Help with a new built. Please!

[psyxologos]

If you need more I would definitely look to a hub rather than a PCIe card. The only time to consider an addin card is when the throughput speed of the USB is paramount. Otherwise you're not going to need much throughput.

The likes of the mouse, keyboard & printer could all be attached to something like the below:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/USB-hub-4-port-2-0-ultra-thin/dp/B0CPJCTJR3/ref=asc_df_B0CPJCTJR3/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=676187916159&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16504623189714116679&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046589&hvtargid=pla-2292664182383&psc=1&mcid=cda700e646aa3ca18e901b80794db6c8&gad_source=1

They are also likely to be USB2.0, rather than 3.0, although the Printer may look for more rate depending on the age. For the input devices I would just use the USB2.0 ports on the board.

Thanks Scott. That's great. I will go through the configuration you proposed when I get home and post any questions I have. I notice you changed the GPU from my original design, which I guess saved me some money. Did I compromise much? Would a more powerful GPU bottleneck with this CPU? Price wise I am exalted, I am just thinking that, if for the sake of £200-£300 I could be getting significantly more both in CPU and GPU department. Would it be worth it spending a bit extra for what I will be getting in return?

 

[Scott]

The 7900 GRE is more powerful than the 4070. You mentioned that ray tracing wasn't a concern, so AMD offers far more power for your £ at this level. The only time it evens out a bit is with the 4080 Super, but that's way over-powered for your uses and a waste of cash.

You can't do any better for gaming than the 7800X3D so there isn't an upgrade over it available.

In the future you can upgrade the CPU & GPU (in 2-3 years for example) for a complete refresh of the system without touching anything else.

 

[psyxologos]

The 7900 GRE is more powerful than the 4070. You mentioned that ray tracing wasn't a concern, so AMD offers far more power for your £ at this level. The only time it evens out a bit is with the 4080 Super, but that's way over-powered for your uses and a waste of cash.

You can't do any better for gaming than the 7800X3D so there isn't an upgrade over it available.

In the future you can upgrade the CPU & GPU (in 2-3 years for example) for a complete refresh of the system without touching anything else.

Thanks for taking the time to answer what must seem to you a torrent of simple questions. I tend to overthink stuff... 🤔

I don't really play games that could benefit from ray tracing (I think). At the moment I am just playing world of tanks and the like, which I am not sure it utilises ray tracing. Perhaps you have an insight on this?

I'll have a closer look at stuff when I get home tonight, so I am hoping to have a more rounded reply and a set up for you to advise on (if that's ok) later tonight or tomorrow. I take it the Fractal Pop XL Air will b e compatible with all my components, right?

I don't really want to upgrade in 2-3 years, hence my will to get this right first time...

Thanks again. Super helpful 👌

 

[sck451]

Thanks for that. Any idea where it's best to get the case from?

I'd just go with Amazon myself...

https://amzn.eu/d/gu4MBKG

Also available in white if you like that look.

Edit: and yes, it'll fit any reasonable selection of components. If you go for something stupid like eight hard drives I'd want to do some more research, but anything normal will be just fine. It's a fairly big case. You could test it with the Fractal Pop Silent that's in the config tool: it's smaller than the XL but fundamentally the same case, so if it is ok in that one, it'll be fine in the XL.

 

[psyxologos]

I'd just go with Amazon myself...

https://amzn.eu/d/gu4MBKG

Also available in white if you like that look.

Edit: and yes, it'll fit any reasonable selection of components. If you go for something stupid like eight hard drives I'd want to do some more research, but anything normal will be just fine. It's a fairly big case. You could test it with the Fractal Pop Silent that's in the config tool: it's smaller than the XL but fundamentally the same case, so if it is ok in that one, it'll be fine in the XL.

Thank you very much. So, if I just change the case from 'send your own' to the Fractal Pop Silent on the build tool and it all fits I am OK. Did I understand you right?

 

[sck451]

Thank you very much. So, if I just change the case from 'send your own' to the Fractal Pop Silent on the build tool and it all fits I am OK. Did I understand you right?

Yep, that's exactly it. Realistically it'll be fine no matter what you do as long as it's vaguely a normal build. But it's a nice guarantee.

 

[psyxologos]

The 7900 GRE is more powerful than the 4070. You mentioned that ray tracing wasn't a concern, so AMD offers far more power for your £ at this level. The only time it evens out a bit is with the 4080 Super, but that's way over-powered for your uses and a waste of cash.

You can't do any better for gaming than the 7800X3D so there isn't an upgrade over it available.

In the future you can upgrade the CPU & GPU (in 2-3 years for example) for a complete refresh of the system without touching anything else.

Hi again Scott, and once again, many thanks for the time you took to study my built and improve on it. I had a good look at what you suggested and I am convinced I am very happy with it. I just changed the OS to professional, as this is what I always had and the price difference is not that great.

I do have a couple more questions though, which I would be obliged if you could help me with. I numbered them so they are easy to answer.

1. Do I need a higher rate guarantee? I am tempted by platinum. Is it worth it?

2. I see you added a second SSD, same model as the 1tb I had chosen, but 512GB. Did you do this so the OS goes on this (and nothing else) and I have the 1TB free to put the games there so it runs faster?

3. You removed the extra case fans I had. Is this because the case you and sck451 suggested comes with enough already as standard? Looking on the listing on Amazon I am not sure what fans this comes with...

4. Is my power supply sufficient at 1000W?

5. Do I need more RAM?

6. The customer service people replied to my question about sending my own case, and sent me the following 'warning':

Please note that your case needs to be smaller than 600mm x 300mm x 630mm and weigh less than 24kg.

Motherboard size must fit into case - for example if you are sending us a micro-ATX case, you cannot order an ATX motherboard.
If you're ordering a high end graphics card, check that the case is large enough to accept it.
Check the case can accept the number of optical drives, 3.5" devices and hard drives you wish to order.
If you are ordering a large CPU cooler, check that the case does not have a vent/fan preventing the installation of the cooler.

Is this built conforming to the above?

7. On Amazon there is a note that says the following:

USB-C ready I/O panel

The I/O features a new ARGB controller and ARGB power LEDs – and welcomes the optional, easily installed USB-C module available separately.

Would you advise me getting this? If I do not buy the optional USB c module, what will be in its place? A Type A set up?

8. Where should I ask them to mount the radiator? By default they mount it on the top, the website says...

Many thanks once again!

P.S: here is the updated link on the built: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/znTyx6jjw0/

 

[Scott]

Hi again Scott, and once again, many thanks for the time you took to study my built and improve on it. I had a good look at what you suggested and I am convinced I am very happy with it. I just changed the OS to professional, as this is what I always had and the price difference is not that great.

I do have a couple more questions though, which I would be obliged if you could help me with. I numbered them so they are easy to answer.

1. Do I need a higher rate guarantee? I am tempted by platinum. Is it worth it?

2. I see you added a second SSD, same model as the 1tb I had chosen, but 512GB. Did you do this so the OS goes on this (and nothing else) and I have the 1TB free to put the games there so it runs faster?

3. You removed the extra case fans I had. Is this because the case you and sck451 suggested comes with enough already as standard? Looking on the listing on Amazon I am not sure what fans this comes with...

4. Is my power supply sufficient at 1000W?

5. Do I need more RAM?

6. The customer service people replied to my question about sending my own case, and sent me the following 'warning':

Please note that your case needs to be smaller than 600mm x 300mm x 630mm and weigh less than 24kg.

Motherboard size must fit into case - for example if you are sending us a micro-ATX case, you cannot order an ATX motherboard.
If you're ordering a high end graphics card, check that the case is large enough to accept it.
Check the case can accept the number of optical drives, 3.5" devices and hard drives you wish to order.
If you are ordering a large CPU cooler, check that the case does not have a vent/fan preventing the installation of the cooler.

Is this built conforming to the above?

7. On Amazon there is a note that says the following:

USB-C ready I/O panel

The I/O features a new ARGB controller and ARGB power LEDs – and welcomes the optional, easily installed USB-C module available separately.

Would you advise me getting this? If I do not buy the optional USB c module, what will be in its place? A Type A set up?

8. Where should I ask them to mount the radiator? By default they mount it on the top, the website says...

Many thanks once again!

P.S: here is the updated link on the built: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/znTyx6jjw0/

Guarantee/Warranty is a personal thing. I tend not to opt for additional warranties as most of the parts that would go wrong have an extended warranty anyway (PSU is 10 years for example). With PCs most parts would fail within 6 months if they were indeed faulty. This is my opinion and my experience though, like I say... it's a personal choice.

OS and frequent programs on the primary drive. Games and fast storage on the second. You may want to consider a 2TB option if the budget allows. Games are getting big. It all depends how many games you wish to store at one time.

I wouldn't bother with additional case fans personally. The only reason to go OTT with them is for aesthetics.

1000w covers you very nicely and gives you some headroom. The 1200w offering has merit if you want to spend the extra money. It'll cover any GPU offering down the line and it's ATX3.0 which means transient spikes are considered (The PSU will handle 2400w for blips).

For RAM 32GB is plenty. By the time it's not enough we will likely be onto a new level of RAM (Either DDR6 or far higher frequencies). You won't get any benefit from 64GB and it's quite pricy.

The case as per the dimensions is 520 x 520 x 230 and weighs less than 10kg. Everything should fit in it without any issues at all but the experiment using the POP silent case was to confirm that all is OK. If it'll fit inside the POP silent, it'll fit inside the AIR.

I wouldn't bother with the USB-C, it's up to you though. You will have 2 USB-C connections on the back of the motherboard. I would be curious how the aesthetic would change with the USB-C panel offering. I don't think there will be anything in its place. I don't know though, you would need to look at pictures. Keep in mind that you're restricting your options with the Optical drive, I would still just use external and then have my pick of the cases.

For the AIR you could go front or top, I would go top as it's the most standard option. You only want to use the front when you need to ensure the CPU gets the most cooling performance. No need to worry/consider that in this instance.

 

[TonyCarter]

To answer #3

The case comes with 4 Fractal Aspect fans, and you'll have a cooler too, so more fans won't add anything...unless you were considering a compete swap out to all Corsair iCue Link fans on everything for the aesthetics.


To answer #7

There's a blanked off slot next to the 2 USB-A slots, where you can fit the optional USB-C connection.

USB-C 10Gbps Cable – Model D

Add USB-C functionality to your Meshify Lite case with this USB-C 10Gbps Model E cable

www.fractal-design.com

 

[Scott]

Shows the ARGB button there as well

 

[psyxologos]

I would still just use external and then have my pick of the cases.

Guarantee/Warranty is a personal thing. I tend not to opt for additional warranties as most of the parts that would go wrong have an extended warranty anyway (PSU is 10 years for example). With PCs most parts would fail within 6 months if they were indeed faulty. This is my opinion and my experience though, like I say... it's a personal choice.

OS and frequent programs on the primary drive. Games and fast storage on the second. You may want to consider a 2TB option if the budget allows. Games are getting big. It all depends how many games you wish to store at one time.

I wouldn't bother with additional case fans personally. The only reason to go OTT with them is for aesthetics.

1000w covers you very nicely and gives you some headroom. The 1200w offering has merit if you want to spend the extra money. It'll cover any GPU offering down the line and it's ATX3.0 which means transient spikes are considered (The PSU will handle 2400w for blips).

For RAM 32GB is plenty. By the time it's not enough we will likely be onto a new level of RAM (Either DDR6 or far higher frequencies). You won't get any benefit from 64GB and it's quite pricy.

The case as per the dimensions is 520 x 520 x 230 and weighs less than 10kg. Everything should fit in it without any issues at all but the experiment using the POP silent case was to confirm that all is OK. If it'll fit inside the POP silent, it'll fit inside the AIR.

I wouldn't bother with the USB-C, it's up to you though. You will have 2 USB-C connections on the back of the motherboard. I would be curious how the aesthetic would change with the USB-C panel offering. I don't think there will be anything in its place. I don't know though, you would need to look at pictures. Keep in mind that you're restricting your options with the Optical drive, I would still just use external and then have my pick of the cases.

For the AIR you could go front or top, I would go top as it's the most standard option. You only want to use the front when you need to ensure the CPU gets the most cooling performance. No need to worry/consider that in this instance.

Thank you so much for all your answers. It all makes sense. I am beginning to swing towards your opinion for using an external Blu Ray writter. Which of the cases on offer on the builder facility would you go for? Also, any suggestions on which Blu Ray written you would buy? I had a look on amazon and they are either too slow or too expensive, compared to what the builder available here offers.

 

[Scott]

If you want RGB & pretty I would go for the Corsair 5000X, it's stunning.

If you weren't too fussed on the RGB and wanted a more classy look then the Fractal North cases are nice.

For function over form, but still not looking ugly, the 5000D is the one I would look at.

You could also send another case in if you wished. There are many good options available now.

There's a 6x Blu-ray writer available on the PCS config. As much as the internal one offers 16x, I wouldn't recommend using it at this speed for media creation anyway. I would probably aim for 4 on the external and 8 on the internal.

Do you create a lot of Bluray media? Most would upload to the likes of Youtube nowadays and offer the link for viewing.

 

[Scott]

Just to add. You're spending a lot of money, make sure you get what you want from the build. I wouldn't personally opt for internal, but that's due to me having no use nowadays. We tend to steer people away from Internal drives as they are very out-dated nowadays and the options are limited. If it's something that you absolutely will use then make sure you have it your way and get the Pop Airflow case.

My mentioning of it is just to ensure that you know the options out there for media creation nowadays. Bluray isn't a very popular media in the grand scheme of things, but if it's something that's going to be used regularly and is important to you then go with your own requirements over what the suggested alternatives are.

 

[psyxologos]

Thanks again. I use the Blu Ray primarily for when I burn images and home video for family abroad, and for viewing my collection of blu ray movies. That means I probably use this a couple of times a month, maybe a bit less, maybe a bit more. so not much. I will have a look at the cases you mentioned later on. I take it that the choice I make on the case will impact the number of usb ports available to me, as well as the number of fans included, right? How will I find that out so I don't ask you about each case individually?

 

[Scott]

Yes, but I wouldn't be overly concerned. As I said a hub will take care of any USB needs. None of the cases mentioned will require any extra fans other than already attached, but if you see something else you like then post up and we can have a look.

In the configurator if you click on the image of the case you like it will tell you all about it.

 

[psyxologos]

Thank you. Actually, RGB is irrelevant to me. If it is there it is nice, if it is not, I really won't miss it. What is more important is that the case has good air flow and functionality. I am not interested in looks at all, and size is not important. Although it is a 'desktop' it sits at the foot of my desk, so I do not see much. What would your suggestion be, given the information I just added?

 

[Scott]

Still the same advice. All the ones I mentioned are really good cases. I've got a soft spot for the 5000X as it's stunning. They're all perfectly functional, good for airflow performance.

You just need to pick one you like the look of that you're happy with the price of

 

[psyxologos]

Still the same advice. All the ones I mentioned are really good cases. I've got a soft spot for the 5000X as it's stunning. They're all perfectly functional, good for airflow performance.

You just need to pick one you like the look of that you're happy with the price of

Thank you again. A quick look (I will have a better look tonight) and I think I favour this set up.

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

I added a 1200W power and a 2TB SSD

I think I have covered most angles. When it comes to USB it says that on the front I am getting:

2 x USB 3.0
1 x USB 3.1 Type-C

and from the motherboard I get

1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port(s) Type-C®, 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 port(s) (2 x Type-A + 1 x USB Type-C®), 4 x USB 2.0 port(s) Type-A

so do I really get 11 all together?

Fan wise I seem to be getting the 3x120. Is it worth adding more?

Is the External Blu-Ray Writer available on this website a decent one or would you advise on a different one?

I am also using a Logitech G510 keyboard and a Logitech G502 mouse at the moment. Just for reference.

​

 

[TonyCarter]

 

[TonyCarter]

Fan wise I seem to be getting the 3x120. Is it worth adding more?

Don't forget there'll be an exhaust fan too - basic black one probably...and you have 2 ARGB fans on your AIO cooler.