Building a PC

[James19]

I’m in a position where I want to buy a PC having been using a Laptop for a few years. I have a Lenovo Legion Y540. It’s been great to me. I have it linked to an LG G sync monitor. Im keen to move to a PC now.

I have saved about £1800 for a Gaming PC. So I’m interested in how this site works. Does someone go through options with me? are builds custom made? Who should I speak with? I’ve heard good things about this site so thought I’d start here.

I‘d ideally like something that is future proof, relatively quiet when gaming. I imagine with my budget I can get much better than the 1660ti I currently have and a faster processor? Maybe more ram and a decent amount of ssd storage? I actually have a 1tb Samsung NvMe I bought for my laptop which I could use along with another ssd. Is liquid cooling something I should be going for?


Yes, just something really good for games for next 5-10 years would be great!

 

[James19]

Hi,

Thanks for the quick reply.

My monitor is an LG27gl850

I play:

Baldurs Gate 3
FM series
Valheim
Crusader Kings 3
TWW3
Path of Exile
D4 when it releases

I’ll use it for gaming and I’ll use my laptop for work. So yeah just gaming, and watching YouTube.

 

[sck451]

A slightly cheaper and oddly faster option would be this. I've downgraded the CPU: the X3D chip is amazing but unnecessary: I doubt there will be a significant performance difference. That means I can also reduce the cooler. I've also removed the second SSD because @James19 mentions having one already. And with some of the savings, we can upgrade the graphics to the 6950 XT, which is an amazing card for its current price.

You may also be able to transfer the Windows licence to save some money as well, depending on what's happening with the old PC...

Case
CORSAIR 5000D AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 Eight Core CPU (3.8GHz-5.3GHz/40MB CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI (DDR5, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s)
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
16GB AMD RADEON™ RX 6950 XT - HDMI, DP - DX® 12
Graphics Card Support Bracket
NONE (BRACKET INCLUDED AS STANDARD ON 4070 Ti AND ABOVE)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SEAGATE FIRECUDA 530 GEN 4 PCIe NVMe (up to 7000MB/R, 3000MB/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
PCS FrostFlow 150 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
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
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 - Approximately 7 to 9 working days
Price: £1,893.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/QD5xskcUhY/

 

[James19]

A slightly cheaper and oddly faster option would be this. I've downgraded the CPU: the X3D chip is amazing but unnecessary: I doubt there will be a significant performance difference. That means I can also reduce the cooler. I've also removed the second SSD because @James19 mentions having one already. And with some of the savings, we can upgrade the graphics to the 6950 XT, which is an amazing card for its current price.

You may also be able to transfer the Windows licence to save some money as well, depending on what's happening with the old PC...

Case
CORSAIR 5000D AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 Eight Core CPU (3.8GHz-5.3GHz/40MB CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI (DDR5, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s)
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
16GB AMD RADEON™ RX 6950 XT - HDMI, DP - DX® 12
Graphics Card Support Bracket
NONE (BRACKET INCLUDED AS STANDARD ON 4070 Ti AND ABOVE)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SEAGATE FIRECUDA 530 GEN 4 PCIe NVMe (up to 7000MB/R, 3000MB/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
PCS FrostFlow 150 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
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
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 - Approximately 7 to 9 working days
Price: £1,893.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/QD5xskcUhY/

Brilliant. Thank you. I’ve just checked and I have a Samsung Evo Plus 970 500gb nvme m.2 and a Samsung 860 EVO 1TB SSD. Will I be able to transfer these into the build?

 

[Scott]

Must admit I think I'd rather have the 7800X3D over the 6950XT if it's a toss up between the 2. The 6950XT is quite over-powered for 1440p, as much as that means it'll last longer at the resolution, it'll fall foul to newer options coming out in graphics technology. It is a bargain though, but I think it's a bargain for 4k. The 7800X3D offers a decent upgrade over the 7700 for most games, but where it will really stretch its legs is down the line. You would definitely want to consider a GPU upgrade over the life but ideally you wouldn't want to with the CPU.

There's not a huge amount in it, but I wouldn't build an AMD gaming rig without a 3D chip.

 

[sck451]

Brilliant. Thank you. I’ve just checked and I have a Samsung Evo Plus 970 500gb nvme m.2 and a Samsung 860 EVO 1TB SSD. Will I be able to transfer these into the build?

Yes. The 500GB is on the small side for a games drive, but it's better than a kick in the teeth, and the 1TB drive is a good backup. The NVMe drive will be easy to fit; the 860 will be a bit harder as it's a SATA drive. It's not difficult, but it involves two cables and mounting the drive and a bit of cable management. Not difficult, but a bit involved. You could tell PCS what you're planning and ask them if they would run the cables for you to make it even easier...

 

[sck451]

Must admit I think I'd rather have the 7800X3D over the 6950XT if it's a toss up between the 2. The 6950XT is quite over-powered for 1440p, as much as that means it'll last longer at the resolution, it'll fall foul to newer options coming out in graphics technology. It is a bargain though, but I think it's a bargain for 4k. The 7800X3D offers a decent upgrade over the 7700 for most games, but where it will really stretch its legs is down the line. You would definitely want to consider a GPU upgrade over the life but ideally you wouldn't want to with the CPU.

There's not a huge amount in it, but I wouldn't build an AMD gaming rig without a 3D chip.

On the other hand, I wouldn't buy a 6700 XT today if I was building a 1440p system for £1800. It's a three-year-old card. It is bearing up very well as a 1440p card, but that won't last forever. The 6950 XT is a good value at the moment and offers exceptional performance at that resolution. Obviously they're both good cards, but I know which I'd choose at this budget.

And one of the benefits of the AM5 platform, surely, is being able to upgrade the CPU when needed. I think that's how you get a better performing machine now that has plenty of potential for the future.

 

[James19]

Brilliant. Thank you. I’ve just checked and I have a Samsung Evo Plus 970 500gb meme m.2 and a Samsung 860 EVO 1TB SSD. Will I be able to transfer these into the build?

On the other hand, I wouldn't buy a 6700 XT today if I was building a 1440p system for £1800. It's a three-year-old card. It is bearing up very well as a 1440p card, but that won't last forever. The 6950 XT is a good value at the moment and offers exceptional performance at that resolution. Obviously they're both good cards, but I know which I'd choose at this budget.

And one of the benefits of the AM5 platform, surely, is being able to upgrade the CPU when needed. I think that's how you get a better performing machine now that has plenty of potential for the future.

To clarify and just make sure I understand everything here. This build is brilliant performance at 1440p and is future proof as in 5 years time or so I could change a few parts quite easily to upgrade if necessary? Where it falls down slightly is in 4k gaming… the alternative being what? I imagine this would be out of my budget though? I kind of feel that 1440p is fine for my needs. Of the games I’ve listed, correct me if I’m wrong, this rig would run them really well right? TWW3 max settings steady 60fps (More?). I like that the cpu looks good as I feel that is important in games like FM as it requires a lot of processing. In this build you include a 500gb ssd as you assumed mine was 1tb as I had initially said. Now ive discovered that the nvme is in fact a 500gb perhaps I should get a 1tb? On my laptop I have the c drive at 500gb and d at 1tb. i store all games on the d drive and keep the c drive Green for essentials. I think it works quite well so probably would like a similar set up here.

Finally, is there an HDMI connection? I believe my monitor is connected to my laptop via an HDMI cable.
To connect to internet id use a LAN cable I take it.

 

[Scott]

On the other hand, I wouldn't buy a 6700 XT today if I was building a 1440p system for £1800. It's a three-year-old card. It is bearing up very well as a 1440p card, but that won't last forever. The 6950 XT is a good value at the moment and offers exceptional performance at that resolution. Obviously they're both good cards, but I know which I'd choose at this budget.

And one of the benefits of the AM5 platform, surely, is being able to upgrade the CPU when needed. I think that's how you get a better performing machine now that has plenty of potential for the future.

Neither option is wrong really, it's just down to personal preference. I think the 7700 will be the constraint of this system and it will need a CPU and GPU upgrade to see it on top. With the 7800X3D in play I think it would only ever really require a GPU.

For context, this is a 6 game test in 4k. 1440p will likely see bigger margins as there is more reliance on CPU power. 20-30% between them, it's not insignificant.

 

[James19]

Neither option is wrong really, it's just down to personal preference. I think the 7700 will be the constraint of this system and it will need a CPU and GPU upgrade to see it on top. With the 7800X3D in play I think it would only ever really require a GPU.

For context, this is a 6 game test in 4k. 1440p will likely see bigger margins as there is more reliance on CPU power. 20-30% between them, it's not insignificant.

What is the price difference though to go for the 7800X3D? I mean if I change the card don’t I also have to change other parts too?

 

[Scott]

What is the price difference though to go for the 7800X3D? I mean if I change the card don’t I also have to change other parts too?

The 7800X3D is the CPU, not the Graphics card. The CPU slots straight in. The only change I would consider, but it isn't necessary, would be the aforementioned cooler that you had. The AM5 CPUs adjust very well with temperature. If you keep the temperatures as low as possible, the performance goes very high. I'm cooling the 7800X3D with a 360mm cooler..... it's like knocking a thumbtack in with a sledgehammer, but it ensures that I'm getting peak performance at all times. Anything in the 240+ mm range (H100 and over) would have you covered for this. It isn't strictly necessary though, the 7800X3D is not a high power chip at all so it doesn't need a ton of cooling, it's just eeking out that extra performance that it becomes useful.

No other chnages would be required at all. If you were willing to put in the extra budget to accommodate the 6950XT you would have a 4k power house of a system

The reason for my preference is that a GPU upgrade is almost inevitable. The CPU upgrade wouldn't be if you covered all bases. The value of the 6950XT is there for all to see though, it's a stonking great buy for frames vs £s, it's just overkill for 1440p.

 

[James19]

The 7800X3D is the CPU, not the Graphics card. The CPU slots straight in. The only change I would consider, but it isn't necessary, would be the aforementioned cooler that you had. The AM5 CPUs adjust very well with temperature. If you keep the temperatures as low as possible, the performance goes very high. I'm cooling the 7800X3D with a 360mm cooler..... it's like knocking a thumbtack in with a sledgehammer, but it ensures that I'm getting peak performance at all times. Anything in the 240+ mm range (H100 and over) would have you covered for this. It isn't strictly necessary though, the 7800X3D is not a high power chip at all so it doesn't need a ton of cooling, it's just eeking out that extra performance that it becomes useful.

No other chnages would be required at all. If you were willing to put in the extra budget to accommodate the 6950XT you would have a 4k power house of a system

The reason for my preference is that a GPU upgrade is almost inevitable. The CPU upgrade wouldn't be if you covered all bases. The value of the 6950XT is there for all to see though, it's a stonking great buy for frames vs £s, it's just overkill for 1440p.

Thanks for the feedback. How’s this?

PCSPECIALIST - Configure the AMD Am5 PC to your ideal requirements.

PCSpecialist is an award-winning manufacturer of high quality custom PCs & Laptops. Configure the AMD Am5 PC to your ideal requirements.

www.pcspecialist.co.uk

It is slightly more expensive than I had initially budgeted but if it is save me money down the line then probably worth it. It is sck451 suggested build with the cpu you suggested and a H100 cooler. I’ve noticed that there is no mention of whether there is an HDMI connection to hook the monitor up to. Does this come as standard? I also require a usb c for my headphones Jack.

 

[Scott]

Yeah that's a beastly build. The GPU has HDMI and DP, if you look at the GPU description it highlights this for you. It will have USB-C also.

Just to point out, the H100x you have selected is an older cooler. It'll do the job just fine but it's using older standard fans which will be more conventionally noisy. The H100i range has magnetic levitation fans which are silent other than wind noise.

 

[James19]

Yeah that's a beastly build. The GPU has HDMI and DP, if you look at the GPU description it highlights this for you. It will have USB-C also.

Just to point out, the H100x you have selected is an older cooler. It'll do the job just fine but it's using older standard fans which will be more conventionally noisy. The H100i range has magnetic levitation fans which are silent other than wind noise.

I mean… It takes me 400 over initial budget but it would be madness not to right? Just no takeaways for a long time. So, buying this will make me healthier too. Win.

When I proceed Im told the power supply is overkill, as I only need a 750. Would you change or stick with the 1000w?

 

[sck451]

I mean… It takes me 400 over initial budget but it would be madness not to right? Just no takeaways for a long time. So, buying this will make me healthier too. Win.

When I proceed Im told the power supply is overkill, as I only need a 750. Would you change or stick with the 1000w?

Stick with 1000W. The configuration tool cuts it far too close to the bone for my liking. Being under-specced on the power supply is a poor choice. If it goes wrong by being overloaded, it can take other components with it. It probably won't, but be on the safe side and go for overkill. It's what I've got in my machine and it's way less powerful than yours!