Advice for a new build

[superleeds27]

I think it's time to start looking at upgrading a trusty reliable system. I'd rather start from scratch then plonk in a few new bits.

Current system
CPU - Ryzen 3600
Cooler - Ben Nevis CPU cooler
Mobo - Gigabyte Aorus Elite X570
RAM - Team group 2 x 8gb
GPU - Gigabyte 2070 Super Gaming OC
PSU - EVGA 650w P2

Over the last couple of years I've found myself hardly ever using the PC for gaming, it's essentially a work machine - 9to5 5 days a week.

Thoughts on the following

CPU - Ryzen 7600
Cooler - Thermalright Peerless Assassin/Phantom Spirit
Mobo - Not sure. Needs Spdif
Ram - will depend on the board really. 32gb
GPU - Keep the 2070? Or go to something like a 3060/4060?
PSU - Keep?

Usage: Mainly work, web/browser based. Photoshop etc. although I like the idea of being able to use it for gaming too if I do decide to go down that route again.

I know this post is a little vague, just thought I'd get a bit of feedback, ideas from some of the experts

Budget: Not really an issue, but I don't want to go mad for the sake of it!

 

[Quartz]

CPU - Ryzen 7600

The Ryzen 9000 CPUs are just appearing, with the same performance for a lower power draw.

Mobo - Not sure. Needs Spdif

You can get USB to SPDIF adapters.

 

[Tetras]

Usage: Mainly work, web/browser based. Photoshop etc. although I like the idea of being able to use it for gaming too if I do decide to go down that route again.

In what circumstances is your current PC running too slowly?

Are you planning to pass on your existing PC or is an upgrade viable?

 

[superleeds27]

In what circumstances is your current PC running too slowly?

Are you planning to pass on your existing PC or is an upgrade viable?

Upgrade is viable, although stripping it down and selling it to recoup costs is an option too.

It's little bits, mainly Photoshop. Where at time it just feels like it lags, or it's struggling.

Was thinking a fresh start might be better.

 

[Tetras]

It's little bits, mainly Photoshop. Where at time it just feels like it lags, or it's struggling.

Can you run task manager while that's happening to see where the problem is?

Photoshop has been updated quite a lot and some of the new features can be pretty intensive, so would be good to know if you're struggling with CPU, RAM, even GPU.

Upgrade is viable, although stripping it down and selling it to recoup costs is an option too.

In terms of value for money, you're pretty much guaranteed better value by upgrading, but I can understand wanting to start fresh too.

 

[superleeds27]

Can you run task manager while that's happening to see where the problem is?

Photoshop has been updated quite a lot and some of the new features can be pretty intensive, so would be good to know if you're struggling with CPU, RAM, even GPU.


In terms of value for money, you're pretty much guaranteed better value by upgrading, but I can understand wanting to start fresh too.

I'll take a look tomorrow. It tends to be during startup, almost like it needs to get running for a bit and settle, then it seems okay.

Yeah I get upgrading is probably the more cost effective way. It'd just be nice to start fresh, have a mobo that doesn't have a dead LAN port, a more recent bios that doesn't cripple the performance of the CPU etc.

What's your thoughts on a rough build?

 

[Tetras]

What's your thoughts on a rough build?

The 7600 is a decent CPU, I'd maybe look at the 7700 if the discounts that are available elsewhere in the world arrive here.

I wouldn't bother with the graphics card until you can confirm there's any need, since 2D work typically doesn't make much demand on it, though the very newest features of Photoshop can use the GPU a lot more.

 

[superleeds27]

The 7600 is a decent CPU, I'd maybe look at the 7700 if the discounts that are available elsewhere in the world arrive here.

I wouldn't bother with the graphics card until you can confirm there's any need, since 2D work typically doesn't make much demand on it, though the very newest features of Photoshop can use the GPU a lot more.

Yeah it's the CPU. Starts hitting 30-45% opening and using Photoshop. Memory usage is roughly 1gb, GPU next to nothing

 

[Tetras]

Yeah it's the CPU. Starts hitting 30-45% opening and using Photoshop. Memory usage is roughly 1gb, GPU next to nothing

Photoshop has usually been defined as single core heavy, so a CPU like the 7600 would be a decent improvement on your 3600 if you're hitting max boost.

Though, slowness on opening and loading can also be related to the memory capacity (e.g. if it has to free up a lot if you rarely restart) and to the SSD.

 

[superleeds27]

Photoshop has usually been defined as single core heavy, so a CPU like the 7600 would be a decent improvement on your 3600 if you're hitting max boost.

Though, slowness on opening and loading can also be related to the memory capacity (e.g. if it has to free up a lot if you rarely restart) and to the SSD.

So a 7600 and 32GB would do the trick then

Any suggestions on mobo/memory combo?

 

[Tetras]

Any suggestions on mobo/memory combo?

I think Tomahawk and Livemixer have spdif, not sure if there are cheaper alternatives.

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x AMD Ryzen 5 7600 Six Core 5.10GHz (Socket AM5) Processor - Retail (SKU: CP-3DW-AM) = £188.99
• 1 x Asrock B650 LIVEMIXER (Socket AM5) DDR5 ATX Motherboard (SKU: MB-18W-AK) = £159.98
• 1 x Corsair Vengeance EXPO 32GB (2X16GB) DDR5 PC5-48000C36 6000MHz Dual Channel Kit (SKU: MEM-CRS-00996) = £89.99
• 1 x Arctic Freezer 36 120m Black CPU Cooler - 2x 120mm (SKU: COO-ARC-02420) = £24.95

Total: £463.91 (includes delivery: £0.00)​

There's a TeamGroup 32GB (EXPO) kit which is 6000 C38, if you don't like Corsair.

Tomahawk has more jacks and a better codec.

 

[superleeds27]

Bit of a bump as I never got round to doing anything! Money was needed elsewhere

Would the above still be relevant, or is there something that's a little better now for the same cost, or worth that extra few quid to future proof further.

It's more workstation now then gaming, unfortunately!

 

[Tetras]

Bit of a bump as I never got round to doing anything! Money was needed elsewhere

Would the above still be relevant, or is there something that's a little better now for the same cost, or worth that extra few quid to future proof further.

It's more workstation now then gaming, unfortunately!

Can you restate your budget and usage/apps please?

You don't need a case, PSU, storage, is that right?

 

[superleeds27]

Budget - £500 - can stretch if needed.
Usage - Work machine. Web dev, Photoshop. Maybe the odd bit of gaming

Looking at: CPU/Mobo/RAM/Cooler (GFX possibly - I know that will bump the cost though!)

 

[Gray2233]

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF (Arrow Lake) Socket LGA 1851 Processor - Retail (SKU: PRO-INT-03112) = £278.99
• 1 x Intel Motherboard Master Key - Star Wars Outlaws (SKU: DIG-INT-04686) = £0.00
• 1 x Gigabyte B860M EAGLE (LGA 1851) DDR5 Micro-ATX Motherboard (SKU: MOT-GIG-04116) = £129.99
• 1 x Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB Black CPU Cooler - 120mm (SKU: COO-TLR-02724) = £29.99
• 1 x Corsair Vengeance EXPO/XMP 32GB (2X16GB) DDR5 PC5-48000C36 6000MHz Dual Channel Kit (SKU: MEM-CRS-00996) = £79.99

Total: £526.96 (includes delivery: £7.99)​

For a mainly work machine I'd go for this and keep your GPU, maybe consider an upgrade down the line if your photoshop use is more reliant on the GPU.

I'd consider bumping up to 48 or 64gb of RAM also, but assume 32gb will be fine given your original post.

Swap for a full size motherboard if necessary.

For most work related tasks the 265 is around on par with the AMD 9900, which is a good deal more expensive.

 

[superleeds27]

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF (Arrow Lake) Socket LGA 1851 Processor - Retail (SKU: PRO-INT-03112) = £278.99
• 1 x Intel Motherboard Master Key - Star Wars Outlaws (SKU: DIG-INT-04686) = £0.00
• 1 x Gigabyte B860M EAGLE (LGA 1851) DDR5 Micro-ATX Motherboard (SKU: MOT-GIG-04116) = £129.99
• 1 x Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB Black CPU Cooler - 120mm (SKU: COO-TLR-02724) = £29.99
• 1 x Corsair Vengeance EXPO/XMP 32GB (2X16GB) DDR5 PC5-48000C36 6000MHz Dual Channel Kit (SKU: MEM-CRS-00996) = £79.99

Total: £526.96 (includes delivery: £7.99)​

For a mainly work machine I'd go for this and keep your GPU, maybe consider an upgrade down the line if your photoshop use is more reliant on the GPU.

I'd consider bumping up to 48 or 64gb of RAM also, but assume 32gb will be fine given your original post.

Swap for a full size motherboard if necessary.

For most work related tasks the 265 is around on par with the AMD 9900, which is a good deal more expensive.

Any suggestions on the full size mobo?

 

[Gray2233]

Delete/Double post.

 

[Gray2233]

Any suggestions on the full size mobo?

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x Intel Motherboard Master Key - Star Wars Outlaws (SKU: DIG-INT-04686) = £0.00
• 1 x Asrock Z890 Pro-A (LGA 1851) DDR5 ATX Motherboard (SKU: MOT-ASR-03365) = £182.99

Total: £186.98 (includes delivery: £3.99)​

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[Tetras]

Any suggestions on the full size mobo?

FYI: the 265K/265KF have had quite a few price cuts recently and the full extent is not reflected everywhere (maybe until they clear old stock). I'd try and get the 265K if you can, never know when the IGP can come in handy.

 

[superleeds27]

FYI: the 265K/265KF have had quite a few price cuts recently and the full extent is not reflected everywhere (maybe until they clear old stock). I'd try and get the 265K if you can, never know when the IGP can come in handy.

Will take a look!