Mid range desktop for general productivity and gaming (£1500ish)

L

lsi003

Bronze Level Poster
Hello all,

Have had a go at configuring a desktop for general productivity (writing, researching, some audio editing), as well as a bit of gaming.

I'm hoping this will be able to handle most new releases I might want to try out over the next few years? Would appreciate any input. Set myself a budget of £1500 but it looks to me like it's worth it going a bit over.

Will be getting a new monitor as well, but since I'll be joining the big waiting list of doom for the RTX 3070 I figure I will have plenty of time to find the right monitor once the order has been placed...


Case
THERMALTAKE V200 2.0 TEMPERED GLASS RGB EDITION GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Six Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.6GHz/35MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B550-PLUS WiFi (DDR4, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3070 - HDMI, DP
1st Storage Drive
1TB PCS 2.5" SSD, SATA 6 Gb (520MB/R, 470MB/W)
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE
Power Supply
CORSAIR 550W CV SERIES™ CV-550 POWER SUPPLY
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
STANDARD AMD 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 (Wi-Fi NOT INCLUDED)
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
Firefox™
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 16 to 18 working days
Price: £1,660.00 including VAT and Delivery
 
Martinr36

Martinr36

MOST VALUED CONTRIBUTOR
Nvidia recommend a minimum of 650w psu for the 3070 so it would be recommended to get a 750w for future proofing, also I'd swap the SSD for the PCS 1TB M.2 and possibly go for a better case as I've read that one isn't the best for cooling.

If you could provide the unique configuration link, it would make it easier to tweak your build
 
L

lsi003

Bronze Level Poster
Martinr36 said:
Nvidia recommend a minimum of 650w psu for the 3070 so it would be recommended to get a 750w for future proofing, also I'd swap the SSD for the PCS 1TB M.2 and possibly go for a better case as I've read that one isn't the best for cooling.

If you could provide the unique configuration link, it would make it easier to tweak your build
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot, that's very helpful!

Yes I have to admit I don't know much about cases and that differentiates a good one from a bad one.

So, without having changed the case because I'm not quite sure what to change it to, this would be better?


Case
THERMALTAKE V200 2.0 TEMPERED GLASS RGB EDITION GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Six Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.6GHz/35MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B550-PLUS WiFi (DDR4, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3070 - HDMI, DP
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/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
STANDARD AMD 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 (Wi-Fi NOT INCLUDED)
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
Firefox™
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 16 to 18 working days
Price: £1,729.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/jVyk6T204S/
 
AgentCooper

AgentCooper

At Least I Have Chicken
Moderator
It’s going to depend on what monitor you see yourself using. For a 1440p 144Hz screen, the 3060Ti will have the bases covered. If you’re looking more at ultrawide 1440p or 4K 60Hz, that’s where the 3070 will come into it’s own. We can then adjust accordingly 👍
 
L

lsi003

Bronze Level Poster
AgentCooper said:
It’s going to depend on what monitor you see yourself using. For a 1440p 144Hz screen, the 3060Ti will have the bases covered. If you’re looking more at ultrawide 1440p or 4K 60Hz, that’s where the 3070 will come into it’s own. We can then adjust accordingly 👍
Click to expand...
Thanks!

So, if I understand this correctly: 4k 60Hz isn't really great for gaming and the system I'm proposing won't work great with 4k gaming anyway, while I don't anticipate getting untrawide screen. So that means, if I'll be sticking mainly to 1440p, I might as well get a 3060ti rather than the 3070?

Seeing as the initial budget was more like £1500 and it has been gradually creeping up a bit, it would be welcome news if it turns out I'm better off just getting the 3060Ti...
 
Last edited:
AgentCooper

AgentCooper

At Least I Have Chicken
Moderator
Had a bit of a faff about with the spec and whilst it’s still above the original budget, its cheaper than your last estimate and I’ve optimised it nicely. Pair this up with a 27 inch 1440p and you’ll be laughing 👍

Case
NZXT H511 MID-TOWER GAMING CASE (WHITE)
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Six Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.6GHz/35MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B550-PLUS WiFi (DDR4, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3060 Ti - HDMI, DP
1st Storage Drive
1TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 64MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 970 EVO PLUS M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3500MB/R, 3200MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/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
STANDARD AMD 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
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
Firefox™
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 16 to 18 working days
Price: £1,695.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/dRFea7J!Pz/
 
Martinr36

Martinr36

MOST VALUED CONTRIBUTOR
lsi003 said:
Thanks!

So, if I understand this correctly: 4k 60Hz isn't really great for gaming and the system I'm proposing won't work great with 4k gaming anyway, while I don't anticipate getting untrawide screen. So that means, if I'll be sticking mainly to 1440p, I might as well get a 3060ti rather than the 3070?

Seeing as the initial budget was more like £1500 and it has been gradually creeping up a bit, it would be welcome news if it turns out I'm better off just getting the 3060Ti...
Click to expand...
swapping the case & changing to the 3060Ti gives you the following:

pcs_logo.jpg


PCSPECIALIST.CO.UK SPECIFICATION

The specification below has been formatted so you can easily copy and paste this to our forums when discussing your specification. Once you've copied the specification, please click here to continue.
Case
CORSAIR 275R TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Six Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.6GHz/35MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B550-PLUS WiFi (DDR4, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3060 Ti - HDMI, DP
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/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
STANDARD AMD 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 (Wi-Fi NOT INCLUDED)
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
Firefox™
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 16 to 18 working days
Price: £1,607.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/NtA8etKqhm/
 
L

lsi003

Bronze Level Poster
AgentCooper said:
Had a bit of a faff about with the spec and whilst it’s still above the original budget, its cheaper than your last estimate and I’ve optimised it nicely. Pair this up with a 27 inch 1440p and you’ll be laughing 👍

Case
NZXT H511 MID-TOWER GAMING CASE (WHITE)
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Six Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.6GHz/35MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B550-PLUS WiFi (DDR4, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3060 Ti - HDMI, DP
1st Storage Drive
1TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 64MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 970 EVO PLUS M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3500MB/R, 3200MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/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
STANDARD AMD 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
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
Firefox™
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 16 to 18 working days
Price: £1,695.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/dRFea7J!Pz/
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot, this looks like the one!

I love what you did with the extra SSD there. One smaller ssd for the operating system, one bigger ssd for games, and the hdd for general storage - right?

I don't mind going over budget a bit if it means getting a system that'll do me for a decent number of years going forward. I think I understand better now the additional costs involved with pursuing 4k gaming and at the end of the day it's not something I have to have - so the RTX 3060ti seems to make more sense and drives down the cost a bit.

I'm guessing availability of the 3060ti is going to be a bit of an issue? Oh well, gives me time to shop around for the best monitor at the best price. Maybe there will be some decent savings to be had in that department over the holidays...
 
AgentCooper

AgentCooper

At Least I Have Chicken
Moderator
lsi003 said:
Thanks a lot, this looks like the one!

I love what you did with the extra SSD there. One smaller ssd for the operating system, one bigger ssd for games, and the hdd for general storage - right?

I don't mind going over budget a bit if it means getting a system that'll do me for a decent number of years going forward. I think I understand better now the additional costs involved with pursuing 4k gaming and at the end of the day it's not something I have to have - so the RTX 3060ti seems to make more sense and drives down the cost a bit.

I'm guessing availability of the 3060ti is going to be a bit of an issue? Oh well, gives me time to shop around for the best monitor at the best price. Maybe there will be some decent savings to be had in that department over the holidays...
Click to expand...
You're welcome :)

You are correct on the storage assumption. Luxury move but well worth it.

GPU and CPU availability is a big problem at the moment and is not likely to calm down for a couple of months. So be prepared for a bit of a wait. And if you need any monitor advice, let us know (y)
 
L

lsi003

Bronze Level Poster
AgentCooper said:
You're welcome :)

You are correct on the storage assumption. Luxury move but well worth it.

GPU and CPU availability is a big problem at the moment and is not likely to calm down for a couple of months. So be prepared for a bit of a wait. And if you need any monitor advice, let us know (y)
Click to expand...

Yeah of course, understand the shortages and the reasons behind them. Worth waiting to get things right with this kind of purchase anyway, as far as I see it.

Some advice on a monitor to go with this would be much appreciated as well! My plan was to wait and see if there is a good deal to be had over the holidays - but would obviously be great to know more about what I should be looking for :)
 
L

lsi003

Bronze Level Poster
AgentCooper said:
This is one of the absolute best if you can get a decent Boxing Day / January sale offer on it...

www.laptopsdirect.co.uk

ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ 27" WQHD Monitor - Laptops Direct

Buy ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ 27" WQHD Monitor from LaptopsDirect
www.laptopsdirect.co.uk www.laptopsdirect.co.uk
Click to expand...

Thank you sir! Since I'll probably be waiting for a little while for my build I can check both boxing day and new years sales like you say, so fingers crossed :)

Appreciate you taking the time to sort me out here sir, very kind of you. 👏👏👏👏👏👏
 
AgentCooper

AgentCooper

At Least I Have Chicken
Moderator
lsi003 said:
Thank you sir! Since I'll probably be waiting for a little while for my build I can check both boxing day and new years sales like you say, so fingers crossed :)

Appreciate you taking the time to sort me out here sir, very kind of you. 👏👏👏👏👏👏
Click to expand...
Not a problem, happy to help :) (y)
 
L

lsi003

Bronze Level Poster
AgentCooper said:
This is one of the absolute best if you can get a decent Boxing Day / January sale offer on it...

www.laptopsdirect.co.uk

ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ 27" WQHD Monitor - Laptops Direct

Buy ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ 27" WQHD Monitor from LaptopsDirect
www.laptopsdirect.co.uk www.laptopsdirect.co.uk
Click to expand...
In the end I opted for an ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQL1A, which I understand to be basically a slightly upgraded version of the one you mentioned there.

By all accounts it should be a fine match with the rig I ordered.
 
L

lsi003

Bronze Level Poster
I have one further question, good sirs.

There seemed to be almost a shortage of cases when I placed my order, but I noticed there are more types available now. My order is still in "processing" so I understand I would be able to change it if I wanted to.

I went for the NZXT H511 in the end. Of the cases that are available now, is there one that would be a big upgrade on that one? Wouldn't mind paying a bit extra.
 
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