Getting geared up...

[JasMyr]

Hello guys, ive found your website and forums to be very helpful over the last few days as I work out how to build next pc. Thank you for the treasure trove of info and advice.

Probably 6/7 years ago I stopped upgrade my then current gaming rig. Life changed and I've been without for a few years, Ps4 gaming in the mean time.... well you can guess why I'm here.

I've read through some of the offerings posted and made a spec to a loose budget.
I'm an avid gamer so that's the main purpose of the build. Having a general semi powerful pc that I can slowly upgrade again is also an aim, although from reading through that guide, perhaps it's just the case that's gonna last more than a few years 😅

My budget us loose but il need to get a monitor sooner rather than later. I have an old Asus 1080p led from 2012 that il use to start but from a rou d £2 budget il also be adding a fresh monitor

 

[SpyderTracks]

Hello guys, ive found your website and forums to be very helpful over the last few days as I work out how to build next pc. Thank you for the treasure trove of info and advice.

Probably 6/7 years ago I stopped upgrade my then current gaming rig. Life changed and I've been without for a few years, Ps4 gaming in the mean time.... well you can guess why I'm here.

I've read through some of the offerings posted and made a spec to a loose budget.
I'm an avid gamer so that's the main purpose of the build. Having a general semi powerful pc that I can slowly upgrade again is also an aim, although from reading through that guide, perhaps it's just the case that's gonna last more than a few years 😅

My budget us loose but il need to get a monitor sooner rather than later. I have an old Asus 1080p led from 2012 that il use to start but from a rou d £2 budget il also be adding a fresh monitor

I trust that's £2000 and not £2?

What's your budget for the monitor as they will need to pair together.

What kinds of games do you play?

 

[JasMyr]

I'm an online gamer, back in the day it was cod/cs n wow etc.. itl be Cod now + next months flavour etc.. but i do love a BR these days.

No just £2.. I heard you guys were good and can get a deal lol. But yea sorry missed the K
And aiming from around £3/400 for monitor, on a quick troll round amazon tho, nearly all the 1440p/144hz type are out of stock. Will look deeper

 

[JasMyr]

I should add, I am keen on dabbling in VR. My friend has it, its awesome, so that's on short to long term plan

 

[SpyderTracks]

This is a really good deal on a 1440p 165Hz monitor at the moment, £50 off, there are a couple of places with stocks and it's a great monitor:

Box.co.uk

MSI 27" Quad HD 165Hz FreeSync HDR Curved 1ms Gaming Monitor

Buy from Scan - 27" MSI Optix MAG272CQR Gaming Monitor, 1500R, VA, 2560x1440, 1ms, 165Hz, AMD FreeSync, HDR, HDMI/DP

www.scan.co.uk

The extra HZ may come in handy if you're a CoD fan.

 

[SpyderTracks]

This is a pretty bulletproof spec, put notes by reasoning:

Case
LIAN LI LANCOOL II GAMING CASE Subjective obviously but this is a great case, if you do change it, get some advice as some cases are better than others
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 3800X Eight Core CPU (3.9GHz-4.5GHz/36MB CACHE/AM4) Overpowered strictly for gaming
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX X570-F GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0) - RGB Ready! Great board
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 8GB) Fastest possible RAM
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 2080 SUPER - HDMI, 3x DP GeForce - RTX VR Ready! Should pair well with the MSI screen above
1st Storage Drive
1TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 64MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
NOT REQUIRED
Power Supply
CORSAIR 750W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET Top tier PSU, allows for any GPU upgrade in the future, and semi passive so fans only come on when under extreme load
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H100i RGB PLATINUM Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler Excellent cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING Cooler comes pre applied with high performance paste
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Wireless/Wired Networking
WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 2,400Mbps/5GHz, 300Mbps/2.4GHz PCI-E CARD + BT 5.0
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
Windows 10 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft® Office® 365 (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Google Chrome™
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 12 to 14 working days
Price: £1,994.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/NE4QRus8mn/

 

[JasMyr]

Oh I just noticed I had copy n pasted a whole build.. something went wrong with the post and cut off the last paragraph and the build 🤦‍♂️..

So.. the 2k budget includes the monitor ideally . Although budget is loose as the higher it goes, then il just add finance. But wouldnt wanna go overboard.

Here Is what I'd put together...

On your notes.. actually that case was my first choice, but it was out of stock, your build took advantage of tastier goodies aswell..

Case
FRACTAL FOCUS G BLACK GAMING CASE (Window)
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X Six Core CPU (3.8GHz-4.4GHz/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
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 2070 SUPER - HDMI, 3x DP GeForce - RTX VR Ready!
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 970 EVO PLUS M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3500MB/R, 3200MB/W)
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
NOT REQUIRED
Power Supply
CORSAIR 750W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
STANDARD AMD 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
WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 2,400Mbps/5GHz, 300Mbps/2.4GHz PCI-E CARD + BT 5.0
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 [KK3-00002]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft® Office® 365 (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Firefox™
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 12 to 14 working days
Price: £1,586.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/7NYSqvyAXz/

 

[SpyderTracks]

Ah, yeah, if 2k all in then your build makes more sense. It's a rock solid platform and will accept any GPU upgrade you want to do in the future which is the main thing as the platform will last a good 7 - 10 years with one or two GPU upgrades in that time.

The X570 motherboard has been confirmed to accept the upcoming Ryzen 3 CPU's and knowing AMD, they may well accept the generation after that also, so there's even scope on upgrading the processor if you felt so inclined.

The above you've posted is perfect for 1440p 144Hz, it's a well balanced system.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Oh, yeah, regarding VR, the 2070 Super is just right for all headsets, apart from the Valve Index which really needs a 2080 Super because it has a slightly improved resolution and higher refresh rate.

 

[JasMyr]

Thank you, I spent a few daya reading all your wisdom... you've got me working out what I can squeeze in tho checking for change behind the sofa like 🤣.. what would you look at and think.. hmm that would be the first thing to change?

Or should I add 'better' cooling?

Gonna sleep on it before I go nuts tho haha
You guys have a great finance deal to be fair.

 

[JasMyr]

Oh, yeah, regarding VR, the 2070 Super is just right for all headsets, apart from the Valve Index which really needs a 2080 Super because it has a slightly improved resolution and higher refresh rate.

Yea, my mate has the old oculus doobie and a massive living room.. I believe he just recently got either the 2080 or 2070.. definatly a new card recently. His VR has worked really well for a while now tho... il make sure to research fully before diving in there

 

[JasMyr]

Thank you again for the advice yesterday. Went ahead n placed the order..

I did in the end upgrade the Mobo to the Asus ROG strix x570. Slightly more but will allow upgrade for years and went for the recommended case as I can wait a few days

That monitor also ordered so il be rocking in no time. Thanks for the help 👍

 

[Scott]

I would drop the 3600X to the 3600. I think they are charging quite a sum for that X now and it doesn't make any real odds. It's only really worth it when the price difference is a tenner or so

The review spec is also worth considering. Similar cash...

PCSPECIALIST - Custom Computers and Laptops Built to Order

PCSpecialist is a manufacturer of high quality custom computers and laptops. Configure your ideal computer in just a few simple steps with a broad range available.

www.pcspecialist.co.uk

 

[JasMyr]

Ok yea, how would that affect a finance agreement? I would assume the final invoice and payment structure would change once the build is complete.

I dont mind the extra much but if you dont think I'm getting enough for the money then I'd happily drop the X

 

[Scott]

You aren't getting anything IMO. In gaming it showed basically zero difference. Depends on the hassle etc of course

 

[JasMyr]

Sorry to bump this up, i did order a spec and am pretty excited for it... I keep going back in and thinking I want to change things. Its 5 days into pre production n I guess it will be there for a few more days, enough time to tweek 😅

Below is the important parts of build with link

Case
LIAN LI LANCOOL II GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Six Core CPU (3.6GHz-4.2GHz/36MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX X570-F GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0) - RGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 2070 SUPER - HDMI, 3x DP GeForce - RTX VR Ready!
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 970 EVO PLUS M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3500MB/R, 3200MB/W)
2nd M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 970 EVO PLUS M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3500MB/R, 3200MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 750W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
STANDARD AMD CPU COOLER
*every option below to usual standards
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/PTfqM7nNwP/ --(to get to what I have currently in pre, you must swap the cpu down to the 3600 and add a 2nd m.2 Samsung 970 evo)--

When I dug out my old rig I remembered I had an old Rog mobo which I found very good at the time, so happy to pay for the brand again

I've tried to convince myself that having 2 m.2 drives will be better than 1 aswell as HDD storage, cheaper alternative is 1x1tb drive, but then it's not 2 drives (1 for windows n applications and one only for games.. CODMW+warzone is getting very large and, maybe wrongly so, I'd be more comfortable games on a faster drive) seems legit to me

I could drop 2nd m.2 drive and premium board for better Cpu + cooler. I am thinking tho that could do that in 12-18 months with next gen cpu

Am I overthinking it 🙃

 

[Scott]

I think what you have is fine, certainly no stand out issues.

The ROG isn't worth it for what you have described. The X570 board definitely allows for sustained upgrade ability but the STRIX won't make any odds to that. It's got some good features and excellent VRM cooling so it's by no means a bad investment, it just may be a waste of cash given your thinking.

With regards to the storage, I wouldn't opt for a 500GB 2nd M2 drive. It seems like a bit of a waste of a slot to me. The minimum I would recommend for a second drive would be 1TB. That way you should at least be able to house 10-20 games on it.

 

[JasMyr]

Yea the 2nd drive came after making amendment down to the 3600.. saved near £80 on that one, was reading about storage n thought a 2nd drive would make sense so used saving to get the 500gb

 

[JasMyr]

I guess with the STRIX I've just been a little drawn in. I just remember the previous I had was easy to use, reliable and lasted through having everything around it upgrades.. I think it would still go now to be honest

I'm sure the TUF would do same job.could use saving to get 1tb m.2. We all like what we know

 

[Scott]

I'm not entirely sure I follow. The TUF and the STRIX are going to be exactly the same as far as the end user is concerned. There's not a lot of input required on a motherboard save for entering the BIOS.... which will be the same layout (with different colour scheme and some extra options I imagine).

Do a side by side comparison of the STRIX and the TUF on the ASUS website and see what features you think you will use that are different. Usability and upgradability are all but identical.

If you decide to upgrade to the 1TB drive you could opt for the Firecuda which is the fastest drive available (Silly speeds). If you wanted to save a little, I would have no qualms whatsoever with fitting a 1TB PCS M2 drive.