First Build based on Currys stock PC Specialist Desktop

[Diggins]

Hi guys, I am looking to purchase a build based on the PC Specialist Vortex ST-S offered by Currys. After a quick google, I arrived on these forums via another thread asking a similar question (https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/forums/threads/vortex-st-s.69014/). I'm essentially looking for the same thing, and had a few questions. Some initial feedback I've received is that most of the hardware, from the build I'm looking at, has since been superseded - so any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

The build I am looking at is: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/u509P0vMf2/

Apologies if some questions are common sense, I am very new to this.

My questions are:

1. The monitor I am looking to pair it against is the LG Ultragear 27GL83A-B - are there any concerns or recommendations on the PC build based on this?
2. Would you recommend increasing the SSD from 512GB to 1TB? - I have no experience of PC gaming and thought it may be overkill, my only concern is that my console storage is 70% full and is 2TB (but I'm sure there's plenty games on there I haven't played in years)
3. Is there anything about the build you would recommend adding to further "future proof" it? For example, would I need a larger power supply or different motherboard if I were to think about upgrading the graphics card? Or are these expenses you would typically pair with the same time you purchase a new graphics card (can't see me upgrading this in the foreseeable future).
4. Would you recommend buying the 3070 in place of the 2070? I am not familiar with the differences at all - does the current build support the 3070?

Thanks

 

[Diggins]

Apologies, I was toying with the idea of 1TB SSD - didn't realise I had kept it in the spec!

In terms of budget I wouldn't want to exceed £1500.

The monitor hasn't been bought yet either if that helps - I see you were using this to steer towards the 3070.

It would be the usual AAA games - no flight sims. I'm basically looking to make the jump from console to PC, but wanting to pick a good enough build and monitor combination to ensure I see a noticeable difference when it comes to gaming. After searching online (couple months ago), it was the LG ultragear monitors that I kept seeing pop up, when looking for a suitable match to a 2070 - this is the only reason I stuck with this monitor as the reference point.

If you think this is overkill for the gaming experience I'm trying to achieve then I am definitely open to suggestions!

 

[AgentCooper]

No worries....was just checking as the configurator does strange things sometimes like leaving in components from previous specs!

In that case, the spec is fine...I'd up the PSU to the 750w RMx just to give some leeway to accommodate the 3070 and, potentially, higher in future.

As to monitors, if you go with the 3070, then you really want to be looking at Ultrawides...something along the lines of these two (I put in a curved and non-curved):

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OP, if you've got the money for it the AOC is a cracking budget ultrawide. I picked it up after a recommendation on here (thanks, guys ) and it's serving me extremely well.

 

[Diggins]

Thanks a lot for the advice and monitor recommendations - it is much appreciated!

 

[Tom_P]

From personal experience, depending on what console you're coming from you won't need to spend much to spot the difference. I recently bought a desktop and play both PC and an original Xbox One (i.e. non-X), and the difference on my slightly older build (RTX 2060 super, Ryzen 3600XT) is really noticeable. Playing Modern Warfare on the Xbox One was like having my eyes sandpapered compared to Borderlands 3 on the PC - I looked into it, and turns out XBox One downscales resolution and FPS to something like 720p 40fps with mid to low-level graphics settings for current AAA titles, with original PS4 I assume being similar, while my build is easily running BL3 on 1080p ultra at locked 60fps (I need a new monitor...)

 

[Diggins]

Hi Guys, it looks like the prices have dipped a little on my build, so I've changed cases - 30 quid more and to me looks more aesthetically pleasing than my first choice, and seems to have good reviews. But would appreciate any feedback on it!

I also noticed on some other similar builds they have opted for custom processor cooling (corsair H100i RGD platinum) rather than the standard AMD CPU cooler. Do you think this would be a worthwhile addition, or not really necessary it for my build?

The updated build link is as follows (showing a 3080 in place of the 3070 as I cannot seem to get to the quote page with the 3070 selected):

PCSPECIALIST - Top Spec Custom PCs & Laptops Built to Order

Manufacturer of performance custom computers and laptops. Customise your ideal gaming PC or laptop using our advanced configurator.

www.pcspecialist.co.uk

So if the 3080 is changed to the 3070, and processor cooling back to default, it should be sitting quite nicely below my ~£1,500 budget at £1,482.

 

[Diggins]

Excellent, thanks for confirming! Can now spend that £100 I'm saving on some other performance enhancing means, such as RGB light strips... 😝