First Ever Build - Advice Please

Uriel. · 19-09-2019 11:56pm #1

Hi I am just looking for some general advice for a first ever build
A friend, who has build a few machines previously, will give me a dig out with the actual physical building, but was hoping to get some general advice here on the configuration.

1. What is your budget?
€1,500 but if I can go cheaper I will

2. What will be the main purpose of the computer?
Some gaming (Football Manager, simulators like Hospital 2.0, Cities Skylines etc. plus I would like to start getting into some PC gaming (only have PS4). Machine will also be required for work from home purposes and while not heavy processing will have lots of Microsoft programmes running at the same time, jumping in out of them (Word, large Excels, PowerPoint, Project etc.), a number of web based interfaces and portals. I am also separately upgrading my NAS with a view to ripping my DVD collection to same - so for a few months I will be heavily using programmes like handbrake and doing large file transfers. Will also watch films and Sky Go, Netflix etc. on it from time to time. Lots internet and emails

3. Do you need a copy of Windows?
Yes

4. Can you use any parts from an old computer?
No

5. Do you need a monitor?
Yes, but it not included in the budget above.

5a. If yes, what size do you need.
26" - 28"
5b. If no, what resolution is your current monitor and do you plan to upgrade in the near future? []

6. Do you need any of these peripherals? [Wireless Card & Card Reader]
It won't be possible to do a direct ethernet connection so will be relying on WIFI. Have virgin 360mb and will be relying on making the most use of that via WIFI. in 2020 I hope to purchase the new Orbi mesh system which allows ethernet connection via on of the satellites.

7. Are you willing to try overclocking?
Possibly, but unlikely

8. How can you pay?
Visa, paypal etc.

9. When are you purchasing?
in the next month.

I did a build via partpicker which is in or around 250 over my maximum budget and I would like some advice on getting it down if possible. I don't want to go overkill on a build for my needs, but do want some level of future proofing so that I am not upgrading again too soon. I spent 1,400 on a Gigabyte laptop 4 years ago (prebuilt) and it is the most disappointing purchase ever. Extremely slow etc.

https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/kM26Mc

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X 3.8 GHz 6-Core Processor €251.56

CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 50.5 CFM CPU Cooler €78.88

Motherboard MSI MPG X570 GAMING EDGE WIFI ATX AM4 Motherboard €221.37

Memory: Kingston HyperX Predator 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory €95.26

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
€94.29
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive
€201.39

Video Card: MSI GeForce RTX 2060 6 GB GAMING Z Video Card €419.30

Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro M TG ATX Mid Tower Case €100.92

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G3 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply €119.18

Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer €67.38

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit €94.23

Base Total: €1732.97
Shipping: €10.80
Total: €1743.76

Also as this is a first build and I am not aux fait with building from scratch if there is core component I've missed (sound card, network adapter????) please let me know.

Thanks.

M00lers · 20-09-2019 7:07am

Could save £50 by getting a 3600 instead of a 3600X. (the x variant is not worth the extra cash)

Another £50 saved if you go with ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro 1TB(£135 at the moment on Amazon and very comparable to the Samsung in performance)

OS can be gotten for less than 5 euro.

CPU cooler, Motherboard and power supply could be another area to save a few quid but they're good purchases in my opinion.

I'm sure others will have good info and links for you.

Good luck.

K.O.Kiki · 20-09-2019 11:31am

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor (£179.68 @ Amazon UK)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 34 CPU Cooler (£20.99 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX ATX AM4 Motherboard (£109.97 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport LT 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory (£68.21 @ CCL Computers)
Storage: Intel 660p Series 2.048 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive (£192.06 @ CCL Computers)
Storage: Toshiba P300 3 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£65.62 @ CCL Computers)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8 GB GAMING OC 3X Video Card (£529.99 @ CCL Computers)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro M ATX Mid Tower Case (£59.81 @ CCL Computers)
Power Supply: RIOTORO ENIGMA G2 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (£75.36 @ CCL Computers)
Total: £1301.69
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-09-20 11:28 BST+0100

Wouldn't bother with a disc drive (other than MAYBE dvd-writer) - I haven't had the need for one in 6+ years. Don't bother with Blu-Ray writer - get a cheaper DVD-RW drive IMHO
As above, download Windows 10 to a 16Gb USB key and install without activating. You can get cheap OEM keys later if you're so inclined.
Case choice is personal - I do not trust tempered glass (TG) panels.

Sound card/network adapter are not needed - the motherboard built-in ones are good enough, better to spend the money on decent headset/headphones/speakers.

Uriel. · 22-09-2019 3:02pm

Thanks Folks,
going to take a look at those suggested alternatives.

Uriel. · 27-11-2019 12:34am

Hey folks
Been purchasing parts bit by bit over the last while and only have motherboard, psu, Dvd drive to get now.
Made some upgrades such as a Ryzen 7 3700x

I do now need to turn my attention to a monitor and just seeking advice.
Budget is €450 max and I need something that sits with a business use case and mid range gaming,as described in OP.

Have been looking at the LG 27UL850 which can be got for €445 at the moment LG 27UL850 27-inch 4K UHD Vesa DisplayHDR 400 IPS Monitor https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07RBX5LTZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rxB3Db9XC5HK6

Looking for a 27inch device. USB C is appealing but not any essential.

What do you think of that monitor for the build and use case and would you suggest any alternatives.

SweetCaliber · 27-11-2019 1:56am

Are you looking for 1440p or just 1080p?

My recommendations:

1080p:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/iiyama-G2730HSU-B1-G-Master-Monitor-FreeSync/dp/B071FWBF6J/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1TXHEWNQ402WO&keywords=27%2Binch%2B1440p%2Bmonitor&qid=1574816121&s=computers&sprefix=27%2BINCH%2B1440P%2Ccomputers%2C124&sr=1-4&th=1

1440p:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-LC27JG52QQUXEN-27-Inch-Curved-Monitor/dp/B07FCM5WXF/ref=sr_1_14?crid=1TXHEWNQ402WO&keywords=27+inch+1440p+monitor&qid=1574816203&s=computers&sprefix=27+INCH+1440P%2Ccomputers%2C124&sr=1-14

EDIT:
Argos still doing the Samsung for €300: https://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/9400687/Trail/searchtext%3ESAMSUNG+MONITOR.htm

K.O.Kiki · 27-11-2019 3:58am

If you haven't bought the PSU yet, pre-order Corsair RMx 750 - £80 on Amazon.

Alternatively, the also-excellent TXm 750 is £72.

Uriel. · 27-11-2019 8:30am

SweetCaliber wrote: »

Are you looking for 1440p or just 1080p?

My recommendations:

1080p:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/iiyama-G2730HSU-B1-G-Master-Monitor-FreeSync/dp/B071FWBF6J/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1TXHEWNQ402WO&keywords=27%2Binch%2B1440p%2Bmonitor&qid=1574816121&s=computers&sprefix=27%2BINCH%2B1440P%2Ccomputers%2C124&sr=1-4&th=1

1440p:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-LC27JG52QQUXEN-27-Inch-Curved-Monitor/dp/B07FCM5WXF/ref=sr_1_14?crid=1TXHEWNQ402WO&keywords=27+inch+1440p+monitor&qid=1574816203&s=computers&sprefix=27+INCH+1440P%2Ccomputers%2C124&sr=1-14

EDIT:
Argos still doing the Samsung for €300: https://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/9400687/Trail/searchtext%3ESAMSUNG+MONITOR.htm

1440 where possible.
I forgot to add one important factor of course, I'm not vesa mounting and as result, I'm trying to find a monitor that also comes with a height adjustable stand out of the box where possible.

Uriel. · 27-11-2019 8:33am

K.O.Kiki wrote: »

If you haven't bought the PSU yet, pre-order Corsair RMx 750 - £80 on Amazon.

Alternatively, the also-excellent TXm 750 is £72.

Thanks for this. Haven't ordered psu yet. I must be blind but I can't see the release the for RMx750 on Amazon.
Hoping to do the build when I'm on leave over Christmas which means I don't really need to order for a few weeks yet.

Also is there much of difference going for a semi versus a full modular PSU. I've really only being looking at fully modular so far, but perhaps I don't need to worry so much?

Cordell · 27-11-2019 10:36am

For this system I would go with a 1440p G-sync compatible monitor, 2070S is overkill for 1080p.
Also, on the monitor mount, if you're not going to move it then I can't recommend one enough.

Shlippery · 27-11-2019 7:35pm

Uriel. wrote: »

Thanks for this. Haven't ordered psu yet. I must be blind but I can't see the release the for RMx750 on Amazon.
Hoping to do the build when I'm on leave over Christmas which means I don't really need to order for a few weeks yet.

Also is there much of difference going for a semi versus a full modular PSU. I've really only being looking at fully modular so far, but perhaps I don't need to worry so much?

Think that white psu is just a cheaper version that's not released yet, but open to correction! (the black one is in stock but £100)

I don't think the semi/full modular is a big deal really. You're going to be using all the cables anyways in a semi-modular, so don't see the point in going full modular!!

Keep semi in the search for sure! (the £72 one above would be perfect)

First Ever Build - Advice Please

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