Worth a Motherboard Upgrade?

[Adam0410]

Monitor - Two 1080p gaming monitors with a 280hz refresh rate

Uses - High end gaming (Cyberpunk 2077 on ultra for example), and intensive back end development (running multiple microservices in a kubernetes cluster).

Budget -No limit per-say, it's currently just over £3k. I could go higher but I don't want to get components where the performance increase isn't worth the price difference (e.g. RTX 3090 or AMD Threadripper isn't worth the price bump imo)

Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X 16 Core CPU (3.4GHz-4.9GHz/72MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® STRIX B550-F GAMING (DDR4, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
10GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3080 - HDMI, DP
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 7000MB/R, 5000MB/W)
2nd M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 7000MB/R, 5000MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W TXm SERIES™ SEMI-MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H100x Hydro Cooler w/ PCS Ultra Quiet Fans
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 (Wi-Fi NOT INCLUDED)
USB/Thunderbolt Options
2 PORT (1 x TYPE A, 1 x TYPE C) USB 3.1 PCI-E CARD + STANDARD USB PORTS

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/B9C9upHv0C/

I'm wondering if it's worth changing to a higher-end motherboard with PCIe 4.0 or something? I'm pretty clueless when it comes to motherboards, so I don't know how much effect they have on performance.

I know I'm going to be waiting several months for that 3080 and 5950x combo anyway, so might as well make sure all the other components are paired as well with them as possible!

(Also I know a 3080 is only really recommended for 4k gaming, but I am keen to get maximum FPS out of my games to make use of that 280hz refresh rate)

 

[Steveyg]

You've massively overspecced for 1080p 240hz mate

You can get 1080p 240hz with a 3060ti in Cyberpunk by messing with a few settings. I managed it on my build

Can you post a configurable link like the post below suggests and we can help you with a build

How to Post Your Specification to the Forum - Check this Spec

When creating a forum post looking to discuss a PC spec there's a really simple way to post the spec in question here. IF YOU HAVEN'T ORDERED ONE YET AND ARE LOOKING FOR ADVICE ON A BUILD follow this step. IF YOU HAVE ALREADY ORDERED AND ARE ASKED FOR SPECS follow the next post. Click the...

www.pcspecialist.co.uk

 

[Adam0410]

Just edited it to include the re-configurable link.

Are there no reasons to get a 3080 for 1080p gaming then? What about Microsoft flight sim at 1080p?

 

[Martinr36]

As @Steveyg said you are highly overspecced, in fact with a £3k budget you could get a nice 1440p ultrawide setup including the G9

 

[Steveyg]

Well this is a 4K 60hz build or 1440p 240hz which ever you would prefer. I'm sure someone else can optimise the storage, I really need to do a bit of homework in that area as it's the one I'm lacking in

ase
CORSAIR 5000D AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 12 Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.8GHz/70MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX X570-F GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
10GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3080 - 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
2TB SEAGATE FIRECUDA 520 GEN 4 PCIe NVMe (up to 5000MB/R, 4400MB/W)
Memory Card Reader
USB 3.0 EXTERNAL SD/MICRO SD CARD READER
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W 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 PRO XT Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
LED Lighting
2x 50cm ARGB LED Strip
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 INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 2,400Mbps/5GHz, 300Mbps/2.4GHz PCI-E CARD + BT 5.0
USB/Thunderbolt Options
2 PORT (2 x TYPE A) USB 3.1 PCI-E CARD + STANDARD USB 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 - Subject to stock availability on pre-order products
Price: £3,048.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/QHZCj6n6QU/

 

[SpyderTracks]

It’s pointless having 2 240hz screens anyway as you’d only be gaming on one. Otherwise the centre screen is between the panels which is a really poor experience and basically not done.

But also, none of the games you mention would benefit from high refresh anyway, so again, bit pointless.

If you want ultimate experience, then factor in a 3080 for 1440 Superwide at 144hz with room to grow to 240hz (the Samsung G9).

If budget isn’t an issue, that would give a vastly better experience all round.

 

[Ash_]

I’m just going to add... a 3060ti will not even get close to 240hz at 1080p, my 2060 gets something like 60fps on medium lol at 1080p. Tom’s has the 3060ti getting 77fps - the 3090 only gets 104, where as the 3080 gets 103.

You definitely want a better motherboard, as you have 2 4th gen’s and the board only support 1 at pcie4 and 1 at pcie3, not to mention the cooling issue.

You’d be much better off with say a 1080p 240hz and a 1440p 144hz setup.

 

[SpyderTracks]

I’m just going to add... a 3060ti will not even get close to 240hz at 1080p, my 2060 gets something like 60fps on medium lol at 1080p. Tom’s has the 3060ti getting 77fps - the 3090 only gets 104, where as the 3080 gets 103.

You definitely want a better motherboard, as you have 2 4th gen’s and the board only support 1 at pcie4 and 1 at pcie3, not to mention the cooling issue.

You’d be much better off with say a 1080p 240hz and a 1440p 144hz setup.

Sorry but there’s something seriously wrong with your system if that’s the performance you’re getting from a 2060. Depends what game you’re referring to of course I guess.

The most demanding references was flight sim, but it’s not a high FPS game, 60hz is more than enough with a the baseline being 30fps.

 

[Ash_]

Sorry but there’s something seriously wrong with your system if that’s the performance you’re getting from a 2060. Depends what game you’re referring to of course I guess.

The most demanding references was flight sim, but it’s not a high FPS game, 60hz is more than enough with a the baseline being 30fps.

I’m talking about Cyberpunk

 

[Steveyg]

Yeah Cyberpunk I get around 60-70 fps on 1440p with settings cranked and DLS & RTX settings set to performance. If I set them to quality I get around 30-40fps.

at 1080p I had everything cranked and was running 100+ fps. Messing with settings, dropping things turning them down I got to 200fps

 

[Ash_]

Yeah Cyberpunk I get around 60-70 fps on 1440p with settings cranked and DLS & RTX settings set to performance. If I set them to quality I get around 30-40fps.

at 1080p I had everything cranked and was running 100+ fps. Messing with settings, dropping things turning them down I got to 200fps

Are you sure you’re recalling the fps correct? My 3070 gets them sorts of stats on cod at 1080p. My 2060 gets 60fps medium on cyberpunk and 110 on cod.
My 1060-6gb used to get 25 on cyberpunk and 80 on cod.

 

[J0hnC]

As @Steveyg said you are highly overspecced, in fact with a £3k budget you could get a nice 1440p ultrawide setup including the G9

I splashed on a CRG9 and it really is a great screen.

 

[Steveyg]

Are you sure you’re recalling the fps correct? My 3070 gets them sorts of stats on cod at 1080p. My 2060 gets 60fps medium on cyberpunk and 110 on cod.
My 1060-6gb used to get 25 on cyberpunk and 80 on cod.

There's a pretty massive jump between the 3060Ti and the 2060. The jump from the 3060Ti to the 3070 though isn't all the large though

All I can say is what I've experienced mate. The last game I paid attention on is RDR2 which I'm playing at 1440p settings maxed and getting roughly 70-80fps consistently

 

[Adam0410]

Thanks, everyone! Based on your advice I think I will buy a 4K gaming monitor to take full advantage of the 3080.

I'm still keen to keep the 5950x since I do run some pretty intense server applications for work, and I want it to last well into the future, I am hoping the only component I will need to upgrade in the next few years will be the graphics card.

I've also changed the case and the motherboard based on your suggestions to better support the PCIe components and to get better airflow. Here's what I'm looking at now:


Case
CORSAIR 5000D AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X 16 Core CPU (3.4GHz-4.9GHz/72MB 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
10GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3080 - HDMI, DP
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 7000MB/R, 5000MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 7000MB/R, 5000MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W TXm SERIES™ SEMI-MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H100x Hydro Cooler w/ PCS Ultra Quiet Fans
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 (Wi-Fi NOT INCLUDED)
Wireless Network Card
WIRELESS 802.11N 300Mbps/2.4GHz PCI-E CARD
USB/Thunderbolt Options
2 PORT (1 x TYPE A, 1 x TYPE C) USB 3.1 PCI-E CARD + STANDARD USB 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 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

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/gFuF2m2usy/

 

[Adam0410]

I need at least 1 USB-C port on the outside so I can connect my new Android phone to my PC.

It says the motherboard has a USB-C port, will that be accessible externally? At the moment I've got a 2 PORT (1 x TYPE A, 1 x TYPE C) USB 3.1 PCI-E CARD since I thought I'd need that to get a USB-C port on the outside but maybe not?

Is the motherboard I've chosen the best for my setup? Is there a better one I could have chosen?

 

[SpyderTracks]

I’m talking about Cyberpunk

It’s pointless doing any kind of benchmarks on cyberpunk, it’s a broken game, it should not have been released even to this date.

 

[Steveyg]

Yeah the 5950X you really want the CROSSHAIR VIII Hero to get the fill usage of it, it would be worth contacting PCS to see when they might receive some stock. But I would wait for the that motherboard to pair with that CPU

You can also drop the thermal paste and save £9, the Corsair CPU cooler will come with it's own very high quality thermal paste

 

[Bigfoot]

Yeah the 5950X you really want the CROSSHAIR VIII Hero to get the fill usage of it, it would be worth contacting PCS to see when they might receive some stock. But I would wait for the that motherboard to pair with that CPU

You can also drop the thermal paste and save £9, the Corsair CPU cooler will come with it's own very high quality thermal paste

In addition, the chosen cooler is an old version. You want the Pro XT, Platinum or new Elite Cappelix version. For that spec of build I would want an RMx PSU. A better WifFi card is the AX200.

 

[Adam0410]

Cheers guys, here's what we're looking at now:

Case
CORSAIR 5000D AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X 16 Core CPU (3.4GHz-4.9GHz/72MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® CROSSHAIR VIII HERO (DDR4, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX/SLI) - RGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
10GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3080 - HDMI, DP
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 7000MB/R, 5000MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 7000MB/R, 5000MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W HXi SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® PLATINUM
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H115i ELITE CAPELLIX RGB 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)
USB/Thunderbolt Options
2 PORT (1 x TYPE A, 1 x TYPE C) USB 3.1 PCI-E CARD + STANDARD USB 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 - Subject to stock availability on pre-order products

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/KrSGF9UJrd/

 

[Adam0410]

In addition, the chosen cooler is an old version. You want the Pro XT, Platinum or new Elite Cappelix version. For that spec of build I would want an RMx PSU. A better WifFi card is the AX200.

The WiFi card was left in by accident! I will only need Ethernet.

I'll be calling up PCS later this afternoon to put in the order over the phone since the Crosshair is out of stock and the online ordering tool won't let me proceed with that in my build.