Build Advice Building a new workstation

[BlackeyeJohn]

Hey all,

I need your advice building a new casual workstation, which will be mainly used for transcribing text using a software named "Vibe" (which is GPU based), some Microsoft Office work, and web browsing.

The first option is my build, and the second option is what the guy at the store proposed.
I will really appreciate your assistance choosing between the two. Of course any of your thoughts, insights and tips are welcome.

Few key points to bear in mind:
1. Parts must be chosen for longevity.
2. MB must include Wi-Fi.
3. I have an RTX 3060 Dual which will be used for Vibe.
4. PSU should support optional GPU upgrade in the future.

Option 1:
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 245 Tray
Mother Board: Gigabyte B860 DS3H WiFi6E (or Gigabyte B860 GAMING X WIFI6E?)
Ram: Corsair DDR5 32G (2x16G) 5600 CL40 Vengeance (or Corsair Vengeance DDR5 16GB (2x8GB) 5200 CL40?)
SSD: Samsung SSD 990 EVO Plus 1TB NVMe M.2
PSU: CoolerMaster 750W V750 GOLD - V2 FULL MODULAR
Case: be quiet! PURE BASE 500
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S CPU Cooler (or be quiet! Shadow Rock 3 / Noctua NH-U14S CPU Cooler?)
Case Cooler (front): be quiet! PURE Wings 3 120mm PWM (3 units)

Option 2:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7900X AM5 Tray
Mother Board: Gigabyte B650 GAMING X AX V2
Ram: Corsair DDR5 32GB (2x16GB) 6000 CL36 Vengeance Kit
SSD: Samsung SSD 990 EVO Plus 1TB NVMe M.2
PSU: ANTEC PSU 850W High Current Gamer Gold
Case: be quiet! PURE BASE 500
CPU Cooler: Coolleo P60T PRO Black Performance Edition
Case Cooler (front): Noctua NF-A14PWM Chromax Black Swap Fan (2 units)



Best wishes,
a dude

 

[Ralston18]

My suggestion is simple; however, it requires some time and effort.

Go online, find, and read the applicable end user documentation for all components being considered.

The motherboard'(s) documentation being the most important and comprehensive.

Read carefully. Pay attention to all fine print, warnings, notes, and so forth. When directed check for more updated information.

While reading, take the viewpoint that you are actually putting the system together. Step by step.

Components and component specs are important.

But paying attention to the assembly process and associated configuration settings is equally important.

Plan it out. Details matter.

 

[BlackeyeJohn]

My suggestion is simple; however, it requires some time and effort.

Go online, find, and read the applicable end user documentation for all components being considered.

The motherboard'(s) documentation being the most important and comprehensive.

Read carefully. Pay attention to all fine print, warnings, notes, and so forth. When directed check for more updated information.

While reading, take the viewpoint that you are actually putting the system together. Step by step.

Components and component specs are important.

But paying attention to the assembly process and associated configuration settings is equally important.

Plan it out. Details matter.

Sorry mate, don't quite follow your direction. Any of the parts are incompatible?
Why would I bother so much with a computer build which will be used for very casual work?

 

[dingo07]

If the software you use is geared around GPU performance, then get a killer motherboard that has wifi first, second get an 850W or larger gold or better power supply. Everything else is inconsequential.

 

[BlackeyeJohn]

If the software you use is geared around GPU performance, then get a killer motherboard that has wifi first, second get an 850W or larger gold or better power supply. Everything else is inconsequential.

No intention to overclock. Would a "killer motherboard" would be such a necessity?

 

[Ralston18]

Why bother.....

Not uncommon to see words and phrasing containing "compatible with".

Very broad. May simply mean that X and Y can be plugged together - not that the end result will work as required.

From my viewpoint most builds go astray because the poster did not read or understand the documentation. And to be fair, there are often errors in the documenation.

Some specific reasons to bother:

Some motherboards now require that the first physically installed RAM be placed in a specific slot. Commonly DIMM_A2. Failure to do so can lead to any number of problems. Often overlooked.

Mixing in various cables and connectors without checking pin outs.

Case connections: easy to get them mixed up. RGB and ARGB can wreak havoc.

Lots of reasons.

= = = =

Why you should bother?

If you make a mistake, perhaps some simple error of commission or omission, it is very likely that you can go back, find that error, and fix things.

However, other mistakes can be much less forgiving. Sparks, smoke, gone.

Does not matter how the build will be used. Casual or otherwise.

 

[BlackeyeJohn]

Why bother.....

Not uncommon to see words and phrasing containing "compatible with".

Very broad. May simply mean that X and Y can be plugged together - not that the end result will work as required.

From my viewpoint most builds go astray because the poster did not read or understand the documentation. And to be fair, there are often errors in the documenation.

Some specific reasons to bother:

Some motherboards now require that the first physically installed RAM be placed in a specific slot. Commonly DIMM_A2. Failure to do so can lead to any number of problems. Often overlooked.

Mixing in various cables and connectors without checking pin outs.

Case connections: easy to get them mixed up. RGB and ARGB can wreak havoc.

Lots of reasons.

= = = =

Why you should bother?

If you make a mistake, perhaps some simple error of commission or omission, it is very likely that you can go back, find that error, and fix things.

However, other mistakes can be much less forgiving. Sparks, smoke, gone.

Does not matter how the build will be used. Casual or otherwise.

I agree but I won't be the person building the PC and connecting the parts.
I just want to hear your opinion regarding the part choice.

Which CPU do you think would make a better choice?

 

[Ralston18]

Budget? How much can you spend or be willing to spend?

= = = =

Look at your lists.

The CPU is not the only difference in the builds.

So the question narrows down to which build would be best (subjective) for casual use. Casual being (perhaps) light gaming, little or no video editing, etc.. Just internet browsing, email, online banking, and so forth.

Already noted some posts commenting on the motherboard choice, software requirements, and the GPU.

= = = =

What does the person building the PC think? That person has a vested interest in the results. Likely favors one CPU or the other for some reason(s). Ask why?

Regarding the CPU:

"Better" - again subjective.

I will defer to those members who truly delve into the pros and cons of CPU's and any given build comparisons.

I (full disclosure) am not one of them.

Overall likely stir up quite a debate arguing benchmarks, reviews, component mixes, etc., etc..

Trade-offs are often necessary.

 

[Zerk2012]

Hey all,

I need your advice building a new casual workstation, which will be mainly used for transcribing text using a software named "Vibe" (which is GPU based), some Microsoft Office work, and web browsing.

The first option is my build, and the second option is what the guy at the store proposed.
I will really appreciate your assistance choosing between the two. Of course any of your thoughts, insights and tips are welcome.

Few key points to bear in mind:
1. Parts must be chosen for longevity.
2. MB must include Wi-Fi.
3. I have an RTX 3060 Dual which will be used for Vibe.
4. PSU should support optional GPU upgrade in the future.

Option 1:
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 245 Tray
Mother Board: Gigabyte B860 DS3H WiFi6E (or Gigabyte B860 GAMING X WIFI6E?)
Ram: Corsair DDR5 32G (2x16G) 5600 CL40 Vengeance (or Corsair Vengeance DDR5 16GB (2x8GB) 5200 CL40?)
SSD: Samsung SSD 990 EVO Plus 1TB NVMe M.2
PSU: CoolerMaster 750W V750 GOLD - V2 FULL MODULAR
Case: be quiet! PURE BASE 500
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S CPU Cooler (or be quiet! Shadow Rock 3 / Noctua NH-U14S CPU Cooler?)
Case Cooler (front): be quiet! PURE Wings 3 120mm PWM (3 units)

Option 2:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7900X AM5 Tray
Mother Board: Gigabyte B650 GAMING X AX V2
Ram: Corsair DDR5 32GB (2x16GB) 6000 CL36 Vengeance Kit
SSD: Samsung SSD 990 EVO Plus 1TB NVMe M.2
PSU: ANTEC PSU 850W High Current Gamer Gold
Case: be quiet! PURE BASE 500
CPU Cooler: Coolleo P60T PRO Black Performance Edition
Case Cooler (front): Noctua NF-A14PWM Chromax Black Swap Fan (2 units)



Best wishes,
a dude

Option 2 looks fairly good but looks like upselling on some items. I would probably switch some parts for these and no need for the extra case fans.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X 4.5 GHz 8-Core Processor (£277.97 @ Amazon UK)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit EVO 69 CFM CPU Cooler (£49.98 @ CCL Computers)
Power Supply: MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (£94.84 @ Amazon UK)
Total: £422.79
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-02-23 18:33 GMT+0000