New PCS Gaming System - £3000 (inc. Monitor) Please check.

[jester58th]

Hi there, finaly getting round to replacing my trusty 8-9 year old PCS machine and I'd be grateful if any of you could look over my spec and see if I've made any glaring/schoolboy errors. It's based on a spec suggested last year by a couple of guys on here so really just checking that nothing has changed drastically since then.

Purpose - Mainly 1440p Gaming. FPS, Open World, AAA stuff etc, Possible Flight Sim.
Budget - Under £3000 if possible (Including monitor) (a little wiggle room)
Monitor - TBD. Thinking of either ASUS VG32VQ or ASUS VG27AQ (Suggestions Welcomed)

Question - Is it better to go for Windows 11 now or stick with 10 and upgrade later? (Note, even after all this time I'm still very nervous about upgrading software/hardware myself, lots of anxiety issues, lol)

Just like everyone else, I'm after a 'Unicorn' - Top Spec + Best Bang For Buck + Longevity, so I don't mind if it seems a little overpowerd for right now, as long as it's not too stupid or wasteful.
The other thing is it will be on/used most of the time (12+ hours a day) for general stuff, web browsing, playing video etc with a few hours of gaming thrown in. So I don't know if that has any bearing on things?

EDIT: Nvidia Geforce 3070 ti vs ASUS ROG STRIX Geforce 3070 - Worth waiting until Feb for the ASUS or not?

Thanks in advance for your time, let me know if there is any more info you need.

And, remember, I'm Batman.

Case
FRACTAL MESHIFY 2 LIGHT TEMPERED GLASS
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 12 Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.8GHz/70MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX X570-F GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (4 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3070 Ti - HDMI, DP, LHR
1st Storage Drive
4TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 5400RPM, 256MB CACHE
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 MP400 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD (up to 3480 MB/R, 1880 MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair iCUE H115i RGB PRO XT 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
Wireless Network Card
WIRELESS INTEL® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 2,400Mbps/5GHz, 300Mbps/2.4GHz PCI-E CARD + BT 5.0
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Windows 10 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00001]
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
Firefox™
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 8 to 11 working days
Welcome Book
PCSpecialist Welcome Book - United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland
Logo Branding
PCSpecialist Logo
Price: £2,630.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/bz7JjvMnAy/

 

[sck451]

Let's start with the display. 1440p is definitely the best option. You could stretch a point and get to 4K, but it would mean penny-pinching and ultimately the upgraded experience probably isn't worth it. I'd suggest you have two ideal options: a very good 1440p (WQHD) display or a good 1440p ultrawide (UWQHD) display.

In the former camp I'd suggest the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD for £469:

MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD Quad HD 27" IPS Gaming Monitor - Black

Quad HD 2560 x 1440p; Refresh rate: 165 Hz; Response time: 1 ms; Input: HDMI / DisplayPort; USB 2.0 x 3 / USB Type-C x 1; Can be wall mounted

www.currys.co.uk

In the latter camp I'd suggest the Gigabyte M34WQ for just under £600:

Gigabyte M34WQ 34 Inch IPS Ultrawide WQHD (3440 x 1440) 144Hz FreeSync Premium Gaming Monitor : Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Buy

www.amazon.co.uk

Whichever you go for, you would need a similar-ish setup. With the £2400-2600ish we have left, we can get pretty much the best spec you could reasonably ask for for (U)WQHD gaming:

Case
FRACTAL MESHIFY 2 LIGHT TEMPERED GLASS Excellent choice
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i9 16-Core Processor i9-12900KF (3.2GHz) 30MB Cache Currently the best gaming CPU there is (to save a little without great compromise, go for the 12700K)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX Z690-A GAMING WIFI D4 (LGA1700, USB 3.2, PCIe 5.0) - ARGB Ready Excellent motherboard (the 12700K would go nicely with the Tuf model)
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3070 - HDMI, DP, LHR The 3070 Ti isn't worth the extra
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE The 4TB drive is 5400RPM and slow. Add a second HDD if you need more space
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SEAGATE FIRECUDA 530 GEN 4 PCIe NVMe (up to 7000MB/R, 3000MB/W) My preferred boot drive (the 980 is also very excellent)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3500MB/sR | 2700MB/sW) Better than the Corsair drive
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1000W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS GOLD, ULTRA QUIET All the power you could possibly need
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair iCUE H115i RGB PRO XT Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler Excellent cooler for the 12900K
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] If you don't like doing upgrades, go for Windows 11. There's an argument for 10, but "I don't like upgrades" is a perfectly good reason to go straight to 11
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 8 to 11 working days
Price: £2,619.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/intel-z690-pc/xKvPtABE7V/

This is a great system. The "budget" 12700K/Tuf Z690 combination is about £215 cheaper if you'd prefer that. It probably wouldn't make a massive difference to you.

 

[jester58th]

Thanks so much for your time, the feedback and for explaining your choices - All make perfect sense.
If everything goes to plan, I'll be ordering it in the next couple of days.
Have to measure up and check sizes for the display (limited space), but I'm leaning towards the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD (Amazon has them listed at £366 but no stock at the moment, but for £100 cheaper than Currys I think I can wait a while and see.)

Cheers again, the citizens of Gotham thank you

 

[jester58th]

Found some loose change in the Batmobile glove box, so I added another 2TB Seagate Barracuda and went for 3600mhz RAM.
(Also decided on the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD)

Good News : I ordered it.

Bad News : Creditcard didn't go through.

Good News : Phoned PCS and got it sorted very quickly.

Bad News : Due to Christmas backlog, it may be 14+ days rather than 8-11 days.

Good News : That means it's due on/around my birthday.

Now the REALLY hard part - Waiting.

 

[sck451]

Found some loose change in the Batmobile glove box, so I added another 2TB Seagate Barracuda and went for 3600mhz RAM.
(Also decided on the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD)

Good News : I ordered it.

Bad News : Creditcard didn't go through.

Good News : Phoned PCS and got it sorted very quickly.

Bad News : Due to Christmas backlog, it may be 14+ days rather than 8-11 days.

Good News : That means it's due on/around my birthday.

Now the REALLY hard part - Waiting.

Very exciting. Let's hope your wait isn't too long.

When it comes we want to see pics and know how you're getting on!

 

[jester58th]

 

[jester58th]

Right, I'm an idiot and have done what I told myself not to do.
I've ordered my PC and then carried on looking at other builds and Youtube videos - BIG MISTAKE 😢

Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy with 99% of my build, but there is a little paranoid voice in the back of my mind that's whispering just one thing "CPU Cooling"

So, sorry about this, now I'm going to ask the questions I should have asked earlier.

1. Is the only difference between the Corsair RGB Pro XT and the Elite Capellix RGB just the pretty lights on the fans?
2. Some of the i9-12900KF builds on here suggest the H150i RGB Pro XT/Elite Capellix RGB over the H115i. Is this for budget reasons, case size reasons or something else?
3. All the online/Youtube reviews of the i9-12900KF seem to use 360mm radiator AIO coolers and even with them they still seem to run very hot. Is that just because of the testing they run or because money is no object?
4. I'm assuming the H115i in my build is top mounted in the 'Fractal Meshify 2' case, would an H150i fit and be top mounted too?

So, the big question really is, could I, and should I, upgrade my build from the H115i to the H150i? (Also, the price difference is only £1 😄 )

🦇

 

[SpyderTracks]

1. Is the only difference between the Corsair RGB Pro XT and the Elite Capellix RGB just the pretty lights on the fans?

The Capellix is newer than the Pro XT and has a slightly more efficient pump. I would personally go for the Capellix.

2. Some of the i9-12900KF builds on here suggest the H150i RGB Pro XT/Elite Capellix RGB over the H115i. Is this for budget reasons, case size reasons or something else?

The 12900k / f is one of the hottest CPU's ever released, it's a bit of a joke really. Personally I would definitely go for the H150i. It's 3 120mm fans vs the 2 x 140 on the 115i, there is an increase in performance on the H150i

3. All the online/Youtube reviews of the i9-12900KF seem to use 360mm radiator AIO coolers and even with them they still seem to run very hot. Is that just because of the testing they run or because money is no object?

It's because it runs ridiculously hot and need the best coolers available.

4. I'm assuming the H115i in my build is top mounted in the 'Fractal Meshify 2' case, would an H150i fit and be top mounted too?

The Meshify 2 will fit the H150 in the top, yes.

 

[B4zookaw]

So, the big question really is, could I, and should I, upgrade my build from the H115i to the H150i? (Also, the price difference is only £1 😄 )

Yes, you can thank me later....

 

[jester58th]

Thanks for the info/advice SpyderTracks & IRLRobins. I've upgraded my order to the H150i Capellix and will buy a fire extinguisher 🔥 🖥️ 🔥

Now, back to the waiting and I'm going to try and not look at any more builds or Youtube videos (can't make any promises, I'm weak and have no willpower 🤷‍♂️ )

🦇

 

[B4zookaw]

For me, after seeing how well the my 360 fans fill out the top of my case, I'd find it hard to have a build where the rad/fans only filled part of the available area. It would just look lacking if you ask me.

 

[SpyderTracks]

For me, after seeing how well the my 360 fans fill out the top of my case, I'd find it hard to have a build where the rad/fans only filled part of the available area. It would just look lacking if you ask me.

They do look really good.

If it were me, and it's a shame PCS don't offer them yet although I'm sure they will in the future, I'd be getting a 420mm radiator with 3 x 140mm fans. The H170i is Corsairs version. I do hope PCS stock it soon.

 

[B4zookaw]

They do look really good.

If it were me, and it's a shame PCS don't offer them yet although I'm sure they will in the future, I'd be getting a 420mm radiator with 3 x 140mm fans. The H170i is Corsairs version. I do hope PCS stock it soon.

How many cases that PCS offer would support a 420mm in top mounting though. I found the selection for 360mm quite limited in the mid budget tier. Would be even less in 420?

 

[SpyderTracks]

How many cases that PCS offer would support a 420mm in top mounting though. I found the selection for 360mm quite limited in the mid budget tier. Would be even less in 420?

Yeah, 420mm is still fairly new so there aren't too many cases that do support it.

The Meshify S2 does, and the Darkbase Pro 900 and Coolermaster C700m, but I think that's about it currently.

New chassis are more accommodating to 420mm rads.

 

[JUNI0R]

Yeah, 420mm is still fairly new so there aren't too many cases that do support it.

The Meshify S2 does, and the Darkbase Pro 900 and Coolermaster C700m, but I think that's about it currently.

New chassis are more accommodating to 420mm rads.

How big is that Meshify?? 😂 It'd be cool to see the 7000 Series on the configurator if we got the H170i. Although as someone that's never been a fan of large cases I think it'd probably better suit the custom loop configurator, EATX boards and STRIX cards still look tiny in cases that size

 

[SpyderTracks]

How big is that Meshify?? 😂 It'd be cool to see the 7000 Series on the configurator if we got the H170i. Although as someone that's never been a fan of large cases I think it'd probably better suit the custom loop configurator, EATX boards and STRIX cards still look tiny in cases that size

The meshify is pretty chonky. I always go for rediculously big cases for a main PC, makes it easier to build in and makes a statement piece. But I recognise I'm not the mainstream there, most people like something a bit more discrete.

 

[B4zookaw]

If I was building my PC today, I'd probably go with the Meshify 2, given that the TD500 that I picked originally doesn't appear to be available. It's a smart looking case, and as Spyder says, would be easy to work with. Even the top comes off!

 

[SpyderTracks]

If I was building my PC today, I'd probably go with the Meshify 2, given that the TD500 that I picked originally doesn't appear to be available. It's a smart looking case, and as Spyder says, would be easy to work with. Even the top comes off!

It's a fantastic case, both aesthetically, noise wise and buildability. I really like it.

 

[Scott]

I would personally be saving a small fortune and opting for the 12600KF paired with a TUF motherboard. There's no merit at all to going for the 12900K for your uses.

I couldn't select the Meshify, maybe it's sold out, but just for an example I put it together with the 5000D. Easily a £450 saving with no impact on performance. Would justify that 3070Ti performance bump. Needs a bit more juice but nets you around 10% in frames. It's a toss up though as the 3070 is more than capable.

Case
CORSAIR 5000D AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i5 10-Core Processor i5-12600KF (3.7GHz) 20MB Cache
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING Z690-PLUS WIFI D4 (LGA1700, USB 3.2, PCIe 5.0) - ARGB Ready
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB PRO DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3070 - HDMI, DP, LHR
1st M.2 SSD Drive
500GB SEAGATE FIRECUDA 530 GEN 4 PCIe NVMe (up to 7000MB/R, 3000MB/W)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3500MB/sR | 2700MB/sW)
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE
Power Supply
CORSAIR 1000W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
Corsair iCUE H150i 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 12 to 14 working days
Price: £2,276.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/intel-z690-pc/kX0pGVrzvC/

 

[jester58th]

Ok, now I don't know what to do and my anxiety is through the roof 😠 (Thanks for the info though Scott)
Anyone else have any thoughts on this?
Is there really no appreciable difference in the gaming @1440p performance or the longevity/future proofing with regards to the above i5 & i9 builds?