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Specs ok?
- Thread starter JTap
- Start date
TonyCarter
VALUED CONTRIBUTOR
What monitor (make & model, or resolution & refresh)?
What games are you wanting to play?
Do you want VR & Ray Tracing?
Are you going to use it for anything else?
Is RGB important to you?
Have you any space constraints, or case size preference?
What's your MAX budget for the PC?
What games are you wanting to play?
Do you want VR & Ray Tracing?
Are you going to use it for anything else?
Is RGB important to you?
Have you any space constraints, or case size preference?
What's your MAX budget for the PC?
Honestly I was just going to get a cheap monitor off of marketplace or ebay. Not after anything super swanky.What monitor (make & model, or resolution & refresh)?
What games are you wanting to play?
Do you want VR & Ray Tracing?
Are you going to use it for anything else?
Is RGB important to you?
Have you any space constraints, or case size preference?
What's your MAX budget for the PC?
I just play Sims/City Builders, nothing really heavy.
I dont think so? Im not sure what Ray Tracing is, but I dont do VR!
The only other thing I would use it for is any kind of Adobe/Graphic design work.
RGB isnt important, Im not even entirely sure how it works.
Ive got a fairly small space, enough room for a regular monitor, keyboard etc.
The quote for that one was £1222 Incl VAT, which I've been told is a little on the expensive side for what I'm after haha! I dont want to go much above that price range.
Sorry if that isnt much help, A lot of this is completely new to me. Ive been gaming on an old laptop that sounds like its going to take flight as soon as I open steam! Any advice would be soooo appreciated!!!
TonyCarter
VALUED CONTRIBUTOR
The reason for asking about the monitor, is that it defines the level of GPU you need for gaming.
For example, a Nvidia xx60 GPU is 1080p level; xx70 is 1440p level; xx80 is 4k level.
Some city builders (such as City Skylines 2) are VERY resource hungry and will need a much beefier system (modern 6-8 core CPU with a xx80 level GPU) than for example The Sims 4 (anything more than a 6 year old 4-core CPU with a xx60 level GPU, or a current gen CPU with integrated graphics). Of course, the more elements, and the more mods/plug-ins you install, the more system resources you'll need (RAM, VRAM).
If you only need 1080p, then that keep the GPU spend down (which is usually the most expensive single component), but if you're not into VR/RT then an AMD GPU may offer better value for money.
I'd also suggest going with a current AMD CPU on a platform that's going to offer an upgrade path if you want to upgrade to a newer CPU in 5 years time, rather than a 3 year old Intel CPU on an end-of-life platform.
I'd be looking at something like this for light sims at the level of SIMS4....
LowestI think I'd go for basic 1080p gaming...
Case
CORSAIR 3000D AIRFLOW MID TOWER GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G Eight Core CPU (4.2GHz-5.1GHz/24MB CACHE/AM5) - iGPU is Radeon 780M (about the same level as a GTX1650/RX6400)
Motherboard
ASUS® PRIME B650-PLUS (AM5, DDR5, PCIe 4.0) - most basic version of the B650 boards
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 5200MHz (2 x 8GB) - good enough for basic sims (not for City Skylines 2 with millions of residents or lots of mods)
Graphics Card
INTEGRATED GRAPHICS ACCELERATOR (GPU)
Graphics Card Support Bracket
NONE (BRACKET INCLUDED AS STANDARD ON 4070 Ti / RX 7700 XT AND ABOVE)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB SOLIDIGM P44 PRO GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 7000MB/sR, 4700MB/sW) - super-fast boot/apps drive (for Windows, apps & launchers only)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SOLIDIGM P41+ GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 4125MB/sR, 2950MB/sW) - secondary SSD for game installs
Power Supply
CORSAIR 650W RM SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET - enough for a low level GPU upgrade in the future, but not for a 1400p/4k GPU
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
PCS FrostFlow 150 Series High Performance CPU Cooler - would prefer one of the DeepCool ones, but they're both out of stock
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
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
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence
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
Standard Build - Approximately 5 to 7 working days
Price: £1,015.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/RA7hvRJt2b/
...and another with slightly better components and upgradability in mind...
Case
CORSAIR 3000D AIRFLOW MID TOWER GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G Eight Core CPU (4.2GHz-5.1GHz/24MB CACHE/AM5) - iGPU is Radeon 780M (about the same level as a GTX1650/RX6400)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI (AM5, DDR5, PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 6) - better motherboard that includes bluetooth & wifi
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB) - more memory for mods/DLC
Graphics Card
INTEGRATED GRAPHICS ACCELERATOR (GPU)
Graphics Card Support Bracket
NONE (BRACKET INCLUDED AS STANDARD ON 4070 Ti / RX 7700 XT AND ABOVE)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB SOLIDIGM P44 PRO GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 7000MB/sR, 4700MB/sW) - super-fast boot/apps drive (for Windows, apps & launchers only)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SOLIDIGM P41+ GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 4125MB/sR, 3325MB/sW) - fast secondary m.2 SSD for your game installs
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET - overkill for the current components, but is suitable if you decide you want a more powerful GPU in a few years to go with a new monitor/heavier sim
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
PCS FrostFlow 150 Series High Performance CPU Cooler - would prefer one of the DeepCool ones, but they're both out of stock
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
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
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence
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
Standard Build - Approximately 5 to 7 working days
Price: £1,209.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/mtuY95DBZj/
...or the slightly stronger build for heavier/more intense 1080p sims/city builders...
Case
CORSAIR 3000D AIRFLOW MID TOWER GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 Eight Core CPU (3.8GHz-5.3GHz/40MB CACHE/AM5) - very basic iGPU as you'll be using the discrete one instead
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI (AM5, DDR5, PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 6) - better motherboard that includes bluetooth & wifi
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB) - more memory for mods/DLC
Graphics Card
8GB AMD RADEON™ RX 6600 - HDMI, DP - DX® 12 - 1080p GPU
Graphics Card Support Bracket
NONE (BRACKET INCLUDED AS STANDARD ON 4070 Ti / RX 7700 XT AND ABOVE)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB SOLIDIGM P44 PRO GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 7000MB/sR, 4700MB/sW) - super-fast boot/apps drive (for Windows, apps & launchers only)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SOLIDIGM P41+ GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 4125MB/sR, 3325MB/sW) - fast secondary m.2 SSD for your game installs
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET - overkill for the current components, but is suitable if you decide you want a more powerful GPU in a few years to go with a new monitor/heavier sim
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
PCS FrostFlow 200 Series High Performance CPU Cooler - double-fan/cooler version of the one above, but would still prefer one of the DeepCool ones, but they're both out of stock
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
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
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence
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
Standard Build - Approximately 5 to 7 working days
Price: £1,378.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/G7bUPyM3G9/
For example, a Nvidia xx60 GPU is 1080p level; xx70 is 1440p level; xx80 is 4k level.
Some city builders (such as City Skylines 2) are VERY resource hungry and will need a much beefier system (modern 6-8 core CPU with a xx80 level GPU) than for example The Sims 4 (anything more than a 6 year old 4-core CPU with a xx60 level GPU, or a current gen CPU with integrated graphics). Of course, the more elements, and the more mods/plug-ins you install, the more system resources you'll need (RAM, VRAM).
If you only need 1080p, then that keep the GPU spend down (which is usually the most expensive single component), but if you're not into VR/RT then an AMD GPU may offer better value for money.
I'd also suggest going with a current AMD CPU on a platform that's going to offer an upgrade path if you want to upgrade to a newer CPU in 5 years time, rather than a 3 year old Intel CPU on an end-of-life platform.
I'd be looking at something like this for light sims at the level of SIMS4....
LowestI think I'd go for basic 1080p gaming...
Case
CORSAIR 3000D AIRFLOW MID TOWER GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G Eight Core CPU (4.2GHz-5.1GHz/24MB CACHE/AM5) - iGPU is Radeon 780M (about the same level as a GTX1650/RX6400)
Motherboard
ASUS® PRIME B650-PLUS (AM5, DDR5, PCIe 4.0) - most basic version of the B650 boards
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 5200MHz (2 x 8GB) - good enough for basic sims (not for City Skylines 2 with millions of residents or lots of mods)
Graphics Card
INTEGRATED GRAPHICS ACCELERATOR (GPU)
Graphics Card Support Bracket
NONE (BRACKET INCLUDED AS STANDARD ON 4070 Ti / RX 7700 XT AND ABOVE)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB SOLIDIGM P44 PRO GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 7000MB/sR, 4700MB/sW) - super-fast boot/apps drive (for Windows, apps & launchers only)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SOLIDIGM P41+ GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 4125MB/sR, 2950MB/sW) - secondary SSD for game installs
Power Supply
CORSAIR 650W RM SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET - enough for a low level GPU upgrade in the future, but not for a 1400p/4k GPU
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
PCS FrostFlow 150 Series High Performance CPU Cooler - would prefer one of the DeepCool ones, but they're both out of stock
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
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
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence
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
Standard Build - Approximately 5 to 7 working days
Price: £1,015.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/RA7hvRJt2b/
...and another with slightly better components and upgradability in mind...
Case
CORSAIR 3000D AIRFLOW MID TOWER GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G Eight Core CPU (4.2GHz-5.1GHz/24MB CACHE/AM5) - iGPU is Radeon 780M (about the same level as a GTX1650/RX6400)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI (AM5, DDR5, PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 6) - better motherboard that includes bluetooth & wifi
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB) - more memory for mods/DLC
Graphics Card
INTEGRATED GRAPHICS ACCELERATOR (GPU)
Graphics Card Support Bracket
NONE (BRACKET INCLUDED AS STANDARD ON 4070 Ti / RX 7700 XT AND ABOVE)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB SOLIDIGM P44 PRO GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 7000MB/sR, 4700MB/sW) - super-fast boot/apps drive (for Windows, apps & launchers only)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SOLIDIGM P41+ GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 4125MB/sR, 3325MB/sW) - fast secondary m.2 SSD for your game installs
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET - overkill for the current components, but is suitable if you decide you want a more powerful GPU in a few years to go with a new monitor/heavier sim
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
PCS FrostFlow 150 Series High Performance CPU Cooler - would prefer one of the DeepCool ones, but they're both out of stock
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
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
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence
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
Standard Build - Approximately 5 to 7 working days
Price: £1,209.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/mtuY95DBZj/
...or the slightly stronger build for heavier/more intense 1080p sims/city builders...
Case
CORSAIR 3000D AIRFLOW MID TOWER GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 7700 Eight Core CPU (3.8GHz-5.3GHz/40MB CACHE/AM5) - very basic iGPU as you'll be using the discrete one instead
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF GAMING B650-PLUS WIFI (AM5, DDR5, PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 6) - better motherboard that includes bluetooth & wifi
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR5 6000MHz (2 x 16GB) - more memory for mods/DLC
Graphics Card
8GB AMD RADEON™ RX 6600 - HDMI, DP - DX® 12 - 1080p GPU
Graphics Card Support Bracket
NONE (BRACKET INCLUDED AS STANDARD ON 4070 Ti / RX 7700 XT AND ABOVE)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB SOLIDIGM P44 PRO GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 7000MB/sR, 4700MB/sW) - super-fast boot/apps drive (for Windows, apps & launchers only)
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB SOLIDIGM P41+ GEN 4 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD (up to 4125MB/sR, 3325MB/sW) - fast secondary m.2 SSD for your game installs
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET - overkill for the current components, but is suitable if you decide you want a more powerful GPU in a few years to go with a new monitor/heavier sim
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
PCS FrostFlow 200 Series High Performance CPU Cooler - double-fan/cooler version of the one above, but would still prefer one of the DeepCool ones, but they're both out of stock
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
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
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence
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
Standard Build - Approximately 5 to 7 working days
Price: £1,378.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am5-pc/G7bUPyM3G9/