First Build - £2000-£2500, looking for some advice

[EchoDarkly]

Hi all 😊

I’ve had a few gaming laptops over the year, but now I’ve settled into a new house, I’m looking to build up my first gaming PC.

I’ve pasted the config I've created below, but I’m pretty new to building, so I was hoping some of you could give me some advice.

Monitor wise, I’ll be looking to buy the LG UltraGear 32GP850 Quad HD 32" Nano IPS LCD (or similar) - 1440p. There is a possibility I could also go 4K, so would like to have options. The refresh on the LG is 165hz, but so long as I could hit the 140fps mark, it would be fine.

It’ll be primarily for gaming. I’d like to hit up Cyberpunk on high graphics with ray tracing if possible with at least 60fps, but I'd rather keep my budget around where it is now (current config is £2350.00) and have high graphics without ray tracing. I'm all for online gaming as well, like COD or Battlefield.

I’m pretty confident on the build (but let me know if my confidence is misplaced!), but I have a few things I’d want to check:

• Motherboard? Is the motherboard suitable for the configuration (happy to spend a bit more money if it will work more efficiently with the rest of the build).
• Cooling? This is one I'm least sure about. I've seen discussions between air and AIO, efficiency against leaking potential etc. Would this cooler be sufficient enough, or is there another option that might be cheaper? Or do I need more cooling even?! (I play with headphones in mostly, so noise won’t be a primary factor in my decision)
• I think my storage options are fine (I will have the OS put on the M.2 SSD). It would just be game files, and then personal photos, videos, spreadsheets etc….All my movies are on Netflix anyway 😉
• I'm not sure about the power supply. According to PCS forcing the change, it should be enough, but not entirely sure. Again, I can up it if needs be.
• Wireless card - I have a 300Mbps broadband, but I probably won't be able to use a LAN connection (which is not ideal, but there it is). I've heard online people talking about older cards, and just want to make sure it's fine for my intentions.

My budget could stretch to £2500, but if I can keep it roughly where it is (or lower), that would be great.

Thanks for any help, and if you need any other info, let me know 👍





Case
COOLERMASTER MASTERBOX TD500 MESH ARGB GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 12 Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.8GHz/70MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® STRIX B550-F GAMING (DDR4, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
10GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3080 - HDMI, DP, LHR
1st Storage Drive
512GB PCS 2.5" SSD, SATA 6 Gb (520MB/R, 450MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SEAGATE FIRECUDA 530 GEN 4 PCIe NVMe (up to 7300MB/R, 6000MB/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
Corsair H150i RGB PRO XT Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler
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
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 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
Google Chrome™
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: £2,350.00 including VAT and Delivery

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

 

[Steveyg]

If you're going for a 1440p monitor mate this would be my build. Should smash 1440p 144Hz absolutely no problem at ultrawide. Fair warning on Cyberpunk though that game is a mess and hard to give ideas of frame rates especially with RTX on. I know I've been playing it recently on a 3060Ti at 1440p with everything on high but RTX off DLSS on performance and I'm getting around 100FPS so this should brute force more than that

I'd only suggest going for a 3080 of your planning on getting a 4K 144Hz monitor or something like a Samsung G9. 3070Ti is more than capable at 1440p

Case
CORSAIR iCUE 5000X RGB MID TOWER 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)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3070 Ti - 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
2TB INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3500MB/sR | 2700MB/sW)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1000W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H150i 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
Wireless Network Card
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 10/11 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
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 14 to 16 working days
Price: £2,425.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/QH9c4FdQM4/

 

[EchoDarkly]

Thanks Stevey!

I like your config upgrades. Just two quick questions:

The power supply, I’m assuming that would be good for either the 3070 ti or the 3080? I’ll see what I do monitor wise and make that call, but if it covers both, that’s great.

And last, the storage. I’d happily drop the 2tb down to 1tb. I usually play one game at a time, fully finish it and then uninstall and move on. I’m like 99% sure that wouldn’t be an issue, but just want to check.

Thanks again!

 

[Steveyg]

Thanks Stevey!

I like your config upgrades. Just two quick questions:

The power supply, I’m assuming that would be good for either the 3070 ti or the 3080? I’ll see what I do monitor wise and make that call, but if it covers both, that’s great.

And last, the storage. I’d happily drop the 2tb down to 1tb. I usually play one game at a time, fully finish it and then uninstall and move on. I’m like 99% sure that wouldn’t be an issue, but just want to check.

Thanks again!

Yeah no worries on the storage mate, go for what would suit you best

As for the PSU we always over spec here. I know you mentioned the 3080 and Nivida recommend 850W for this so factoring in upgrades in future and the power creep that's happening in GPU scene I overspecced on the PSU. It basically means you never have to worry about power consumptions or limits, plus the higher wattage will allow the machine to run cooler and quieter as the PSU wont be getting strained. It's also only like an extra £30 mate it's a no brainer

The GPU is up to you, you really need to pair that with the monitor so which ever monitor you choose will determine which GPU you should choose

 

[EchoDarkly]

Perfect!

Really appreciate the fast and informative help on this one 👍 I’ll name the rig after you 😉

Thanks!

 

[Steveyg]

Perfect!

Really appreciate the fast and informative help on this one 👍 I’ll name the rig after you 😉

Thanks!

I want to see "The Stevey G" on a Wifi list screenshot or I don't believe you

 

[EchoDarkly]

Hey Stevey,

Sorry, one last thing. I only just noticed you changed the case.

Is there a reason (size, components used, etc?). Happy to consider, just curious.

I like the look, but I’m just worried about size on my desk and airflow.

 

[JUNI0R]

Hey Stevey,

Sorry, one last thing. I only just noticed you changed the case.

Is there a reason (size, components used, etc?). Happy to consider, just curious.

I like the look, but I’m just worried about size on my desk and airflow.

We really like the 5000X for top end builds, it's an all round brilliant case hence likely why Stevey picked it. If you prefer the look of the TD500, that's perfectly fine, it's still a great choice!

 

[EchoDarkly]

We really like the 5000X for top end builds, it's an all round brilliant case hence likely why Stevey picked it. If you prefer the look of the TD500, that's perfectly fine, it's still a great choice!

Thanks Junior!

I was looking through reviews after I asked, and did the desk measurements, and it would be fine. Going to go for the 5000x…now just got to decide the gpu and I’m good to go 👍

 

[MMDos]

The power supply, I’m assuming that would be good for either the 3070 ti or the 3080? I’ll see what I do monitor wise and make that call, but if it covers both, that’s great.

1000W is even fine for a 3090, unless you plan on getting an i9-12900K build which has some power spikes (thus it would be safer to go 1200W).

 

[EchoDarkly]

Hey all,

Thanks so much for everyone’s help 👍 thought about it, and I’m going to go for Stevey’s config with the 5000x case, but with the 3080, change the 2tb to 1tb and if it’s after Xmas for pre-order stock, so be it.

Really appreciate the assistance from each of you. It’s a bit early, but Merry Xmas to you all 🥳

 

[EchoDarkly]

Hey all 👍

Specs below, but whilst sitting here (staring out into the snow, pining for my build to come soon) I was wondering about exhaust fans.

For the below, is there any major benefit to adding a single black exhaust fan to the rear panel?

Just bought Cyberpunk whilst on sale, ready for when my build arrives and was just contemplating how to keep everything as cool as possible?

Thoughts? Feelings? Philosophical musings?


Case
CORSAIR iCUE 5000X RGB MID TOWER 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)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
10GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3080 - HDMI, DP, LHR
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 INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3500MB/sR | 2500MB/sW)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1000W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H150i ELITE CAPELLIX RGB Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler
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
Wireless Network Card
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 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
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 - Subject to stock availability on pre-order products
Promotional Item
Get Guardians of the Galaxy with select GeForce RTX™ 30 Series GPUs
Welcome Book
PCSpecialist Welcome Book - United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland
Logo Branding
PCSpecialist Logo

 

[Martinr36]

Hey all 👍

Specs below, but whilst sitting here (staring out into the snow, pining for my build to come soon) I was wondering about exhaust fans.

For the below, is there any major benefit to adding a single black exhaust fan to the rear panel?

Just bought Cyberpunk whilst on sale, ready for when my build arrives and was just contemplating how to keep everything as cool as possible?

Thoughts? Feelings? Philosophical musings?


Case
CORSAIR iCUE 5000X RGB MID TOWER 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)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
10GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3080 - HDMI, DP, LHR
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 INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3500MB/sR | 2500MB/sW)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1000W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H150i ELITE CAPELLIX RGB Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler
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
Wireless Network Card
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 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
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 - Subject to stock availability on pre-order products
Promotional Item
Get Guardians of the Galaxy with select GeForce RTX™ 30 Series GPUs
Welcome Book
PCSpecialist Welcome Book - United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland
Logo Branding
PCSpecialist Logo

Remove the thermal paste, the corsair cooler come pre applied with premium paste, I wouldn't bother with a rear exhaust, you'll be fine with the 150

 

[EchoDarkly]

Perfect! Thanks Martin 👍

 

[Scott]

I would aim for 4k with the 3080. The 3070Ti is an entry 4k card and absolutely smashes 1440p. The 3080 is a bit of a waste of money IMO. I would personally pocket the savings and look to a 4000 series upgrade next year.

 

[EchoDarkly]

I would aim for 4k with the 3080. The 3070Ti is an entry 4k card and absolutely smashes 1440p. The 3080 is a bit of a waste of money IMO. I would personally pocket the savings and look to a 4000 series upgrade next year.

Cheers Scott. To be fair, while I have picked up the LG 27” 1440p, my tv is a Samsung OLED, 4k at 120hz…sure the other half won’t mind watching Netflix on a tablet now and then 😏😂

What do we know about the 4000 series at the moment? My big concern is going to be the supply chain and scalpers…I got lucky with my PS5, not sure if it’ll work again🍀

 

[Scott]

It's still a lot of cash to spend for sparing use. The 3070Ti would do fine at 4k... honest. If it was this time last year I would definitely opt for the 3080, but with the new cards looming I would always sacrifice a bit of performance now to have a fund started for an upgrade.

Lots of claims being made and the new architecture should help with the mining issues, but who knows really