Looking to build a gaming/programming PC

Getherer

Getherer

Getherer

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Joined
3 Dec 2019
Posts
6
Hi guys,

Its been over 10 years since my last build and its time to look into building something new.

Just want to outline I already have Vega 64 Sapphire Nitro+ GPU as well as PSU EVGA 750W, so won't be in need for PSU or GPU, least for time being.

I am looking to get a solid build that will last me for coming years with thought of changing several different components over time if or when needed.

Looking to get about 16GB ram, considering Ryzen or i7.
Open to suggestions when it comes to exact CPU, brand and clocking of RAM, which motherboard, case, cooling, decent sound card, wifi adapter (Might be taking laptop to areas where I won't have direct LAN cable access), good SSD.

Also looking for a decent monitor to pair with my setup, preferably no lower than 144hz refresh rate, potentially with higher res than 1920x1080 , potentially with free sync but unsure if i will ever change my gpu to geforce instead.


Open to any suggestions, ideally would like to spend as little as possible with maximum performance taken into consideration but again, open to any suggestions :p


@Edit: Sorry forgot about budget. I guess £400-£600? Somewhere around those prices, preferably lower the better but will consider going above those figures.

@Edit 2: Budget for PC does not include monitor, think of it as a separate suggestion please and don't count its price toward budget listed above.

@Edit 3: If anyone suggests Ryzen over Intel, would you be able to tell me why please, never had or used those cpus.
 
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That's going to be a tough build to spec with the monitor requirement.

Could be worth checking around second hand for a decent monitor that meets your specs.
 
Gray2233 said:
That's going to be a tough build to spec with the monitor requirement.

Could be worth checking around second hand for a decent monitor that meets your specs.
Click to expand...


Just to let you know, PC's budget does not include monitor, consider it as a separate cost, just want to get some suggestions for monitors too.
 
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Anymore suggestions? Feel welcome to give your input, again, budget £400-£600 but would consider more or less expensive parts. Monitor is not included in this budget, just want to hear which monitors are actually decent.

Already got Vega 64 Sapphire Nitro+ and EVGA 750W power supply so wont need any of these.
 
My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £600.61 (includes shipping: £11.70)
​

You could consider dropping down to a 3600 over the 3700X, but I'd argue that the 3700X will have better longevity. The extra cores/threads can also come in handy depending on what exactly you use your computer for. There's simply nothing Intel has to offer which is competitive against the price/performance of the 3600/3700, you're generally paying more for fewer threads and barely appreciable performance improvements in some areas while being slower in others.

As for monitors, I'd be looking for a 1440p/IPS/144hz screen, although you may pay a little more for one. Something like the following:

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £751.08 (includes shipping: £11.10)​
​

I'm pretty sure I've seen the VG271UP for around the £300 mark but you'd need to shop around.
 
Gray2233 said:
My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £600.61 (includes shipping: £11.70)
​

You could consider dropping down to a 3600 over the 3700X, but I'd argue that the 3700X will have better longevity. The extra cores/threads can also come in handy depending on what exactly you use your computer for. There's simply nothing Intel has to offer which is competitive against the price/performance of the 3600/3700, you're generally paying more for fewer threads and barely appreciable performance improvements in some areas while being slower in others.

As for monitors, I'd be looking for a 1440p/IPS/144hz screen, although you may pay a little more for one. Something like the following:

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £751.08 (includes shipping: £11.10)
​

I'm pretty sure I've seen the VG271UP for around the £300 mark but you'd need to shop around.
Click to expand...


Thanks a lot for your input, I will take a look at these parts!
 
I've ordered the BenQ EX2780Q after researching the same requirements (144Hz, higher than 1080p res, Freesync or Gsync). I also wanted it to be an IPS panel. Reviews say the Freesync is working well with Nvidia cards (through Display Port).


My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £461.09 (includes shipping: £11.10)
​


What swung it for me was:


1. It doesn't look like a flashy gaming monitor (don't tend to like the looks of those other than some Dell Alienwares).

2. It is reported to have slightly better colours (95% DCI-P3) than similar spec gaming monitors for around the same price. Granted, there could also be some over-saturation out of the box, and I like my colours to look realistic so if that's the case I'll tweak it to my liking. But at least they didn't say "the same" or "worse". It's not a true 10-bit (those cost a lot more) but it does have 8-bit + dithering to achieve 10-bit.

3. The anti-glare coating is said to be "just right". On others they can sometimes look a bit grainy.

4. Remote control. No need to fiddle about with joystick or buttons or sensors on the monitor.

5. Reportedly the best speakers (including sub-woofer) on a monitor. While not saying much, as monitor speakers suck, I like the idea of taking my headset off more often for stuff like youtube videos or single-player games without it sounding way too tinny. And I didn't want additional speakers on my desk. I'll still use my headset when I want to enjoy music, movies and multi-player games.

6. A volume knob on the bottom-left of the monitor to easily and quickly lower/raise volume.

7. A simulated HDR feature that only this BenQ has (HDRi). True HDR needs a lot of brightness, and I don't like too much brightness coming from the screen. This HDRi thing simulates it and improves the contrast when enabled (and you can easily click a button on the remote to turn it on and off). I'm curious about it and wanted to try it. Reviewers said the Cinema HDRi option looked better than the Gaming HDRi option.​


End of the day, I could receive it and be disappointed at the reality of it. Just thought I'd mention it and share my reasons for choosing it. Its cons seem to mostly be lack of ergonomical options (not much tilt, no pivot) but that's not a requirement for me personally.

https://www.pcmag.com/review/372030/benq-ex2780q
 
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Danny75 said:
I've ordered the BenQ EX2780Q after researching the same requirements (144Hz, higher than 1080p res, Freesync or Gsync). I also wanted it to be an IPS panel. Reviews say the Freesync is working well with Nvidia cards (through Display Port).


My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £461.09 (includes shipping: £11.10)
​


What swung it for me was:


1. It doesn't look like a flashy gaming monitor (don't tend to like the looks of those other than some Dell Alienwares).

2. It is reported to have slightly better colours (95% DCI-P3) than similar spec gaming monitors for around the same price. Granted, there could also be some over-saturation out of the box, and I like my colours to look realistic so if that's the case I'll tweak it to my liking. But at least they didn't say "the same" or "worse". It's not a true 10-bit (those cost a lot more) but it does have 8-bit + dithering to achieve 10-bit.

3. The anti-glare coating is said to be "just right". On others they can sometimes look a bit grainy.

4. Remote control. No need to fiddle about with joystick or buttons or sensors on the monitor.

5. Reportedly the best speakers (including sub-woofer) on a monitor. While not saying much, as monitor speakers suck, I like the idea of taking my headset off more often for stuff like youtube videos or single-player games without it sounding way too tinny. And I didn't want additional speakers on my desk. I'll still use my headset when I want to enjoy music, movies and multi-player games.

6. A volume knob on the bottom-left of the monitor to easily and quickly lower/raise volume.

7. A simulated HDR feature that only this BenQ has (HDRi). True HDR needs a lot of brightness, and I don't like too much brightness coming from the screen. This HDRi thing simulates it and improves the contrast when enabled (and you can easily click a button on the remote to turn it on and off). I'm curious about it and wanted to try it. Reviewers said the Cinema HDRi option looked better than the Gaming HDRi option.​


End of the day, I could receive it and be disappointed at the reality of it. Just thought I'd mention it and share my reasons for choosing it. Its cons seem to mostly be lack of ergonomical options (not much tilt, no pivot) but that's not a requirement for me personally.

https://www.pcmag.com/review/372030/benq-ex2780q
Click to expand...

Great overview, thanks a lot. I actually have a nearly 10 years old BenQ monitor and was always happy with it so certainly will consider it when the time comes.
 
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