[SOLVED] 1300 € build with Ryzen 5 5600x. Looking for some feedback.

[Clueless Guy]

Approximate Purchase Date: In the coming days

Budget Range:1000-1300 €

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, which is not the only thing I do but the most demanding. Writing, browsing and watching streaming.

Are you buying a monitor: Yes



Parts to Upgrade: CPU, MOBO, PSU, GPU, RAM

Do you need to buy OS: Yes. I plan to use the SSD I currently use but I assume I should re-install windows

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Amazon, lack of options more than preference.

Location: Italy

Parts Preferences: Not ASUS. My current MOBO is ASUS and I had problems from day 1. While I know it is not rational, I just want to avoid them on my next build

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 1440. I can keep the current 1080 monitor if needed

Additional Comments: when gaming I don't mind lowering details to make things run smoother and cooler.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: For the past weeks the pc started giving off a strange acrid smell. I can't pinpoint where it comes from (PSU or CPU). Last week, during a thunderstorm, something "exploded" due to a power fluctuation, and after that I could see the bios on boot but when windows was loading the monitors would just go black with some pixels in the middle. So I replaced the gtx 1050 I had bought a couple years ago with the old 550 that was the system's original GPU and I am currently working with that (the 1050 drew power directly from the MOBO so I'm really mistyfied by how it got burned without losing the MOBO as well).
Even without the GPU issue, there is still the smell and the fact that the CPU + MOBO are starting to feel too old (i7 2600k)

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600x
https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B08166SLDF/ref=ox_sc_act_title_9?smid=AUVIJQ54Z9430&psc=1

MOBO: MSI B550-A
https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B08BCQF1BD/ref=ox_sc_act_title_7?smid=A11IL2PNWYJU7H&psc=1

RAM: 8GB + 8GB DDR4 3200 MHz
https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B083TRRT16/ref=ox_sc_act_title_8?smid=A3LSAICVO4P94J&psc=1

GPU: RTX 3050
https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B09RMX7BXK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?smid=A1AG4ZDYXMO0J7&psc=1

I'm mostly looking on feedback on whether or not the hardware might have compatibility issues.
Can the Motherboard work with the CPU with stock BIOS or does it require some updates? I would really prefer not to touch the BIOS
Can I set fans' speed from the bios or do I need a hub to avoid having them run at 100% all the time?
Does the GPU draw power from the motherboard or from the psu?
Is a 500W PSU enough for this?
Is there a better option for GPU price/performance wise?

 

[jeremyj_83]

The hardware shouldn't have compatibility issues, however, there are some changes that will make it better. I went through and did a rebuild including an excellent 1440p monitor.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 3.5 GHz 6-Core Processor (€201.00 @ Amazon Italia)
Motherboard: MSI B550-A PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard (€142.60 @ Amazon Italia)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 Memory (€70.19 @ Amazon Italia)
Storage: KIOXIA EXCERIA G2 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive (€85.00 @ Amazon Italia)
Video Card: XFX Radeon RX 6600 XT 8 GB Speedster SWFT 210 Video Card (€352.24 @ Amazon Italia)
Case: Fractal Design Pop Air ATX Mid Tower Case (€97.63 @ Amazon Italia)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS GX 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (€88.43 @ Amazon Italia)
Monitor: ViewSonic ELITE XG270QC 27.0" 2560x1440 165 Hz Curved Monitor (€339.99 @ Amazon Italia)
Total: €1377.08
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-08-08 14:33 CEST+0200

The R5 5600 is only about 2% slower on average than the 5600X all while being 10% cheaper. Overall you will not see any difference in performance.

The motherboard you choose supports the 5600 with the 7C56vA9 BIOS. Since the CPU has only been out for a couple months, there is a chance that you would need to flash the BIOS to get it to work. The board does support flashing the BIOS without a CPU installed so this isn't a major issue. The 5600X is supported with the 7C56vA4 BIOS and should work out of the box.

I included an SSD in case you wanted a second one. I personally always like having my drives separated into an OS/Application drive and a games drive. This way if say the OS drive crashes or needs a reinstall you aren't wiping all the games data that took forever to download.

The Corsair LPX is cheaper than the Crucial you had plus it is a 3600MHz RAM which is the sweat spot for the Ryzens.

The Radeon 6600XT is a better buy than the RTX 3050. The 6600XT is between the RTX 3060 & 3060 Ti in performance, but closer to the 3060 than the Ti. This card the only issue is it was running a bit warm (67C while doing the stress test).
RTX 3050 review https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nvidia-geforce-rtx-3050-review-evga-xc-black
RX 6600XT review https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/amd-radeon-rx-6600-xt-review/4

Without knowing what brand and model your 500W power supply is I cannot say whether it is OK or not. For a while now PSU manufactorers haven't been making a lot of X00W PSUs until you hit 1000W. They have been doing X50W for a few years so my guess is your PSU is either a low quality unit or older. The Seasonic Focus GX is a very high quality PSU and will be able to push entry level GPUs like the 6600XT just fine.

The Fractal Design case has good looks and good performance. It includes 2x 120mm front fans and a 120mm rear exhaust fan.

The monitor is a very good monitor for the price. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/viewsonic-elite-xg270qc

 

[Clueless Guy]

Thanks for the reply.

Point taken on the video card. I was looking at Nvidia mostly because I have always used them and they are getting discounts, but the Radeon does seem a better fit for me.

I think I'll stick to the 5600x for the cpu just to avoid any chance of having to flash the bios. I have never done it, and even though I'm sure I could do it, how bad things could go if something happens makes me take the safest path possible.

RAM I definitely overlooked the frequency. I knew it was better to match them 2:1 but after shuffling pieces around a few times I gave up and went for "just a stick of RAM". Thanks for finding the right match!

The PSU I don't know much about. I just looked at the wattage cause I didn't want to overkill. I trust the one you linked is a better fit so I'll grab that.

Your case also seems better. I swear I couldn't find a case without backside see-through. I just want a lot of holes for the air to pass through and the Fractal seems to be providing just that.

I had my eyes on this monitor
https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B088BS1LMX/ref=ewc_pr_img_3?smid=A11IL2PNWYJU7H&psc=1

I never had a curved one but I don't think I would like it. I think I would love it for gaming, but when I'm reading or writing I think it would feel uncomfortable. In the end, aside from the resolution supported, the monitor is a bit of an outlier so I'll sleep over it and decide which one to go for. Shouldn't make a difference either way.

Anyway, really appreciate the help.

 

[jeremyj_83]

Thanks for the reply.

Point taken on the video card. I was looking at Nvidia mostly because I have always used them and they are getting discounts, but the Radeon does seem a better fit for me.

I think I'll stick to the 5600x for the cpu just to avoid any chance of having to flash the bios. I have never done it, and even though I'm sure I could do it, how bad things could go if something happens makes me take the safest path possible.

RAM I definitely overlooked the frequency. I knew it was better to match them 2:1 but after shuffling pieces around a few times I gave up and went for "just a stick of RAM". Thanks for finding the right match!

The PSU I don't know much about. I just looked at the wattage cause I didn't want to overkill. I trust the one you linked is a better fit so I'll grab that.

Your case also seems better. I swear I couldn't find a case without backside see-through. I just want a lot of holes for the air to pass through and the Fractal seems to be providing just that.

I had my eyes on this monitor
https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B088BS1LMX/ref=ewc_pr_img_3?smid=A11IL2PNWYJU7H&psc=1

I never had a curved one but I don't think I would like it. I think I would love it for gaming, but when I'm reading or writing I think it would feel uncomfortable. In the end, aside from the resolution supported, the monitor is a bit of an outlier so I'll sleep over it and decide which one to go for. Shouldn't make a difference either way.

Anyway, really appreciate the help.

Flashing the BIOS is quite easy now of days but I totally understand that worry about that.

For the monitor I personally use a 3440x1440 ultrawide curved display. As an IT Professional I have to do a fair amount of writing and reading on the monitor. I do not notice the curve really at all. In fact when splitting the screen between 2 browser tabs it is easier to read than with a flat panel. When only reading or writing from the middle the curve isn't noticeable at all. Just for something to think about.

 

[geofelt]

To answer your questions:

A motherboard will come with the latest bios available at time of manufacture. I would not worry about that.

Any modern motherboard will have some sort of fan curve settings for fans connected to the motherboard fan headers.

A discrete graphics card will draw power from the pcie slot up to 75w.
If the card needs more, it will have extra 6 or 8 pin pcie power ports that will be supplied by a cable from the psu.

What is the make/model of your 500w psu?
Some are good, others lie and are junk.
Regardless, I think you need to replace the PSU.
It did not do the job in protecting your motherboard and components from electrical damage.
Look for a unit with at least a 7 to 10 year warranty like this Seasonic GX-750:
https://www.amazon.it/Alimentatore-...ix=seasonic+focus+gx-750,computers,178&sr=1-1
It will allow future graphics upgrades:
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm
Do not worry about high wattage capability.
A psu will only use what it needs.

Your parts are OK and will work.
What kinds of games do you play:
If you play fast action games, you may want a graphics card stronger than the 3050.
Or, if you play cpu centric games, pay attention to the single thread performance which seems to be what most games need.
Run the cpu-Z bench on your I7-2600K.
You should get a single rating of about 450.

But, since you are familiar with Intel, look at the current gen I3-12100F
or the I5-12400 processors. They compete very well with 5600x in games.
Here is what the i3-12100f can do:
http://valid.x86.fr/bench/w0y4xl
Here are some reviews:
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/intel-core-i3-12100-12100f-review/5

Intel Core i5-12400 Review: Alder Lake's Gaming Coup De Grace

Mid-range gaming has a new champion.

www.tomshardware.com

The F versions will cost less and are ok since you will have a discrete graphics card.
I have found that the integrated capability can be a lifesaver if you have a graphics card issue.

You will need a LGA1700 motherboard.
The B660 based MATX motherboards are reasonable.
Here is an example:
https://www.amazon.it/s?k=asrock+b6...tr-ranker-retrain-acsession-opsacceptance_2_6

3200 speed DDR4 ram works for intel.
But, 3600 speed will usually cost about the same.
Corsair lpx or g.skil ripjaws are reasonable.

What is the make/model of your case?
It will likely work.

Do not chase fast ssd benchmark specs.
You will not be able to perceive any difference from the fastest pcie m.2 ssd.
Your old ssd will be fine.

Consider carefully your second monitor purchase.
It tends to be a long time purchase.
Bust your budget if need be.
Look for a larger/wider/higher resolution monitor.
IPS panels look better with wider 178/178 viewing angles.
Up to about 35" curved does not benefit much unless you have fast tn panels which will wash out at the edges.

Do plan on keeping your old monitor attached for static stuff like email or task manager/performance monitoring.

 

[Clueless Guy]

To answer your questions:

A motherboard will come with the latest bios available at time of manufacture. I would not worry about that.

Any modern motherboard will have some sort of fan curve settings for fans connected to the motherboard fan headers.

A discrete graphics card will draw power from the pcie slot up to 75w.
If the card needs more, it will have extra 6 or 8 pin pcie power ports that will be supplied by a cable from the psu.

What is the make/model of your 500w psu?
Some are good, others lie and are junk.
Regardless, I think you need to replace the PSU.
It did not do the job in protecting your motherboard and components from electrical damage.
Look for a unit with at least a 7 to 10 year warranty like this Seasonic GX-750:
https://www.amazon.it/Alimentatore-completamente-FOCUS-GX-750-stagionale/dp/B077J9G9CH/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_it_IT=ÅMÅŽÕÑ&crid=ZZJDW7C4QD2D&keywords=seasonic+focus+gx-750&qid=1659976930&s=pc&sprefix=seasonic+focus+gx-750,computers,178&sr=1-1
It will allow future graphics upgrades:
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm
Do not worry about high wattage capability.
A psu will only use what it needs.

Your parts are OK and will work.
What kinds of games do you play:
If you play fast action games, you may want a graphics card stronger than the 3050.
Or, if you play cpu centric games, pay attention to the single thread performance which seems to be what most games need.
Run the cpu-Z bench on your I7-2600K.
You should get a single rating of about 450.

But, since you are familiar with Intel, look at the current gen I3-12100F
or the I5-12400 processors. They compete very well with 5600x in games.
Here is what the i3-12100f can do:
http://valid.x86.fr/bench/w0y4xl
Here are some reviews:
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/intel-core-i3-12100-12100f-review/5

Intel Core i5-12400 Review: Alder Lake's Gaming Coup De Grace

Mid-range gaming has a new champion.

www.tomshardware.com

The F versions will cost less and are ok since you will have a discrete graphics card.
I have found that the integrated capability can be a lifesaver if you have a graphics card issue.

You will need a LGA1700 motherboard.
The B660 based MATX motherboards are reasonable.
Here is an example:
https://www.amazon.it/s?k=asrock+b660&i=computers&crid=I6NTAN44SFVP&sprefix=asrock,computers,262&ref=nb_sb_ss_pltr-ranker-retrain-acsession-opsacceptance_2_6

3200 speed DDR4 ram works for intel.
But, 3600 speed will usually cost about the same.
Corsair lpx or g.skil ripjaws are reasonable.

What is the make/model of your case?
It will likely work.

Do not chase fast ssd benchmark specs.
You will not be able to perceive any difference from the fastest pcie m.2 ssd.
Your old ssd will be fine.

Consider carefully your second monitor purchase.
It tends to be a long time purchase.
Bust your budget if need be.
Look for a larger/wider/higher resolution monitor.
IPS panels look better with wider 178/178 viewing angles.
Up to about 35" curved does not benefit much unless you have fast tn panels which will wash out at the edges.

Do plan on keeping your old monitor attached for static stuff like email or task manager/performance monitoring.

Glad to hear about the fan speed. My current motherboard was already on the olden side when I bought it and the only way I had to set speed was to use a window app and had to restore it every reboot. So a properly working bios would be a relief.

The PSU I'll go for the one jeremyj suggested. I picked the 500 w just because I didn't want to overdo it on the power side but wasn't sure what specs to look for (still am). The one I'm currently using is a 550w but as I mentioned, it might be the part that gives off the burnt smell so I wouldn't want to carry it over to a new build.

As for the games it would need to run. I'm definitely on the CPU side of the equation. When the GPU struggles I don't mind tuning details down, so I prefer buying a low-end GPU and replace it in a couple of years with another low-end, rather then going full-out on performances. Nvidia-wise I would rather look into 50 and 60 spectrum and leave the 70 and 80s be.
AMD's 6600XT seems a good compromise for me. Nvidia allure to me is the fact that, as I understand it, raytracing is better on their cards than it is on AMD's, but since I stick to the cheap side of the spectrum I doubt I'll ever make good use of it anyway; I don't mind replacing the GPU in 2 or 3 years when the technology is more established.

As for the monitor, I'll think it over a bit, but it's mostly the fact that the two I currently use are just too old. One lost contrast over the years to the point that I had to demote it to "side" monitor once I realised I couldn't see a thing while playing witcher 3 during in-game nights. The other, my current "main" monitor has a few scratches and it is glossy and reflects light when I have my window open during the day, so it just needs to make room for a new "main" monitor. The main thing is that I would like to get a 1440, since both these are 1080.