I'm a complete novice. Check my spec!

[Underd0g]

Hello,

I'm a complete PC novice.
I don't really want to spend the time learning about the components / uses of various parts as in all honesty it doesn't interest me that much. I just need a PC that is reliable and built to perform well for the tasks I need it to.

I plan to buy two monitors: 'Dell P2419H 24 Inch' and place them side by side.

I'm a designer so will be using the following programmes a lot:

• Photoshop / illustrator / SOLIDWORKS / Keyshot

I expect SOLIDWORKS (for building 3D models) and Keyshot (for rendering still images / animations) will be the most 'demanding' on the PC.
I may do some gaming (Warzone) from time to time.

I've asked a friend who is into computers to put together a computer that'll fit my needs. Before I pull the trigger I'd like to get a second opinion. Are there any parts that I should consider upgrading / downgrading based on the information I've provided above?

Case
COOLERMASTER MASTERCASE H500 ARGB GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i9 Ten-Core Processor i9-10900K (3.7GHz) 20MB Cache
Motherboard
Gigabyte B460M DS3H V2 (rev. 1.0) : LGA1200, DDR4, USB 3.2
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 2666MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
12GB ASUS ROG STRIX GEFORCE RTX 3060 - HDMI, DP
1st M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SAMSUNG 970 EVO PLUS M.2, PCIe NVMe (up to 3500MB/R, 3300MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 650W TXm SERIES™ SEMI-MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
CoolerMaster MasterLiquid Lite 120 High Performance Liquid 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 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 10 Professional 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [MUP-00003]
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
Google Chrome™
Warranty
3 Year Standard Warranty (1 Month Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 9 to 12 working days
Welcome Book
PCSpecialist Welcome Book - United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland
Price: £1,931.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/intel-z490-pc/EC9Ga9S9Vy/

 

[Martinr36]

Ok a couple of things for you to read, also what is the budget

AMD Vs Intel

So some of you aren't aware of the reasons why so many people are heading away from Intel to AMD, so thought it would be important to lay that out for people to refer back to. A lot of you will go to cpubenchmark or userbenchmark to find performance metrics for CPU's. These sites are complete...

www.pcspecialist.co.uk

Please read before posting:- Collaboration of Helpful Hints

NB: These forums are not an official support channel. None of us work for PCS, we're all either customers or techies who just like to help out where possible. For any official support, you need to contact PCS directly either through your PCS account, or via the contact details on the main...

www.pcspecialist.co.uk

 

[Underd0g]

So I should switch my processor (CPU) to an AMD?
My budget would be around the £1500 - 1900 mark. Ideally 1750, but the current spec above is £1,931.

I know nothing about compatibility when it comes to the monitors, but are a couple of 'Dell P2419H 24 Inch' monitors a suitable match?

Thank you!

 

[Martinr36]

So I should switch my processor (CPU) to an AMD?
My budget would be around the £1500 - 1900 mark. Ideally 1750, but the current spec above is £1,931.

I know nothing about compatibility when it comes to the monitors, but are a couple of 'Dell P2419H 24 Inch' monitors a suitable match?

Thank you!

Yes definitely switch to AMD, for the type of work you're doing they should be ok, if it was mainly gaming i'd advise 1440p, now we know how much we have to play with, we can put something together for you

 

[Martinr36]

Ok i know this is a little over budget, but it should last you for a good time, as it has a good base for upgrading

Case
COOLERMASTER MASTERCASE H500 ARGB GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Eight Core CPU (3.8GHz-4.7GHz/36MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB PRO DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
12GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3060 - HDMI, DP
1st Storage Drive
1TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 64MB 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 PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 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 H100i 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
Wireless Network Card
NOT REQUIRED
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 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: £1,993.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/bhykQBrzux/

 

[Underd0g]

Thank you for taking the time Martin. Even though it's slightly over budget I'm happy that its still under the £2k mark.
Just a couple of questions before I pull the trigger:

I noticed you've removed the 'ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE' - I was under the impression that having some protection would be a requirement or is that just my outdated way of thinking?

 

[JediMonsoon]

Thank you for taking the time Martin. Even though it's slightly over budget I'm happy that its still under the £2k mark.
Just a couple of questions before I pull the trigger:

I noticed you've removed the 'ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE' - I was under the impression that having some protection would be a requirement or is that just my outdated way of thinking?

Bulldog is known to create problems and the Windows Defender is a good as anything out on the market at the moment,

 

[Martinr36]

Thank you for taking the time Martin. Even though it's slightly over budget I'm happy that its still under the £2k mark.
Just a couple of questions before I pull the trigger:

I noticed you've removed the 'ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE' - I was under the impression that having some protection would be a requirement or is that just my outdated way of thinking?

Windows has its built in Anti virus called windows defender which does a greatjob and is free

 

[Underd0g]

Hello Martin,

I have placed my order as per your specs; only changing the 'Browser' option to Chrome

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Martinr36]

Hello Martin,

I have placed my order as per your specs; only changing the 'Browser' option to Chrome

Thanks so much for your help!

You're welcome

Chrome............. 🤬

 

[Underd0g]

Ok i know this is a little over budget, but it should last you for a good time, as it has a good base for upgrading

Case
COOLERMASTER MASTERCASE H500 ARGB GAMING CASE
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Eight Core CPU (3.8GHz-4.7GHz/36MB CACHE/AM4)
Motherboard
ASUS® TUF X570-PLUS GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0, CrossFireX) - ARGB Ready!
Memory (RAM)
32GB Corsair VENGEANCE RGB PRO DDR4 3200MHz (2 x 16GB)
Graphics Card
12GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3060 - HDMI, DP
1st Storage Drive
1TB SEAGATE BARRACUDA SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 64MB 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 PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (2000 MB/R, 1100 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 H100i 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
Wireless Network Card
NOT REQUIRED
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 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: £1,993.00 including VAT and Delivery
Unique URL to re-configure: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/amd-am4-gen3-pc/bhykQBrzux/

Hi Martin,

I was wondering if I could pick your brain again!

I placed my order on the 3rd of June, exactly as per the specifications you recommended above. Unfortunately it appears the '12GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3060 - HDMI, DP' is on a pre-order and PC SPECIALIST has absolutely no clue when it may come into stock. I'm probably going to keep the order as is for the next 2-3weeks and hope it's restocked during that time - but if it's not, could you recommend an alternative thats 'in stock' or is this part a must have?

Would love to have your feedback.

Cheers,
Richard

 

[Steveyg]

Hi Martin,

I was wondering if I could pick your brain again!

I placed my order on the 3rd of June, exactly as per the specifications you recommended above. Unfortunately it appears the '12GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3060 - HDMI, DP' is on a pre-order and PC SPECIALIST has absolutely no clue when it may come into stock. I'm probably going to keep the order as is for the next 2-3weeks and hope it's restocked during that time - but if it's not, could you recommend an alternative thats 'in stock' or is this part a must have?

Would love to have your feedback.

Cheers,
Richard

Hi Richard,

It's hard to recommend another GPU without upping the budget. The RTX 3060 that Martin suggested is great for your uses because of the 12GB of VRAM. Other GPU's in it's class you could go for like the 2060 and the 1660 Super have 6GB of VRAM which is half the capacity.

You could go for something like the 3070 which has 8GB but it's significantly more expensive and isn't ideal for your uses.

The RTX3060 really is the best in slot for your uses and budget un fortunately. If you had to make a decision now I'd recommend going for the 2060 and maybe upgrading to another GPU later down the line

 

[Martinr36]

The 2060 Super is showing in stock and that has 8GB compared to the 6 of the standard 2060, so that would probably be the way to go

Hi Richard,

It's hard to recommend another GPU without upping the budget. The RTX 3060 that Martin suggested is great for your uses because of the 12GB of VRAM. Other GPU's in it's class you could go for like the 2060 and the 1660 Super have 6GB of VRAM which is half the capacity.

You could go for something like the 3070 which has 8GB but it's significantly more expensive and isn't ideal for your uses.

The RTX3060 really is the best in slot for your uses and budget un fortunately. If you had to make a decision now I'd recommend going for the 2060 and maybe upgrading to another GPU later down the line

 

[Underd0g]

Hi Martin,

I've followed your guidance and finally received my PC (after changing to an RTX 2060 Super)! Thanks for your help throughout.

I am slightly frustrated that only now have I noticed that the 'Wireless Network Card: WIRELESS 802.11N 300Mbps/2.4GHz PCI-E CARD' was removed so I can't connect to the internet... It's my fault for not spotting that :/

 

[Martinr36]

Hi Martin,

I've followed your guidance and finally received my PC (after changing to an RTX 2060 Super)! Thanks for your help throughout.

I am slightly frustrated that only now have I noticed that the 'Wireless Network Card: WIRELESS 802.11N 300Mbps/2.4GHz PCI-E CARD' was removed so I can't connect to the internet... It's my fault for not spotting that :/

Go into the upgrade section on your account and order the AX200, will be with you tomorrow possibly

 

[Underd0g]

Thanks again Martin!

I've opted to connect an ethernet cable - since I don't plan to move my desktop

 

[Martinr36]

Thanks again Martin!

I've opted to connect an ethernet cable - since I don't plan to move my desktop

Good move on he ethernet cable, always the best option if you can do it, that looks good

 

[rouchie]

Wow, what an amazingly tidy space, I think even @AgentCooper will be impressed with lack of visible cables!

 

[AgentCooper]

Wow, what an amazingly tidy space, I think even @AgentCooper will be impressed with lack of visible cables!

I really am! 👍👍👍