1080p gaming PC spec

[brick60000]

Thanks again both.

I'm at a point now where I'm more or less ready to press order, probably later this evening before I change my mind

Case
FRACTAL DEFINE 7 BLACK QUIET MID-TOWER CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 3800X Eight Core CPU (3.9GHz-4.5GHz/36MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX) - RGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
6GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1660 SUPER - HDMI, DP - GeForce GTX VR Ready!
1st Storage Drive
6TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 5400RPM, 256MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
24x DUAL LAYER DVD WRITER ±R/±RW/RAM
Power Supply
CORSAIR 750W TXm SERIES™ SEMI-MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H115i RGB PLATINUM Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Wireless/Wired Networking
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT (Wi-Fi NOT INCLUDED)
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Windows 10 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00001]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
NO RECOVERY MEDIA REQUIRED
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Microsoft® Edge (Windows 10 Only)
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 15 to 18 working days
Price: £1,638.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/vWHxQpQEfb/

I think (I wouldn't put it past me to change my mind) I'm going to keep the 1660 Super, and just push my budget a little higher than I had originally intended. My logic for this is twofold - firstly the simulation games I play are often quite resource intensive, and I'd hate to spend £77 less and regret it two or three months later should I choose to upgrade my monitors (which again, it wouldn't surprise me if I did this), or find that it got me a good frame rate, but not 40-50fps ; secondly I read something on a review last night that suggested favouring the latter for photo editing. I can't for the life of me find this again now though, of course....

I should also say I've thought about Windows, and have decided to go with getting another license, as it's possible that I might pass on the computer to somebody else when I'm up and running on my new one, hence that has re-appeared.

I'd like to ask if anyone had any final suggestions before I go and make the plunge? Is my logic above completely unfounded (please, tell me if it is!), or is there some reasoning behind it do you think?

I've kind of figured that it's better to push my budget up more in the short term, than regret decisions on key components like the motherboard etc 2/3 years down the line!

 

[SpyderTracks]

You can happily lower the cooler to the h100i platinum, no need for the h115i on that chip.

Sim games tend to be more CPU bound so the processor will help there as well.

Looks good other than the cooler.

EDIT, just seen the h100i is out of stock, ignore that then!

 

[brick60000]

You can happily lower the cooler to the h100i platinum, no need for the h115i on that chip.

Sim games tend to be more CPU bound so the processor will help there as well.

Looks good other than the cooler.

EDIT, just seen the h100i is out of stock, ignore that then!

Haha yeah I went and looked when you said that and found it at exactly the same time as you - as I'd just started to type a reply to say that and ask about an alternative!

Would you class the H100x with the PCS UQ fans as too far a "downgrade"? It's only £25 cheaper, so hardly the biggest saving in the world anyway!

 

[SpyderTracks]

Haha yeah I went and looked when you said that and found it at exactly the same time as you - as I'd just started to type a reply to say that and ask about an alternative!

Would you class the H100x with the PCS UQ fans as too far a "downgrade"? It's only £25 cheaper, so hardly the biggest saving in the world anyway!

No, you want the h100i platinum, it’s a much more modern cooler and will actually be quieter as well as better performing.

 

[Scott]

The only downfall of the H115i is that you are massively limited in case selection due to the way PCS fit them.

 

[brick60000]

Yeah, that's something that I think had been drawn to my attention - whilst I have been tempted by going for an RGB-friendly case I decided that I'd stick with the Define 7. My tower is hidden under my desk anyway, and I'd prefer quiet over looks.

Possibly a silly question - does the config software for the lighting give you the option to turn them off all together? Seems a waste having them on inside a completely sealed case!

 

[SpyderTracks]

Yeah, that's something that I think had been drawn to my attention - whilst I have been tempted by going for an RGB-friendly case I decided that I'd stick with the Define 7. My tower is hidden under my desk anyway, and I'd prefer quiet over looks.

Possibly a silly question - does the config software for the lighting give you the option to turn them off all together? Seems a waste having them on inside a completely sealed case!

Yes, the software is called iCue from Corsair and you get full control over the fan lights as well as speeds etc:

iCUE Software | Drivers | Software | CORSAIR

CORSAIR iCUE software connects all your compatible products together in a single interface. Control RGB lighting and fan speeds, program keyboard macros, and monitor system temperature.

www.corsair.com

 

[Grumpywurzel]

Good luck, will be an awesome system either way you decide to go!

 

[brick60000]

So, I pressed ahead with the order, thanks to everyone for their help & guidance. I couldn't have done it without you.

As is probably normal....having a bit of post-order wondering.

Nothing major, I've found the glass version of the Fractal Define 7 online at a price that's only £20 more than the non-window one offered by PCS.

I'm not sure if this is allowed within the forum rules, so if it isn't, please forgive me, and just a gentle note to say that is fine!

Would PCS likely order one in from their own suppliers if I gave them a ring, or is this something I'd have to source myself and get delivered to those? I'd rather get it from PCS if someone has had experience of them allowing / catering for this.

On a related note - does anyone have any experience with the windowed version? My concern is that does the removal of a solid side panel increase noise from the case? As I said, I've always prioritised functionality > looks, but if I'm able to get both for just a small sum more, then why not.

Any advice appreciated as always

 

[Charlas]

No harm in asking, but might delay processing if they can get it. But hey, wose they can say is no 😉

 

[SpyderTracks]

Would PCS likely order one in from their own suppliers if I gave them a ring, or is this something I'd have to source myself and get delivered to those? I'd rather get it from PCS if someone has had experience of them allowing / catering for this.

Yes, you’d have to order it yourself and then ship it to PCS for them to build into, that’s totally doable. In the case section there’s an option for “I have my own case”, just select that and then perhaps give them a call to advise what case you’re supplying.

 

[Scott]

Give them a call and see what they say. Sending in your own case is absolutely fine, but they may be able to get one through their suppliers if you request it. I've seen it done with other parts in the past. There's absolutely no harm in trying, What you will need to be mindful of is the potential delay to your build due to delivery times etc.

 

[brick60000]

Thanks all for the quick replies!

Give them a call and see what they say. Sending in your own case is absolutely fine, but they may be able to get one through their suppliers if you request it. I've seen it done with other parts in the past. There's absolutely no harm in trying, What you will need to be mindful of is the potential delay to your build due to delivery times etc.

@Scott - I remember you saying you use a similar version to the R7 with a window, and can see that's the case from your signature. Do you find this has an impact on noise levels, as opposed to if it were the non-glass version?

 

[Scott]

Thanks all for the quick replies!



@Scott - I remember you saying you use a similar version to the R7 with a window, and can see that's the case from your signature. Do you find this has an impact on noise levels, as opposed to if it were the non-glass version?

I can't say with any certainty as the one with the window is all I've ever had. I honestly can't see it having an impact as glass will vibrate less than the side panel will just due to it's makeup.

My case is crazy quiet though, I need to seriously push the GPU to get much noise out of it. The CPU can do almost everything on "quiet" mode, with no impact in temps. The H115i is phenomenal.

The 3800X runs significantly cooler than the 9900k so you will have no issues with either case IMO.

 

[brick60000]

I can't say with any certainty as the one with the window is all I've ever had. I honestly can't see it having an impact as glass will vibrate less than the side panel will just due to it's makeup.

My case is crazy quiet though, I need to seriously push the GPU to get much noise out of it. The CPU can do almost everything on "quiet" mode, with no impact in temps. The H115i is phenomenal.

The 3800X runs significantly cooler than the 9900k so you will have no issues with either case IMO.

Thank you again - I'll have a think this afternoon but may well give them a call this evening!