New Gaming PC Spec - Suggestion Upon Reciept

[danfid]

Hello all,

Very excited for this to come this week. Any suggestions on the first steps I should take to get this beast at its optimum?

Requesting ideas such as cleaning up pre-loaded software, adjusting settings, downloading necessary or recommended software, etc.

My specs:

Case
FRACTAL DEFINE 7 XL BLACK QUIET TOWER CASE
Promotional Item
Get the GeForce Overwatch 2 Invasion Bundle with select GeForce RTX 40 Series!
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i9 24-Core Processor i9-13900K (Up to 5.8GHz) 36MB Cache
Motherboard
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS MASTER (LGA1700, DDR5, USB 3.2, PCIe 5.0, WIFI6E) - ARGB Ready
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
24GB ASUS TUF GEFORCE RTX 4090 OC EDITION OG - 2x HDMI, 3x DP
Graphics Card Support Bracket
PCS ARGB GRAPHICS CARD SUPPORT BRACKET
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3000MB/sR, 1600MB/sW)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3500MB/sR | 2500MB/sW)
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE
1st Storage Drive
4TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 5400RPM, 256MB 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)
ARGB Power Supply Extension Cables
LIAN LI ARGB STRIMER PLUS V2 24-PIN CABLE
Processor Cooling
CORSAIR iCUE H150i ELITE LCD XT RGB CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
ASUS Xonar AE 7.1-Channel Gaming Audio Card
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
USB/Thunderbolt Options
2 PORT (1 x TYPE A, 1 x TYPE C) USB 3.1 PCI-E CARD + STANDARD USB PORTS

 

[SpyderTracks]

What make and model monitor are you pairing it with?

What's it for?

Any reason for the Xonar soundcard?

 

[danfid]

What make and model monitor are you pairing it with?

What's it for?

Any reason for the Xonar soundcard?

Hello,

Soundcard for no other reason that it isn't the standard PC generic. I'm not huge on sound so the soundcard isn't a huge thing.

The monitor is a ASUS ROG Strix XG32VC Curved. I'll be getting a second one in the next few months.

I use for RPG open world gaming. Will be playing Starfield. Have Skyrim and Fallout 4 modded. Also do graphic art and design.

 

[Ekans2011]

Hello all,

Very excited for this to come this week. Any suggestions on the first steps I should take to get this beast at its optimum?

Requesting ideas such as cleaning up pre-loaded software, adjusting settings, downloading necessary or recommended software, etc.

My specs:

Case
FRACTAL DEFINE 7 XL BLACK QUIET TOWER CASE
Promotional Item
Get the GeForce Overwatch 2 Invasion Bundle with select GeForce RTX 40 Series!
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i9 24-Core Processor i9-13900K (Up to 5.8GHz) 36MB Cache
Motherboard
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS MASTER (LGA1700, DDR5, USB 3.2, PCIe 5.0, WIFI6E) - ARGB Ready
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
24GB ASUS TUF GEFORCE RTX 4090 OC EDITION OG - 2x HDMI, 3x DP
Graphics Card Support Bracket
PCS ARGB GRAPHICS CARD SUPPORT BRACKET
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3000MB/sR, 1600MB/sW)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3500MB/sR | 2500MB/sW)
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE
1st Storage Drive
4TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 5400RPM, 256MB 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)
ARGB Power Supply Extension Cables
LIAN LI ARGB STRIMER PLUS V2 24-PIN CABLE
Processor Cooling
CORSAIR iCUE H150i ELITE LCD XT RGB CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
ASUS Xonar AE 7.1-Channel Gaming Audio Card
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
USB/Thunderbolt Options
2 PORT (1 x TYPE A, 1 x TYPE C) USB 3.1 PCI-E CARD + STANDARD USB PORTS

Hello, I apologize for interrupting, but only 850w for a 4090 + 13900K?

How are you able to run that rig at full power with such a power supply? I wouldn't go lower than 1000w (or even 1200w) for that build.

Furthermore, the case, in my opinion, could severely limit that beast: it's nearly completely closed, there's no airflow, and those components run quite hot.

 

[danfid]

Hello, I apologize for interrupting, but only 850w for a 4090 + 13900K?

How are you able to run that rig at full power with such a power supply? I wouldn't go lower than 1000w (or even 1200w) for that build.

Furthermore, the case, in my opinion, could severely limit that beast: it's nearly completely closed, there's no airflow, and those components run quite hot.

The auto configuration said that the max output is 788W with a 20% overage for good measure, so I followed their suggestion. The CPU cooler took up the 3 additional fan slots. I wanted more fans but couldn't have it on that case. I don't mind switching the case out. Any suggestions?

 

[Ekans2011]

The auto configuration said that the max output is 788W with a 20% overage for good measure, so I followed their suggestion. The CPU cooler took up the 3 additional fan slots. I wanted more fans but couldn't have it on that case. I don't mind switching the case out. Any suggestions?

Personally, I would never trust the configurator because it does not take many factors into account: even if 850w is theoretically sufficient, it will cause your PSU to run at over 90% load during very intensive tasks (which is not the best idea IMHO).

I'm not sure what your build is for, but I strongly advise you to upgrade the PSU and change the CASE to prevent future thermals and supply issues.

Regarding the case, I like Corsair 5000D/5000X but I'm sure you'll get more suggestions from other users. This is just my 2 cents.

 

[danfid]

Personally, I would never trust the configurator because it does not take many factors into account: even if 850w is theoretically sufficient, it will cause your PSU to run at over 90% load during very intensive tasks (which is not the best idea IMHO).

I'm not sure what your build is for, but I strongly advise you to upgrade the PSU and change the CASE to prevent future thermals and supply issues.

Regarding the case, I like Corsair 5000D/5000X but I'm sure you'll get more suggestions from other users. This is just my 2 cents.

Thanks! I did feel a bit uneasy about the PSU.

I've just amended the order for the 1200w PSU and changed the case and added an additional 4 fans.

Thanks very much for the extra brainpower. This is too big an order to think I had it right the first time. And I want it right before it gets to me.

 

[SpyderTracks]

The auto configuration said that the max output is 788W with a 20% overage for good measure, so I followed their suggestion. The CPU cooler took up the 3 additional fan slots. I wanted more fans but couldn't have it on that case. I don't mind switching the case out. Any suggestions?

They don't account for transient spikes which is a very real concern. I'd also say 20% headroom is not enough these days anyway, you really want more than that. That's on that generation of PSU, which is the older ATX2 version. The new ATX3 PSU's account for transient spikes, so an 800W PSU will actually support spikes up to 1600W

But allowing for Transient spikes, you'd want a 1200w PSU with the 4090, or get one of the top tier ATX 3 SHIFT PSUs which have just been added, even then I'd suggest 1000W for futureproofing. In the last 4 generations alone we've seen top end requirements go from around 650W with the 1080ti now to 1200w with the RTX4090, it's insane.

But there are a few amendments that we could make to optimise it better, if you can include the link at the bottom of the quote then we can adjust it for you?

 

[danfid]

They don't account for transient spikes which is a very real concern. I'd also say 20% headroom is not enough these days anyway, you really want more than that. That's on that generation of PSU, which is the older ATX2 version. The new ATX3 PSU's account for transient spikes, so an 800W PSU will actually support spikes up to 1600W

But allowing for Transient spikes, you'd want a 1200w PSU with the 4090, or get one of the top tier ATX 3 SHIFT PSUs which have just been added, even then I'd suggest 1000W for futureproofing. In the last 4 generations alone we've seen top end requirements go from around 650W with the 1080ti now to 1200w with the RTX4090, it's insane.

But there are a few amendments that we could make to optimise it better, if you can include the link at the bottom of the quote then we can adjust it for you?

Thank you Spyder,

Here is the amendment that I've made. If it needs adjustment, let me know.

Item 3	4 x 120mm Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 Case Fans
Item 4	Change to [CORSAIR iCUE 5000T RGB MID TOWER GAMING CASE] from [FRACTAL DEFINE 7 XL BLACK QUIET TOWER CASE]
Item 5	Change to [CORSAIR 1200W RMx SHIFT SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS GOLD, ULTRA QUIET] from [CORSAIR 850W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET]

 

[SpyderTracks]

Thank you Spyder,

Here is the amendment that I've made. If it needs adjustment, let me know.

Item 3	4 x 120mm Thermaltake TOUGHFAN 12 Case Fans
Item 4	Change to [CORSAIR iCUE 5000T RGB MID TOWER GAMING CASE] from [FRACTAL DEFINE 7 XL BLACK QUIET TOWER CASE]
Item 5	Change to [CORSAIR 1200W RMx SHIFT SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS GOLD, ULTRA QUIET] from [CORSAIR 850W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET]

I wouldn't suggest the tough fans, I'd get the corsair fans to tie in with the rest of the build, then you can control them all via iCue.

And regarding case, the 5000X includes loads of fans and a full RGB Fan controller anyway for not much more cash, it's the same case anyway.

But TBH, I wouldn't go for that build, unless you have specific needs for an Intel platform.

An AMD 7950X (or even 7950X3D) will give largely the same performance but at vastly lower temperatures and far lower power usage. The 13900k WILL thermal throttle no matter what cooling you have on it, this is even more true with the loads you'll be putting on it.

Plus you have the option to upgrade the processor on the AMD platform likely for the next 3 or so generations to come. With the Intel, you have no upgrade path, it's a dead platform as the 14 series have a new socket design.

I would suggest cancelling and getting some advice, you can do far better for the same cost.

 

[danfid]

expand...

Thank you Spyder.

I'll call the shop on Monday and sort all of this out with your suggestions in mind.

 

[danfid]

I wouldn't suggest the tough fans, I'd get the corsair fans to tie in with the rest of the build, then you can control them all via iCue.

And regarding case, the 5000X includes loads of fans and a full RGB Fan controller anyway for not much more cash, it's the same case anyway.

But TBH, I wouldn't go for that build, unless you have specific needs for an Intel platform.

An AMD 7950X (or even 7950X3D) will give largely the same performance but at vastly lower temperatures and far lower power usage. The 13900k WILL thermal throttle no matter what cooling you have on it, this is even more true with the loads you'll be putting on it.

Plus you have the option to upgrade the processor on the AMD platform likely for the next 3 or so generations to come. With the Intel, you have no upgrade path, it's a dead platform as the 14 series have a new socket design.

I would suggest cancelling and getting some advice, you can do far better for the same cost.

I've created this quote and saved. It might be a bit of work to sort with PCS tomorrow but I'll get it done.

This looks like all of the suggestions above have been incorporated. Do you have any final suggestions?


Case
CORSAIR iCUE 5000X RGB MID TOWER GAMING CASE
Promotional Item
Get the GeForce Overwatch 2 Invasion Bundle with select GeForce RTX 40 Series!
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D 16 Core CPU (4.2GHz-5.7GHz/144MB w/3D V-CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX: (WIFI 6E, DDR5, USB 3.2) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 5600MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
24GB ASUS TUF GEFORCE RTX 4090 OC EDITION OG - 2x HDMI, 3x DP
Graphics Card Support Bracket
PCS ARGB GRAPHICS CARD SUPPORT BRACKET
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3000MB/sR, 1600MB/sW)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3500MB/sR | 2500MB/sW)
1st Storage Drive
2TB Samsung 870 QVO 2.5" SSD, SATA 6Gb/s (up to 560MB/sR | 530MB/sW)
1st Storage Drive
4TB Samsung 870 QVO 2.5" SSD, SATA 6Gb/s (up to 560MB/sR | 530MB/sW)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1200W RMx SHIFT SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
ARGB Power Supply Extension Cables
LIAN LI ARGB STRIMER PLUS V2 24-PIN CABLE
Processor Cooling
CORSAIR ICUE LINK H150i RGB HIGH PERFORMANCE CPU COOLER
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Extra Case Fans
3 x Corsair ICUE LINK QX120 RGB PWM Fan + Controller Kit
Sound Card
ASUS Xonar SE 5.1-Channel Gaming Audio Card
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
USB/Thunderbolt Options
2 PORT (1 x TYPE A, 1 x TYPE C) USB 3.1 PCI-E CARD + STANDARD USB PORTS
Operating System
Windows 11 Professional 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [MUP-00005]

 

[danfid]

Also, all of my games will be ran on the first SSD drive. I've had personal experience, and read, that gaming on the M.2 drives causes extreme heating and isn't recommended. Is this still the case?

 

[Ekans2011]

@danfid
Sorry, but what is the purpose of your build? Is it only gaming or is it something else? Which monitor will you use (resolution/refresh or brand/model)? Do you have a budget in mind? Could you please include a re-configurable link as well?

FYI M.2 drives are strongly recommended for running modern games properly; SATA SSDs are far too slow when compared to M.2s.
M.2 has no overheating issues (even on laptops).

 

[danfid]

@danfid
Sorry, but what is the purpose of your build? Is it only gaming or is it something else? Which monitor will you use (resolution/refresh or brand/model)? Do you have a budget in mind? Could you please include a re-configurable link as well?

FYI M.2 drives are strongly recommended for running modern games properly; SATA SSDs are far too slow when compared to M.2s.
M.2 has no overheating issues (even on laptops).

My build is for gaming and graphic art/design. I've a gaming laptop from PCs that is 3.5 years old and won't be doing the best with some of the newer games.

Currently the build is sitting at round £3800 excluding VAT. That is where I'll want to keep it.

I can't find a re-configurable link. Let me know what this is and I'll post it.

 

[SpyderTracks]

My build is for gaming and graphic art/design. I've a gaming laptop from PCs that is 3.5 years old and won't be doing the best with some of the newer games.

Currently the build is sitting at round £3800 excluding VAT. That is where I'll want to keep it.

I can't find a re-configurable link. Let me know what this is and I'll post it.

The link is at the bottom of the quote you posted, just copy and paste it.

 

[Ekans2011]

Currently the build is sitting at round £3800 excluding VAT. That is where I'll want to keep it.

With that budget, you can do everything, including a custom loop if you're willing to do the necessary maintenance.

What about the monitor? I believe you're aiming for 4K resolution, right?

This is the best I could think of for your needs, and I'd also go with 64GB RAM, which isn't available in the configurator but you could ask PCS directly for.

Of course, we'll wait for other suggestions.

Case
CORSAIR iCUE 5000X RGB MID TOWER GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D 16 Core CPU (4.2GHz-5.7GHz/144MB w/3D V-CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG CROSSHAIR X670E HERO (WIFI 6E, DDR5, PCIe 5.0) - RGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
24GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 4090 - HDMI, DP
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB SOLIDIGM P44 PRO GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 7000MB/sR, 4700MB/sW)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SOLIDIGM P44 PRO GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 7000MB/sR, 6500MB/sW)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1200W RMx SHIFT 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 LINK H150i RGB HIGH PERFORMANCE CPU COOLER
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Extra Case Fans
3 x Corsair ICUE LINK QX120 RGB PWM Fan + Controller Kit
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
ONBOARD 2.5Gbe 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
Google Chrome™
Warranty
3 Year Gold Warranty (2 Year Collect & Return, 2 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 9 to 12 working days
Price: £3,705.00 including VAT and Delivery

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

 

[danfid]

Thank you Ekans. I've used the link and modified the number of hard drives and size. I have certain projects and files I keep local instead of using my NAS.

I have a three monitor setup but my gaming monitor is the ASUS ROG Strix XG32VC Curved. I only use this one monitor for gaming.

I'm not worried about the monitor at the moment as I've just bought it 4 months ago.

Also, it seems like I'm going a bit overboard, and I am, but I'm a middle-aged electronics engineer who's a nerd boy for life. I make good money and I don't want to buy the latest and greatest every year or so. I want a rig that'll last me for 5+ years before I start thinking of another. As Spyder mentioned, this AMD setup is upgradeable. THAT is a fantastic suggestion for someone like me.

Also, I love my games to be crisp and lag free. I just can't tolerate a busted gaming experience.

 

[Ekans2011]

Also, I love my games to be crisp and lag free. I just can't tolerate a busted gaming experience.

Don't worry, the combo 7950X3D + 4090 will easily outperform any released game (especially on your QHD monitor ).

AMD CPUs are currently the only valuable options, as Intel will change the socket with the next generation.

I've used the link and modified the number of hard drives and size

Sure, I just put the basic storage configuration: 1 small M.2 for OS and apps, plus a larger one for games.

 

[danfid]

Don't worry, the combo 7950X3D + 4090 will easily outperform any released game (especially on your QHD monitor ).

AMD CPUs are currently the only valuable options, as Intel will change the socket with the next generation.


Sure, I just put the basic storage configuration: 1 small M.2 for OS and apps, plus a larger one for games.

My thoughts exactly. My monitor is sufficient for amazing gameplay. The OS drive is exactly as you said. I kept it at 512. More than what it probably will ever need.