Help with Custom Build PC

Sal91x

Sal91x

Sal91x

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Joined
17 Jun 2020
Posts
23
Hi guys!

I'm looking to buy my first gaming PC and would love some help.

The main purpose of it would be for gaming - I'd like to play games on high graphics settings with consistent 120+fps. I mainly play league of legends, valorant, fortnite...etc.

I don't have a strict budget, but I'd roughly like to spend around £1100 including a monitor - I have other peripherals of keyboard/mouse etc. so that shouldn't be an issue.

Any suggestion/help would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
 
Would it make a noticeable difference in terms of functionality if I were to increase my budget by £200-300?
If so, what components should I focus on upgrading?
 
Would the following work? I wasn't really sure about the soundcard and network adapter - just presumed that I'd need those?

The rest was the closest I could find to what was suggested; but if I'm honest - I'm so completely new to this and don't really know what I 100% need.

And of course I'll look to get a 144Hz monitor separately.

My basket at Overclockers UK:
  • 1 x OcUK Tech Labs AMD Ryzen Midi Tower Gaming PC Configurator = £1,229.60
    • Processor:AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Six Core 4.2GHz (Socket AM4) Processor - MPK
    • Motherboard:MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX (Socket AM4) DDR4 ATX Motherboard
    • CPU Cooler:Raijintek Themis Black CPU Cooler for Ryzen
    • Optical Drive **Please Check Chassis Support**:Unwanted
    • Case Lighting: Phanteks RGB LED Strip Starter Kit (PH-LEDKT_CMBO)
    • Operating System:Microsoft Windows 10 Home Advanced - Systems
    • Build Time:Standard Build Systems - Dispatched in approx 10-15 working days
    • Memory:Team Group Vulcan Z T-Force 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 PC4-24000C16 3000MHz Dual Channel Kit - Grey
    • Speakers:Unwanted
    • Gaming Chair:Unwanted
    • Soundcard:ASUS Xonar SE 5.1 PCI-E gaming sound card with 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res Audio
    • Network Adapter:ASUS PCE-N15 300Mbps Wireless N PCI-E Adapter
    • Security Software:**Special Offer** Bullguard Internet Security - Anti-Virus and Security - 1 Year 3 PC
    • M.2 Solid State Drive **For Operating System If Selected**:Unwanted
    • Solid State Drive 1:WD Green 3D NAND 240GB 2.5" SATA 6Gbps Solid State Drive (WDS240G2G0A)
    • Solid State Drive 2:Unwanted
    • Mechanical Hard Drive 1:WD 1TB Blue 7200rpm 64MB Cache Internal Hard Drive (WD10EZEX)
    • Mechanical Hard Drive 2:Unwanted
    • Graphics: Powercolor Radeon RX 5700 XT Red Dragon 8GB GDDR6 PCI-Express Graphics Card
    • Headset:Unwanted
    • Monitors:Unwanted
    • Power Supply:Corsair TX650M 650W 80 Plus Gold Semi Modular Power Supply (CP-9020132-UK)
    • Keyboard:Unwanted
    • Mouse:Unwanted
    • Gaming Desk:Unwanted
    • Case: Phanteks Eclipse P400 Air Midi Tower DRGB Case - Black
Total: £1,243.70 (includes shipping: £14.10)
​
 
Heya,

I've never built anything of the sort, so I feel like getting a pre-built with the added 3-year warranty would just give me so much peace of mind. This would be the best place to do it right? (Not sure if I'm allowed to ask that question, haha)

Okay perfect, I'll take the sound card off for sure. I will need access to the WiFi unfortunately, so I'll keep that in.

Does the rest look compatible to you? I feel so completely foreign to this entire process, having only used laptops for so many years.
 
I did think so, but the possibilities still seem endless to a novice like me!

My internet speed is ~35Mbps, I share a house with a few friends so the router isn't anywhere near me unfortunately.

I tried to do a bit of reading about the different cases and coolers, partly because some of them are so aesthetically pleasing and I'm very easily suckered in to it! Would heating/noise be an issue with what you suggested? Or is that overall less important? Sorry for the endless questions!
 
Ah that's really helpful! Thank you very very much. I'd certainly regret not optimising performance, so I think I'll go with what you suggested and try calling OcUK to see if they can do it in the case I want!

Muchly appreciated :D
 
Definitely think I'll go for AMD 5700 XT. I feel like compared to my current Dell XPS, anything will be such a drastic improvement. I'm just wanting something that'll last me several years without having to go through this process again !

Edit: TBH I forgot you can just get a basket of components as listed previously, OcUK will just charge a build fee and put it all together for you (case included :p) if you have a spec you want, they can just let you know the cost on the CS forums.
Click to expand...
Oh wait, really? So I don't need to do it through their specific custom build pages. Oh that gives me so much more flexibility! I'll drop them a message now.

Excited times :D
 
Sparx said:
Fair enough, the 5700 XT will serve you well for a good few years then :p

So what are you budgeting ~£1200 just the PC and components? Then a separate budget for the monitor now? Any of us here can help spec you something, Lemin has already given a good starter to go with. But your budget has gone up slightly since it seems.

Then you can just copy/paste it into the CS forum and get a quote for them to build it if you like.

What case are you after as well?

Edit: Here's what I would go with... Obviously change the case if you want something else, just make sure it's ATX and has decent airflow ;)

500GB NVMe drive for your Windows, programs and main games you play. 2TB hard drive for storage, photos, documents, etc if you need it. 3600 CPU is best bang for buck that's a given. The mobo is the best bang for buck with a 3600 at this price point. The Red Devil 5700 XT has a brilliant cooler. Then the trusty WiFi adapter. :p

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £1,142.79 (includes shipping: £0.00)
​
Click to expand...

Ah I just saw this - this actually sounds great.

I've been fiddling around a bit with the specs, and my budget surely has gone up slightly. I like everything on your list there though and I do want that Phanteks Eclipse P400a RGB case in black. So that certainly works!
I'm really not wanting to go above £1200, especially as I've decided on the Iiyama 24.5" GB2560HSU-B1 which'll be an extra £195.

I have to say I pretty much stick to playing a few games, and only very recently got into FPS games. As such, I surely won't need the 1TB NVME right? Or at least I could look at upgrading a few years down the line if it actually got to a stage where I was struggling with the memory?

Also, is there a noticeable difference between the Powercolor Radeon RX 5700 XT Red Devil 8GB GDDR6 PCI-Express Graphics Card and the Radeon RX 5700 XT Red Dragon 8GB GDDR6 PCI-Express Graphic Card ?
 
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It is pretty, isn't it? :D Haha, that's the one thing I can definitely agree on.

I don't really have that much in terms of storage needs at the moment - I have an external hard drive for most of my documents, videos, photos etc. and the local storage on the current laptop I'm using is only at 221GB (idk if that helps to know at all?).

Yeah I've definitely noticed monitor stock is a bit scarce on here, but I'm perfectly content to buy it elsewhere.

There were a few components in your build that were out of stock, so my build is currently this:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ocuk...d3,U@bHqg3$u8bHsr3+XWbHss3+Y;bKDM3!8XbMFP3.?-

Although I'd like to swap out some bits for the following:
1 x TP-Link Archer T4E Dual-Band Wireless AC1200 PCI-E Adapter= £29.99
1 x WD Blue SN550 500GB NVME M.2 2280 PCIe Gen3 Solid State Drive (WDS500G2B0C)= £71.99
1 x Team Group Night Hawk RGB 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 PC4-25600C16 3200MHz Dual Channel Kit - RGB Black (TF1D4)

Edit: There isn't an easier way for me to install the OS myself is there? I think that's the main price difference between what you've totalled to mine
 
Ah I see we did! Okay yeah, you've basically narrowed it down to the bits I wanted but perfected it - amazing!

Is downloading W10 actually as easy as you're making it sound?
 
I'm going ahead with pretty much the last build that you had posted.

Haha, you say it confidently because this seems like your bread and butter. I like playing the games, but it's far beyond my forte to build! Gotta take baby steps :D
 
So the system unit has been ordered and it feels like it's going to be the longest 2-3 weeks waiting for it! Will definitely post a picture once I've got it all set up.

Having looked at monitors a bit more, I'm a little undecided again. I've got a bunch of options and they're all at the same price point, all Full HD 1920x1080 @144Hz and 24" (except for 1) - but I'm struggling to figure out if there's a hierarchy in terms of brands?
1. Iiyama 4.5” GB2560HSU-B1 G-Master Red Eagle, FreeSync, 1920x1080 @144Hz = £189.99

2. Lenovo G25-10 24.5-inch FHD WLED Gaming Monitor = £175.99

3. HP 21.5” Gaming 54.61cm Full-HD Monitor 144Hz, 1ms Response = £134.99

4. HP 24.5” Gaming 62.23cm Full-HD Monitor 144Hz, 1ms Response = £179.99

5. Acer KG1 Gaming Monitor KG271C Black, Full HD 1920x1080 @144Hz = £169.99

6. Acer Nitro XF2 Gaming Monitor Nitro XF252QP Black, Full HD 1920x1080 @144Hz, FreeSync = £195.49


Lastly, I've managed to source the Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor AW2521HF, Full HD 1920 x 1080 @ 240 Hz for £296.96 - now this is definitely £100 over what I was budgeting for and the system unit already went over budget, so I'm less inclined to go for it, unless I'm told that I'd be crazy not to go for it at the discounted price. Ultimately, I don't really want to overspend and I think I'd enjoy using any of the monitors listed above. However, if alienware really surpasses everything else, I may be persuaded. Although, in honesty there's no way I play anything that would require more than 144Hz, so..

Any thoughts?
 
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Makes sense and I get what you guys are saying. I definitely agree that getting something future proof would be beneficial, which is certainly why I went over budget with the system unit; but does a monitor make that much of a difference?

I'm nowhere near the landscape of competitive gaming, so it really would be unnecessary for me to go crazy here. I've definitely written off the alienware monitor - it does look beautifully designed though!

I have looked into the 1440p monitors a little, but if I'm honest I think I'll still appreciate the high quality graphics on 1080p, at least to start off with anyway. Perhaps later down the line, if I decide I want to get a second monitor, I can consider something along the lines of the AOC. I definitely like the look of the ASUS VG249Q and in an effort to *TRY* and keep to a budget, it may be the far forward!

@Sycho You got yours in like 2 weeks then? - that sounds pretty speedy. I was definitely expecting delays due to covid, but seems promising. :D
 
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You make a valid point but I needed to be talked down from overspending, not have it encouraged!! :P

This is certainly the biggest investment I've made into my small world of gaming and it won't be the last. I'll have a bit more of a browse at the 1440p monitors and see what I find, but I'm almost certain that I should just stick to my initial plan and go for 1080p at 144Hz. I'm saving for a house atm too, so my priorities are all over the place!
 
I feel so picky, for no reason at all! (SORRY!)

I actually preferred the overall appearance of the ASUS one you initially suggested and the specs are pretty much in line with the AOC. Think I'll end up on that! Will let you know :P
 
Okay, my *hopefully* last query - HP Omen 25 full HD 144Hz LED Gaming monitor? Retails at £219, but I think I can get a discount code for it, so ~£200
 
Ah okay, I see! Didn’t pick up on that, if I’m honest - I definitely would prefer IPS. Okay, thanks!

Edit: Oh your Dell was TN? Would you say it would be regrettable to get it now that you’ve seen the better visuals via IPS?
 
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