My first PC, looking for feedback

[JacLal]

Hi,

I just ordered my first PC and was wondering if everything looks reasonably well balanced?

I'm currently at €1800 and am open to amending it and spending an extra €200 if necessary.

I intend to use it mostly for gaming and productivity-related tasks but also occasionally run structural engineering design software when I have to work from home.

Would be very grateful for any suggestions or observations.

Thanks for the help,
Jack

Specifications:

Case
CORSAIR 5000D AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Six Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.6GHz/35MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
GIGABYTE B550 GAMING X V2 : DDR4, USB 3.2 - ARGB Ready
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 2400MHz (1 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
6GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1660 - HDMI, DP - GeForce GTX VR Ready!
1st M.2 SSD Drive
256GB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE
Power Supply
CORSAIR 450W CV SERIES™ CV-450 POWER SUPPLY
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
PCS FrostFlow 80 V2 Series High Performance CPU Cooler (AMD)
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
LED Lighting
50cm ARGB LED Strip
Extra Case Fans
1x 120mm Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 Case Fan
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™
Monitor
MSI 27" Optix G27C6 - 1920 x 1080, 1MS, 165Hz
Monitor Cables
1 x 2 METRE DVI-D CABLE
Keyboard & Mouse
ASUS TUF K1 Gaming Keyboard & M3 Mouse Bundle
Mouse Pad
PCS Gaming Mouse Mat
Speakers
LOGITECH S150 2.0 BLACK SPEAKER SYSTEM
Warranty
3 Year Standard Warranty (1 Month Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
2 - 3 DAY DELIVERY TO REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 11 to 13 working days
Welcome Book
PCSpecialist Welcome Book - United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland
Logo Branding
PCSpecialist Logo

 

[Salmon Fisher]

A couple of things (just to kick off), I would put faster RAM in, Ryzen loves fast RAM. I think you need a better PSU, there's no headroom at all there. And I would buy a set of creative pebble speakers, much better. Or, have you looked down the Intel route at all?

 

[JacLal]

Thanks for the feedback Salmon! Haven't looked into Intel much, have just heard that AMD are a little better at this price point but I'm far from an expert and open to a change if you think I'd get better results?

 

[Salmon Fisher]

The Intel i5 12400f is better and cheaper, motherboards are a little more problematic being more expensive. Check out a few reviews of the Intel chip although, to be honest either would probably serve. One thing to bear in mind (if it bothers you) is that the AMD chip should / might be replaced soon whilst the Intel chip is their latest.

 

[JUNI0R]

Thanks for the feedback Salmon! Haven't looked into Intel much, have just heard that AMD are a little better at this price point but I'm far from an expert and open to a change if you think I'd get better results?

It's pretty marginal really, the 5600X is slightly ahead in terms of gaming performance but CPU bound tasks are much more varied, I'd say the 12400F takes the edge. Aside from performance, Ryzen 5000 slightly more expensive than the equivalent 12th gen build and an end of life platform (so won't get any new generational updates) unlike 12th gen which is on a brand new platform. It's up to you but personally I'm recommending the Intel route these days.



Before we're able to properly assist you, we'll need a bit more info, once we have this, we'd be happy to help!

1) I see you have an up to 2000 EUR budget, what does this budget include? I see a number of peripherals in the spec
2) What software will you be using for your structural engineering design? And what games will you be looking to play?
3) The monitor in the spec, will this be your only one, or will it be added onto one you already own? If so what's the make and model or resoltuon and refresh rate of said monitor?
4) Which CPU route do you think you'd prefer? Intel or AMD?

 

[JacLal]

Thanks for the suggestion, better and cheaper sounds good to me and some generational updates would be nice too, but I just checked and I don't think I can amend it to an Intel CPU after ordering anyway. The dropdown menu gives me the option of six AMD chips. Do you think maybe a Ryzen 7 3800X would be worth considering?

Of course JUNI0R, happy to provide any info!

1) The budget is intended to include everything, even the peripherals, but it's a little flexible. I'm just trying not to get too much more than I need. Sorry if that's vague, I just mean that I'm open to discussing upgrades beyond my budget if there's a good reason to. I'm not extremely financially constrained but I want to get value for what I spend, not necessarily interested in the latest and greatest if I won't utilise it.
2) I'll be using mostly Tekla and Autodesk products like Revit, Robot, Civil 3D and AutoCAD. I play mostly modded Total War: Rome 2 and Minecraft.
3) This is intended to be my only monitor for now, I also have a laptop with a Lenovo 1980x1080p display I may use as a second for now and maybe buy another monitor in the future. Do you think there would be any benefit in my upgrading to a 1440p monitor, maybe a MSI 27" Optix MAG272CQR - 2560 x 1440, 1MS, 165Hz?
4) I personally don't have a preference, honestly just in the early stages of learning so open to either.

With regard to upgrading the PSU, would a 650W be enough? And also is going from 16Gb 2400MHz to 16Gb 2666MHz enough, or will I need more?

Sorry for all the questions and thanks for any advice, I really appreciate it!

 

[Wololo_n00b]

Welcome to the forum!! I'm sure the guys above will give more detailed/better advice, just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents as well!!

3. I've noticed there that you have the GTX 1660 GPU selected, I wonder could that be upped to a 3060 Ti or something similar to be more appropriate for high Hz at 1440p if that was what you were after? I don't know a huge amount about the 1660, but having a read online I see it might struggle to keep high Hz at 1440p. But if you only played modded Rome 2 and Minecraft, I'm not sure the upgrade to a better card and 1440p would be necessarily worth it?

Maybe if you were interested in playing higher graphics games like RDR2 and similar stuff it would be more worth it? If that was the plan, you could always go for a higher spec. GPU and upgrade to a 1440p 165 Hz monitor later when it's more in the budget. For my own build back in November I ordered a 3060Ti build (around 2K EUR like yourself), and paired it with a 1080p 60Hz monitor that I had at home. Then I went for the Dell S2721DGF a couple months later (1440p, 165 Hz like the one you mentioned there), and was really happy with it.

Absolutely nothing wrong at all with 1080p 60Hz though; just worth keeping in mind that if you do plan on getting a 1440p high Hz at some stage, you want the GPU you have to be able to handle it well

 

[Wololo_n00b]

In general though, I think 1440p 165 Hz is a fantastic upgrade if you are considering it. Everything looks a lot prettier/crisp and motion is a lot better; I've also found that it's easier on my eyes for longer sessions on the PC, and it's supposed to be better for eyestrain as well.

I was kinda like you where I wasn't hugely interested in the latest and greatest necessarily; things start to get very expensive when you want to pair 4K monitors with GPU's capable of 4K, but 1440p is often considered a sweetspot these days; again nothing necessarily wrong with 1080p either

Hardware Unboxed are among the best out there for monitor reviews so I would defo check them out; this is their most recent vid on 1440p picks for 2022:

. They also did an updated vid on the different panel types here:

(I noticed that the panel you mentioned there is a VA panel). The IPS Dell S2721DGF is still a v. good pick these days, but I think Hardware Unboxed have gone with one with a better contrast ratio in their 2022 list there

 

[Wololo_n00b]

Just on the RAM there now that I see it, typically what I see recommended from the experts here is 3200MHz for new systems.

Noticed you're delivering to Ireland as well like I was, just to bear in mind that PCS deliveries to Ireland are done through FedEx at the moment. There was a lot of bother over Christmas with FedEx customs delays to Ireland unfortunately, and we had difficulties tracking our packages; hoping things are a little better now though and it doesn't take too long to get to you 🙏 (wasn't PCS's fault tho)

Also just a reminder to order through the .ie site just to make sure all the customs/VAT is included etc. etc.

 

[JacLal]

Thanks so much for all the information!

I think a 3080 ti is a little more than I need, but I'd consider going up to a 1660 ti, I've read it's a big improvement over the 1660. It's definitely possible I'll get into other games once I have something I can play them on, but don't have anything specific in mind at the moment.

Just watched the videos on the monitors, got some really great info but I think I'll stick with 1080p for now and upgrade to 1440p when I get my second monitor in the future.

For some reason the fastest option it gives me for RAM is 2666MHz, I'm not sure why. Hopefully it doesn't make too much of a difference.

Thanks for the heads up! I'm can wait for it anyway, really excited but I've just accepted it's going to probably be a while.

 

[SpyderTracks]

For some reason the fastest option it gives me for RAM is 2666MHz, I'm not sure why. Hopefully it doesn't make too much of a difference.

It makes a huge difference, means you're on the wrong configurator for basic office PC's.

You need to be on this one:

1660ti was never a good card, the 1660 Super overtook it and was cheaper. Bear in mind these GPU's are 3 generations old now and won't keep up with modern graphics options. For the small savings over a 2060 as a minimum, I would say RTX is a requirement these days.

AMD:

PCSPECIALIST - Configure the AMD Am4 Gen3 PC to your ideal requirements.

PCSpecialist is an award-winning manufacturer of high quality custom PCs & Laptops. Configure the AMD Am4 Gen3 PC to your ideal requirements.

www.pcspecialist.co.uk

Intel DDR4:

PCSPECIALIST - Configure the Intel Z690 PC to your ideal requirements.

PCSpecialist is an award-winning manufacturer of high quality custom PCs & Laptops. Configure the Intel Z690 PC to your ideal requirements.

www.pcspecialist.co.uk

 

[Wololo_n00b]

Thanks so much for all the information!

I think a 3080 ti is a little more than I need, but I'd consider going up to a 1660 ti, I've read it's a big improvement over the 1660. It's definitely possible I'll get into other games once I have something I can play them on, but don't have anything specific in mind at the moment.

Just watched the videos on the monitors, got some really great info but I think I'll stick with 1080p for now and upgrade to 1440p when I get my second monitor in the future.

For some reason the fastest option it gives me for RAM is 2666MHz, I'm not sure why. Hopefully it doesn't make too much of a difference.

Thanks for the heads up! I'm can wait for it anyway, really excited but I've just accepted it's going to probably be a while.

No problem I hope it was some help! And thank you Spyder for the great info,

Yeah defo not the 3080 Ti, that would be a top of the range 4K card, the 3060 Ti would be considered a very good 1440p card though for 60+/90+ FPS on pretty much any game nowadays on very high + some ultra settings or optimised very high settings.

As for the RAM hopefully you can edit the order to get the faster one? As Spyder says it makes a big difference. If you can't manage to change it, it's a v easy upgrade to do installation-wise yourself at home at a later stage

Again if you're sticking with the 1660 just to keep in mind that when you get your 1440p monitor you may want to upgrade your card as well possibly, especially if you want to play the newer games on higher settings

In any case hope you enjoy your new PC!!!!!! Exciting times

 

[Wololo_n00b]

I should prob check out Rome II again for the lols as well, I remember it was quite buggy when it came out but it was good fun

 

[JacLal]

Okay, I see I really should have posted here before I ordered, I didn't even realise I was in the wrong configurator. Sorry for all the confusion, and thanks again for the help everyone, I'm learning a lot. I think I'm just going to send them an email and explain, hope they can cancel my order as I only ordered a few days ago and then I can start from scratch with everything I've learned here.

Based on everything you've all said, I've configured a new (hopefully better) PC, please let me know what you think..

Case
CORSAIR 5000D AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i5 Six Core Processor i5-12400F (2.5GHz) 18MB Cache
Motherboard
ASUS® PRIME B660-PLUS D4 (DDR4, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3060 Ti - HDMI, DP, LHR
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3500MB/sR | 2500MB/sW)
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
PCS FrostFlow 120 Series ARGB High Performance Liquid Cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
LED Lighting
50cm ARGB LED Strip
Extra Case Fans
2x 120mm Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 Case Fans
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

I'm going to keep looking into monitors but I'll probably get a 1440p now.

I would definitely recommend it, it was a complete mess when it was released but it came a long way with patches in the couple of years after it was released.