New PC Build Spec Check

Ultra Stu

Ultra Stu

Ultra Stu

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Joined
16 Dec 2019
Posts
3
Hi all,

I'm looking to help build a gaming PC for my girlfriends brother. The main aim is to run the HTC Cosmos VR headset but there is a decent budget so thought I would try and build something good.

It's been a while since I've built a PC so just wanted to check that everything works together or if there are any obvious changes I should make to this build, so far I'm looking at:

- Intel Core i7-9700
- MSI Z390 MPG Gaming Edge AC
- Gigabyte GeForce RTX Super Windforce
- Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB
- Corsair RMx650 Power Supply
- Samsung 970 EVO Plus 500GB
- Seagate 2TB BarraCuda 7200 RPM
- Cooler Master Masterbox E500 Midi Tower

My main queries were with the CPU. I didn't go for the 9700k just because I don't think it will ever be overclocked but does this matter so much? Does the unlocked version have better performance?

My other question is to do with the RAM speed. Does it matter which speed I choose? Is there an optimum and do you need to adjust anything else depending on this?

Also cooling, should I be investing in more fans for this system or is there a better case that I could use?

Any other changes someone with more experience may recommend would be great or let me know if I'm missing something important. Just want this to work instead of stressing out that I've purchased the wrong parts.
 
You'll want a CPU cooler (165mm max height) as the stock one will be awful for an i7-9700. Something around £30 would be fine as it's not overclockable. Yes, the unlocked has better performance. But that translates to around only 5 fps in some games so wouldn't worry about it.

You may want to get 2 x 140mm fans for the front of the case. Only brings a rear 120mm.

3000MHz+ RAM will be fine. RAM speed is more noticeable on AMD Ryzen. Just set XMP in the BIOS.
 
Yes. You might be able to get a faster GPU at the same time with the savings which will help with VR. Though you haven't said what kind of RTX card you're going for (2060/2070 etc).

I thought you'd ordered the stuff already, so only recommended additional bits, not changes. My bad. Good thing Lee asked.
 
Yes sorry, just missed that out. I'm looking at the 2070.

Would I then just be able to get the equivalent motherboard but with the AMD socket?
Is there an alternative motherboard you would recommend?
 
You can get more for your money with a ryzen build.

If gaming is the main aim then the 3600X is a good option. The 3600 is £14 cheaper, but the 3600X qualifies for a free game so it is currently better value for money. The stock cooler is also a bit better. The next step up on the cpu would be the 8 core/16 thread R7 3700X. For purely gaming there isn't much difference though.


Link for free game: https://www.amd.com/en/gaming/equipped-to-win

So a rough idea for a Ryzen part build:


My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £601.13 (includes shipping: £13.20)​
​
 
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