Spec to Check

[Entrepreneur36]

Hey guys,

After toying with the idea of putting a PC together myself, I decided to have one custom made by PCSpecialists. I ordered it today, feeling pretty happy about it.

Then, I just received a message on a computer forum I'd originally posted on (when trying to decide whether to build one myself or have one made), saying that I should check the spec that PCSpecialists have recommended on this forum before ordering it (the poster seems to think that you guys are more knowledgeable when it comes to specs than PCSpecialists sales team).

I'm hoping this isn't the case, because I've ordered it now.

Posting this for peace of mind really.

Here's what I need my computer to do:

* Run multiple applications at once (such as OBS, Adobe, Microsoft Office, Canva, Pinterest and other apps) whilst live-streaming, screen capturing and recording videos with my web camera (for YouTube and online courses)
* Video editing
* I'll be using two different monitors
* It needs to not too noisy, because I'll be recording videos (and I suffer with migraines)

My current laptop can handle this at the moment (just), but it uses all the CPU, becomes very noisy, overheats and the video recording lags.

So, I need a system that's powerful that can handle running lots of different applications at once, seamlessly, whilst live-streaming/screencapturing/recording videos, and that runs fairly quietly.

Here's the system/specs that PCSpecialists have recommended:

• * CORSAIR CARBIDE SERIESTM 275Q QUIET CASE

* Processor (CPU) AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Eight Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.35GHz/20MB CACHE/AM4)

* Motherboard ASUS® PRIME B450-PLUS (DDR4, USB 3.1, 6Gb/s) - RGB Ready!

* Memory (RAM) 32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 2400MHz (2 x 16GB)

* Graphics Card 8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 2070 SUPER - HDMI, 3x DP GeForce - RTX VR Ready!

* 1st M.2 SSD Drive 1TB INTEL® 660p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (upto 1800MB/sR | 1800MB/sW)

* Power Supply CORSAIR 550W TXm SERIESTM SEMI-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)

* Wireless/Wired Networking 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]


Hoping this is a fast system that fits my needs!

All replies appreciated, thanks.

 

[SpyderTracks]

It's oddly balanced, it's last generation CPU with current CPU's being an awful lot more powerful, not sure why that was chosen?

What's your max budget?

When did you order it?

 

[Entrepreneur36]

It's oddly balanced, it's last generation CPU with current CPU's being an awful lot more powerful, not sure why that was chosen?

What's your max budget?

When did you order it?

I ordered it today, My max budget was £1350, I paid for fast track delivery ontop of that.

The sales rep said that it's a powerful system that will be able to handle what I need it for. I said that I wanted something powerful that will run seamlessly when performingly multiple tasks (including live-streaming, screen capturing, and recording videos).

Do you not think so then? What would you have recommended?

 

[SpyderTracks]

I ordered it today, My max budget was £1350, I paid for fast track delivery ontop of that.

The sales rep said that it's a powerful system that will be able to handle what I need it for. I said that I wanted something powerful that will run seamlessly when performingly multiple tasks (including live-streaming, screen capturing, and recording videos).

Do you not think so then?

It's an old generation platform. It will do what you want it to do, but it's going to be less powerful than one from current gen offerings. Maybe they reduced the CPU to fit in the 2070 Super which I could understand.

What do you use to video edit? Does it have hardware acceleration ie, can it use a GPU to process?

 

[Entrepreneur36]

At the moment, I'm using a program called Pinnacle Pro, but I might use a different program such as Camtasia in the future.

So, the 2070 Super graphic card, is this going to help with live-streaming & video creation, or is it purely for better graphics (that gamers need)?

I did say that I don't need 4000k to the sales rep, that 1080 HD will be fine.

So, are you're saying it will do what I need it to do, but it may struggle?

Because the whole reason why I ordered this PC is so that it will be able to handle whatever I throw at it, seamlessly without struggling; I need it for my work.

What system would you have recommended?

 

[SpyderTracks]

At the moment, I'm using a program called Pinnacle Pro, but I might use a different program such as Camtasia in the future.

So, the 2070 Super graphic card, is this going to help with sytem speed, or live-streaming/video creation, or is it purely for better graphics (that gamers need)?

I did say that I don't need 4000k to the sales rep, that 1080 HD will be fine.

So, are you're saying it will do what I need it to do, but it may struggle?

Because the whole reason why I ordered this PC is so that it will be able to handle whatever I throw at it, seamlessly without struggling; I need it for my work.

What system would you have recommended?

So with Pinnacle Pro with regard to utilising the GPU this is what it says:

Hardware Acceleration
When activated, this feature shifts part of the processing load from the CPU to auxiliary hardware, such as the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) of your graphics card. The level of support for hardware acceleration depends on the type of CPU and graphics card on your computer.
• Most NVidia cards support the CUDA architecture. When this is accessible, the GPU is used to assist with H.264 decoding.
• Machines equipped with a recent Intel CPU having the Intel Quick Sync Video feature can use it for rapid decoding and encoding of H.264 and H.264 MVC material.

Camtasia does also benefit from hardware acceleration.

The issue I have is that they've sacrificed the main platform of the PC to fit a beefy GPU. Now GPU is handy, but personally for this kind of use, I would say it's more important to have a really beefy platform and then slot in the highest GPU that the remaining budget allows for.

If it were me, I would have done it differently.

The thing is, it's much easier to upgrade a GPU down the road when newer more powerful models are released at equivalent prices, than upgrade the entire PC which is what you'd have to do in this instance.

 

[Entrepreneur36]

I wish I'd spoken to you earlier; I thought I was speaking to a tech guy (a PC specialist) on the phone when it was recommended to me. I hadn't realised it was a member of a sales team.

The trouble is, I've ordered it now, by fast track.

Will I be able to change the order?

If so, what would you recommend I change in the above system specs?

Thanks for your help.

 

[SpyderTracks]

This is what I would have personally chosen:

Case
CORSAIR 275R AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Eight Core CPU (3.6GHz-4.4GHz/36MB CACHE/AM4) Modern equivalent, much more powerful especially in multicore
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX) - RGB Ready! Cutting edge board with PCIe 4 support
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3000MHz (2 x 16GB) Much faster memory which will help generally
Graphics Card
6GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1660 Ti - HDMI, DP - GeForce GTX VR Ready! Still a very capable GPU if outputting 1080p
1st Storage Drive
NOT REQUIRED
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W) Very capable M2 drive
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
NOT REQUIRED
Power Supply
CORSAIR 550W TXm SERIES™ SEMI-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)
Wireless/Wired Networking
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 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft® Office® 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 12 to 14 working days
Price: £1,357.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/VvmuhVGepn/

 

[SpyderTracks]

I wish I'd spoken to you earlier; I thought I was speaking to a tech guy (a PC specialist) on the phone when it was recommended to me. I hadn't realised it was a member of a sales team.

The trouble is, I've ordered it now, by fast track.

Will I be able to change the order?

If so, what would you recommend I change in the above system specs?

Thanks for your help.

You can still amend the order anytime before it's in the build phase.

Given that the above suggested alternative is a different configurator, you'd have to fully cancel the current build and then reorder.

They're open until 8pm, I'd call them now, cancel the build and then allow for the payment to return and then reorder.

 

[Entrepreneur36]

Thanks for your help, I've phoned and cancelled the order.

Okay...

So, the things you've changed to the original recommended system are the CPU, motherboard, memory, graphics card, and SSD?

And this will be a fast computer?

Out of curiosity, what will downgrading the graphics card affect? And if I ever want to upgrade it in the future, would that be pretty simple to do?

Just to check, is the SSD card you've recommended as good as the Intel one previously recommended? Since it's the only storage I'll have (I know I gave you a budget to work to, that's why I'm asking, because if it's not much more I may be able to afford it if it'll be more stable/ perform better).

Thanks!

 

[SpyderTracks]

So, the things you've changed to the original recommended system are the CPU, motherboard, memory, graphics card, and SSD?

Yes, plus the case and a 2Tb data HDD

And this will be a super fast computer?

It is a very decent computer, the processor is fantastic. The build is limited by budget, but those components are a good fit for your budget. I personally think it's better balanced for your uses.

Out of curiosity, what will downgrading the graphics card affect? And if I ever want to upgrade it in the future, would that be pretty simple to do?

Downgrading the GPU will increase the time to process video files, but the increase in the processor performance will somewhat balance that out. Upgrading the GPU is very simple, you just remove the current one and plug in a power lead to the new GPU and slot it in. People will try to make you believe that building or modifying a PC is complicated, it really isn't once you get to know the components. If you need any help at any time, always feel free to post here, we can always help out.

Just to check, is the SSD card you've recommended as good as the Intel one previously recommended? Since it's the only storage I'll have (I know I gave you a budget to work to, that's why I'm asking, because if it's not much more I may be able to afford it if it'll be more stable/ perform better).

You can see the performance numbers next to each drive:
1TB INTEL® 660p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (upto 1800MB/sR | 1800MB/sW)
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)

So the Intel is slightly faster at writing, but slightly slower at reading, but is quite a lot more expensive I think.

I also added a 2Tb HDD for data storage. Just having one 1Tb drive for video editing really isn't giving yourself a lot of room.

 

[Entrepreneur36]

You can still amend the order anytime before it's in the build phase.

Given that the above suggested alternative is a different configurator, you'd have to fully cancel the current build and then reorder.

They're open until 8pm, I'd call them now, cancel the build and then allow for the payment to return and then reorder.

Another quick question...

The case you've recommended, is it a quiet case?

Because I'll be recording videos/making online courses, and I suffer with migraines. So, I need it to be fairly quiet.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Another quick question...

The case you've recommended, is it a quiet case?

Because I'll be recording videos/making online courses, and I suffer with migraines. So, I need it to be fairly quiet.

Yes, I had considered that. Perhaps the original case would be more suitable in that case, I actually think it's less expensive than the one I listed.

 

[Entrepreneur36]

And this will be a super fast computer?

It is a very decent computer, the processor is fantastic. The build is limited by budget, but those components are a good fit for your budget. I personally think it's better balanced for your uses.

Trying to decipher that, lol. So it will be a fast computer?

And if I ever need to make it faster in future, what would that involve?

Out of curiosity, what will downgrading the graphics card affect? And if I ever want to upgrade it in the future, would that be pretty simple to do?

Downgrading will increase the time to process video files. Upgrading is very simple, you just remove the current one and plug in a power lead to the new GPU and slot it in. People will try to make you believe that building or modifying a PC is complicated, it really isn't once you get to know the components. If you need any help at any time, always feel free to post here, we can always help out. "

Will having the lower graphic card be a problem for me livestreaming and recording videos (whilst using multiple apps)? Because this is one of the main reasons why I need the computer.

Thanks.

 

[Entrepreneur36]

I also added a 2Tb HDD for data storage.

Also, I've just noticed, I can't see the HDD data storage you've added in the spec revision?

 

[SpyderTracks]

Also, I've just noticed, I can't see the HDD data storage you've added in the spec revision?

ah, yeah, must have taken it out last minute.

I would wait for someone else to offer their view on this.

 

[Entrepreneur36]

ah, yeah, must have taken it out last minute.

I would wait for someone else to offer their view on this.

Okay, I'll get some more opinions.

I appreciate I've asked a lot of questions. It's because it's for my work, and it's a lot of money to me, so need to make sure I get it right.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Okay, I'll get some more opinions.

I appreciate I've asked a lot of questions. It's because it's for my work, and it's a lot of money to me, so need to make sure I get it right.

Totally understand, it’s a big spend.

 

[Scott]

I must admit I'm struggling at the price point a little too.....

You're looking for a silent, fast, multi-tasking machine that is also excellent for content creation and can tick all the boxes.

This isn't, IMO, the ideal system for your description but unfortunately such a system would be around £1500.

I've left 32GB of RAM in but at this level I would think that 16GB would be more than enough.
Ideally you want a scratch drive for content creation, a fast one, but this takes you over budget. There's also no real storage capacity for holding your created media so presuming you have your own storage to plug in.

Anyway, not may changes from the aforementioned system. I've just focused on silence

Case
FRACTAL DEFINE R6 BLACK QUIET MID-TOWER CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Eight Core CPU (3.6GHz-4.4GHz/36MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® PRIME B450-PLUS (DDR4, USB 3.1, 6Gb/s) - RGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3000MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
6GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1660 SUPER - HDMI, DP - GeForce GTX VR Ready!
1st Storage Drive
NOT REQUIRED
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
NOT REQUIRED
Power Supply
CORSAIR 550W TXm SERIES™ SEMI-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)
Wireless/Wired Networking
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 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft® Office® 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 12 to 14 working days
Price: £1,273.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/sw8Qz65Pfu/

 

[Entrepreneur36]

I must admit I'm struggling at the price point a little too.....

You're looking for a silent, fast, multi-tasking machine that is also excellent for content creation and can tick all the boxes.

This isn't, IMO, the ideal system for your description but unfortunately such a system would be around £1500.

I've left 32GB of RAM in but at this level I would think that 16GB would be more than enough.
Ideally you want a scratch drive for content creation, a fast one, but this takes you over budget. There's also no real storage capacity for holding your created media so presuming you have your own storage to plug in.

Anyway, not may changes from the aforementioned system. I've just focused on silence

Case
FRACTAL DEFINE R6 BLACK QUIET MID-TOWER CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Eight Core CPU (3.6GHz-4.4GHz/36MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® PRIME B450-PLUS (DDR4, USB 3.1, 6Gb/s) - RGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3000MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
6GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1660 SUPER - HDMI, DP - GeForce GTX VR Ready!
1st Storage Drive
NOT REQUIRED
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
NOT REQUIRED
Power Supply
CORSAIR 550W TXm SERIES™ SEMI-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)
Wireless/Wired Networking
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 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft® Office® 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 12 to 14 working days
Price: £1,273.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/sw8Qz65Pfu/

Okay, hypothetically, if I can somehow manage to borrow the extra money to make my budget 1500, what would be your recommendations (for what I need it for)?

And no, I don't have any storage to plugin.