I have a graphics card... now I need a PC!

Chives

Chives

Chives

Soldato
Joined
17 Dec 2009
Posts
3,664
Location
Wales
Evening all,

I hadn't been planning on this happening exactly now, but I've been planning to get a new PC this year and I managed to grab a 3090 FE when it came in stock yesterday. I'd never normally go for a card quite this expensive or powerful, but failing any big new GPU releases that will change the price/stock/performance game in the next few months, I figure I should captialise on my good luck and enjoy it.

My current PC (i5 6600k, RTX 2060 super (a recent hand me down from my brother) and 16gb RAM is showing its age now. It has done well, I bought it in summer 2016 and its only really in the last 12/18 months or so that its started to show its age.

I'd like my new system to endure similarly well for 5 years or so, though I am not adverse to a choice upgrade or two around the two/three year mark if that becomes necessary :D

What parts should I be looking to put with the 3090 to get the very best out of it? It'll used at my desk to play RTS' - Total War series, Company of Heroes 3 etc, and then connected up to my LG OLED to play the latest and greatest games in 4k60 :D

Would the right parts be achieveable with between say 1000-1500 to spend? I'd like at least 2tb of fast SSD storage, and want to have the right kit to put me on a good upgrade path over the next few years. I see DDR 5 RAM is now available, is that worthwhile, or am I better off with 32gb of fast DDR 4?

Cheers :)
 
I have an 11400 on a B560 motherboard and 16 GB and a 3090 and that's fine for gaming at 4k. Sure I don't get the acme of performance but it's more than good enough. The equivalent today is a 12400 on a B660 with 16 GB DDR4 and will set you back perhaps £400. What you will need, however, is a beefy PSU. 850W or better. Add in a M.2 drive, upgrade to 32 GB, and you're still way under £1000. The 12900, 12700, even 12600 are all very sexy and tempting but you don't need them.
 
Given you don't plan to upgrade for another 5 years then in the current market the 12700k is what I'd go for.
 
Thanks both. If you have suggestions on part combinations that'd be helpful as I'm well out of date!

I am leaning towards a all new build, as I think the only things I could possibly utilise are my RAM, and possibly HDD / SSD, albiet the HDD is a slower mechanical drive and the SSD is a small 250gb drive. My case is a pain and too small for the 3090 I believe. Open to thoughts and suggestions though! :)
 
With your budget you could get a premium case like the Fractal Torrent. OTOH the 3090 FE fits just fine in my sub-£50 Kolink Citadel Mesh, though I had to put the front fans on the outside of the frame. As for drives a 2 TB NVME drive is the way to go.
 
Cracking. I've been having a look at parts - how is the below as a starter for ten? I've reflected that I'd like to keep my current PC operating so will leave the ram / other bits in there for now. I don't think it makes much difference as the RAM was the only readily useable part.

I'd like to make sure I have WiFi on the mobo and thats its forward compatible for upgrades in the next few years as much as possible. The case, will that comfortably fit the 3090 and be easily to build in etc? Again very open to other options that are less / more expensive if they're better options. A USB C port would be handy too as my iPad and headphones require that now :)

Are any of OcUK CPU / Mobo bundles worth looking at?

This will be my first build (OcUK have done it before) and I'll be doing it with a freind whos built a few PCs successfully before. I've been saving for a while for this so want to make sure I get it right and get the best value for money.

Total noob questions (sorry :p) will I need any thermal paste or other bits for the build itself etc? And can I just source Windows and pop it on a memory stick to save some ££?

Very grateful for thoughts :)

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £1,384.60 (includes shipping: £14.70)
​
 
Last edited:
Grab the 2tb SN850 ocuk have on offer at mo for £239....one of the fastest gen4 nvme's you can get and cheapest price around..went on offer yesterday, was £350 odd previous

My basket at Overclockers UK:

​



I've got a 5000x case which is great...plenty of room for the 3090Fe (though I have a lowly 3080Fe in mine:cry:), keeps everything cool..got 6 intake fans and 3 exhausting through aio out top.

You can get the tuf gaming z690 mobo and 12700k in a bundle for £599.99 away at mo..(put them below so you can see)
My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £665.45 (includes shipping: £10.50)

I'd go 32gb Ram, as going to keep for 5 years. I'd prob steer clear of Patriot Viper. Some people posting doesn't hit claimed speeds. Other forum member spoke to OCuk and they recommend getting something else unless on a tight budget..had this discussion yesterday of different thread, with another member having to drop from 3600 to 3200 in order for it to work. Corsair or crucial..corsair is cheaper elsewhere and you can get the new Vengeance pro rgb 32gb 3600C18 for £137, or £150 for same but 3600C16

I have the Corsair RM1000X 2021 psu...it's solid with 10yrs warranty and comes with upgraded parts and new magnetic levitation fan so more durable than previous generation. new generation has squarer vent made of small triangles(matches case perforations 4000/5000/7000 series), and covers all their new psu's in rmx and rm range...older 2018-2020 are round shaped...you can get new one for £140 odd. Review was good, saying nearly as efficient as platinum models costing a lot more
My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £170.45 (includes shipping: £10.50)
​
 
Chives said:
Cracking. I've been having a look at parts - how is the below as a starter for ten? I've reflected that I'd like to keep my current PC operating so will leave the ram / other bits in there for now. I don't think it makes much difference as the RAM was the only readily useable part.

I'd like to make sure I have WiFi on the mobo and thats its forward compatible for upgrades in the next few years as much as possible. The case, will that comfortably fit the 3090 and be easily to build in etc? Again very open to other options that are less / more expensive if they're better options. A USB C port would be handy too as my iPad and headphones require that now :)

Are any of OcUK CPU / Mobo bundles worth looking at?

This will be my first build (OcUK have done it before) and I'll be doing it with a freind whos built a few PCs successfully before. I've been saving for a while for this so want to make sure I get it right and get the best value for money.

Total noob questions (sorry :p) will I need any thermal paste or other bits for the build itself etc? And can I just source Windows and pop it on a memory stick to save some ££?

Very grateful for thoughts :)

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £1,384.60 (includes shipping: £14.70)
​
Click to expand...
You have a DDR5 board with DDR4 ram so you'll need to use a DDR4 board if you want to use the cheaper ram.
 
Chives said:
Cracking. I've been having a look at parts - how is the below as a starter for ten? I've reflected that I'd like to keep my current PC operating so will leave the ram / other bits in there for now. I don't think it makes much difference as the RAM was the only readily useable part.

I'd like to make sure I have WiFi on the mobo and thats its forward compatible for upgrades in the next few years as much as possible. The case, will that comfortably fit the 3090 and be easily to build in etc? Again very open to other options that are less / more expensive if they're better options. A USB C port would be handy too as my iPad and headphones require that now :)

Are any of OcUK CPU / Mobo bundles worth looking at?

This will be my first build (OcUK have done it before) and I'll be doing it with a freind whos built a few PCs successfully before. I've been saving for a while for this so want to make sure I get it right and get the best value for money.

Total noob questions (sorry :p) will I need any thermal paste or other bits for the build itself etc? And can I just source Windows and pop it on a memory stick to save some ££?

Very grateful for thoughts :)

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £1,384.60 (includes shipping: £14.70)
​
Click to expand...
asus board is DDR5 board not a ddr4 board..put other suggestions in my previous post. Arctic aio best price/performance as thicker rads...as you non rgb, consider the corsair lpx(i think it is) ram...crucial is better but £170 which is a bit steep, seeing as it was down at £129 6 weeks ago
 
just read other stuff..as you buying new, aio should come with thermal paste preapplied, otherwise artic MX-5, or I used Noctua Nt-H2. Also, you can get windows key a lot cheaper...just google...can't say anything else as breaks forum rules...you can download windows(create usb) without the key, and add it later
 
Craig_d1 said:
asus board is DDR5 board not a ddr4 board..put other suggestions in my previous post. Arctic aio best price/performance as thicker rads...as you non rgb, consider the corsair lpx(i think it is) ram...crucial is better but £170 which is a bit steep, seeing as it was down at £129 6 weeks ago
Click to expand...

Thanks so much both :)

I've changed the spec based on those suggestions, then how does the below look? Have I got everything or got any wrong parts? :D

I wouldn't mind some RGB lighting on the case / ram etc, but dont want to pay a huge premium for it either so if its not VFM please do shout.

I will do some googling round to find the best prices but will certainly buy the SSD from OcUK at a minimum as that looks a good price.

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £1,499.56 (includes shipping: £14.70)
​
 
Chives said:
Thanks so much both :)


I wouldn't mind some RGB lighting on the case / ram etc, but dont want to pay a huge premium for it either so if its not VFM please do shout.
Click to expand...
All of that works. All I can think is the arctic rad is quite thick and can be tight at the top. put photo's of mine in so hopefully you can make out(changed lights to white to help)...anyway, shows plenty of space for the 3090. If you want to add more fans(I swapped all mine out, but present to myself so thought what the hell) the360mm elite although more expensive( £145 at mo does come with a commander core which allows you to plug 6 pwm and 6 rgb headers into it..( I ended up having to buy a commander pro for my aio, which negated some of the saving I made buying the XT Pro 2nd hand. Case comes with a core node anyway so if not adding any other fans will be ok...also having fans all same brand makes the icue software easier I'm guessing..I can control fans/ram/mobo and gpu from it
Need to double check as quite tight. Another forum member was saying was tight when they put arctic on roof in the 4000D case...they got it done so s/b ok...other option is get the arctic with rgb fans for £109 and just put on white light...there's a tint on the glass so need something so see all the bits(white case comes with clear glass)...I don't mind as if busy can turn all off and becomes a non discracting glasss case showing nothing
QHViGAa.jpg
 
Craig_d1 said:
All of that works. All I can think is the arctic rad is quite thick and can be tight at the top. put photo's of mine in so hopefully you can make out(changed lights to white to help)...anyway, shows plenty of space for the 3090. If you want to add more fans(I swapped all mine out, but present to myself so thought what the hell) the360mm elite although more expensive( £145 at mo does come with a commander core which allows you to plug 6 pwm and 6 rgb headers into it..( I ended up having to buy a commander pro for my aio, which negated some of the saving I made buying the XT Pro 2nd hand. Case comes with a core node anyway so if not adding any other fans will be ok...also having fans all same brand makes the icue software easier I'm guessing..I can control fans/ram/mobo and gpu from it
Need to double check as quite tight. Another forum member was saying was tight when they put arctic on roof in the 4000D case...they got it done so s/b ok...other option is get the arctic with rgb fans for £109 and just put on white light...there's a tint on the glass so need something so see all the bits(white case comes with clear glass)...I don't mind as if busy can turn all off and becomes a non discracting glasss case showing nothing
Click to expand...

That does look nice although I really shouldn't spend any more money :D

I am slightly way of it being tight as I'm keen for it to be an easy (as possible) job getting it together and then upgrading it further down the line. Are there other cases that people would reccommend or are there better cooler options? A combination of effectiveness and value for money is what I'm after :)

EsaT said:
There are far cheaper ways for RGB than Ridiculously Grossly Bloated overpriced memory.
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/case...and-led?ckMin=460&ckMax=10499&sSort=3&ckTab=0
Click to expand...

Thanks. What RAM would you suggest of the same / better quality / speed thats better value?



Thanks all, been most helpful. I've got the SSD ordered already from here, and hopefully will be able to get the rest of the bits ordered this afternoon if I can confirm on a case/cooler, so I can build on Saturday :)
 
Last edited:
Craig_d1 said:
Grab the 2tb SN850 ocuk have on offer at mo for £239....one of the fastest gen4 nvme's you can get and cheapest price around..went on offer yesterday, was £350 odd previous

My basket at Overclockers UK:

​



I've got a 5000x case which is great...plenty of room for the 3090Fe (though I have a lowly 3080Fe in mine:cry:), keeps everything cool..got 6 intake fans and 3 exhausting through aio out top.
Click to expand...

I've had a look at some of the reviews for the 5000x and they don't seem to be hugely positive. A few mention its a pain to build in, which from my perspective isn't ideal.

I've been browsing cases on this https://www.overclockers.co.uk/case...tqmi3wassjvjqkvj4joexifa1uhkjjkxoc0z8qavd_bwe - as i'm assuming i need to be careful that i can fit the 3090. can anyone recommend a case?

it seems the the p600s is well reviewed and comes with fans preinstalled so i take it i won't require anything else?

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/phan...s-silent-midi-tower-case-black-ca-08t-pt.html
 
Last edited:
Craig_d1 said:
All of that works. All I can think is the arctic rad is quite thick and can be tight at the top. put photo's of mine in so hopefully you can make out(changed lights to white to help)...anyway, shows plenty of space for the 3090. If you want to add more fans(I swapped all mine out, but present to myself so thought what the hell) the360mm elite although more expensive( £145 at mo does come with a commander core which allows you to plug 6 pwm and 6 rgb headers into it..( I ended up having to buy a commander pro for my aio, which negated some of the saving I made buying the XT Pro 2nd hand. Case comes with a core node anyway so if not adding any other fans will be ok...also having fans all same brand makes the icue software easier I'm guessing..I can control fans/ram/mobo and gpu from it
Need to double check as quite tight. Another forum member was saying was tight when they put arctic on roof in the 4000D case...they got it done so s/b ok...other option is get the arctic with rgb fans for £109 and just put on white light...there's a tint on the glass so need something so see all the bits(white case comes with clear glass)...I don't mind as if busy can turn all off and becomes a non discracting glasss case showing nothing
QHViGAa.jpg
Click to expand...

i like it. u got QL fans am i right..looking better than ll, sp and ml series.

Chives said:
I've had a look at some of the reviews for the 5000x and they don't seem to be hugely positive. A few mention its a pain to build in, which from my perspective isn't ideal.
Click to expand...

a few..why u care about "few". its nice case, only week part is u have to take out hdd brackets, cos no space between them and power supply. i would recommend wd sn850 1tb but with heatsink. i know u want 2tb. 5000x u can find for £129.
 
Yup, Ql120's all round. Like the rgb front and back, inner and outer rings, and also smart looking from back, as 6 intake, that's the side you see looking in. Wanted it a bit different from last no rgb build.
As to building. I didn't have too much of a problem...removing the side shroud was the trickiest bit, but just meant having to undo the screws that held the cable management in place..once that was done, just screwed it back...brackets come out so you can attach fans outside case, then put bracket back, and dust filters easy to clean. Top and front glass pops off, filter removed and cleaned, pop glass back on...no need to open case. Cable management not to bad..can hide it all behind a door anyway, or just remove it to give more space before putting back panel back on
Last time I built a case, I had a geforce gpu, no rgb, 1 fan in roof of case and psu mounted at top, it was that long ago. If I can build in it, anyone can.
Other case I like is the 01d evo, 360 aio in top, 3 fans in bottom, get chimney effect...lots of versatility by the look, and can even mount mobo upside down if you want glass reversed..
My main criteria was 360mm aio that would fit in roof, rather than front..didn't want smaller. Knew arctic rads thicker etc but not a fan of the look, knew 360mm basically more than I needed for 5800x, so didn't really matter I needed absolute best price/performance Then just saw some builds etc.
 
Last edited:
Thanks Craig. I’ve done a bit more research and reading around over the weekend and I’ve decided to go for it. I’ll report back :D

thanks again for all the advice!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom