Gaming/work PC

[Citrus_9]

Hi guys, I'd appreciate if someone have a look at the below build I'm thinking to purchase and give some thoughts. I've got an ASUS TUF Gaming VG259Q (25 inch) for 1080p 144Mhz.

A PC would be for:

- Games: Mafia 3, GTA 5, Tropico 6, Cities Skylines with a some mods and I may be listening Spotify while playing.
- Chrome or Firefox would be always opened with around 15-25 tabs and listening music while browsing or playing Netflix in the background.
- Watching Netflix same time while using Excel, Word and Outlook with also a few pdfs and jpgs keep opening and closing.

A budget for PC 1700 Euro.

A link below is with 3700X, but I'd actually get a 3600, just this one is out of stock at the moment. I'd also take another case - waiting to be in stock too.

PCSPECIALIST - Top Spec Custom PCs & Laptops Built to Order

Manufacturer of performance custom computers and laptops. Customise your ideal gaming PC or laptop using our advanced configurator.

www.pcspecialist.ie

Case
CORSAIR CARBIDE SERIES™ 200R COMPACT GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Eight Core CPU (3.6GHz-4.4GHz/36MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B550-PLUS (DDR4, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB PRO DDR4 3200MHz (4 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
6GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 2060 - HDMI, DP - VR Ready!
1st Storage Drive
2TB Samsung 870 QVO 2.5" SSD, SATA 6Gb/s (up to 560MB/sR | 530MB/sW)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 6900MB/R, 5000MB/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)
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
NO OPERATING SYSTEM REQUIRED

Many thanks!

 

[AgentCooper]

The idea of having 15-25 tabs open at once on any browser is a little unsettling to me, when I thought about doing that with Chrome I threw up in my mouth a little bit 🤢

I’d definitely suggest changing cases to something with better airflow and getting the AMD 5600X as your CPU. You’re also not getting Windows with it? Are you transferring a license over or using Linux?

 

[Martinr36]

The idea of having 15-25 tabs open at once on any browser is a little unsettling to me, when I thought about doing that with Chrome I threw up in my mouth a little bit 🤢

I’d definitely suggest changing cases to something with better airflow and getting the AMD 5600X as your CPU. You’re also not getting Windows with it? Are you transferring a license over or using Linux?

I've 24 open in Waterfox at the minute, but the thought of more than 1 in Chrome.............................😱😱

 

[Citrus_9]

The idea of having 15-25 tabs open at once on any browser is a little unsettling to me, when I thought about doing that with Chrome I threw up in my mouth a little bit 🤢

I’d definitely suggest changing cases to something with better airflow and getting the AMD 5600X as your CPU. You’re also not getting Windows with it? Are you transferring a license over or using Linux?

Thanks! I'm mostly using a Firefox... Chrome is getting out of date in my mind

Not sure if I need 32gb RAM or should take 16gb instead. Also, don't know if 3600MHz vs 3200MHz RAM worth the money. Some people say 4x8gb for 32gb is better comparing to 2x16gb, but some people say the opposite!

A case would be Corsair 275 Airflow edition or Corsair 465X (Mid).

I want a very efficient and silent air cooling - would AMD 5600X CPU stock cooler is quiet or better get a Noctua NH-U14S? (I've read great reviews about it).

About GPU: 1660Ti, 2060 or 5600XT? 5600XT puts me off because of the drivers/bios problems as people seem still having some issues with 5600XT so I'm thinking to be save and get a 2060.

PSU I'm taking the cheapest fully modular as I just want it to be tidy and it's better for air flow.

OS will be Windows, and I'm thinking to get a licence form the websites like Kinguin.

 

[AgentCooper]

So... for a standard gamer, 16GB is more than enough RAM. Just make sure you close all those internet tabs before you start playing! 😆

And if you’re set on getting 32GB... get 4X8GB when buying a 5000 series AMD chip. They get a little performance boost in that setup. I wouldn’t recommend getting a 3000 series now. They’re great processors but the new ones have really raised the bar. They also loooove fast RAM, 3200MHz is as low as I’d want to go 👍

Cases: Both the 275R Airflow and the 465X are great choices, I salute you. They should hopefully be coming back into stock soon, check the site on Monday to see as a delivery of cases is allegedly due.

The cooler that’s bundled with the AMD CPUs is adequate and will do the job for up to six cores. If you’re seeking a quiet fan cooler you can’t go wrong with the Noctua. It also comes with a good thermal paste pre-applied 🤙

Good call on the PSU, you’ve chosen wisely by going fully modular.

Now... the GPU. Definitely avoid the 5600XT for all the reasons you listed. The 1660 Super would suffice, the extra money you’d pay for the Ti isn’t worth the minimal gains. The 2060 would be the luxury choice. High settings and a bit of sexy ray tracing on games that support it.

Lastly... beware of any site purporting to sell a genuine copy of Windows for anything less than £70. They’re always dodgy. Always.

 

[Citrus_9]

So... for a standard gamer, 16GB is more than enough RAM. Just make sure you close all those internet tabs before you start playing! 😆

And if you’re set on getting 32GB... get 4X8GB when buying a 5000 series AMD chip. They get a little performance boost in that setup. I wouldn’t recommend getting a 3000 series now. They’re great processors but the new ones have really raised the bar. They also loooove fast RAM, 3200MHz is as low as I’d want to go 👍

Cases: Both the 275R Airflow and the 465X are great choices, I salute you. They should hopefully be coming back into stock soon, check the site on Monday to see as a delivery of cases is allegedly due.

The cooler that’s bundled with the AMD CPUs is adequate and will do the job for up to six cores. If you’re seeking a quiet fan cooler you can’t go wrong with the Noctua. It also comes with a good thermal paste pre-applied 🤙

Good call on the PSU, you’ve chosen wisely by going fully modular.

Now... the GPU. Definitely avoid the 5600XT for all the reasons you listed. The 1660 Super would suffice, the extra money you’d pay for the Ti isn’t worth the minimal gains. The 2060 would be the luxury choice. High settings and a bit of sexy ray tracing on games that support it.

Lastly... beware of any site purporting to sell a genuine copy of Windows for anything less than £70. They’re always dodgy. Always.

I'm reading that ASUS motherboards tend to make problems with fast RAM. I'm getting a TUF GAMING B550-PLUS and see in the Asus website it says it supports up to 3200 MHz RAM (when not overclocked). But when I choose 3600Mhz RAM, PCS website doesn't show any warning message. Would 3600Mhz 32GB (4x8GB) still be recognised and work at the full 3600MHz or that would be the waste of money as would still work just at 3200MHz?

From the Asus.com for the TUF GAMING B550-PLUS Tech Specs:
AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series/ 3000 Series Desktop Processors
4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4 4600(O.C)/4400(O.C)/4266(O.C.)/4133(O.C.)/4000(O.C.)/3866(O.C.)/3733(O.C.)/3600(O.C.)/3466(O.C.)/3333(O.C.)/3200/3000/2800/2666/2400/2133 MHz Un-buffered Memory *

My CPU 5600X would be at base clock, so 3200 would be max, from what I see.

Thanks!

 

[Luffy]

I do not really know but, to be on the safe side, it may be worth upgrading the motherboard to something more expensive

 

[Citrus_9]

Got sick of waiting the price drop and keep wondering if I want 1660 Super/2060 and 3600/5600X. Woke up this morning and decided to spend the money.

I know I won't use all of the goody out of 2060, but I got bored playing the game to keep checking for 1660 Super or 2060 to be in stock. Decided 3600X as 3600 is now out of stock (and don't want to wait and loose 2060 which is now in stock, but can be out quickly), also don't want to wait for 5600X so long and pay for it so much (seems now more expensive then previously).

My monitor is Asus TUF Gaming VG259 1080p 144Hz.

A case will be CORSAIR iCUE 465X RGB ATX Mid-Tower PC Case - Black from Currys PC World UK for £104.90. Who could point me to the right direction of sending a case to PCS and should I do this now or wait for a week or so? I haven't bought the case yet. (edit: never mind, found all instructions through My Account > My Orders > Case)

Thanking to everyone in this forum for the help and your knowledge shared with all.

I've been reading the threads for the last few months and learning a lot of stuff around. Also due to a lockdown I've been doing a lof of online research: watching and reading reviews, benchmarks etc. - this has helped me to build some confidence and refresh my knowledge too.

So here you go:
Case
Send In Your Own Case
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X Six Core CPU (3.8GHz-4.4GHz/36MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® STRIX B550-F GAMING (DDR4, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
6GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 2060 - HDMI, DP - VR Ready!
1st Storage Drive
1TB Samsung 870 QVO 2.5" SSD, SATA 6Gb/s (up to 560MB/sR | 530MB/sW)
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SAMSUNG 970 EVO PLUS M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3500MB/R, 3300MB/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
Extra Case Fans
2x 120mm Black Case Fan (configured to extract from rear/roof)
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
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 [KK3-00002]
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)
Monitor Cables
1 x 2m DisplayPort Adapter Cable - DP to HDMI
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
2 - 3 DAY DELIVERY TO REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 23 to 25 working days

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/GuqZDqG6ut/

 

[SpyderTracks]

You realise you're literally paying a premium for a 2 year old computer? Just be advised it's definitely not recommended.

 

[Citrus_9]

You realise you're literally paying a premium for a 2 year old computer? Just be advised it's definitely not recommended.

Because of 3600X & 2060? You think I should change to 5600X and 1660 Super? I think this is what I'm going to do. I don't want to wait for 3050Ti (or whatever 30XX it will be) as it would be around 2 months waiting, I guess...

Could you elaborate a bit so I could rethink and amend the order?

I have to admit - it was my weak moment as I felt wanting to play games but not having a pc now (just a 10 year old laptop) is painful...

 

[SpyderTracks]

Because of 3600X & 2060? You think I should change to 5600X and 1660 Super? I think this is what I'm going to do. I don't want to wait for 3050Ti (or whatever 30XX it will be) as it would be around 2 months waiting, I guess...

Could you elaborate a bit so I could rethink and amend the order?

I have to admit - it was my weak moment as I felt wanting to play games but not having a pc now (just a 10 year old laptop) is painful...

The 3000 series CPU’s are 2 years old now.

the gtx1600 and rtx2000 series (same generation) are now 2 years old.

I would strongly think about why you need the pc so quickly that you’re willing to sacrifice an enormous amount of power and longevity of the system for the sake of having to wait a few more weeks.

you could buy a decent 5000 series pc with a basic output gpu and then source your own gpu when they’re available.

 

[Harag]

I agree with @SpyderTracks , think about how quick you need the PC. My main gaming PC motherboard died last november, it was about 8 years old (i7-4470 / 1080 gpu) - I was planning on getting a new one anyway and just had my 50th birthday so was planning a treat, but was waiting until after xmas, then bam....

I thought about how much I needed a new one and decided it wasn't urgent since I wanted the new one to last me several years. So I'm currently gaming on a spare pc we have (i7-4490 / 740 gpu 2mb - yes 740). To be honest, it's been a nice change playing some of the great 10 year old games.

So, basically, THINK about how urgent it is, even if you spend more for a better / updated PC, it's worth the wait, don't rush into it.