experience.

hdmi will push 60hz

[Omega]

Guydodge の投稿を引用：

Omega の投稿を引用：

SteamOS is barely maintained, so I recommend against running it.

Try GamerOS instead. (Yes I know the name is horrible).
https://gamer-os.github.io/

You can install Minecraft on GamerOS using their Steam Buddy tool.


Also I doubt that hardware will do a good job running at 4K, even light games.

It will also not be able to do 4k@60Hz over HDMI you will be locked to 30Hz. 30Hz is really not a pleasant experience.

hdmi will push 60hz

HDMI 1.4a won't, not at 3840x2160.

[Tristan]

Upgrading ur Video card will be a PLUS for ur 4k
But it can get pricey

good Luck

[Bartonarms]

Thanks for the input, all. Any thoughts on the controller setup?

[Set-115689]

If the pc has a windows 7 or 8 key use it after (not during) you install windows 10. Install the same windows version as the win 7 or 8 version like home, pro, etc...

I think people might have some problems with knock off controllers?

Also concerned about the 4k thing cpu and gpu wise.

[JC]

Just goto windows 10 and pic up a free licence. It has a watermark on the lwoer right and you can't really customize the look, but that is really not a big deal. It does everything else just like a normal version. Besides sounds like they are just going to be using steam anyway, so use that as your GUI.

I am not sure if that card will push 4k or not, Best thing you can do is try it. If not upgrading to a 1660 would be a solid option. I have a similar chip and i have a 1060 6GB and i can run at 4k on lower settings on newer games.

Id say just run it, and play with vid settings and see if you can get them playable. lower res graphics really arent that bad these days. I run them on a bunch of newer games and they still look great to me.


BTW, if you are looking into gaming with your kids, i highly suggest checking out "grounded" It's a great family style game.


as for the controler set up, i would suggest going to a store and having them try them out in person and pick what feels right for them. Getting a couple of different controlers might be worth it if they like a different feel. I personally like Keyboard and mouse. :)

[Illusion of Progress]

I have a Logitech F310 and have no complaints with it. I got it because the PlayStation layout was a large part of what I grew up with on consoles on the PS1/PS2. It has Direct Input and X Input so it should be pretty compatible with things new and old regardless of what it uses.

If you want wireless, F710 is the same thing but wireless plus rumble (and a nicer color scheme), but it'll be more expensive for multiple (F510 is an F310 with rumble AFAIK).

Your call on wired or wireless. Worth mentioning that some people have mentioned issues with the F710 on recent Windows 10 versions (involves the wireless receiver in device manager or something), though workarounds may exist.