New Build. Budget vs More vs Future Proof. Do I need it?

Lee Monk

Lee Monk

Lee Monk

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Joined
21 May 2020
Posts
138
Hi,

Been posting and trying to gather information over the last week or so.

I use my PC mainly for gaming and my current PC (about 10 years old) (as good as I think it is) is now falling behind as I'd like to be playing games like Red Redemption 2 and Empire of Sin. My usual gaming style is more Football Manager, HOI4, Factorio etc.... so I think a little more taxing on the processor than the graphics.

I'm trying to balance what I 'need' to spend vs what I 'can' spend.

A key thing for me is to try and future proof the machine as much as possible, especially so if I am going for the lower cost build. For me this looks like larger spend, proportionally, on the mobo than other parts. However I am slightly concerned that with all the new kit due over the next 12 months it is getting kinda hard to future proof to much now-a-days.

All that said, lets address a key thing, sure I can build a PC but my 'knowledge' of PC's is extreamly limited. So, if during this post, I off on points please do correct me.

4K gaming does 'interest me' but I am in no rush to purchase a 4k monitor. I have a Samsung T240 which works just fine, though I have nothing to compare it to.

Below I have posted two builds. One under £1000 and one over it. The £1000 is just a round number so I'm not bother by being a little over or under.

On both builds I would like some advice as to anything else I might need. I'm talking more fans or CPU coolers rather than keyboard/mouse type things.

Happy to take recomendations for better performing kit or better value kit on both builds. I'm not a power gamer and, generally speaking, PC building is not a hobby so minor gains with major spend do not appeal to me.

The 'idea' over overlocking/undervolting appeals to be but, like last time, I'll probably just bottle it. I think my last processor was described in my other thread as a beast for OC'ing but I never tried.

I'm not at all interested in flashing lights and LEDs. I think the chosen case is available without glass and I may switch out for that.

The unit my PC sits in is a little tight so the side vents on the case may actually work better for me.

UNDER £1000

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £978.05 (includes shipping: £13.20)
​

OVER £1000

I can probably put another £150-£200 on this build providing I don't have to spend tons of parts I've not listed.

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £1,268.09 (includes shipping: £13.20)
​


Regards

Lee
 
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Not worth getting an x570 over that b450 imo as neither will likely support past the 4000 series of CPUs.

Would try and get another brand over kolink, 3 year warranty for a PSU isn't fantastic.

Next gen consoles are supposedly using a downclocked equivalent of the 3700x so that may be the way to go for future proofing but I honestly don't think you'd have any issues with 3600 - not when you are running a 60hz 1200p monitor anyway.

Imo you should look at getting a high refresh rate and/or higher res monitor, having a pc that powerful running through that monitor would be a bit like having a Ferrari and only ever driving round a car park :p
 
All.

Assuming I go for a 5700 or 5700xt Radeon or NVidia option can you please suggest some Monitor options.

I have no plans for 4k (and I'm not sure those cards woudl support it).

As I'm spending a reasonable amount on the cards then I'd like a monitor that delivers that performance. Definately do not want to be spending any more than £500 and ideally a decent level smaller than this if possible.

I do not need a massive screen.

thanks
 
16GB RAM should be sub £80, not nearly the same price as your CPU.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor
Motherboard: MSI B450M MORTAR MAX Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard
Memory: Patriot Viper 4 Blackout 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
Storage: Western Digital Blue SN550 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon RX 5700 XT 8 GB Red Dragon Video Card
Case: NZXT H510 ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Plus Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply

Total: ~£950.00

Went with a 5700XT, and R5 3600 combo with a MATX B450 board. PSU have gone with solid 550w rather than janky 700w unit. Less than 1k can get you a great system, add £100 to get the 3700X, or wait a week to see what the 3600XT will be offering.
 
i would get a a bit cheaper motherboard and spend the money on a better cpu maybe a Ryzen 7 series tis build should serve you good for at least 3-4 years
 
Lee Monk said:
All.

Assuming I go for a 5700 or 5700xt Radeon or NVidia option can you please suggest some Monitor options.

I have no plans for 4k (and I'm not sure those cards woudl support it).

As I'm spending a reasonable amount on the cards then I'd like a monitor that delivers that performance. Definately do not want to be spending any more than £500 and ideally a decent level smaller than this if possible.

I do not need a massive screen.

thanks
Click to expand...

24" I'd go 1080p, 27" 1440p, at least 144hz in either case. IPS also seems to be the way to go but tends to be a bit more expensive than VA.

Something like these would be good but no stock atm

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £492.28 (includes shipping: £12.30)​
​
 
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