Can I get some advice on this?

[Ashguyver]

Building a hopefully futureproof base for the next 5-10 - I'm still gaming on a I5-2500k with a GTX 970 (bought the base 10 years ago - like Triggers Broom it's had some changes) and having a fine time so that should give you an idea of what I'm looking for.

I think I have a decent balance in terms of CPU power, the GPU I can upgrade when I have budget.
The main thing I am thinking about is M.2 SSD vs SATA SSD (it's been a long time) are they worth it? any pros/cons I should know about.
The other big question is that the GPU, although not top end, supports PCIE 4 but I can't seem to find a Motherboard selectable that supports it. Should I be bothered seeing as this is a once in a decade purchase for me and most parts I can change out? The only thing I don't really have the confidence to muck about with is the MB.

Thanks in advance for advice.

Be kind to an old man diving back in after a few good years.

Case
CORSAIR 275R AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i9 Ten-Core Processor i9-10850K (3.6GHz) 20MB Cache
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF Z490-PLUS GAMING (LGA1200, USB 3.2, CrossFireX) - ARGB Ready
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB PRO DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
6GB AMD RADEON™ RX 5600 XT - HDMI, DP, DX® 12
1st Storage Drive
4TB SEAGATE IRONWOLF PRO 3.5", 7200 RPM 128MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 550W CV SERIES™ CV-550 POWER SUPPLY
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
PCS FrostFlow 240 Series RGB High Performance Liquid Cooler
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Extra Case Fans
2x 120mm Black Case Fan (configured to extract from rear/roof)
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT (Wi-Fi NOT INCLUDED)
Wireless Network Card
WIRELESS 802.11N 300Mbps/2.4GHz PCI-E CARD
USB/Thunderbolt Options
2 PORT (2 x TYPE A) USB 3.0 PCI-E CARD + STANDARD USB 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 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft 365® (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
BullGuard™ Internet Security - Free 90 Day License inc. Gamer Mode
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 - Approximately 13 to 15 working days
Price: £1,519.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/intel-z490-pc/NYA4t0YJvj/

 

[AndreasAndrews112]

I've been advised by a trusted contact to go for an NVMe M.2 primary drive over other slower, lower performing SSD options and I think for very good reason. For me it will make all the difference I think. For you I'm not sure, and I have to say I'm not that clued up on the M.2 options, but if you just look at the read & write speeds it might give you some clues.

I think you're right in not wanting to change the mobo for some time, and I learnt from PC Specialist directly that changing the case, CPU or mobo will invalidate the warranty.

**Edit: The PCS PCIe M.2 SSD are infact NVMe, all I had to do was have the write/read speeds pointed out to me - they are clearly faster than SATA M.2 drives and they seem to come recommended a lot - which is why I have got one in my first budget build!

 

[AgentCooper]

Be kind? No chance, give me your lunch money or I’ll put you in a headlock.

I am, of course, kidding. Welcome to the forum, good to have you here. So there’s a few usual questions I’ll run through, it helps us get an idea of where to head with any suggestions.

What’s your budget, please? I don’t want to spend money you don’t have 🙂

Uses for the system? Just gaming or do you do any editing, design, sound production, streaming etc?

What monitor have you got? Make and model or resolution and refresh rate would be handy to know 👍

 

[Ashguyver]

Be kind? No chance, give me your lunch money or I’ll put you in a headlock.

I am, of course, kidding. Welcome to the forum, good to have you here. So there’s a few usual questions I’ll run through, it helps us get an idea of where to head with any suggestions.

What’s your budget, please? I don’t want to spend money you don’t have 🙂

Uses for the system? Just gaming or do you do any editing, design, sound production, streaming etc?

What monitor have you got? Make and model or resolution and refresh rate would be handy to know 👍

Thanks!
Budget is about 1500 give or take a few pounds. I mainly game, anything that can game can handle any work things I need to do I hope (office apps). Streaming might happen in the future but capture cards and periph's can fix that if I have any shortfall.
I know I've gone big on CPU vs GPU and RAM but again - when I have the cash I can easily swap those out.
I have 2 1080's with 60hzt refresh rate but they are old as goats too. iiyama E2271HDS and E2273HDS, think they have 60 refresh but could be wrong. These I can replace as budget allows.

 

[Ashguyver]

I've been advised by a trusted contact to go for an NVMe M.2 primary drive over other slower, lower performing SSD options and I think for very good reason. For me it will make all the difference I think. For you I'm not sure, and I have to say I'm not that clued up on the M.2 options, but if you just look at the read & write speeds it might give you some clues.

I think you're right in not wanting to change the mobo for some time, and I learnt from PC Specialist directly that changing the case, CPU or mobo will invalidate the warranty.

Thanks good Sir.

 

[AgentCooper]

This system would more than keep you going for the time being. And then when you’re ready to make the 1440p / 4K jump there’s enough grunt in the CPU and PSU that you’ll just need to get yourself a new graphics card and the monitor to match it 👍



Case
CORSAIR 275R AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Six Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.6GHz/35MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
6GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1660 - HDMI, DP - GeForce GTX VR Ready!
1st Storage Drive
1TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 64MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 750W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
STANDARD AMD CPU COOLER
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT (Wi-Fi NOT INCLUDED)
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
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10 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 13 to 15 working days
Price: £1,176.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/EJwqd0b4WR/

 

[Ashguyver]

This system would more than keep you going for the time being. And then when you’re ready to make the 1440p / 4K jump there’s enough grunt in the CPU and PSU that you’ll just need to get yourself a new graphics card and the monitor to match it 👍



Case
CORSAIR 275R AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Six Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.6GHz/35MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
6GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1660 - HDMI, DP - GeForce GTX VR Ready!
1st Storage Drive
1TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 64MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 750W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
STANDARD AMD CPU COOLER
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT (Wi-Fi NOT INCLUDED)
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
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10 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 13 to 15 working days
Price: £1,176.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/EJwqd0b4WR/

Thanks muchly Good Sir, lots to think about!

 

[Ashguyver]

This system would more than keep you going for the time being. And then when you’re ready to make the 1440p / 4K jump there’s enough grunt in the CPU and PSU that you’ll just need to get yourself a new graphics card and the monitor to match it 👍



Case
CORSAIR 275R AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Six Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.6GHz/35MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
6GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1660 - HDMI, DP - GeForce GTX VR Ready!
1st Storage Drive
1TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 64MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 750W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
STANDARD AMD CPU COOLER
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT (Wi-Fi NOT INCLUDED)
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
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10 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 13 to 15 working days
Price: £1,176.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/EJwqd0b4WR/

I must ask - why the 750 PSU?

 

[AgentCooper]

It’s an RMx model so it’s higher quality. Fully modular, only the cables that are needed are used. Semi passive so the fan only needs to turn on under load. Leads to less heat building up inside the case.

And it’s for safeguarding you, when you eventually upgrade your GPU it’s likely to be much more power hungry than your current one. You really don’t want to buy a new graphics card in a couple of years time and find out you need to buy a new PSU in order to use it.

 

[Gavras]

I must ask - why the 750 PSU?

in addition to what AC said above, think of it this way.

A PSU has a performance / efficiency curve, the right PSU will be sitting at say 50% and ramping to 80% under heavy load.

if you buy a lower capacity PSU it spends the majority of its time in 70-80%, this can lead to reduced life for the PSU.

As mentioned by AC, you need to think on next upgrade and the potential impact on that performance / efficiency curve.

Simply shoving a huge PSU (1200w PSU) in to a system is also bad, as when under no or light load the overall efficiency of the PSU is very poor.

The better quality PSU the better overall efficiency curve, lower quality PSU’s have a flatter top end.

 

[Ashguyver]

It’s an RMx model so it’s higher quality. Fully modular, only the cables that are needed are used. Semi passive so the fan only needs to turn on under load. Leads to less heat building up inside the case.

And it’s for safeguarding you, when you eventually upgrade your GPU it’s likely to be much more power hungry than your current one. You really don’t want to buy a new graphics card in a couple of years time and find out you need to buy a new PSU in order to use it.

Thanks again for the help Sir.

 

[Ashguyver]

in addition to what AC said above, think of it this way.

A PSU has a performance / efficiency curve, the right PSU will be sitting at say 50% and ramping to 80% under heavy load.

if you buy a lower capacity PSU it spends the majority of its time in 70-80%, this can lead to reduced life for the PSU.

As mentioned by AC, you need to think on next upgrade and the potential impact on that performance / efficiency curve.

Simply shoving a huge PSU (1200w PSU) in to a system is also bad, as when under no or light load the overall efficiency of the PSU is very poor.

The better quality PSU the better overall efficiency curve, lower quality PSU’s have a flatter top end.

Thankyou - certainly gave me a new pespective on PSU's. Hadn';t ever thought about in quite that way before.

 

[Scott]

All the advice above is spot on and is exactly what I would have covered so not a lot to add, which saves my typing fingers.

Just one thing to throw out there to give you something to chew on. The 3060Ti is going to be released quite soon. It's expected to be around £350-£400 and will handle the high end 1440p gaming that we would often recommend. A good 1440p monitor will be around £300. If you were able to squeeze your budget a little you could have it all right now.

The upgrade to the 1440p monitor would be a HUGE impact to your gaming experience. It's difficult to explain just how much of a difference it would make.

If you're looking to consider this route just keep an eye for the release of the 3060ti.

 

[Scott]

Below is what it would look like, only with the 2060 in as a placeholder. I would expect the system to be £50-£100 more than this. I'm hoping for closer to the £60 mark.

Case
CORSAIR 275R AIRFLOW TEMPERED GLASS GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X Six Core CPU (3.7GHz-4.6GHz/35MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 3600MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
6GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 2060 - HDMI, DP - VR Ready!
1st Storage Drive
1TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 64MB CACHE
1st M.2 SSD Drive
512GB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 750W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
STANDARD AMD CPU COOLER
Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 EXTREME THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY COMPOUND
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Network Card
10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT (Wi-Fi NOT INCLUDED)
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
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10 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™
Monitor
IIYAMA G-MASTER GB2760QSU-B1 27"
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 13 to 15 working days
Price: £1,573.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/5UAK4nWjJe/