Buying a PC without a Graphics Card?

[Vogel77]

I am looking at a pc build but I have the option of buying a new Palit Dual GeForce RTX 3060 from my brother. Would I be able to post that into them to fit with my build and if so how much would that cost extra? If I fit it myself would they leave the correct cables and so on?

I also have a bluray burner I want to add but not sure if I am just better fitting this myself once I get the PC?

 

[SpyderTracks]

I am looking at a pc build but I have the option of buying a new Palit Dual GeForce RTX 3060 from my brother. Would I be able to post that into them to fit with my build and if so how much would that cost extra? If I fit it myself would they leave the correct cables and so on?

I also have a bluray burner I want to add but not sure if I am just better fitting this myself once I get the PC?

You'd configure the build specifying that you have your own GPU that you fit yourself when you receive it.

They would leave the relevant cables free in the case for your GPU.

 

[Rakk]

If you want to add your own graphics card you will have to add it yourself - they will not fit 3rd party components into your build (with the exception of the 'Send in Your Own' case option)

If its a modular power supply you are getting you can ask them to add an extra cable in for your GPU.

Adding GPU's is actually normally pretty simple

 

[Vogel77]

@SpyderTracks and @Rakk

Thank you both for replying, that is useful info and is perhaps better as I was nervous about posting the items in anyway!

I am wondering though if the installation of the GPU would be complicated as I have also chosen not to have an operating system installed as I have my own license for windows 10 that I am going to transfer. I think they may install windows to configure the build but then I would need to do a fresh install with my own license key once I had my machine and installed my GPU etc. Is this correct?

 

[SpyderTracks]

@SpyderTracks and @Rakk

Thank you both for replying, that is useful info and is perhaps better as I was nervous about posting the items in anyway!

I am wondering though if the installation of the GPU would be complicated as I have also chosen not to have an operating system installed as I have my own license for windows 10 that I am going to transfer. I think they may install windows to configure the build but then I would need to do a fresh install with my own license key once I had my machine and installed my GPU etc. Is this correct?

Yes, they install a test windows but it's not configured so you would do a full clean install of your own.

 

[Vogel77]

Yes, they install a test windows but it's not configured so you would do a full clean install of your own.

Thanks thats great!

 

[Martinr36]

I also have a bluray burner I want to add but not sure if I am just better fitting this myself once I get the PC?

Don't forget that most modern cases don't have a bay in which you can fit a burner, you're best off getting an external one, if you really need one

 

[Vogel77]

Don't forget that most modern cases don't have a bay in which you can fit a burner, you're best off getting an external one, if you really need one

Thanks, I have picked a basic case here that has a bay as I have a good internal burner I want to reuse and don't really care for making my case fancy like the gamers do!

 

[Vogel77]

Hello, this build is for general use as well as for adobe software like photoshop and lightroom and some video. I also will use the PC for Plex which will run in the background. I do not do any gaming.

I am hoping to get a good deal on a dGPU from a family member soon but I have chosen the AMD Ryzen 7 5700G with iGPU which I believe is supposed to be good for using with photoshop and lightroom and even some light video editing without a dGPU.

Questions I have are:

1. I have read that for using a CPU with iGPU and no dGPU that it is important to have "Dual Channel RAM" however I'm not sure if I have dual channel ram, is that about the placement, a setting or the hardware itself? I believe my build is using dual channel ram.
2. Will the iGPU be sufficent for the time being for my needs a bit of video / photo editing, photoshop and general use?
3. I asked for the FrostFlow 100 fan over the one that comes with the processor and the Arctic MX-4 Paste as I will be using the iGPU is this necessary? Would I be ok with the standard fan or should I go for an even better fan. I have also added an extra case fan, no idea if its needed but the case I have picked only has one fan so 2 seemed better.
4. I have went with the 550W PSU so as to cover my power needs for when I do get a dGPU, do you think that would be enough?
5. I have put on my order that I am using the iGPU but if I plan on getting a dGPU in future should I say that I have one so that the cables I need would be there or will the cables I need come with the GPU itself?
6. The 5700G is not PCI-E 4 compatible, is that a concern? I assume that the build is ok the PCS system has ok'd it but would being PCI-E 3 affect which GPU i could get? I probably wouldn't be going for a very new or top line one as I don't do any gaming.

I think that is all, help or advice on any of these questions would be great or just general thoughts on the build! My head is spinning with all the reseach I have been doing but I feel close to pulling the trigger on this build!

Thank you!


Case
PCS 3601 CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 5700G Eight Core CPU with Radeon™ Graphics (3.8GHz-4.6GHz/20MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
GIGABYTE B550 GAMING X V2 : DDR4, USB 3.2 - ARGB Ready
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (1 x 32GB)
Graphics Card
INTEGRATED GRAPHICS ACCELERATOR (GPU)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (3300 MB/R, 2900 MB/W)
1st Storage Drive
1TB Samsung 870 QVO 2.5" SSD, SATA 6Gb/s (up to 560MB/sR | 530MB/sW)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 550W CV SERIES™ CV-550 POWER SUPPLY
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
PCS FrostFlow 100 V3 Series High Performance CPU Cooler (AMD)
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Extra Case Fans
1 x 120mm Black Case Fan
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS

 

[SpyderTracks]

Thanks, I have picked a basic case here that has a bay as I have a good internal burner I want to reuse and don't really care for making my case fancy like the gamers do!

Case is not just about looks, it dictates the cooling throughout the system. If the case isn't matched for the components it will overheat.

 

[Martinr36]

Thanks, I have picked a basic case here that has a bay as I have a good internal burner I want to reuse and don't really care for making my case fancy like the gamers do!

To give you proper advice it would be best if you can post the whole build as described in this post

How to Post Your Specification to the Forum - Check this Spec

When creating a forum post looking to discuss a PC spec there's a really simple way to post the spec in question here. IF YOU HAVEN'T ORDERED ONE YET AND ARE LOOKING FOR ADVICE ON A BUILD follow this step. IF YOU HAVE ALREADY ORDERED AND ARE ASKED FOR SPECS follow the next post. Click the...

www.pcspecialist.co.uk

 

[Vogel77]

@Martinr36 and @SpyderTracks I did post a build list on the spec forum but it has been moved into this thread now, so please take a look if you get the chance it is above your last posts.

 

[Martinr36]

@Martinr36 and @SpyderTracks I did post a build list on the spec forum but it has been moved into this thread now, so please take a look if you get the chance it is above your last posts.

Can you post the whole spec including the configuration link at the bottom, also let us know your budget, as there are more than a couple of problems i can see with that spec

 

[Vogel77]

@Martinr36 Here is the full spec list as requested and my budget is tight no more than £900ish considering that I will need to buy a dGPU later.

Regarding the case, the size of that case suits me and I need USB's on the front (not top or side) and the bay for the bluray burner. Obviously if there are major issues with overheating then I need to know. However the other cases with the optical drive bay either don't have front facing USB's or they are just too big for the space I have, one of the reasons I chose to go with PCS was because this case suited my needs!

Looking at the cases available the FRACTAL FOCUS G BLACK GAMING CASE (Window) is short enough for my space but I wouldn't be able to use the USB's at the top and its a lot more expensive.


Case
PCS 3601 CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 5700G Eight Core CPU with Radeon™ Graphics (3.8GHz-4.6GHz/20MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
GIGABYTE B550 GAMING X V2 : DDR4, USB 3.2 - ARGB Ready
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
NONE, I ALREADY HAVE A GRAPHICS CARD
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SAMSUNG 970 EVO PLUS M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3500MB/R, 3300MB/W)
1st Storage Drive
1TB Samsung 870 QVO 2.5" SSD, SATA 6Gb/s (up to 560MB/sR | 530MB/sW)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 550W CV SERIES™ CV-550 POWER SUPPLY
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
PCS FrostFlow 100 V3 Series High Performance CPU Cooler (AMD)
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Extra Case Fans
1 x 120mm Black Case Fan
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
NO OPERATING SYSTEM REQUIRED
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
NO RECOVERY MEDIA REQUIRED
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Microsoft® Edge
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 6 to 8 working days


Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/gkCfbTdUGu/

 

[sck451]

@Martinr36 Here is the full spec list as requested and my budget is tight no more than £900ish considering that I will need to buy a dGPU later.

Regarding the case, the size of that case suits me and I need USB's on the front (not top or side) and the bay for the bluray burner. Obviously if there are major issues with overheating then I need to know. However the other cases with the optical drive bay either don't have front facing USB's or they are just too big for the space I have, one of the reasons I chose to go with PCS was because this case suited my needs!

Case
PCS 3601 CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 5700G Eight Core CPU with Radeon™ Graphics (3.8GHz-4.6GHz/20MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
GIGABYTE B550 GAMING X V2 : DDR4, USB 3.2 - ARGB Ready
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
NONE, I ALREADY HAVE A GRAPHICS CARD
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SAMSUNG 970 EVO PLUS M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3500MB/R, 3300MB/W)
1st Storage Drive
1TB Samsung 870 QVO 2.5" SSD, SATA 6Gb/s (up to 560MB/sR | 530MB/sW)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 550W CV SERIES™ CV-550 POWER SUPPLY
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
PCS FrostFlow 100 V3 Series High Performance CPU Cooler (AMD)
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Extra Case Fans
1 x 120mm Black Case Fan
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
NO OPERATING SYSTEM REQUIRED
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
NO RECOVERY MEDIA REQUIRED
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Microsoft® Edge
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 6 to 8 working days


Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/gkCfbTdUGu/

But the downside of the case is that your components won't get cooled and so will perform worse! I'd strongly suggest a better case.

Are you going to get the dedicated GPU straight away or wait a bit? It makes a difference as to what CPU to suggest.

 

[Vogel77]

But the downside of the case is that your components won't get cooled and so will perform worse! I'd strongly suggest a better case.

Are you going to get the dedicated GPU straight away or wait a bit? It makes a difference as to what CPU to suggest.

I understand and I am open to that even if I can find a case to send in to them but its really difficult to find a case that is small short size of around 42 cm tall and 20 cm wide is ideal. I also want the front bay for the bluray burner and I need at least a couple of front facing USB ports.

About the dedicated GPU I am not sure, if I get a CPU I was going to see how that coped with photoshop and lightroom, there are video on youtube saying the AMD 5700G is enough for photographers and general use. I would upgrade to a dedicated GPU at some point but money is a bit tight and the GPU's are expensive. Maybe in time I'd have a better idea of what I need.

What are you thinking about the CPU? Please remember I am not a gamer at all. Is the 5600G a better option?

Would any of these cases be better?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01MSE30WA/ref=ewc_pr_img_3?smid=AUWMZRMCN1SVB&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08JCX5CH1/ref=ewc_pr_img_2?smid=A1RMKK10154812&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08JV6M2WF/ref=ewc_pr_img_1?smid=A3NKYWL4DC22AS&psc=1

 

[sck451]

With the iGPU and the 5700G, any of them are probably fine: you're probably talking about under 100W of total system power. If you add a dedicated GPU, you might easily end up with temperature problems. It may be OK, but I personally would be very wary. I'd suggest the 220T case as a good option, though I realise it doesn't have an internal drive bay.

Of the cases you've linked, I know nothing about any of them, but I'd probably go for the KZ07 as it has a mesh front, although the acrylic side panel won't look great in the long term as acrylic scratches very easily.

Questions I have are:

1. I have read that for using a CPU with iGPU and no dGPU that it is important to have "Dual Channel RAM" however I'm not sure if I have dual channel ram, is that about the placement, a setting or the hardware itself? I believe my build is using dual channel ram.

Yes, if you get anything that is "2 x n GB" then you have dual-channel RAM.

2. Will the iGPU be sufficent for the time being for my needs a bit of video / photo editing, photoshop and general use?

That depends. For photo editing it'll be fine. For video editing, it'll work, but it'll be less than an amazing experience. You'll struggle to watch in the preview window except at very low quality (depending on the complexity of the scene) and renders may take a long time. If you're willing to accept that, it'll work. Your other option is to get something very simple like a 1650 Super, which is very low demand but would make a big difference.

3. I asked for the FrostFlow 100 fan over the one that comes with the processor and the Arctic MX-4 Paste as I will be using the iGPU is this necessary? Would I be ok with the standard fan or should I go for an even better fan. I have also added an extra case fan, no idea if its needed but the case I have picked only has one fan so 2 seemed better.

Don't add case fans: get a good case! Fans do little to improve cooling in a bad case. The stock cooler is honestly fine on the 5700G (or the 5600G), but an upgrade wouldn't hurt.

4. I have went with the 550W PSU so as to cover my power needs for when I do get a dGPU, do you think that would be enough?

Get more. You should always over-spec your power supply to give you a chance to do upgrades and to get a system with longevity. I'd suggest 650-850W.

5. I have put on my order that I am using the iGPU but if I plan on getting a dGPU in future should I say that I have one so that the cables I need would be there or will the cables I need come with the GPU itself?

The power cables will either be permanently attached to the power supply or will be in the box.

6. The 5700G is not PCI-E 4 compatible, is that a concern? I assume that the build is ok the PCS system has ok'd it but would being PCI-E 3 affect which GPU i could get? I probably wouldn't be going for a very new or top line one as I don't do any gaming.

It's mainly a problem for low-end graphics cards that don't use a x16 interface, like the Radeon 6400. For what you're doing, it'll be fine. It might limit certain upgrades, but probably not for the kind of system you're building.

 

[sck451]

And with all that said, here are the adjustments I'd suggest:

Case
PCS 3601 CASE Not at all mad on this, as above!
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 5700G Eight Core CPU with Radeon™ Graphics (3.8GHz-4.6GHz/20MB CACHE/AM4) If you're going for an iGPU build, this is the best chip there is
Motherboard
ASUS® PRIME B550-PLUS (DDR4, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s) - ARGB Ready! I'd prefer Asus over Gigabyte
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
INTEGRATED GRAPHICS ACCELERATOR (GPU)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB SOLIDIGM P41+ GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3500MB/sR, 1625MB/sW) Use this as the boot drive
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (3300 MB/R, 2900 MB/W) Use this for storing projects
Power Supply
CORSAIR 750W TXm SERIES™ SEMI-MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET Plenty of room for upgrades, efficiency, quiet operation, modular to make upgrades easier
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
PCS FrostFlow 100 V3 Series High Performance CPU Cooler (AMD) As above, either the stock or the PCS 150 would also be fine
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING £9 on thermal paste is a waste of money
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
NO OPERATING SYSTEM REQUIRED
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
NO RECOVERY MEDIA REQUIRED
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Microsoft® Edge
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 6 to 8 working days
Price: £798.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/n6pN0Ws750/

 

[Vogel77]

@sck451 Thanks for taking a look, configurating and answering my questions its much appreciated!

I've had another look at the cases offered by PCS and saw this one: CORSAIR CARBIDE SERIES™ 200R COMPACT GAMING CASE which fits my requirements but it is more expensive, would this be better, it seems to have a built in DVD drive which I don't need but as long as I can fit my Bluray Burner that is cool.

I saw this video on youtube where they were editing with just the 5700G and they said it was ok. However I do understand that for any serious work a seperate GPU is better. I was looking at the 1650 Super, do you think I could get a 2nd hand one and then use that for a year or so then upgrade?

I take your point on the PSU over-spec and thank you for reassuring me about the PCI-E 4 issue and good to know the Arctic paste isn't needed.

I put the Gigabyte Mother Board because it has a VGA and thats what my (old) Dell monitor uses but if you think the Asus is better then I could get a converter for that. I do want to upgrade the monitor but maybe next year!

Can ask why you switched the Samsung M.2 1TB drive for the 512GB Solidgm P41 + M.2 Drive? Does having the smaller boot drive have any advantage especially when you will be installing software etc? Was the switch from Samsung just to save money?

Also with the PCS M.2. 1TB for projects, I guess that would be faster? I actually had the 1TB Samsung SSD for my Plex and Calibre Source as its mainly for my ebooks, music and audiobooks. However I could just wait and get a SSD later. I just wondered it you could explain why you choose that configuration of drives.

Thank you again for taking the time to look at my build and offering your advice and suggestions!

 

[sck451]

@sck451 Thanks for taking a look, configurating and answering my questions its much appreciated!

I've had another look at the cases offered by PCS and saw this one: CORSAIR CARBIDE SERIES™ 200R COMPACT GAMING CASE which fits my requirements but it is more expensive, would this be better, it seems to have a built in DVD drive which I don't need but as long as I can fit my Bluray Burner that is cool.

It's ok, but not great. It's just not got great airflow.

I saw this video on youtube where they were editing with just the 5700G and they said it was ok. However I do understand that for any serious work a seperate GPU is better. I was looking at the 1650 Super, do you think I could get a 2nd hand one and then use that for a year or so then upgrade?

Definitely. In your shoes that's absolutely what I'd do. Though by all means try it first! It depends on what you're doing, how much you're doing it, and how patient you are.

I take your point on the PSU over-spec and thank you for reassuring me about the PCI-E 4 issue and good to know the Arctic paste isn't needed.

I put the Gigabyte Mother Board because it has a VGA and thats what my (old) Dell monitor uses but if you think the Asus is better then I could get a converter for that. I do want to upgrade the monitor but maybe next year!

I'd use a converter, yes.

Can ask why you switched the Samsung M.2 1TB drive for the 512GB Solidgm P41 + M.2 Drive? Does having the smaller boot drive have any advantage especially when you will be installing software etc? Was the switch from Samsung just to save money?

Also with the PCS M.2. 1TB for projects, I guess that would be faster? I actually had the 1TB Samsung SSD for my Plex and Calibre Source as its mainly for my ebooks, music and audiobooks. However I could just wait and get a SSD later. I just wondered it you could explain why you choose that configuration of drives.

The ideal drive layout is to have a fast drive for your operating system and applications and another for project files. This may result in some speed improvements. 512GB is ideal for the former. I suggested the Solidigm drive because it's a solid product and quite cheap. For the second drive, an M.2 drive is much faster than a SATA drive, even with an own brand product rather than a name brand like Samsung. For storage for music and ebooks etc, you'll get best value from a traditional hard drive.