The Time Has Come

Steveyg

MOST VALUED CONTRIBUTOR
Been rechecking the configurator every day. Trying to take advantage of the volatility of the 3070 to try and get a cheaper quote. Nailed it down to £2220 which is nice. Definitely pulling the trigger on Wednesday.

With Prime Day coming up it seems like a great time to order peripherals, which is an area I am much less well versed in. Interested in purchasing the following:
Monitor: 2 Ultrawide options, AOC CU34G2X or Gigabyte G34WQC. Hopefully one of these dips below £400 but I'll nab one of them regardless.
Webcam: Liked the look of the Razer Kiyo with Ringlight, not sure if it's too OTT or not though. Budget around £100
Mic: With streaming in mind is a separate mic worthwhile or should I just go for a decent headset? Blue Yeti has been mentioned a couple of times.
Headphones/headset: My old one is on its last legs, heard Razer is a good value pick as well?
Keyboard: Heard a lot of support for Corsair on here, not looking for anything too flashy, function over RGB.

As always, appreciate all the input from you guys. Getting very excited now! :D
Headphones I'm pretty specific about, I like the Corsair HS70 Pro's I think you get fantastic sound quality from them for the price. I find similar priced headphones just don't offer anywhere near the quality of the HS70's Pro's. Note that's only the HS70 Wireless sets, the other HS50/60/ etc are nowhere near as good

I had Corsair Vengeance 1500's before these which I also loved though.

Keyboard depends on budget really. Ducky is always the go to but they are real expensive

I've not much to add in the other parts though
 

AgentCooper

At Least I Have Chicken
Moderator
Been rechecking the configurator every day. Trying to take advantage of the volatility of the 3070 to try and get a cheaper quote. Nailed it down to £2220 which is nice. Definitely pulling the trigger on Wednesday.

With Prime Day coming up it seems like a great time to order peripherals, which is an area I am much less well versed in. Interested in purchasing the following:
Monitor: 2 Ultrawide options, AOC CU34G2X or Gigabyte G34WQC. Hopefully one of these dips below £400 but I'll nab one of them regardless.
Webcam: Liked the look of the Razer Kiyo with Ringlight, not sure if it's too OTT or not though. Budget around £100
Mic: With streaming in mind is a separate mic worthwhile or should I just go for a decent headset? Blue Yeti has been mentioned a couple of times.
Headphones/headset: My old one is on its last legs, heard Razer is a good value pick as well?
Keyboard: Heard a lot of support for Corsair on here, not looking for anything too flashy, function over RGB.

As always, appreciate all the input from you guys. Getting very excited now! :D
Can’t give useful info on the mic or webcam as I’m not a streamer and have no worthwhile point of reference for you.

Monitor - Whilst I don’t have quite as intimate a relationship with my screen as Martin does with his G5, I will continue to give the AOC a huge thumbs up. The only minor bugbear is that it’s not got the lovely wee joystick style control that most newer monitors have. So the initial negotiating of setting the screen up involves a bit of button mashing.

Headset - I picked up the Razer Nari Ultimate on last year’s Prime Day and have been heartily impressed. The Hypersense feature rinses the battery when it’s switched on but it’s great for immersion. Very comfortable too.

Keyboard - Treat yourself to a Ducky if you want superb function with a unique but not too flashy aesthetic. I love my
Corsair K65, clacktastic Cherry reds, quality chassis and the RGB is useful as well as pretty. You can use iCue as a monitor so your key colours will change as your CPU temperature rises.
 

Steveyg

MOST VALUED CONTRIBUTOR

SpyderTracks

We love you Ukraine
I'm going to get a full Ducky at some point this year, I'm doing more working from home so the num pad is required these days... at least that's how I'm justifying it to myself.... and to herself
Nah, makes perfect sense. I'd love a 65%er for mobile use attached to a laptop in a hotel or something, but not for my main rig, have to have full size with numpad.
 

MrWilson

Godlike
Thank you so much to everyone for your feedback. I can always rely on you guys for some sound advice!

Monitor: Think I've been convinced by the AOC. Don't mind a little button mashing at the start to get things set up!
Webcam: The C920 looks like a solid pick to me here.
Headset: Considering between the Corsair HS70 and the Razer Nari Ultimate. The Razer looks like the bee's knees but is also a little pricier than the Corsair so not sure if I can justify spending the extra.
Mic: Tonor Q9 looks like a good value, with all the kit for £60. Saw a couple of older reviews saying it had issues with Discord, is that anything that you've experienced @JUNI0R?
Keyboard: I've really realised that I know nothing about keyboards after years of low quality laptops and so I've been hitting up YT for some education here. Seen that there are multiple variations and decided that I probably want a full keyboard, no TKL or 65%, which I guess rules out Ducky on Amazon atm.
With the Corsair nomenclature, do the K numbers refer to newer series or more deluxe products? I think I've found a K60 that I'm happy with on Amazon. I do like the idea of using iCue to sync up with CPU temps. Also happy to be recommended some Logitech products though.
 

Steveyg

MOST VALUED CONTRIBUTOR
Thank you so much to everyone for your feedback. I can always rely on you guys for some sound advice!

Monitor: Think I've been convinced by the AOC. Don't mind a little button mashing at the start to get things set up!
Webcam: The C920 looks like a solid pick to me here.
Headset: Considering between the Corsair HS70 and the Razer Nari Ultimate. The Razer looks like the bee's knees but is also a little pricier than the Corsair so not sure if I can justify spending the extra.
Mic: Tonor Q9 looks like a good value, with all the kit for £60. Saw a couple of older reviews saying it had issues with Discord, is that anything that you've experienced @JUNI0R?
Keyboard: I've really realised that I know nothing about keyboards after years of low quality laptops and so I've been hitting up YT for some education here. Seen that there are multiple variations and decided that I probably want a full keyboard, no TKL or 65%, which I guess rules out Ducky on Amazon atm.
With the Corsair nomenclature, do the K numbers refer to newer series or more deluxe products? I think I've found a K60 that I'm happy with on Amazon. I do like the idea of using iCue to sync up with CPU temps. Also happy to be recommended some Logitech products though.
The K nomenclature was more a generation of products to be honest. General rule of thumb is the higher the number after the K the better the quality of the product. I can personally recommend the K65 and the K70 for the keyboards I think both are great (The K65 is just the K70 without the num pad, I have both but don't ask why I'll not have an answer)

I've never used a Razer headset but I have used alternatives to 7.1 surround that were supposedly "just as good" or "improved" and every time they end up sounding hollow and tinny. Maybe the Razer Nari has it nailed down pat but I can't personally say

The HS70 Pro's have actual full 7.1 surround though
 

Scott

Behold The Ford Mondeo
Moderator
Some minor changes on your build, not sure how it would affect price and whether or not it would be worth it....

Dropped the secondary M2, get yourself a 2TB Adata XPG SX8200 Pro instead.
Switched to the capellix. Honestly... nothing to do with RGB..... switch it off. I know for a fact the Elite uses the coolit plate (The one that you want) and I know that it comes with the commander pro, which is far better than driving everything off of the pump. It's just a better design IMO, even if the performance... on paper at least..... is remarkably similar.

The 3070 needs an ultrawide, you already know that though ;)

If you plan on using the RGB on the peripherals then go for the all-round Corsair offerings. I would recommend the Corsair M65 Pro mouse and the K70 Mk2 keyboard. The K95 is just as sweet with some further features but anything around that level is just fantastic if you're a keyboard gamer.

I only mention the Corsair offerings as you can monitor temperature etc using iCue. If things get toasty the keyboard & mouse will light up to let you know the status.

Case
FRACTAL DEFINE 7 BLACK QUIET MID-TOWER CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 12 Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.8GHz/70MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX X570-F GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
4GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 2400MHz (1 x 4GB)
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
500GB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 6900MB/R, 5000MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1000W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H115i ELITE CAPELLIX RGB Hydro Series High 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
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 [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 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Microsoft® Edge (Windows 10 Only)
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 - Subject to stock availability on pre-order products
Price: £2,237.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/HnFfs2!9xs/
 

MrWilson

Godlike
Some minor changes on your build, not sure how it would affect price and whether or not it would be worth it....

Dropped the secondary M2, get yourself a 2TB Adata XPG SX8200 Pro instead.
Switched to the capellix. Honestly... nothing to do with RGB..... switch it off. I know for a fact the Elite uses the coolit plate (The one that you want) and I know that it comes with the commander pro, which is far better than driving everything off of the pump. It's just a better design IMO, even if the performance... on paper at least..... is remarkably similar.

The 3070 needs an ultrawide, you already know that though ;)

If you plan on using the RGB on the peripherals then go for the all-round Corsair offerings. I would recommend the Corsair M65 Pro mouse and the K70 Mk2 keyboard. The K95 is just as sweet with some further features but anything around that level is just fantastic if you're a keyboard gamer.

I only mention the Corsair offerings as you can monitor temperature etc using iCue. If things get toasty the keyboard & mouse will light up to let you know the status.

Case
FRACTAL DEFINE 7 BLACK QUIET MID-TOWER CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 12 Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.8GHz/70MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX X570-F GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
4GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 2400MHz (1 x 4GB)
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
500GB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 6900MB/R, 5000MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1000W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H115i ELITE CAPELLIX RGB Hydro Series High 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
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 [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 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Microsoft® Edge (Windows 10 Only)
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 - Subject to stock availability on pre-order products
Price: £2,237.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/HnFfs2!9xs/
RE Build: I think while a 2tb games drive might be better overall with the current prices it's harder to justify. Considering spec above is more expensive than my quote and down 1tb of storage. Will take on your point RE: Capellix and amend that after ordering to preserve the cost. Also means if my attitude to RGB changes in a few years I can get the tempered glass side panel and enjoy the show.
Found the K70 on Amazon and looks like it has everything I need so is currently at the top of my list.
I haven't really looked at mice, I have a fairly basic mouse that I got as a present that does the job so wasn't sure if spending an extra £50 or so would make a huge improvement or not.
 

Scott

Behold The Ford Mondeo
Moderator
RE Build: I think while a 2tb games drive might be better overall with the current prices it's harder to justify. Considering spec above is more expensive than my quote and down 1tb of storage. Will take on your point RE: Capellix and amend that after ordering to preserve the cost. Also means if my attitude to RGB changes in a few years I can get the tempered glass side panel and enjoy the show.
Found the K70 on Amazon and looks like it has everything I need so is currently at the top of my list.
I haven't really looked at mice, I have a fairly basic mouse that I got as a present that does the job so wasn't sure if spending an extra £50 or so would make a huge improvement or not.

My guess is it's probably a timing thing. My reason for suggesting purchasing the M2 drive externally is that you get a FAR better unit for your cash (the SX8200 is a fantastic buy). 1TB would be fine if 2TB is too rich, it would just be a bit more headroom.

With regards to the mouse, it depends how much detail you are looking for and what sort of hand size you have. The M65 is a proper man-size mouse IMO. I've got big mitts and it feels really good in the hand. It has weights that can be added/removed to get the correct weight and feel that you would be after and it also has excellent build quality.

Again, I wouldn't worry so much about the RGB for aesthetics. It can just be used as a fantastic tool for system monitoring.

It's a wired mouse, there is a wireless offering though. I would advise against the IronClaw though, not sure how it gets the positive reviews that it does.
 

Steveyg

MOST VALUED CONTRIBUTOR
RE Build: I think while a 2tb games drive might be better overall with the current prices it's harder to justify. Considering spec above is more expensive than my quote and down 1tb of storage. Will take on your point RE: Capellix and amend that after ordering to preserve the cost. Also means if my attitude to RGB changes in a few years I can get the tempered glass side panel and enjoy the show.
Found the K70 on Amazon and looks like it has everything I need so is currently at the top of my list.
I haven't really looked at mice, I have a fairly basic mouse that I got as a present that does the job so wasn't sure if spending an extra £50 or so would make a huge improvement or not.
Well you can probably guess what mouse I'm going to recommend I'm pretty sure I've suggested it at least 20 times but the Razer Deathadder really is the perfect mouse in opinion.

I've used a couple difference mice over the years but nothing has ever taken the Deathadders place for good reason. It's got a braided cord but I got a mouse bungee years ago which I highly recommend doing for wired mice, it basically makes a wired mouse feel like a wireless mouse as there is to friction from the cable rubbing on the end of the table or anything like that
 

MrWilson

Godlike
Well you can probably guess what mouse I'm going to recommend I'm pretty sure I've suggested it at least 20 times but the Razer Deathadder really is the perfect mouse in opinion.

I've used a couple difference mice over the years but nothing has ever taken the Deathadders place for good reason. It's got a braided cord but I got a mouse bungee years ago which I highly recommend doing for wired mice, it basically makes a wired mouse feel like a wireless mouse as there is to friction from the cable rubbing on the end of the table or anything like that
Is that the Deathadder V2 or Essential? The Essential does look like really good value, under £25 on Amazon at the moment.
Mouse confirmed based on above question.
Monitor confirmed.
Keyboard confirmed.
Webcam confirmed.
Mic almost confirmed.
Headset still between Corsair and Razer but leaning towards Corsair.

Thank you all for your input and patience, getting super excited about ordering tomorrow!
 

JUNI0R

VALUED CONTRIBUTOR
Mic: Tonor Q9 looks like a good value, with all the kit for £60. Saw a couple of older reviews saying it had issues with Discord, is that anything that you've experienced @JUNI0R?
Nope! Not known of any issues or had anyone I'm chatting with report any. What were the issues you read about? It's something I didn't see when buying
 

SpyderTracks

We love you Ukraine
Is that the Deathadder V2 or Essential? The Essential does look like really good value, under £25 on Amazon at the moment.
Mouse confirmed based on above question.
Monitor confirmed.
Keyboard confirmed.
Webcam confirmed.
Mic almost confirmed.
Headset still between Corsair and Razer but leaning towards Corsair.

Thank you all for your input and patience, getting super excited about ordering tomorrow!
I've got the Deathadder V2 Mini which is crazy cheap on Amazon atm, it's the very same mouse with something like 5mm taken off the length and a little less RGB, it's a decent sized mouse, but if you've got really large hands, then perhaps not suitable. I'm over 6ft with relatively large hands and it's lovely.

I haven't had many gaming mice, but this is certainly the best I've owned to date and for this price it's just faaaar too good to miss, I bought it for £45 and still think it's worth double that.

 

MrWilson

Godlike
Nope! Not known of any issues or had anyone I'm chatting with report any. What were the issues you read about? It's something I didn't see when buying
On the Amazon review it was mentioned and confirmed by manufacturer not to be compatible with Discord. Was in 2019 so would have assumed it would have been patched by now, and by your feedback I would assume that would indeed be the case.
I've got the Deathadder V2 Mini which is crazy cheap on Amazon atm, it's the very same mouse with something like 5mm taken off the length and a little less RGB, it's a decent sized mouse, but if you've got really large hands, then perhaps not suitable. I'm over 6ft with relatively large hands and it's lovely.

I haven't had many gaming mice, but this is certainly the best I've owned to date and for this price it's just faaaar too good to miss, I bought it for £45 and still think it's worth double that.

Thanks for the recommendation, Razer says it is 114mm long which is about the same size as my current mouse. Seems like a bargain for £27!
 

MrWilson

Godlike
37E0C488-BC56-4175-9624-F000744A63C7.png

Here’s a very blurry screenshot of my Amazon basket. Hope this drops below £800 on Monday.
Feel very content with this selection though.
 
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