Budget ish pc spec

Swampyseifer · 1 Jan 2024 at 16:09

Hi all,

I've been looking to get a spec together for a micro ATX system, the first PC build I've done in over a decade, and I'm aiming more in the budget area of cost but possibly slightly over that. I'm kinda looking to spend say no more than £750, but better if less. Definitely looking for small and unobtrusive, being relatively quiet running is also a bonus if possible. I understand that I could go cheaper with a Radeon GPU but it has been recommended that I stay with Nvidia as DLSS is a better option.

What I have been looking at so far is :-

CPU:AMD Ryzen 5 5600x
CPU cooler: Deepcool AK400
GPU: MSI GeForce RTX 3060 Ventus 2X OC 12GB GDDR6
Motherboard: Gigabyte BS550m DS3H
Ram: Crucial Ballistix 16gb DDR4-3200 (2x8)
Storage: WD Black SN770 1TB SSD M.2 2280 NVME PCI-E
Case: Cooler Master CoolerBox Q300L
PSU: Corsair RM650 Modular gold ATX

Total: ~ £740

I would be grateful for thoughts and opinions!

Tediore · 1 Jan 2024 at 16:13

Swampyseifer said:
Hi all,

I've been looking to get a spec together for a micro ATX system, the first PC build I've done in over a decade, and I'm aiming more in the budget area of cost but possibly slightly over that. I'm kinda looking to spend say no more than £750, but better if less. Definitely looking for small and unobtrusive, being relatively quiet running is also a bonus if possible. I understand that I could go cheaper with a Radeon GPU but it has been recommended that I stay with Nvidia as DLSS is a better option.

What I have been looking at so far is :-

CPU:AMD Ryzen 5 5600x
CPU cooler: Deepcool AK400
GPU: MSI GeForce RTX 3060 Ventus 2X OC 12GB GDDR6
Motherboard: Gigabyte BS550m DS3H
Ram: Crucial Ballistix 16gb DDR4-3200 (2x8)
Storage: WD Black SN770 1TB SSD M.2 2280 NVME PCI-E
Case: Cooler Master CoolerBox Q300L
PSU: Corsair RM650 Modular gold ATX

Total: ~ £740

I would be grateful for thoughts and opinions!

That spec looks fine but I'd probably up the RAM to 32GB as you can get 32GB 3200 MHz kits for £60 now and swap the 3060 out for a 6700 XT.

Whilst it's true that DLSS is a bit better than FSR I don't think it can make up for the 6700 XT being a whole tier better.

TripleT · 1 Jan 2024 at 16:13

I'd try and stretch for a beefier PSU, just for future proofing (although it depends when / if you want to upgrade). But having to replace the PSU in order to get the GPU you want in the future sucks and takes a bit of time to re-route cables etc. So spending a bit extra now on a 750/850 solves that and your future self will thank you.

Are you buying new? I've look at used GPU's personally. Especially at the lower price point level, much more bang for buck and minimal risk.

Swampyseifer · 1 Jan 2024 at 16:32

Tediore said:
That spec looks fine but I'd probably up the RAM to 32GB as you can get 32GB 3200 MHz kits for £60 now and swap the 3060 out for a 6700 XT.

Whilst it's true that DLSS is a bit better than FSR I don't think it can make up for the 6700 XT being a whole tier better.

Thanks for the info. Its a minor cost to add another sort of £25-£30 to double the RAM so I will put it in the list and see what it does. Interesting about the 6700XT, I will see what I can find at what price.

TripleT said:
I'd try and stretch for a beefier PSU, just for future proofing (although it depends when / if you want to upgrade). But having to replace the PSU in order to get the GPU you want in the future sucks and takes a bit of time to re-route cables etc. So spending a bit extra now on a 750/850 solves that and your future self will thank you.

Are you buying new? I've look at used GPU's personally. Especially at the lower price point level, much more bang for buck and minimal risk.

I am probably not likely to upgrade any time soon. I've been out of PC gaming for some time and actually use a Chromebook for my non-gaming stuff. I also have consoles that I would play games on as a preference. However I would like to try out some PCVR with my Quest 3, also I think my windows laptop (Lenovo G710 is on its last legs now, it just randomly BSODs on me) so I need something to replace it.

I've always thought second hand electronics is a risky? Expecially something that you can't even see working before you buy it?

Tetras · 1 Jan 2024 at 16:36

If you're going with a 5600 or 5600x for a budget PC, then I wouldn't bother spending 40+ quid on a cooler and just use the box one.

Agree with the above about 32GB.

Swampyseifer · 1 Jan 2024 at 17:13

Tetras said:
If you're going with a 5600 or 5600x for a budget PC, then I wouldn't bother spending 40+ quid on a cooler and just use the box one.

Agree with the above about 32GB.

I just assumed stock = meh! Both in cooling ability and noise production

Tediore · 1 Jan 2024 at 17:38

Swampyseifer said:
I just assumed stock = meh! Both in cooling ability and noise production

I used the stock cooler on my Ryzen 5 3600 and it was fine. If you really want a cooler for aesthetics, etc. then the Thermalright range are unbeatable for price to performance. OCUK don't stock them but look at the Peerless Assassin or Phantom Spirit (PA120 and PS120) for around £30 if you plan to change the CPU to something beefier in future or the BA or Assassin King coolers if not for around £19-20.

Tetras · 1 Jan 2024 at 18:19

Swampyseifer said:
I just assumed stock = meh! Both in cooling ability and noise production

They're not the best, a decent tower cooler is significantly better (especially when we're talking about the stealth, which is the lowest spec one), but at this end of the market £30-£40 can go a long way if you're having to compromise on something like the amount of ram.