Question Is this PC any good? Tips and Suggestions much appreciated!!

[Jsamzldn]

My friend is trying to make their first PC, can you let us know if this is any good, and recommend any changes and improvements.
The budget for this PC is a loose £1,500, can go up or down.
Would like to use this primarily for gaming, but will be a life pc too, hopefully with potential to upgrade in the future.

Here are the specs from the one we've created, would it be possible to let us know if this is a good start, and recommend any changes.

Case
FRACTAL DEFINE 7 NANO BLACK
Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X Six Core CPU (4.7GHz-5.3GHz/38MB CACHE/AM5)
Motherboard
ASUS® ROG STRIX X670E-I GAMING WIFI (Mini-ITX, AM5, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E)
Memory (RAM)
16GB PCS PRO DDR5 4800MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
12GB NVIDIA GEFORCE RTX 3060 - HDMI, DP, LHR
1st M.2 SSD Drive
2TB PCS PCIe M.2 SSD (3500 MB/R, 3100 MB/W)
Power Supply
CORSAIR 850W RMx SERIES™ MODULAR 80 PLUS® GOLD, ULTRA QUIET
Power Cable
1 x 1.5 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead, 1.0mm Core)
Processor Cooling
STANDARD AMD CPU COOLER
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Wireless Network Card
ONBOARD 2.5 GbE LAN PORT + Wi-Fi 6E
USB/Thunderbolt Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 4 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
Norton 360 inc. Game Optimizer - Free 90 Day License
Browser
Microsoft® Edge
Monitor
AOC 27" Q27G2E/BK - 2560 x 1440, 155HZ, 1MS, HDMI
Monitor Cables
1.8M GOLD PLATED V2.1 Certified HDMI CABLE

The case we wasn't sure, on, if one can be recommended for us, would be much appreciated.

 

[Lutfij]

Drop down to a B650 chipset, that will help cut some money off the build. You should look into a DDR5-6000MHz dual channel ram kit. I wouldn't invest in the RTX3000 series in 2024. More like RTX4060 at the very least.

Honestly, it looks like they're trying to clear their inventory courtesy of ill informed purchasers.

Do you have a link to the build? If you have a PCPartPicker link, pass that along though it'd be good if you could stylize your thread with info asked of in this thread.

 

[Jsamzldn]

Drop down to a B650 chipset, that will help cut some money off the build. You should look into a DDR5-6000MHz dual channel ram kit. I wouldn't invest in the RTX3000 series in 2024. More like RTX4060 at the very least.

Honestly, it looks like they're trying to clear their inventory courtesy of ill informed purchasers.

Do you have a link to the build? If you have a PCPartPicker link, pass that along though it'd be good if you could stylize your thread with info asked of in this thread.

Approximate Purchase Date: One week

Budget Range: (£1300 - £1800) After Rebates; After Shipping

System Usage from Most to Least Important: (Gaming, watching movies, surfing the internet)

Are you buying a monitor: Yes
(AOC 27" Q27G2E/BK - 2560 x 1440, 155HZ, 1MS, HDMI)

Parts to Upgrade: (Not upgrading, buying entire new parts for PC)

Do you need to buy OS: Yes
Please note that if you're using an OEM license of Windows, you will need a new one when buying a new motherboard.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: (PC Builder - Amazon)

Location: London, England

Parts Preferences: by brand or type (No preference)

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe

Your Monitor Resolution: (2560 x 1440 - The one we're getting with the monitor we're buying)

Additional Comments: (I would like a quiet PC. I do not want RGB. I would like a quiet keyboard. I currently play Valorant and Rocket League, but I want to play more intensive FPS games too after getting it)

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: (Not upgrading, would like a PC to game on, rather than the Laptop I currently have.)

PC Part Picker choices

 

[35below0]

2x16 Gb is a better choice: https://www.gskill.com/product/165/396/1661842219/F5-5600J3036D16GX2-FX5
for the motherboard you selected. But i agree it would be better to pick a B650 motherboard.

ITX components are more expensive. You sure you want a small form PC?

What is the make of that SSD?

 

[Dave8671]

I suggest malwarebyes for pc protection. Norton has been having high CPU and ram usage reports. That will slow down a computers performance. Reason I left it over 10 years ago. I read that nothing has changed today regarding Norton 360.

Cyber Security Software and Anti-Malware | Malwarebytes

Protect your home and business PCs, Macs, iOS and Android devices from the latest cyber threats and malware, including ransomware.

www.malwarebytes.com

 

[ohio_buckeye]

I’d even consider going to an Intel build if you can get that cheaper, drop the 3060 and try to get at least an rx 6700xt or better.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

I suggest malwarebyes for pc protection. Norton has been having high CPU and ram usage reports. That will slow down a computers performance. Reason I left it over 10 years ago. I read that nothing has changed today regarding Norton 360.

Cyber Security Software and Anti-Malware | Malwarebytes

Protect your home and business PCs, Macs, iOS and Android devices from the latest cyber threats and malware, including ransomware.

www.malwarebytes.com

Consider using windows defender as well. I think Broadcom bought them out a few years back.

 

[35below0]

I cannot find your choice of monitor on PCPartPicker, but here is a review on rtings: https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/aoc/cq27g2
For a similar or lower price, you could grab this superior and larger 32" Dell: https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/dell/s3222dgm

Dell S3222DGM QHD 165 Hz Gaming Monitor Review: Solid Color and Lots of Contrast

Dell’s S3222DGM is a 32-inch curved VA/QHD gaming monitor with 165 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, extended color and a surprisingly low price.

www.tomshardware.com

For a keyboard, expect to spend 20-50. Make sure you try it out yourself! Don't buy blind. Stay away from mechanical keyboards unless you find a quiet one. Expect to pay 4x for that.
I suggest you buy a backlit keyboard. More convenient when it's dark.

I left the monitor out of the build, so factor in some 250-300 for that.
If you want to pinch a few pennies, you can downgrade the SSD drive to a Mushkin Tempest: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product...e-30-x4-nvme-solid-state-drive-mknssdts2tb-d8
And the GPU to a 3060 12Gb: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product...gb-gaming-twin-edge-video-card-zt-a30600e-10m
Difference between GPUs is minor. 4060 is a better pick. Don't be fooled by the 12Gb VRAM.

The Case and motherboard size are different. If you really want ITX and a ITX case... be prepared to pay a premium. For no benefit other than looks and size.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor (£194.99 @ CCL Computers)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler (£35.00 @ Computer Orbit)
Motherboard: ASRock B650 PG LIGHTNING ATX AM5 Motherboard (£153.24 @ NeoComputers)
Memory: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL30 Memory (£110.32 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Western Digital Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (£124.98 @ Ebuyer)
Video Card: Gigabyte EAGLE OC GeForce RTX 4060 8 GB Video Card (£301.00 @ MoreCoCo)
Case: Fractal Design Define 7 Compact ATX Mid Tower Case (£102.99 @ Ebuyer)
Power Supply: be quiet! Dark Power 13 850 W 80+ Titanium Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (£124.99 @ AWD-IT)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - Download 64-bit (£103.15 @ Senetic)
Total: £1250.66
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-05-08 02:19 BST+0100

 

[Why_Me]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *AMD Ryzen 5 7600 3.8 GHz 6-Core Processor (£177.99 @ AWD-IT)
CPU Cooler: *Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler (£36.29 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: *MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard (£149.99 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: *ADATA XPG Lancer Blade 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory (£107.98 @ NeoComputers)
Storage: *Lexar NM710 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (£113.99 @ MoreCoCo)
Video Card: *Gigabyte GAMING OC Radeon RX 7900 GRE 16 GB Video Card (£529.00 @ MoreCoCo)
Case: *Montech AIR 903 BASE ATX Mid Tower Case (£54.98 @ Scan.co.uk)
Power Supply: *MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (£89.99 @ Ebuyer)
Operating System: *Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - Download 64-bit (£103.15 @ Senetic)
Monitor: *AOC Q27G4X 27.0" 2560 x 1440 180 Hz Monitor (£220.00 @ MoreCoCo)
Total: £1583.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-05-08 02:37 BST+0100

 

[Jsamzldn]

2x16 Gb is a better choice: https://www.gskill.com/product/165/396/1661842219/F5-5600J3036D16GX2-FX5
for the motherboard you selected. But i agree it would be better to pick a B650 motherboard.

ITX components are more expensive. You sure you want a small form PC?

What is the make of that SSD?

Thank you for the suggestion, we made the change to the PC Builder website.

What do you mean by ITX, I'm unfamiliar with that terminology, we chose ATX, but would it be better to pick a mini ITX / micro ATX.

The SSD would be from Samsung, it's the Samsung SSD
Here's the updated PC Park Picker

 

[Jsamzldn]

I cannot find your choice of monitor on PCPartPicker, but here is a review on rtings: https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/aoc/cq27g2
For a similar or lower price, you could grab this superior and larger 32" Dell: https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/dell/s3222dgm

Dell S3222DGM QHD 165 Hz Gaming Monitor Review: Solid Color and Lots of Contrast

Dell’s S3222DGM is a 32-inch curved VA/QHD gaming monitor with 165 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, extended color and a surprisingly low price.

www.tomshardware.com

For a keyboard, expect to spend 20-50. Make sure you try it out yourself! Don't buy blind. Stay away from mechanical keyboards unless you find a quiet one. Expect to pay 4x for that.
I suggest you buy a backlit keyboard. More convenient when it's dark.

I left the monitor out of the build, so factor in some 250-300 for that.
If you want to pinch a few pennies, you can downgrade the SSD drive to a Mushkin Tempest: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product...e-30-x4-nvme-solid-state-drive-mknssdts2tb-d8
And the GPU to a 3060 12Gb: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product...gb-gaming-twin-edge-video-card-zt-a30600e-10m
Difference between GPUs is minor. 4060 is a better pick. Don't be fooled by the 12Gb VRAM.

The Case and motherboard size are different. If you really want ITX and a ITX case... be prepared to pay a premium. For no benefit other than looks and size.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor (£194.99 @ CCL Computers)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler (£35.00 @ Computer Orbit)
Motherboard: ASRock B650 PG LIGHTNING ATX AM5 Motherboard (£153.24 @ NeoComputers)
Memory: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL30 Memory (£110.32 @ Amazon UK)
Storage: Western Digital Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (£124.98 @ Ebuyer)
Video Card: Gigabyte EAGLE OC GeForce RTX 4060 8 GB Video Card (£301.00 @ MoreCoCo)
Case: Fractal Design Define 7 Compact ATX Mid Tower Case (£102.99 @ Ebuyer)
Power Supply: be quiet! Dark Power 13 850 W 80+ Titanium Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (£124.99 @ AWD-IT)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - Download 64-bit (£103.15 @ Senetic)
Total: £1250.66
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-05-08 02:19 BST+0100

So we have updated our PC Parts list from the original post, please see down below:
Here's the updated PC Park Picker

We have chosen a different monitor and would prefer a 27" one.
The keyboard, we will look around for and try some out.

For the Case and the motherboard, thank you for pointing this out as we didn't understand what the issue was, this has been corrected in the most recent parts we've done.

We took some of your suggestions and added them into the updated version too. Much appreciated for your time and guidance.

 

[Jsamzldn]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *AMD Ryzen 5 7600 3.8 GHz 6-Core Processor (£177.99 @ AWD-IT)
CPU Cooler: *Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler (£36.29 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: *MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard (£149.99 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: *ADATA XPG Lancer Blade 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory (£107.98 @ NeoComputers)
Storage: *Lexar NM710 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (£113.99 @ MoreCoCo)
Video Card: *Gigabyte GAMING OC Radeon RX 7900 GRE 16 GB Video Card (£529.00 @ MoreCoCo)
Case: *Montech AIR 903 BASE ATX Mid Tower Case (£54.98 @ Scan.co.uk)
Power Supply: *MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (£89.99 @ Ebuyer)
Operating System: *Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - Download 64-bit (£103.15 @ Senetic)
Monitor: *AOC Q27G4X 27.0" 2560 x 1440 180 Hz Monitor (£220.00 @ MoreCoCo)
Total: £1583.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-05-08 02:37 BST+0100

Thank you for your suggestions,

We have taken up the case and the monitor into our build.

Please see down below the most updated version we have so far!
Most updated PC Part Picker

 

[ohio_buckeye]

https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/product...eedster-qick-319-core-video-card-rx-675xyjfdp

Personally I’d consider spending a little extra and get that gpu. It’s a last gen amd card but is a bit faster than the 4060.

 

[Why_Me]

So we have updated our PC Parts list from the original post, please see down below:
Here's the updated PC Park Picker

We have chosen a different monitor and would prefer a 27" one.
The keyboard, we will look around for and try some out.

For the Case and the motherboard, thank you for pointing this out as we didn't understand what the issue was, this has been corrected in the most recent parts we've done.

We took some of your suggestions and added them into the updated version too. Much appreciated for your time and guidance.

A few things to point out. First off you want DDR5-6000 CL30 for these AM5 cpu's. Secondly that 4060 8GB is going to struggle at 1440P to say the least. Thirdly the that Samsung 980 SSD is great if you have large files to move otherwise there's solid SSD's for less money such as that Lexar I posted. Fourthly the 7600 (non X) is not only less expensive than the 7600X, it runs cooler while maintaining a one frame per second difference on average vs the 7600X and last but not least there's no reason for that expensive Asus board in your build.

https://www.techpowerup.com/review/amd-ryzen-5-7600-non-x/

https://www.techpowerup.com/320715/...oc-limits-additional-performance-boost-tested

 

[ohio_buckeye]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *AMD Ryzen 5 7600 3.8 GHz 6-Core Processor (£177.99 @ AWD-IT)
CPU Cooler: *Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler (£36.29 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: *MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard (£149.99 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: *ADATA XPG Lancer Blade 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory (£107.98 @ NeoComputers)
Storage: *Lexar NM710 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (£113.99 @ MoreCoCo)
Video Card: *Gigabyte GAMING OC Radeon RX 7900 GRE 16 GB Video Card (£529.00 @ MoreCoCo)
Case: *Montech AIR 903 BASE ATX Mid Tower Case (£54.98 @ Scan.co.uk)
Power Supply: *MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (£89.99 @ Ebuyer)
Operating System: *Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - Download 64-bit (£103.15 @ Senetic)
Monitor: *AOC Q27G4X 27.0" 2560 x 1440 180 Hz Monitor (£220.00 @ MoreCoCo)
Total: £1583.36
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-05-08 02:37 BST+0100

If you have the cash the build why me suggested is a lot better actually. The 7900 gre is a beast of a card for the price.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

I will say I do agree with why me on the motherboard. This guy is in the USA but he does two nearly identical Intel builds, one crazy expensive and one on a bit more of a budget. As you’ll see there’s not a lot of difference buying “premium parts”

View: https://youtu.be/iUzsDbe-C50?feature=shared

 

[Lucky_SLS]

If you want the best CPU and ok with a middling GPU:

Could not fit an itx build in that budget, so went for mATX

similar to @Why_Me build:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor (£331.47 @ NeoComputers)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit EVO 69 CFM CPU Cooler (£42.00 @ Computer Orbit)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B650M AORUS ELITE AX Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard (£182.80 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: ADATA XPG Lancer Blade 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory (£107.98 @ NeoComputers)
Storage: Lexar NM790 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (£122.49 @ Amazon UK)
Video Card: XFX Speedster QICK 319 Core Radeon RX 6750 XT 12 GB Video Card (£306.64 @ Amazon UK)
Case: Jonsbo D30 MicroATX Mini Tower Case (£81.97 @ MoreCoCo)
Power Supply: MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (£84.99 @ Ebuyer)
Case Fan: HYTE flow FA12 72 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack (£25.00 @ Computer Orbit)
Monitor: AOC Q27G4X 27.0" 2560 x 1440 180 Hz Monitor (£220.00 @ MoreCoCo)
Total: £1505.34
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-05-08 07:17 BST+0100

 

[Dave8671]

Windows 11 will not let me use windows defender when I installed malwarebyes FYI.

 

[35below0]

Windows 11 will not let me use windows defender when I installed malwarebyes FYI.

Uninstall malwarebytes, and install malwarebytes version 3.8.3
It's an older version. It's far less intrusive and still allows accurate system scanning.

The new malwarebytes is as annoying as malware itself.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

Yeah malwarebytes was great until they decided to try to take over the pc.

I will say though the 6750xt is a decent card but if you can afford the build with the 7900gre there’s no reason to not go with the 7900gre. It’s about 2 tiers above the 6750.

 

[35below0]

Thank you for your suggestions,

We have taken up the case and the monitor into our build.

Please see down below the most updated version we have so far!
Most updated PC Part Picker

Check out Arozzi Aria headphones: https://arozzi.com/product/aria-gaming-headset/
They are very soft even though they're bulky. They get hot, like all closed cans do unfortunately. Mic is detachable, build quality is good.

The XFX Speedster @ohio_buckeye suggested is an excellent choice. 4060 is ok, the 6750XT is better and costs the same.
7900GRE is 2 full tiers above and is excellent. Take it unless your gaming needs do not go that far. If you play games that don't need it, they it's overkill.
If you name some games you will play, it can help inform you.

And to inform you, if you want a quieter PSU the beQuiet! Dark Power 13 is a top notch model. Your Corsair is no worse but the prices are close.

be quiet! Dark Power 13 850W PSU Review - Impressive Efficiency, Dead Silent & Decent Performance - Hardware Busters

Hardware Busters - be quiet! Dark Power 13 850W PSU Review - Impressive Efficiency, Dead Silent & Decent Performance - PSUs

hwbusters.com

Finally, don't buy an OEM Windows license. It is tied to one single machine. New PC? You'll need a new license. New motherboard? New license.
A retail or download license is transferrable so you can upgrade hardware or buy a new PC and keep your Win 11 license.
A download license is just the serial key. Retail contains a USB installer.

 

[Jsamzldn]

A few things to point out. First off you want DDR5-6000 CL30 for these AM5 cpu's. Secondly that 4060 8GB is going to struggle at 1440P to say the least. Thirdly the that Samsung 980 SSD is great if you have large files to move otherwise there's solid SSD's for less money such as that Lexar I posted. Fourthly the 7600 (non X) is not only less expensive than the 7600X, it runs cooler while maintaining a one frame per second difference on average vs the 7600X and last but not least there's no reason for that expensive Asus board in your build.

https://www.techpowerup.com/review/amd-ryzen-5-7600-non-x/

https://www.techpowerup.com/320715/...oc-limits-additional-performance-boost-tested

We have taken your build and are kind of comparing the differences to understand a bit more about things, and why they're "better" in a way I guess.

Why is the CPU Cooler you suggested in your build better if the RPM is lower for a little less noise production?

Other than that, everything seems to be pretty good from your choices for what it seems to us, we will be taking your suggestions for the build you gave.

 

[35below0]

Why is the CPU Cooler you suggested in your build better if the RPM is lower for a little less noise production?

All the coolers suggested in the thread are good or excellent, including the stock AMD cooler (which you get with some CPUs, but some CPUs ship without a cooler).
The differences are minor. Sometimes the ideal cooler is simply out of stock so you have to pick something else.

 

[Why_Me]

We have taken your build and are kind of comparing the differences to understand a bit more about things, and why they're "better" in a way I guess.

Why is the CPU Cooler you suggested in your build better if the RPM is lower for a little less noise production?

Other than that, everything seems to be pretty good from your choices for what it seems to us, we will be taking your suggestions for the build you gave.

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/thermalright-phantom-spirit-120-review