Midlife crisis PC build

[JPT]

Hi all,

Have hit the mid-life crisis wall in conjunction with the fact that my existing rig is now getting on for 9 years. It is still running like a tank (has a radeon 295x2 which nicely warms the home office room) and will probably give this to the ten-year-old who is beginning to aspire to be a PC gamer (God help him).

In this context I am entertaining a new build and yes, have, been seduced by the idea of a 4090 beast – which I know is total overkill. However always been a bit of an early adopter modding my Pentium 200MMX back in the day with 3Dfx Orchid Righteous Voodoo (if any of you remember these with their satisfying relay switch click as the computer went into 3D mode).

Now I am a bit rusty with where things are up to tech wise – used to have a keen interest but work, family life and other things have got in the way. Nevertheless, I am keen to get back into looking at having some decent gaming fun and have always wanted to try out a full watercooled rig. So very much in your capable and expert hands….

Aim would be to keep for 5-10 years (so end of midlife crisis 😊). Not sure whether I would upgrade or not (the current computer I haven’t touched).

Now my wife is probably going to kill me if I decide to go through with this purchase so would be great to get some sound advice so even though I will look pretty sheepish when she says “you spent how much?!!” I can have some justifiable arguments….

So questions are:

• Is below a suitable configuration which will all work well together?
• Would there be any benefits in waiting before ordering e.g. 6 months for potentially a major innovation (e.g. next gen Ryzen)

Here we go:

Monitor – To be confirmed – but likely a Dell G3223Q 32” 4K 144Hz or similar monitor. Aim would be to run my existing 2560×1600 monitor alongside for work related stuff.
Uses – Dual use – one as WFH machine primarily office-based stuff with possibly some imaging processing/AI but in the main as a system to off-load-steam by gaming.
Budget – Approx £4K-4.5K. Prepared to spend but like value for money/return. Now if you came back at me and said “Look spend £xxxx and you can get 90% of what you really only need” then you would make my wife very happy.


Case
CORSAIR CRYSTAL SERIES 680X RGB GAMING CASE
Custom Liquid Cooling Kit
Liquid Series RGB Mid Kit - EK
Tubing
Clear Hardline PETG Tubing (Bent/Metallic Fittings)
Graphics Card Cooling
GPU Water Block - For One Graphics Card!
Coolant Colour
Mayhems X1 UV Purple
LED Lighting
3x 50cm UV LED Strip
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i9 24-Core Processor i9-13900K (3.0GHz) 36MB Cache
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX Z790-F GAMING WIFI (DDR5, LGA1700, USB 3.2, PCIe 5.0) - ARGB Ready
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 4800MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
24GB GIGABYTE GEFORCE RTX 4090 - HDMI, DP
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SEAGATE FIRECUDA 530 GEN 4 PCIe NVMe (up to 7000MB/R, 3000MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SOLIDIGM P41+ GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 4125MB/sR, 2950MB/sW)
External DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
8x Slim USB 2.0 External DVD-RW
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1000W RMx SERIES™ - MODULAR 80 PLUS GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00003]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
Norton 360 inc. Game Optimizer - Free 90 Day License
Browser
Microsoft® Edge
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
48 HOUR INSURED PALLET DELIVERY TO UK (MON-FRI, INC. HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 12 to 15 working days

Price: £4,305.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/intel-z690-liquid/YMrPPnnEYv/

Cheers!

JP

 

[MrWilson]

Always fun to see people with this sort of money to burn.

Going for a water cooled PC for your use case is frankly overkill, but we’re not here to tell you how to spend your money, only to provide advice. Overkill components are fine, as long as you don’t compromise other areas of the build to keep them in. If you’re happy with the extra cost and maintenance for purely aesthetics and bragging rights then fair play to you.

CPU-wise, it might be better to hold off a little as the 7000X3D chips come out at the end of February which have a high likelihood of retaking the gaming crown.
RAM speed is slow, when paired with a 4090 this does start to become a factor in certain titles, even at 4K.
GPU is obviously a behemoth, but as long as you’ve the budget and monitor to match it’s a fine inclusion.
Worth getting a 2tb games drive as some games are stupidly large these days.
I would probably aim for the 1200W PSU in your shoes as the 4090 has a lot of power draw, add in all your fans and pumps and 1000W might be pushing where I would be comfortable.
And ditch Norton, even the trial version can slow down systems and you don’t want anything interfering with this behemoth.

 

[sck451]

I'd strongly argue against that system. Water cooling looks cool but adds very little performance. Probably, in reality, nothing even perceptible except hassle.

And yes, I'd wait for the next big product launch... which is Tuesday week. That's when the Ryzen V-cache CPUs will launch. Probably the top of the line gaming CPUs will be the 7800X3D and its big brothers the 7900X3D and 7950X3D. For gaming only, the former is probably the best option. For other purposes (if they're demanding -- not, say, word processing and email!) then the others may have a case to be made.

There are no compelling value graphics cards available right now. The 4090 is the extreme end, but the 4070 Ti would also give exceptional 4k 144Hz performance and cost hundreds less. Personally, that's the way I'd go, but if you want the big shiny thing.......!

Here's what I'd suggest for you:

Case
CORSAIR iCUE 5000X RGB MID TOWER GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X 12 Core CPU (4.7GHz-5.6GHz/76MB CACHE/AM5) But probably actually one of the v-cache ones
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING X670E-PLUS WIFI (DDR5, PCIe 5.0) - RGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
24GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 4090 - HDMI, DP As above, I might go 4070 Ti...
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 6900MB/R, 5000MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SOLIDIGM P41+ GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 4125MB/sR, 3325MB/sW) More storage for your games
External DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
8x Slim USB 2.0 External DVD-RW
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1200W HX SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® PLATINUM, ULTRA QUIET If we're going overkill, let's not skimp here
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
Corsair iCUE H115i ELITE CAPELLIX RGB Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler Sufficient for the Ryzen chips; custom water-cooling isn't needed
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00003]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Microsoft® Edge
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 - Subject to stock availability on pre-order products
Price: £3,577.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/bCpmVywyU6/

 

[MrWilson]

I'd strongly argue against that system. Water cooling looks cool but adds very little performance. Probably, in reality, nothing even perceptible except hassle.

And yes, I'd wait for the next big product launch... which is Tuesday week. That's when the Ryzen V-cache CPUs will launch. Probably the top of the line gaming CPUs will be the 7800X3D and its big brothers the 7900X3D and 7950X3D. For gaming only, the former is probably the best option. For other purposes (if they're demanding -- not, say, word processing and email!) then the others may have a case to be made.

There are no compelling value graphics cards available right now. The 4090 is the extreme end, but the 4070 Ti would also give exceptional 4k 144Hz performance and cost hundreds less. Personally, that's the way I'd go, but if you want the big shiny thing.......!

Here's what I'd suggest for you:

Case
CORSAIR iCUE 5000X RGB MID TOWER GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X 12 Core CPU (4.7GHz-5.6GHz/76MB CACHE/AM5) But probably actually one of the v-cache ones
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING X670E-PLUS WIFI (DDR5, PCIe 5.0) - RGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
24GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 4090 - HDMI, DP As above, I might go 4070 Ti...
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 6900MB/R, 5000MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SOLIDIGM P41+ GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 4125MB/sR, 3325MB/sW) More storage for your games
External DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
8x Slim USB 2.0 External DVD-RW
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1200W HX SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® PLATINUM, ULTRA QUIET If we're going overkill, let's not skimp here
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
Corsair iCUE H115i ELITE CAPELLIX RGB Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler Sufficient for the Ryzen chips; custom water-cooling isn't needed
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00003]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Microsoft® Edge
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 - Subject to stock availability on pre-order products
Price: £3,577.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/bCpmVywyU6/

This is absolutely the more sensible way to go, and would be what I would recommend to the majority of people. This build is already pushing the top end for gaming performance, as mentioned above anything added on top of this is for bragging rights. While you can look at benchmarks and have metrics for PC performance there’s no way to quantify how satisfied you will feel with the end product. That’s down to you and how you want to spend your money.

The build above is fantastic, it’ll run like a dream and will be easier to justify your other half. But if you want to go all out and are happy with the extra costs and responsibilities that’s also down to you.

 

[JPT]

Fabulous - thanks for the great advice! Sounds like the hanging for the launch next week (at least it is not six months!) would be sensible on the CPU front. Will digest the alternative build - my wife I am sure will be pleased given the price drop ;-)

One thing I didn't mention was that I do get quite irritated by noisy machines - hence my interest in the water cool option (as well as of course the overclocking). My good old 295x2 runs lovely and quiet with its built in watercooler circuit and I have to say that in 9 years both the processor and GPU have never ever got too hot or given me any grief as a consequence.

How noisy in your experience is the air cooled 4090s or indeed the 4070 Ti (appreciate the more sensible GPU)? Obviously not a PCspecialist option but did like the idea of the GeForce-RTX-4090-SUPRIM-LIQUID-24G as an AIO option although seen a review suggesting that it struggled a little with 240 mm fan and not much better than the founder edition. Also not that fond of the price.

With AIO Corsair iCUE H115i ELITE CAPELLIX RGB Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler - what's the feasible overclock on the Ryzen?

Thanks again for the rapid advice.

best JP

 

[sck451]

Fabulous - thanks for the great advice! Sounds like the hanging for the launch next week (at least it is not six months!) would be sensible on the CPU front. Will digest the alternative build - my wife I am sure will be pleased given the price drop ;-)

One thing I didn't mention was that I do get quite irritated by noisy machines - hence my interest in the water cool option (as well as of course the overclocking). My good old 295x2 runs lovely and quiet with its built in watercooler circuit and I have to say that in 9 years both the processor and GPU have never ever got too hot or given me any grief as a consequence.

How noisy in your experience is the air cooled 4090s or indeed the 4070 Ti (appreciate the more sensible GPU)? Obviously not a PCspecialist option but did like the idea of the GeForce-RTX-4090-SUPRIM-LIQUID-24G as an AIO option although seen a review suggesting that it struggled a little with 240 mm fan and not much better than the founder edition. Also not that fond of the price.

With AIO Corsair iCUE H115i ELITE CAPELLIX RGB Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler - what's the feasible overclock on the Ryzen?

Thanks again for the rapid advice.

best JP

Fabulous - thanks for the great advice! Sounds like the hanging for the launch next week (at least it is not six months!) would be sensible on the CPU front. Will digest the alternative build - my wife I am sure will be pleased given the price drop ;-)

One thing I didn't mention was that I do get quite irritated by noisy machines - hence my interest in the water cool option (as well as of course the overclocking). My good old 295x2 runs lovely and quiet with its built in watercooler circuit and I have to say that in 9 years both the processor and GPU have never ever got too hot or given me any grief as a consequence.

How noisy in your experience is the air cooled 4090s or indeed the 4070 Ti (appreciate the more sensible GPU)? Obviously not a PCspecialist option but did like the idea of the GeForce-RTX-4090-SUPRIM-LIQUID-24G as an AIO option although seen a review suggesting that it struggled a little with 240 mm fan and not much better than the founder edition. Also not that fond of the price.

With AIO Corsair iCUE H115i ELITE CAPELLIX RGB Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler - what's the feasible overclock on the Ryzen?

Thanks again for the rapid advice.

best JP

I have no personal experience of the cards at all. But as a general rule, different cards will have different acoustic characteristics: the reference cards are apparently very well cooled indeed and quite quiet, but this by other brands might be louder. Probably it will be a touch louder under full load, but probably very quiet when idle.

You have to balance the quietness with the downsides: expense, more potential points of failure, and the need for maintenance.

 

[JPT]

Thanks all for input. Waiting to see what the independent reviews/benchmarks are like for the new Ryzen V-cache CPUs when they appear to make a decision on that. I have to say I am definitely coming round to the idea of AIO CPU cooler. The watercooling fiddle would appeal if I had more time on my hands and realistically a man of my age doesn't need fancy coloured tubes

Still undecided on the graphics card front but definitely going down the 4 series route.

Now that have started drilling down I can see there is a fair price differential between PCSpecialist for comparable systems from competitors (e.g. 3XS, Chillblast, Cyberpower) - anywhere between £300 to £800... quite incredible really.

 

[JPT]

Hi all. Hope everyone is well.

Have been pondering and awaiting the new 7 series X3D and after evaluation probably on balance going to plump for the 7800X3D. Whilst the 4090 is not best bang for buck its where I am looking at although what manufacturer still deciding on (see questions below).

Monitor – Gigabyte M28U 4K 144Hz.. Aim would be to run my existing 2560×1600 monitor alongside for work related stuff.
Uses – Dual use – one as WFH machine primarily office-based stuff with possibly some imaging processing/AI but in the main as a system to off-load-steam by gaming.
Budget – Approx £4K.

Questions
1. I am still uncertain about the most ideal case and put the HYTE Y40 as a placeholder. The computer will need to sit on the floor (carpeted) so somewhat concerned about bottom case fans which might struggle with venting. Secondly need room potentially for 240 mm fan (see Q2) and also 360 fan for the corsair H150i. Overall not needing a RGB eye candy machine although some simple LEDs is fine by me (going for the austere mean look)
2. The 4090 is placeholder but entertaining a https://www.msi.com/Graphics-Card/GeForce-RTX-4090-SUPRIM-LIQUID-X-24G - would need to order this separately and fit myself. Feasibly also get it cheaper than ASUS that is available via PCSpecialist. Main concern though is warranty issues as this won't be covered by pcspecialist so rather a bit cautious about this. Thoughts appreciated.
3. SSD drive - is 1TB overkill for the 1st (OS drive)?
4. Any comments on the intrinsic wifi on the ASUS ROG motherboard. Any issues need to be alert to?
5. Power supply. 1000W or more?
5. Will need a new keyboard (the lad is getting my old PC) - haven't done any research yet but any starters for 10 appreciated.

Other comments of course very welcome.

Cheers JP

Case
HYTE Y40 BLACK MID-TOWER CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D Eight Core CPU (4.2GHz-5.0GHz/104MB w/3D V-CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX X670E-A GAMING WIFI (WIFI 6E, DDR5, PCIe 5.0)
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB) AMD
Graphics Card
24GB ASUS TUF GEFORCE RTX 4090 OC EDITION - HDMI, DP
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SAMSUNG 990 PRO M.2, PCIe 4.0 NVMe (up to 7450MB/R, 6900MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SAMSUNG 990 PRO M.2, PCIe 4.0 NVMe (up to 7450MB/R, 6900MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1000W RMx SERIES™ - MODULAR 80 PLUS GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
CORSAIR iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX XT RGB High Performance CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
LED Lighting
2x 50cm White LED Strip
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
ONBOARD 2.5Gbe LAN PORT
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00003]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
Norton 360 inc. Game Optimizer - Free 90 Day License
Browser
Microsoft® Edge
Warranty
3 Year Standard Warranty (1 Month Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Subject to stock availability on pre-order products
Price: £3,900.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/7awZTWstRV/

 

[SpyderTracks]

1. I am still uncertain about the most ideal case and put the HYTE Y40 as a placeholder. The computer will need to sit on the floor (carpeted) so somewhat concerned about bottom case fans which might struggle with venting. Secondly need room potentially for 240 mm fan (see Q2) and also 360 fan for the corsair H150i. Overall not needing a RGB eye candy machine although some simple LEDs is fine by me (going for the austere mean look)

I wouldn't recommend the Y40, it isn't great for thermals, the Y60 is far better at this level of build. Or if you wanted a similar form factor, then the Lian Li O11 Dynamic you could source yourself from elsewhere and send in to PCS to build in, it's actually a very simple process.

2. The 4090 is placeholder but entertaining a https://www.msi.com/Graphics-Card/GeForce-RTX-4090-SUPRIM-LIQUID-X-24G - would need to order this separately and fit myself. Feasibly also get it cheaper than ASUS that is available via PCSpecialist. Main concern though is warranty issues as this won't be covered by pcspecialist so rather a bit cautious about this. Thoughts appreciated.

Damn, that's a georgous card. I'm a huge fan of hybrid cooled GPU's, and modified my Founders Edition GTX 1080 with an EVGA hybrid cooler. It really does keep temps outrageously low, I don't think mines ever gone above around 65C even overclocked at full load. Yes, you would need to fit it yourself. PCS won't cover the GPU, but you will have manufacturers warranty but be warned MSI won't honour any RMA requests, they will expect you to go to the place you bought it, so make sure it's somewhere with a good support policy like Overclockers or Amazon.

But adding that GPU won't affect your warranty with PCS for the rest of the PC, PCS have an open chassis policy where you can make upgrades and fit components as you like without affecting warranty, so long as you don't do any damage in the process

7.8

Unlike with most computer companies, we allow you to open your case and install your own components without voiding your warranty on the following conditions: If the actions of the person installing the components cause damage to the computer, your warranty will be void; If you install components that are not purchased from us and they cause problems with your computer, your warranty will be void; If you install components that are not purchased from us we will in no way support you in installing them or with any problems you have relating to the components you have installed. We will support you in installing components purchased from us providing you have purchased them through the upgrade service available on your online account

PCSPECIALIST - Terms & Conditions

General Terms & Conditions of business.

www.pcspecialist.co.uk

3. SSD drive - is 1TB overkill for the 1st (OS drive)?

Not at all, personally it's what I would now suggest is probably warranted, data generally is getting so big now, the last thing you want is a drive that's going to run out of space. We've gone from recommending 250Gb to 500Gb to now 1Tb rather quickly.

4. Any comments on the intrinsic wifi on the ASUS ROG motherboard. Any issues need to be alert to?

It's got really good Gen 6e wifi, you shouldn't have an issue.

5. Power supply. 1000W or more?

I would personally suggest 1200W with the 4090. The card draws up to 600W and you need to take into account transient spikes which at worst can be around 2 x GPU wattage. 1200W should cover you.

5. Will need a new keyboard (the lad is getting my old PC) - haven't done any research yet but any starters for 10 appreciated.

SteelSeries are currently doing a sale, and I adore their Apex 7 keyboards, if Brown switches are ok for you, they've got it discounted to £107 with US English keyboard layout down from £180

Apex 7

The Apex 7 keyboard has 3 available mechanical switch options: red, blue, or brown, an integrated OLEDSmart Display, and an unbreakable aircraft grade aluminum alloy frame.

steelseries.com

The rest of the build looks spot on, just I would upgrade warranty to at least silver which is only £5er and increases return to base postage costs covered from 1 month to 1 year.

 

[JPT]

Ta for that - very helpful!

Not wedded in particular to any specific case - more keen to have something that can accommodate plenty of fans (240mm and 360 mm). Was thinking originally of a 5000D corsair but that doesn't seem to be available at the moment although have to say do like the look of the Y60 Hyte and they look like they can accommodate plenty of fans

You're also pushing me toward the MSI hybrid 4090 I have to say... Still have a 295x2 (one of the first OEM hybrids) in the old computer and had it for nearly 9 years now and it never breaks a sweat (although pumps heat from the exhaust fan nicely) plus its nice and quiet.

Found one on Scan - https://www.scan.co.uk/products/msi...b-gddr6x-ray-tracing-graphics-card-16384-core so definitely very tempted.

The Apex keyboards look fabulous - alas think they are all sold out on the discounted keyboards! But will keep an eye out for them.

 

[SpyderTracks]

The Apex keyboards look fabulous - alas think they are all sold out on the discounted keyboards! But will keep an eye out for them.

They're available on Amazon, actually even a little under £100 for the brown switch, but actually Blue switches are the same price

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SteelSeries-Apex-Mechanical-Keyboard-Switches/dp/B07V3K428D/ref=asc_df_B07V3K428D/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=430783625242&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3554665195396047131&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046601&hvtargid=pla-897820449051&th=1&ref=&adgrpid=102953041111

 

[SpyderTracks]

Another great keyboard brand is Ducky, Overclockers stock them well, but they can get expensive, but they're keyboards for life, so well built and fully swappable switches and keycaps.

DuckyChannel International

DuckyChannel International was founded in 1998 and added its retail arm in 2008 under the Ducky brand. Ducky''s goal is to provide high-quality, durable and professional mechanical keyboards for the business and growing gaming sectors.

www.overclockers.co.uk

 

[AgentCooper]

Another great keyboard brand is Ducky,

Absolutely 100% seconded. Terrible name for a brand, but they deliver in spades when it comes to quality. I recently threw away my standard issue NHS keyboard and treated myself to a One 3 Matcha. It oozes awesomeness.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Absolutely 100% seconded. Terrible name for a brand, but they deliver in spades when it comes to quality. I recently threw away my standard issue NHS keyboard and treated myself to a One 3 Matcha. It oozes awesomeness.

Ooooo, that's clean and tasty!

I've just remembered I get a little budget for working from home from work, and although I love my Corsair K70 and have no need to upgrade it, I think it's time I invested in a Ducky.

 

[AgentCooper]

Ooooo, that's clean and tasty!

I've just remembered I get a little budget for working from home from work, and although I love my Corsair K70 and have no need to upgrade it, I think it's time I invested in a Ducky.

 

[SpyderTracks]

View attachment 36689

Do you know which colour switches you got? I'm currently on Brown and have to say I really like them.

 

[AgentCooper]

Do you know which colour switches you got? I'm currently on Brown and have to say I really like them.

As it’s used for work I went for brown, just so my colleagues won’t want to take that keyboard and beat me to death with it.

But at home (where I’m free to annoy everyone) I still like the red. If it don’t clack I send it back 👍

 

[SpyderTracks]

As it’s used for work I went for brown, just so my colleagues won’t want to take that keyboard and beat me to death with it.

But at home (where I’m free to annoy everyone) I still like the red. If it don’t clack I send it back 👍

I should try reds, they're just always that much more expensive, but if going all out, then it really needs to be reds I think

 

[Scott]

Blue switches for the win

 

[HomerJ]

They're available on Amazon, actually even a little under £100 for the brown switch, but actually Blue switches are the same price

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SteelSeries-Apex-Mechanical-Keyboard-Switches/dp/B07V3K428D/ref=asc_df_B07V3K428D/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=430783625242&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3554665195396047131&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046601&hvtargid=pla-897820449051&th=1&ref=&adgrpid=102953041111

i thought a keyboard was just a keyboard until i came across this thread,


now I fell down the rabbit hole and worrying if I have the right switches or not