Would you change anything about this build?

[JamieA27]

So I've ordered two identical PCs, one for me and one for my girlfriend. We play at 1440p resolution, on monitors that support 75hz. (Perfect for us, we don't play many competitive games, and the monitors were bought for colour accuracy as I do digital art). The specs I've chosen are primarily for us to be able to play comfortably at 1440p, 60FPS for the next 5 or so years, whilst also given enough 'umph' to support some moderate digital work in software like Photoshop.

Would you change anything?


Case
BE QUIET! BASE 601 TOWER GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Six Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.6GHz/35MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® PRIME B550-PLUS (DDR4, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB PRO DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
10GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3080 - HDMI, DP, LHR
1st Storage Drive
2TB Samsung 870 QVO 2.5" SSD, SATA 6Gb/s (up to 560MB/sR | 530MB/sW)
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 256MB CACHE
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 H100i RGB PRO XT Hydro Series High Performance CPU Cooler
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Extra Case Fans
3x Corsair LL120 RGB LED Fan + Controller Kit
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT
Wireless Network Card
WIRELESS 802.11N 300Mbps/2.4GHz PCI-E CARD
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
TIMED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND - MON-FRI (BEFORE 2PM)
Build Time
Standard Build - Subject to stock availability on pre-order products
Welcome Book
PCSpecialist Welcome Book - United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland
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PCSpecialist Logo

 

[Steveyg]

3080 is ridiculous overkill mate a 3060Ti can do 1440p 144FPS fairly handily I know I have one

That 3080 will barely get used I'd also completely change your storage set up, you've gone with a SATA SSD which has been superseded by the much much faster M.2 SSD's that are roughly the same price range

Cheaped out on the motherboard but went for absurd overkill on a quiet case and filled it with noisy fans. A lot of contradicting ideas on this one mate

We can really help with this one if you want some advice, the link at the bottom of your spec page would help a lot in suggesting changes

 

[Martinr36]

you only need 3060Ti GPU for gaming with those monitors

 

[JamieA27]

I know it's overkill for the moment, but it's thinking long term. We'd rather not have to upgrade frequently, so having a powerful GPU that will last is preferable.

 

[Steveyg]

I know it's overkill for the moment, but it's thinking long term. We'd rather not have to upgrade frequently, so having a powerful GPU that will last is preferable.

You match a GPU to the monitor mate, 1440p 75hz it's going to take a good number of years before something like the 3060Ti will struggle with that

Using a 3080 for that which is a 4K 144Hz GPU or higher is kinda like slapping the machine gods in the face. The 3080 will just be sitting at 30% forever so you'll essentially be paying full price for a fraction of the GPU because it'll never be used

 

[Martinr36]

I know it's overkill for the moment, but it's thinking long term. We'd rather not have to upgrade frequently, so having a powerful GPU that will last is preferable.

Unless you spend out on an appropriate monitor, you aren't going to be able to make use of that monitor, it would be like putting an F1 engine in a fiat 500

 

[MrWilson]

I would use this as an alternative starting point.

Kept the 5600x, 32GB of RAM with photoshop in mind.
Upgraded motherboard to a more robust model that also includes a better wireless card, there is a wifi free alternative if you’re planning on just having Ethernet.
The 3060ti would be where I would go as well. Not a huge price increase over the 3060 but will give you a substantial performance increase which will let you keep playing newer releases in years to come. Especially with advancements in DLSS technology having a 3080 now when it won’t be getting its full use for maybe 3-4 years is not something that I would recommend.
Dialled down your cooling a little, the 5600x doesn’t run that hot so the air cooler I’ve added will be fine, the H100i and extra fans will be a little overkill.
Changed storage a little, you definitely want at least 1 m.2 drive as they are substantially faster than traditional SATA SSDs for around the same cost. Where budget allows I would recommend 2: a super fast one for OS and programs, and a larger one for games and projects.

We aren’t trying to have a go at you, we’re just very passionate and happy customers of PCS who want to help you get the best bang for your buck possible.

Case
COOLERMASTER MASTERBOX TD500 MESH ARGB GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Six Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.6GHz/35MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B550-PLUS WiFi (DDR4, USB 3.2, 6Gb/s) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB PRO DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
8GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3060 Ti - HDMI, DP, LHR
1st Storage Drive
2TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 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 INTEL® 670p M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 3500MB/sR | 2500MB/sW)
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
CoolerMaster Hyper 212 (120mm) Fan CPU Cooler Black Edition
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 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
Microsoft® Edge (Windows 10 Only)
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 - Subject to stock availability on pre-order products
Price: £1,821.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/44H7hmcEKs/

 

[JamieA27]

What difference does the motherboard make? Which one is robust enough for the system? We wont be overclocking or using wifi.

 

[Steveyg]

What difference does the motherboard make? Which one is robust enough for the system? We wont be overclocking or using wifi.

The PRIME is the most basic B550 motherboard there is, the B550 TUF is higher standard and better build quality. It's a high end motherboard with good legs for upgrades.

The B550 STRIXX would be the highest tier of B550 boards before you get the X570 boards

Now the B550 Prime is perfectly fine for the 5600x. Generally we're fans of the B550 TUF though it's just a better board and cost difference is minimal so it's a no brainer when it comes to such a critical part

 

[MrWilson]

The TUF motherboard has a better heat sink and slightly better audio quality. While the heat sink is more relevant when overclocking even when using standard voltages you’ll still get heat transfer and so it is better for the CPU to have a nice heat sink in the motherboard. For the small price difference between the two models the TUF would definitely be what I would recommend.
It will also help us to know what your budget is so that we know what to work towards.

 

[AgentCooper]

The PRIME is the most basic B550 motherboard there is, the B550 TUF is higher standard and better build quality. It's a high end motherboard with good legs for upgrades.

The B550 STRIXX would be the highest tier of B550 boards before you get the X570 boards

Now the B550 Prime is perfectly fine for the 5600x. Generally we're fans of the B550 TUF though it's just a better board and cost difference is minimal so it's a no brainer when it comes to such a critical part

The TUF motherboard has a better heat sink and slightly better audio quality. While the heat sink is more relevant when overclocking even when using standard voltages you’ll still get heat transfer and so it is better for the CPU to have a nice heat sink in the motherboard. For the small price difference between the two models the TUF would definitely be what I would recommend.
It will also help us to know what your budget is so that we know what to work towards.

Fine points, gents. Mine will be a little less technical and a lot more shallow. The TUF also just looks much nicer. I love the black and yellow theme and that tasteful little corner of RGB on it warms my heart.

 

[JamieA27]

Switch the motherboard to the ASUS TUF GAMING B550-PLUS?

Budget wise, were flexible. Just want good parts. In terms of noise, ideally I'd want it to be quiet, but not at the expense of thermals. If theres better fan options for keeping it quiet, in all ears.

Also in terms of storage, where do they normally install windows? Ideally I dont want it on a HDD, so how would I specify that?

 

[AgentCooper]

Also in terms of storage, where do they normally install windows? Ideally I dont want it on a HDD, so how would I specify that?

When you tap on the ‘proceed’ icon on the configurator it asks you where you’d want Windows installed, like so…

 

[MrWilson]

Switch the motherboard to the ASUS TUF GAMING B550-PLUS?

Budget wise, were flexible. Just want good parts. In terms of noise, ideally I'd want it to be quiet, but not at the expense of thermals. If theres better fan options for keeping it quiet, in all ears.

Also in terms of storage, where do they normally install windows? Ideally I dont want it on a HDD, so how would I specify that?

In the build above they will default to installing it on the fastest M.2 drive, which is the 980 pro. You always want the OS on your fastest drive 🙂

 

[Martinr36]

and that tasteful little corner of RGB on it warms my heart.

Don't worry about anything else @AgentCooper , as long as the RGB is good

 

[JamieA27]

So I've read the comments, here's where I've ended up. I'm going to keep the 3080s, I know it's overkill, but one thing I have to consider is that in the future, I might decided to switch to 4k monitors, because as my art improves, the quality of the monitors will need to also. So whilst it's too much power for gaming at 1440p at the moment, in the future, it might be necessary.

For the storage, I'm keeping the 2TB SSDs and HDDs, but adding a 250GB M.2 PCIe NVMe which I'll use for Windows installation. For gaming, the difference I saw between the SSDs and M.2s isn't massive, a second or so at most - but the extra speed and snappiness I will definitely appreciate for Windows and some odd bits of software, like Photoshop, so I'll keep it primarily for that.

The CPU cooler, I have looked into this a little. I did consider air cooled, but honestly, since the two pcs will be on our desks, I'm willing to pay extra for the RGB and performance, even if it's not necessary. It's more of a 'want', than a 'need'. I like the look of it.

I have upgraded the motherboard as per suggestions, but since money isn't much of a worry at the moment, I've gone with the ASUS ROG Strix b450-F Gaming. Partly because of quality, partly because of looks. We won't overclock, so we won't get the benefit from it, but if it's sturdier and more reliable, I'm all for that.

How does that sound?

 

[SpyderTracks]

So whilst it's too much power for gaming at 1440p at the moment, in the future, it might be necessary.

At which point there will be newer GPUs far cheaper than the premium you'll pay now for lesser performance from the 3080.

This topic is vastly misunderstood and it's your money, bit the way you're doing it will get you worse performamce at a far greater cost believe it or not.

 

[JamieA27]

If I upgrade monitors, itll likely be within the next 6 to 8 months, not years away.

 

[Martinr36]

If I upgrade monitors, itll likely be within the next 6 to 8 months, not years away.

if this were to read WHENI I UPGRADE MONITORS, then yeah it might be worth keeping the 3080's if you got appropriate monitors

 

[MrWilson]

So I've read the comments, here's where I've ended up. I'm going to keep the 3080s, I know it's overkill, but one thing I have to consider is that in the future, I might decided to switch to 4k monitors, because as my art improves, the quality of the monitors will need to also. So whilst it's too much power for gaming at 1440p at the moment, in the future, it might be necessary.

For the storage, I'm keeping the 2TB SSDs and HDDs, but adding a 250GB M.2 PCIe NVMe which I'll use for Windows installation. For gaming, the difference I saw between the SSDs and M.2s isn't massive, a second or so at most - but the extra speed and snappiness I will definitely appreciate for Windows and some odd bits of software, like Photoshop, so I'll keep it primarily for that.

The CPU cooler, I have looked into this a little. I did consider air cooled, but honestly, since the two pcs will be on our desks, I'm willing to pay extra for the RGB and performance, even if it's not necessary. It's more of a 'want', than a 'need'. I like the look of it.

I have upgraded the motherboard as per suggestions, but since money isn't much of a worry at the moment, I've gone with the ASUS ROG Strix b450-F Gaming. Partly because of quality, partly because of looks. We won't overclock, so we won't get the benefit from it, but if it's sturdier and more reliable, I'm all for that.

How does that sound?

We’ve said our piece regarding the GPU. Ultimately it’s your money and your purchase so if you want to go for the 3080 it won’t affect anything else. If you’re thinking 4K in the short term it will also be more sound move.

For the price difference I would highly recommend the M.2 over the SATA SSD. When you’re investing in solid components I don’t see the point of saving £30 for a drive that is 5-7 times faster. I would also recommend a 500GB primary drive as you only want the drive to be half full as it slows down as it fills up further than that. 256GB is enough to fit Windows and basically nothing else without losing performance; if you’re adding photoshop and other programs into the mix 500GB is the way to go.

I can understand the AIO coolers from a “want” perspective. If you’re looking for RGB you will want the Elite Capellix over the PRO XT. The PRO XT only has RGB on the pump head whereas the Capellix has RGB on the fans as well as more RGB nodes in general.

The motherboard is actually a downgrade as the b-450f is the generation before the b-550 which loses features such as PCIE gen 4 which will lower performance speed. The STRIX B-550f is unfortunately out of stock at the moment, but would have been the one to go for otherwise.