New desktop build - for 1440p gaming.

[Mourant]

Hi there

I am currently trying to configure an ideal setup predominantly to be used for 1440p gaming; the GPU I am using in this build will be an 6800XT TUF Gaming XT OC. edition. I am using a 165hz 1440p monitor and am looking to use this for a broad range of titles; but mainly high refresh rate for e-sports & 60+ FPS for AAA games.

The quote I have saved is below; please can you let me know if there are any components that are 'deficient' and if any, what would be the best alternative.

Case
COOLERMASTER MASTERBOX TD500 MESH ARGB GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X Eight Core CPU (4.5GHz-5.4GHz/40MB CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
GIGABYTE X670 GAMING X AX : ATX (WIFI 6E, USB 3.2 Gen 1, PCIe 5.0) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 4800MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
NONE, I ALREADY HAVE A GRAPHICS CARD
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB CORSAIR FORCE MP600 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD (up to 4950 MB/R, 4000 MB/W)
1st Storage Drive
1TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 64MB CACHE
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
PCS FrostFlow 240 Series ARGB High Performance Liquid Cooler (AMD)
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
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
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00003]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
Norton 360 inc. Game Optimizer - Free 90 Day License
Browser
Google Chrome™
Warranty
3 Year Standard Warranty (1 Month Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
2 DAY DELIVERY TO CHANNEL ISLANDS (VAT EXCLUSIVE)
Build Time
Christmas Delivery No Longer Guaranteed

Many thanks

 

[sck451]

Can you add what the budget is and give the configuration link? (It's in green at the bottom of the "post to forum" page -- it helps us to make suggestions.)

 

[MrWilson]

Hi there,
Not a bad attempt but there’s room for improvement.
The 6800XT is going to be more than enough for 1440p gaming.
Your RAM is quite slow, I would recommend the 6000mhz RAM as that is the sweet spot recommended by AMD.
I would recommend a 500/512GB Primary Drive, the 980 pro is a great pick here.
The 7000 series are pretty toasty so I would recommend a better cooler, the Corsair H100i coolers are a stronger option.
Ditch Norton, even the trial version can cause issues.
And silver warranty for a fiver is a no brainer in my book.

All these changes are determined by your budget however, so if you could please tell us that as mentioned above that would be handy for us to know 🙂

 

[Mourant]

Thanks you both for your replies.

Here is the URL to re-configure https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/26ZYYfq!TW/

The build is currently at £1518; that's pretty near my limit to be honest but could stretch to £1550.

The RAM was probably my main concern - however I am not much of a multitasker and will close down applications I am not using so wasn't sure if the the higher RAM speed would benefit me too much.

The cooler you have suggested does add an extra £76 so I may need to jiggle some bits elsewhere to stay within my budget.

 

[Mourant]

Noted re Norton & Warranty - I'll amend those too. Thanks

 

[sck451]

My impression of your build is that you're cutting corners in order to be able to afford the 7700X, when you could get the 7600X and get excellent performance while still allowing for a future upgrade if desired. Here's what I'd go for in your shoes:

Case
COOLERMASTER MASTERBOX TD500 MESH ARGB GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X Six Core CPU (4.7GHz-5.3GHz/38MB CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B650-PLUS (DDR5, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s) - ARGB Ready! Money saved here
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB) Better performance
Graphics Card
NONE, I ALREADY HAVE A GRAPHICS CARD
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 6900MB/R, 5000MB/W) Blazing fast boot drive
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SOLIDIGM P41+ GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 4125MB/sR, 3325MB/sW) Fast games drive
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE Better value to get 2TB - though I'm not sure what the use would be for gaming? Potential £50 saving here.
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H100i ELITE CAPELLIX RGB Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler Much better cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
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
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00003]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Google Chrome™
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
Christmas Delivery No Longer Guaranteed
Price: £1,554.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/xX!2pCxZ8Q/

I've suggested dropping the GPU support as you probably don't actually need it and it'll add to the complexity of adding your card in.

 

[Mourant]

My impression of your build is that you're cutting corners in order to be able to afford the 7700X, when you could get the 7600X and get excellent performance while still allowing for a future upgrade if desired. Here's what I'd go for in your shoes:

Case
COOLERMASTER MASTERBOX TD500 MESH ARGB GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X Six Core CPU (4.7GHz-5.3GHz/38MB CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B650-PLUS (DDR5, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s) - ARGB Ready! Money saved here
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB) Better performance
Graphics Card
NONE, I ALREADY HAVE A GRAPHICS CARD
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 6900MB/R, 5000MB/W) Blazing fast boot drive
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SOLIDIGM P41+ GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 4125MB/sR, 3325MB/sW) Fast games drive
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE Better value to get 2TB - though I'm not sure what the use would be for gaming? Potential £50 saving here.
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H100i ELITE CAPELLIX RGB Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler Much better cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
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
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00003]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Google Chrome™
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
Christmas Delivery No Longer Guaranteed
Price: £1,554.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/xX!2pCxZ8Q/

I've suggested dropping the GPU support as you probably don't actually need it and it'll add to the complexity of adding your card in.

Thanks very much for the suggestions! I opted for the GPU bracket having looked at the 6800XT TUF Gaming OC it really is quite a chonk.

 

[Mourant]

Thanks for the feedback - I'll be looking to go with the following when I order in the next few weeks.

Case
COOLERMASTER MASTERBOX TD500 MESH ARGB GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X Six Core CPU (4.7GHz-5.3GHz/38MB CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B650-PLUS (DDR5, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
NONE, I ALREADY HAVE A GRAPHICS CARD
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 6900MB/R, 5000MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB CORSAIR FORCE MP600 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD (up to 4950 MB/R, 4000 MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
Corsair H100i ELITE CAPELLIX RGB Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
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
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00003]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Google Chrome™
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
2 DAY DELIVERY TO CHANNEL ISLANDS (VAT EXCLUSIVE)
Build Time
Christmas Delivery No Longer Guaranteed
Welcome Book
PCSpecialist Welcome Book - United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland
Price: £1,227.50 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/9dWkRe3NKW/

 

[Mourant]

I am also in the Channel Islands so VAT is deducted at the time of ordering (bonus!!) - hence the lower cost than the original quote.

 

[Mourant]

Hi, I am looking to purchase a new system to accompany my Asus TUF Gaming OC 6800xt & Mobiuz ex1710r.

EX2710R | MOBIUZ 27" 1000R Curved Gaming Monitor

EX2710R comes with 27" 1000R curved screen for intense imagery and deploys a sound field with 2.1 channel and DSP chip for your best gaming experience.

www.benq.com

I'll primarily be using the system for gaming - total war / assassins creed / esports titles / MW online etc / Horizon Zero Dawn etc.

My question is, am I best going with the AM4 platform (lower costs and more bang for buck at the moment) or go with an AM5 based system which will cost considerably more but will have more upgradability going forwards. My main reason for posting this now is that there is alot of talk about the new 3D cache 7x chips, which I think may be worth holding out for?

My budget is around £1400 but I can stretch this slightly if needed.

Many thanks in advance!

 

[B4zookaw]

With that budget you're proably better going with AM4 build. You could build an AM5 build for £1400 (as you already have the GPU) but I think you'll be compromising on aspects like fast RAM, decent cooling, storage, etc. An AM4 build based on 5800X3D might be a better overall build.

I'll defer to our regular posters in the Check this spec space to create an actual build though.

 

[Mourant]

With that budget you're proably better going with AM4 build. You could build an AM5 build for £1400 (as you already have the GPU) but I think you'll be compromising on aspects like fast RAM, decent cooling, storage, etc. An AM4 build based on 5800X3D might be a better overall build.

I'll defer to our regular posters in the Check this spec space to create an actual build though.

Thanks for the reply - I managed to miscalculate and my budget is actually closer to £1550. Sorry! Although the same advice may still apply.

 

[Scott]

£1550 is right in the mix for a good AM5 build.

It depends on your gaming preference though as you could eek some more frames out of a 5800X3D. At 1440p it's likely less of an issue though. The main benefit of the AM5 is you're in the build for years to come. You can upgrade the CPU to exceed the 5800X3D anytime you please. With an AM4 platform, the 5800X3D is as good as its going to get.

ase
CORSAIR iCUE 4000X RGB Tempered Glass Mid-Tower ATX Case
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 7600 Six Core CPU (4.0GHz-5.2GHz/38MB CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING X670E-PLUS WIFI (DDR5, PCIe 5.0) - RGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
NONE, I ALREADY HAVE A GRAPHICS CARD
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 6900MB/R, 5000MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB CORSAIR FORCE MP600 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD (up to 4950 MB/R, 4000 MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1000W RMx SERIES™ - MODULAR 80 PLUS GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
Corsair iCUE H100i ELITE CAPELLIX RGB Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
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
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00003]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10/11 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
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 9 to 11 working days
Price: £1,527.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/6QWxJ0Xqkk/

 

[Mourant]

My final question then is, do I hold out for the new 3D cache 7x chips or go ahead with the 7600/7600x? I guess it depends on the launch price to keep near to my budget.

 

[SpyderTracks]

My final question then is, do I hold out for the new 3D cache 7x chips or go ahead with the 7600/7600x? I guess it depends on the launch price to keep near to my budget.

From rumours we've heard (just rumours no official announcement), the X3D chips will come in at the existing price points and they will reduce the price of the non-X3D chips.

It would be a very clever move by AMD if they did do that.

The expected release date is only a couple of weeks away, I would say hold out if you can.

 

[sck451]

My final question then is, do I hold out for the new 3D cache 7x chips or go ahead with the 7600/7600x? I guess it depends on the launch price to keep near to my budget.

You're probably looking at an extra £200 or so to go with the X3D chips, because there won't be a Ryzen 5 tier chip. The 7800X3D will be the cheapest one on offer.

 

[Mourant]

Brilliant thanks.

Sorry - another question! The latest build suggested includes an X670 motherboard, whereas the B650 was originally advised. Does this choice depend on the CPU selected or are there other potential benefits i.e. upgradability of other components, audio quality etc?

 

[SpyderTracks]

Brilliant thanks.

Sorry - another question! The latest build suggested includes an X670 motherboard, whereas the B650 was originally advised. Does this choice depend on the CPU selected or are there other potential benefits i.e. upgradability of other components, audio quality etc?

Sorry we missed this.

The X670 vs B650 does have other benefits aside from being "higher calibre" for higher grade CPU's and therefor higher power tollerances and overclocking ability. But the B650's are still unusually strong in this regard, it's not like previously where they were slighly lacking in the VRM capabilities, this time round, they're way overspecced, but you've got to take into account that AMD usually allow for CPU upgrades on the same socket for 4 or 5 generations in the future, and they've learnt from the lower B350 boards which were really weak, so I think this generation with the new socket, they've overdone it to account for better upgradeability in the future.

Aside from that, X670 offer PCIe 5 capabilities on the GPU lane and the NVME SSD lanes, this may not be of any consequence now, but by the time you swap out the platform (in 7 to 10 years on a well designed system like the ones our guys will recommend), the SSD's will certainly benefit, and in fact some PCIe 5 SSDs are just now hitting the market with over 10,000mbs R/W (that's just the start, they'll get faster within a few years). GPUs are unlikely to benefit within the boards lifetime from PCIe 5, but it doesn't hurt to prepare. The speed at which these techs are maturing is getting far quicker, if you think that PCIe 3 was the norm up to 2019, and how fast PCIe has hit the market, we've already saturated PCIe 4 with SSDs.

Another big point is the USB ports on the front and back panels, far more ports on X670

There's a general breakdown here worth a look. If the budget is there for X670 (which is undoubtedly quite a premium), then it's worth it for future requirements.

X670 VS B650 Motherboards – What Are the Differences? - GeekaWhat

As the days near ever-closer to the Ryzen 7000 release date, anticipation builds with concerns to AMD's newest platform. We've kept our ears low to the ground in order to scoop up any new information with regards to the kind of features and specs these new motherboards are going to have. But one...

www.geekawhat.com