Some advice on new machine build?

[Martyman]

Hi all, I'm looking to get a new rig, and looking for some advice - mainly just to make sure that everything is compatible, and that I won't be wasting money.

My current build is a PC Specialist i7 920 from 2009,with 24GB DDR3, and to be fair, it is still going strong, for most of my needs. It gets mainly used as a media centre, re-encoding video (slowly), Photography/Lightroom, music production and running a few VMs for work and projects. I don't really use it at all for gaming, as I tend to use my console.

I'd been thinking about getting a new system, and switching over to PC-based gaming but was in no rush. However, Flight Sim 2020 changed all that, and with the new CPUs and GPUs, I thought it was time to bite the bullet.

So, the details ...

Budget - around £2k (preferrably under)

Usage - Flight Sim 2020, media centre, re-encoding/converting video, Photography/Lightroom, music production, VMs, and some gaming.
I'm not a heavy gamer, but I do like to play now and again - games like Tombraider, Fortnite, Last of us, and Racing games. However the new Flightsim is my main incentive.

Monitor - currently using my trusty Samsung 32" 1080p tv from 2008 (great speakers), but I am looking to upgrade to a 1440p/144hz IPS monitor at some point.


Case
FRACTAL DEFINE 7 BLACK QUIET MID-TOWER CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Six Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.6GHz/35MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (4 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3060 Ti - HDMI, DP
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)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/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
Noctua NH-U14S Ultra Quiet Performance CPU Cooler
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 (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 Professional 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence
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 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 11 to 13 working days
Price: £1,907.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/MXmCaaQ0Nr/


PSU - PCS website saying I am only using 409W. I was surprised by that. I could downgrade the PSU to 650w, but it's only £15 cheaper, and NOT modular.

CPU Cooling - I don't think I'll be looking at overclocking, and I can't be bothered with topping up watercoolers. Will the Noctua be enough? Do I need to upgrade the thermal paste?

Case - Have I went overboard with the Define 7? I just want to make sure there is enough air-flow, and that if I do upgrade to a top-end GPU in the future, there is going to be enough room
Do I need extra fans?

Motherboard - just a small thing, but is the website image of the i/o on the TUF X570 wrong? I'd like to have the optical out option for audio. When I google that board, I see the optical port, but it doesn't seem to be visible on the image on this website?

GPU - I know the 3060ti may be a bit OTT for my my current display, but I hope to be changing that. Watching some of the reviews, the 3060ti seems to be the best £/performance card. Or should I really just go for the 2060 just now, and then upgrade later?

Thanks again, for any advice

Marty

 

[Martyman]

Hi, just bumping this up, as it dropped off the page. Any advice would be appreciated

Cheers ...

 

[sck451]

Looks like a great build to me. Yes, the photo for the X570 is wrong: if you look at the photo of the whole motherboard, you'll see that the optical out is on there, just as it is on ASUS's own website. I have that motherboard (from PCS) and it has the port.

I doubt you need the Noctua for the 5600X: the AMD built-in cooler is just fine and I very much doubt you'd need the special thermal paste. Similarly the PSU and case are probably over-specified in one sense, but in terms of longevity and upgradability, I doubt you'd regret it. The GPU is undoubtedly more than you need for a 1080p TV, but if you're planning on upgrading your screen soon (like, in the next couple of months) it's a good bet. Personally I'd want to buy them both at the same time -- you wouldn't want to get seduced by, say, an ultrawide in February and wish you'd bought a 3070 in December!

Finally, with the SSD, I'd personally want to spend the money you're putting on the Noctua into getting the fastest possible boot drive, which would be the 980 Pro when it's back in stock.

 

[Martyman]

Hi - thanks for the reply

I didn't realise PCS actually sold the 980 m.2 drive? I've been back and forth on the website a bit since Sept/Oct, and I haven't seen it listed.

The reason, I was thinking about the Noctua were the noise levels. I've read a few comments on forums, that the stock cooler can get noisy. My desk sits in my bedroom, and if I am running stuff through the night, the quieter the better.

Re: the case and PSU, I was concerned about future expansion, and getting the full modularity of the 750W. With the difference being less than £15, I thought it was a no-brainer.

I take it that the 3 fans that come with the case (2 front, 1 back) should be enough for my needs?

I definitely will be upgrading the monitor. To be honest, the refresh rate isn't as important to me, as the picture/colour quality I would get with IPS. Yeah - it would be great to get both, but that could be pricey - it's just something I need to look at.

 

[sck451]

Hi - thanks for the reply

I didn't realise PCS actually sold the 980 m.2 drive? I've been back and forth on the website a bit since Sept/Oct, and I haven't seen it listed.

Right at the bottom of the M.2 SSD section. They're out of stock for now, so greyed out.

The reason, I was thinking about the Noctua were the noise levels. I've read a few comments on forums, that the stock cooler can get noisy. My desk sits in my bedroom, and if I am running stuff through the night, the quieter the better.

Fair enough, especially if you're doing transcoding all night long. It's certainly the king of air-coolers on this list!

Re: the case and PSU, I was concerned about future expansion, and getting the full modularity of the 750W. With the difference being less than £15, I thought it was a no-brainer.

I take it that the 3 fans that come with the case (2 front, 1 back) should be enough for my needs?

Oh, being overspecified on PSU and case is definitely a good thing. I agree with you entirely. And I'd expect the included fans will be fine: it's a case with good thermal performance.

I definitely will be upgrading the monitor. To be honest, the refresh rate isn't as important to me, as the picture/colour quality I would get with IPS. Yeah - it would be great to get both, but that could be pricey - it's just something I need to look at.

I get that! It's just important to remember that GPU and monitor need to be a good match for each other, so it's worth having a clear plan for monitors before you buy the rest of the system.

 

[Martyman]

Ok - thanks for your help. I guess I just need to make a decision on the monitor. It's a bit hard as there doesn't seem to be much stock in many outlets at the moment (Xmas, I assume).

Once I nail down a monitor, I'll make a final decision on the GPU and place the order.

 

[MrWilson]

****COPIED OVER FROM ANOTHER THREAD****​

Slightly over the 2200 budget but has some improvements. GPU selection was based on 1440p benchmarks. At 1080p you are CPU bound, a 3070 will run ultra settings as well as a £1500 3090. At 1440p it is maybe 2 fps behind more expensive graphics cards and sits right at the diminishing returns spot. Upgrading to the next stage up you’re effectively paying £100+ to be able to have a couple of graphics settings from high to ultra. 3070 will also handle any other 1440p title you throw at it.
Other changes: The 465X is back in stock, this is the best case PCS have in stock under £100 atm. Bolstered your storage, got the best cooler you can fit in the case, upped PSU to 850W.


Case
CORSAIR iCUE 465X RGB GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Eight Core CPU (3.8GHz-4.7GHz/36MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB PRO DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3070 - HDMI, DP
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)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H100i 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)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT (Wi-Fi NOT INCLUDED)
Wireless Network Card
WIRELESS 802.11N 300Mbps/2.4GHz PCI-E CARD
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 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 17 to 19 working days
Price: £2,248.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/fSPzCSF3HD/

 

[Martyman]

Hi - what would be the performance drop in opting for a 3060ti, rather than the 3700? Isn't FS2020 quite CPU reliant? So the drop in FPS wouldn't be too bad.

I'm speccing a build for similar purposes, and I like the idea of saving £200 on the GPU. Although I admit, I am not too bothered about running on Ultra settings. After watching a myriad of reviews and video clips, I think 'High' settings should suffice - for me, anyway.

 

[MrWilson]

Hi - what would be the performance drop in opting for a 3060ti, rather than the 3700? Isn't FS2020 quite CPU reliant? So the drop in FPS wouldn't be too bad.

I'm speccing a build for similar purposes, and I like the idea of saving £200 on the GPU. Although I admit, I am not too bothered about running on Ultra settings. After watching a myriad of reviews and video clips, I think 'High' settings should suffice - for me, anyway.

3060ti is definitely better bang for your buck. You’re only looking at around 5% decreased performance, so the 3060ti is a great option, and will handle 1440p gaming just fine as well.
If you’re looking to save £200 that’s fair enough, but if you want to reinvest to improve other parts of the build, I would recommend upgrading your OS drive to the Samsung 980 which is blisteringly fast.

 

[Martyman]

Ok - thanks for that. I didn't realise the 980 was back in stock.

At the moment, I'm just trying to pin down a 1440p (144hz) monitor. Swithering between two LG screens just now (https://amzn.eu/amuPB2D) , but just gonna wait and see if there any deals in January first.

 

[Martinr36]

Ok - thanks for that. I didn't realise the 980 was back in stock.

At the moment, I'm just trying to pin down a 1440p (144hz) monitor. Swithering between two LG screens just now (https://amzn.eu/amuPB2D) , but just gonna wait and see if there any deals in January first.

Have you checked out the G5

Samsung Odyssey LC27G55TQWUXEN 27" G55 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor - 144Hz, 1ms, 1440p QHD, Freesync Premium, HDR10, HDMI, 1 x Displayport, Black: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Buy

smile.amazon.co.uk

 

[Martyman]

I prefer to go down the IPS route, so probably looking at £400+ ... unless I can get a bargain in Jan sales 😁

 

[Martyman]

Just another query regarding this build. Specifically ...

Motherboard
ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (4 x 8GB)

I read a thread where it was mentioned that there has been some problems running 3600mhz on ASUS boards. Maybe something to do with number of sticks? (ie. 4x8, rather than 2x16). Is there any truth in this? Should I just downgrade to 3200mhz

I know there was some discussion a few months ago, about 4 RAM sticks showing better performance than 2 - so don't really know what's going on now?

Unique URL - https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/Rk2CuZw7Gn/

Marty

 

[AgentCooper]

Just another query regarding this build. Specifically ...

Motherboard
ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (4 x 8GB)

I read a thread where it was mentioned that there has been some problems running 3600mhz on ASUS boards. Maybe something to do with number of sticks? (ie. 4x8, rather than 2x16). Is there any truth in this? Should I just downgrade to 3200mhz

I know there was some discussion a few months ago, about 4 RAM sticks showing better performance than 2 - so don't really know what's going on now?

Marty

With the new 5000 series AMD processors, they seem to gain a boost with four slots in use (4x8GB as opposed to 2x16GB). The issue has been with stability at 3600MHz. So 4x8GB at 3200Mhz would be absolutely A-OK

 

[Martyman]

Thanks for that

 

[Martyman]

OK - just about to place my order, now that Define7 cases are in stock. I just wanted to confirm the issues with the RAM. As above, I understood there were issues with the 3600MHZ sticks on ASUS boards, when opting for 4x8gb.

Basically, what is the best option? 3200mhz 4x8GB, or 3600MHZ 2x16GB??


Case
FRACTAL DEFINE 7 BLACK QUIET MID-TOWER CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Six Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.6GHz/35MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3060 Ti - HDMI, DP
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 6900MB/R, 5000MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/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
Noctua NH-U14S Ultra Quiet Performance CPU Cooler
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 (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 Professional 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence
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
Firefox™
Surge Protection
6 Socket 2m Surge Protector
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
Welcome Book
PCSpecialist Welcome Book - United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland
Logo Branding
PCSpecialist Logo

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/8jnG5cxQDf/

 

[MrWilson]

OK - just about to place my order, now that Define7 cases are in stock. I just wanted to confirm the issues with the RAM. As above, I understood there were issues with the 3600MHZ sticks on ASUS boards, when opting for 4x8gb.

Basically, what is the best option? 3200mhz 4x8GB, or 3600MHZ 2x16GB??


Case
FRACTAL DEFINE 7 BLACK QUIET MID-TOWER CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Six Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.6GHz/35MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3060 Ti - HDMI, DP
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 6900MB/R, 5000MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/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
Noctua NH-U14S Ultra Quiet Performance CPU Cooler
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 (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 Professional 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence
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
Firefox™
Surge Protection
6 Socket 2m Surge Protector
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
Welcome Book
PCSpecialist Welcome Book - United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland
Logo Branding
PCSpecialist Logo

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/8jnG5cxQDf/

2x16GB 3600mhz should sort you out nicely.
I’ve noticed that you’ve dropped down to the 5600x. All of your editing software would benefit from the extra cores of the 5800x, if you can stretch the budget for it.
I would recommend pairing an AIO with the Fractal case for optimal cooling, the Coolermaster 240 lite is a good value pick here.
The 850W RMx is only £3 than the 750W so I would recommend giving yourself room for upgrades at such a low price.

 

[Martyman]

Hi - I always had the 5600x in my spec. That 5800x you see half-way up, was another person's spec, from another thread that you copied into here, to carry on the conversation. I don't know if maybe you've got the two builds mixed up?

My initial spec is at the very top, and my reasons for buying were ...

I'd been thinking about getting a new system, and switching over to PC-based gaming but was in no rush. However, Flight Sim 2020 changed all that, and with the new CPUs and GPUs, I thought it was time to bite the bullet.

So, the details ...

Budget - around £2k (preferrably under)

Usage - Flight Sim 2020, media centre, re-encoding/converting video, Photography/Lightroom, music production, VMs, and some gaming.
I'm not a heavy gamer, but I do like to play now and again - games like Tombraider, Fortnite, Last of us, and Racing games. However the new Flightsim is my main incentive.

Monitor - currently using my trusty Samsung 32" 1080p tv from 2008 (great speakers), but I am looking to upgrade to a 1440p/144hz IPS monitor at some point.

I don't think I'll be taxing the system too much, so didn't really think I would need water cooling?

Once ordered, I'll be investing in a 1440p 144mhz IPS panel - currently looking at the ASUS VG27AQ, or the LG 27GL850

I'll stick with the 3600MHZ then, and look at the 850Rmx.

 

[MrWilson]

Hi - I always had the 5600x in my spec. That 5800x you see half-way up, was another person's spec, from another thread that you copied into here, to carry on the conversation. I don't know if maybe you've got the two builds mixed up?

My initial spec is at the very top, and my reasons for buying were ...



I don't think I'll be taxing the system too much, so didn't really think I would need water cooling?

Once ordered, I'll be investing in a 1440p 144mhz IPS panel - currently looking at the ASUS VG27AQ, or the LG 27GL850

I'll stick with the 3600MHZ then, and look at the 850Rmx.

Both are good monitor picks. The LG also has the 27GN850 out which is a newer version with some improvements, but either model will do a great job.
The Fractal case prioritises quietness so it doesn't have great airflow. AIOs can exhaust hot air directly out of the case rather than the air cooler which pushes hot air around the case. Either way, the Coolermaster 240 is cheaper than the Noctua so I wouldn't recommend the Noctua in this case. I do tend to overspec on cooling though, as it's always better to err on the side of caution in my opinion. But you can always amend after ordering if you change your mind.
Looking back I think a mod copied the post across. I'm sure they had a good reason for it, but I see my mistake now. The 5600x should be alright for MSFS 2020, but I think some of the more Flight Sim savvy users recommend 8 cores for it if you can stretch the budget. The 5800x is a lot more reasonably priced compared to the end of last year.

 

[Martyman]

OK - thanks for that