[SOLVED] New computer = new monitor?

[Archibald_]

I haven't built a new computer in a long time because it's used for spreadsheets, email and other exciting stuff. All my gaming has been on an Xbox but I have decided to go PC for some games which requires a new computer.

My problem is that I don't know what my experience will be if I keep my monitor (ASUS VH238H). Will there be screen lag and tearing or will it be okay? If I need to buy a new monitor I might go 1440p which could affect my gpu choice. Never played a title game on either resolution so I have no perspective. Here is what I am building in case it matters.

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($160.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus PRIME X570-P ATX AM4 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($87.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($89.99 @ B&H)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda Compute 2 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon RX 5700 XT 8 GB PULSE Video Card ($399.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro M TG ATX Mid Tower Case ($100.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Plus Gold 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.99 @ B&H)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ Amazon)

 

[tennis2]

Ummm. That's a LOT of PC for your current monitor. Overkill in fact. The 5700XT is solidly in 1440p territory.

That said, the system paired with your VH238H won't produce any ill effects, so there's no NEED to buy a new monitor. Just that you can get by with a lower tower price tag if you have on intention of upgrading

Do you NEED an optical drive?

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($160.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX ATX AM4 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Best Buy)
Memory: G.Skill Flare X 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($73.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Blue SN550 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Blue 2 TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon RX 5700 XT 8 GB PULSE Video Card ($399.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro M TG ATX Mid Tower Case ($100.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA G5 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($86.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $1051.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-21 21:37 EDT-0400

Saved you $100

 

[Archibald_]

I need the optical drive. The Tomahawk Max was my original choice but it has limitations with the M.2 in that it will only work with SATA and not NVME and at the expense of losing two SATA channels. Since I need to bring over a number of HDD's it would cause me problems hence the X570.

I understand a 5600 XT or 1660 Super would be a more fitting match for the monitor. I should replace it but I don't like replacing things that still work. My 13 year old Athlon 64 X2 3600+ has been chugging along quite nicely but won't be up to this new task.

It's good to know the monitor won't have any issues. I'll check out a 1440p monitor before making a final decision. Thanks.

 

[tennis2]

The tomahawk can absolutely do NVMe.

How many HDDs do you have and of what capacity each? Might be time to condense.

 

[Archibald_]

I had to go back and read the manual again. It does accept NVMe. I think I got the keys messed up.

I will have four drives (3 @ 2TB and 1 @ 480GB) plus one optical which makes one too many. They are split between work, personal and archiving.

 

[tennis2]

The Tomahawk MAX has 6 SATA ports. Yes, if you install an M.2 SSD, you lose 2, but that still leaves you with 4 SATA ports.
Is the 2TB HDD in your build list a 5th SATA drive?

 

[Archibald_]

I know. I will have a total of four HDD's plus the optical which is one too many. I could buy an external optical drive or a AIC or 2.5" SATA or consolidate to a 4TB but most of those options cost more that the $30 difference between motherboards.

I'm not trying to shave dollars of the build. I just want something with current tech that makes sense and is going to last me a while. I could afford a RTX Titan with a 3950X but that would be a bit insane.

I'm just trying to get some advice on the monitor and some perspective of 1080p vs 1440p gaming since I have none.

 

[86zx]

Either 1440p or turn the settings all the way up lol

 

[tennis2]

Forgot about the optical drive, sorry.

This is all just to shave pennies so that monitor upgrade is easier to stomach.