Options for PC build

[Andy350]

Hi, Currently I am running a PS5, which is great for some gaming, don't get me wrong. When I look at some titles mainy SIM, PC offers a whole new world.

Ideally what I want to do is run a PC alongside. But I have never owned a PC. I don't really want to buy one complete as I would like to build, but the parts are a minefield.

At ************ I can just look at a build sheet for a gaming build and go from there. I really want something that will work well for SIM racing, and flight sims. Just don't know where to start. And could I start with the case and slowly build when I have the funds?

​

 

[Tetras]

And could I start with the case and slowly build when I have the funds?

Yes, but it is easier to start with some parts (like the PSU and cables). Putting CPU, RAM and cooler on outside of the case is usually easier too. Another problem is that the warranty is better within the DOA period, whereas after 30 days getting a refund or a prompt replacement is trickier.

Personally, I would not start until I had all the money to at least build the PC without a graphics card (since most CPUs have graphics now).

 

[Andy350]

Also, how do I change my avatar?

 

[Andy350]

Yes, but it is easier to start with some parts (like the PSU and cables). Putting CPU, RAM and cooler on outside of the case is usually easier too. Another problem is that the warranty is better within the DOA period, whereas after 30 days getting a refund or a prompt replacement is trickier.

Personally, I would not start until I had all the money to at least build the PC without a graphics card (since most CPUs have graphics now).

Good point about warranty, yes I will be doing this.

Am I best posting in the various sections for the parts I need?

 

[Gray2233]

Good point about warranty, yes I will be doing this.

Am I best posting in the various sections for the parts I need?

Your best off keeping to your current thread.

It's worth giving this a read and popping a completed template into this thread:

Read first: Build and Upgrade Advice + Template!

Disclaimer: Are you intending to build the PC yourself? Please let us know what your intentions are: (1) You are building your own PC, or will have someone doing this for you (2) You want OCUK to build your custom PC (3) You want an off-the-shelf PC As computer enthusiasts, we normally...

forums.overclockers.co.uk

 

[Andy350]

Purchase Timeframe:

No timeframe, in no rush at all.

Budget:

Hopefully no more than £1000

Usage:

I would like this to be the main area for storing family photos (God that sounds dodgy in 2026!!!), but this can be on a cheaper storage device, but might be useful to have something mirrored for backup.

Mainly for running SIM's, so flight sim and car racing .

Preferences:

None, unless something is better for my requirements.

Current Hardware:

N/A

Peripherals:

Need a keyboard, mouse, nothing else for now as I run a headset.

Special Needs/Requirements (inc Wi-Fi):

I suppose WIFI is a bonus, but I would intend a PC to be static.

 

[Quartz]

I really want something that will work well for SIM racing, and flight sims. Just don't know where to start.

Do you have a HOTAS and wheel? There are cheap controllers available but you're still going to have to spend nearly £200. Will you be playing on a monitor or TV? What is the resolution of your monitor or TV?

With your budget, adjusted for buying cheap peripherals and a monitor, you may be better off going second hand. Check out these videos on building a cheap Steam Box, one second hand and the other new:

 

[Quartz]

Start sim racing gear:

And for a HOTAS:

 

[Trickle]

Also, how do I change my avatar?

By spam posting in general discussion usually.

 

[Gray2233]

By spam posting in general discussion usually.

I don't think GD counts towards post count anymore, or at least it doesn't for the purpose of accessing the MM etc.

 

[Gray2233]

Budget:

Hopefully no more than £1000

Memory prices are sky high at the moment due to AI/datacentres, which means things like RAM and storage are through the roof. A 32gb set of DDR5 that cost £70-80 a little over a year ago is now going to set you back £300-350 +.

Realistically if buying new, you're going to need a budget of around £1200-1300 at a minimum.

Here's a quick throw together as an example:

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D Six Core 4.5GHz (Socket AM5) Processor - Retail (SKU: PRO-AMD-06394) = £199.99
• 1 x Sapphire B650M-E (Socket AM5) DDR5 Micro-ATX Motherboard (SKU: MOT-SPR-05695) = £79.99
• 1 x V-Color Manta XSky RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 C36 6000MHz Dual Channel Kit - Black (SKU: MEM-VCR-08343) = £350.00
• 1 x Kolink Citadel Mesh Micro-ATX Case - Black (SKU: CA-051-KK) = £34.99
• 1 x MSI MAG A650BN 650W 80 Plus Bronze Power Supply (SKU: POW-MSI-03345) = £39.95
• 1 x Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE White ARGB CPU Air Cooler (SKU: COO-TLR-03273) = £12.94
• 1 x ADATA 860 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive (SKU: STO-ADA-07787) = £125.00
• 1 x XFX Swift 9060 XT Gaming OC Dual Fan 16GB GDDR6 PCI-Express Graphics Card (SKU: GRA-XFX-05433) = £399.94

Total: £1,255.80 (includes delivery: £12.99)​

All of these parts would work together, and it's about as cheap as you can go without sacrificing on something important or using anything poor quality. It's not necessarily the most optimal use of cash however, you're very much in the territory of a little more money could go a long way. You could potentially save a little on the graphics card by opting for an Intel Arc B580, but I'm not sure how they'll stand up for the sims you might be looking at and may be a poor idea. An 8gb 9060XT is another possible solution, but that's a pretty light amount of VRAM these days and depending on the games/sims might hinder your experience.

You'd need another £30-50 for a serviceable keyboard and mouse for gaming purposes, such as the following:

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x Glorious Model D- USB RGB Optical Gaming Mouse - Glossy Black (GLO-MS-DM-GB) (SKU: KB-01G-GR) = £14.99
• 1 x GAMIAC TKL69G SF 65% USB RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Kailh Red - Black/Grey (UK) (SKU: PER-GAM-01730) = £19.99

Total: £34.98 (includes delivery: £0.00)​

Obviously, a HOTAS and wheel will add to that if you need/want them.

Factor in another £10-20 for an OEM Windows 11 licence if you want to run it activated.