[SOLVED] New to this

[Nagsy97]

Hey guys, I'm totally new to this and have a little guidance from some buddy's, did a little build myself and could use some help tweaking it. Would like to try and do a little streaming with this as well hopefully. Budget is around $2000-$2500CAD. Thanks!

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/MDsbRk

 

[extreme_noob]

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/xRcZXv

I highly suggest going Ryzen. The 9700K is really only appropriate if you have a much higher budget. the <5fps that you lose with going to a 3600 does not counter the fps you gain from going from a 2070S to a 2080S, and even then, the total cost is lower.

So I replaced everything with ryzen parts, replaced the ram with 16GB of better frequency and timings, since 32GB is not necessary for playing games or streaming, replaced the SSD with a SATA SSD since NVMe is also basically useless in this case, replaced the GPU with something that fit the budget better, and replaced the case with a better one for airflow. Also, since 750W is overkill for a single GPU system (Unless you're running an OC'd and modded Vega 64), I replaced the PSU with a 650W one.

Here is a similar list, but with 3700X and 2080 Ti but about 150CAD over budget: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/MFvwmg
Here is an alternative closer to your budet with 3600 and 2080 Ti, along with a cooler that will run it slightly cooler and quieter than the stock cooler: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/m9kGhg You probably will end up CPU limited in this for some games, but it isn't the end of the world.

 

[Oussebon]

Most importantly, what monitor will you be gaming on? What resolution and refresh rate?

No need / point for an ultra powerful GPU if it's still 1080p. 2500 CAD could probably net you a powerful new system and a great monitor upgrade combined.

 

[Nagsy97]

Most importantly, what monitor will you be gaming on? What resolution and refresh rate?

No need / point for an ultra powerful GPU if it's still 1080p. 2500 CAD could probably net you a powerful new system and a great monitor upgrade combined.

Currently 1080p 144Hz, but will most likely be upgrading to 4k in the future

 

[extreme_noob]

Currently 1080p 144Hz, but will most likely be upgrading to 4k in the future

How far into the future? I'd actually suggest going 1440p for this, but it's up to you. 4K requires more expensive hardware to run well (Single 2080 Ti can probably only get 60FPS on high to medium settings), and 4K monitors are significantly more expensive than 1440p. If you'd like the get a 1440p monitor now, the leftover room in the budget of the first list I suggested is enough to get a decent 1440p144Hz monitor. This ASUS monitor is a good IPS monitor, which gives better color quality: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product...ng-vg27aq-270-2560x1440-165-hz-monitor-vg27aq The lists I suggested shouldn't have any issues running this.

 

[Nagsy97]

How far into the future? I'd actually suggest going 1440p for this, but it's up to you. 4K requires more expensive hardware to run well (Single 2080 Ti can probably only get 60FPS on high to medium settings), and 4K monitors are significantly more expensive than 1440p. If you'd like the get a 1440p monitor now, the leftover room in the budget of the first list I suggested is enough to get a decent 1440p144Hz monitor. This ASUS monitor is a good IPS monitor, which gives better color quality: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product...ng-vg27aq-270-2560x1440-165-hz-monitor-vg27aq The lists I suggested shouldn't have any issues running this.

1440 will work for sure

 

[Oussebon]

The list with the R7 3700x would be ideal for streaming.

The RTX 2080 ti could comfortably be dropped down to an RTX 2070 Super and still smash 1440p gaming, the savings being enough for the monitor. Even a 2080 Super would probably save enough for the monitor.

 

[extreme_noob]

The list with the R7 3700x would be ideal for streaming.

The RTX 2080 ti could comfortably be dropped down to an RTX 2070 Super and still smash 1440p gaming, the savings being enough for the monitor. Even a 2080 Super would probably save enough for the monitor.

Any of the Ryzen lists are way better than the intel list originally made, since the 9700K does not have SMT and therefore will do much worse in streaming and other multithreaded applications.

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/D7hDQq Here's an idea for budget. If it's too far over budget and you don't mind sacrificing on color quality a bit, you can get a VA panel 1440p monitor for a bit cheaper. If you don't mind curved panels, there are quite a few good options. This one is the cheapest one, and doesn't seem to have any inherent issues with quality: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/6C6qqs/aoc-cq27g1-27000-2560x1440-144-hz-monitor-cq27g1

 

[Oussebon]

Any of the Ryzen lists are way better than the intel list originally made, since the 9700K does not have SMT and therefore will do much worse in streaming and other multithreaded applications.

My point was that if the OP is planning in dabbling in streaming and has the budget, I would suggest they take the R7 3700x over the R5 3600 for the additional 2 cores.

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/D7hDQq Here's an idea for budget. If it's too far over budget and you don't mind sacrificing on color quality a bit, you can get a VA panel 1440p monitor for a bit cheaper. If you don't mind curved panels, there are quite a few good options. This one is the cheapest one, and doesn't seem to have any inherent issues with quality: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/6C6qqs/aoc-cq27g1-27000-2560x1440-144-hz-monitor-cq27g1

Or as a third way if they want to keep the IPS monitor, drop the GPU to RTX 2070 Super or even RX 5700 XT, both of which are excellent for 1440p high refresh gaming

 

[Nagsy97]

Any of the Ryzen lists are way better than the intel list originally made, since the 9700K does not have SMT and therefore will do much worse in streaming and other multithreaded applications.

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/D7hDQq Here's an idea for budget. If it's too far over budget and you don't mind sacrificing on color quality a bit, you can get a VA panel 1440p monitor for a bit cheaper. If you don't mind curved panels, there are quite a few good options. This one is the cheapest one, and doesn't seem to have any inherent issues with quality: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/6C6qqs/aoc-cq27g1-27000-2560x1440-144-hz-monitor-cq27g1

Ok awesome! This is why I reached out, I appreciate the help! Anything else you have or come up with fire it off my way

 

[Nagsy97]

Any of the Ryzen lists are way better than the intel list originally made, since the 9700K does not have SMT and therefore will do much worse in streaming and other multithreaded applications.

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/D7hDQq Here's an idea for budget. If it's too far over budget and you don't mind sacrificing on color quality a bit, you can get a VA panel 1440p monitor for a bit cheaper. If you don't mind curved panels, there are quite a few good options. This one is the cheapest one, and doesn't seem to have any inherent issues with quality: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/6C6qqs/aoc-cq27g1-27000-2560x1440-144-hz-monitor-cq27g1

The compatability note won't be an issue?

 

[Oussebon]

No, the MAX motherboards by MSI were released for the 3000 series CPUs
https://www.msi.com/blog/msis-max-motherboard-lineup
and so all have the requisite BIOS updates in place, partpicker just issues that warning for all B450s

Edit: And it seems the GPU length warning relates to an optional extra HDD bracket for that case. i.e. it has 2 HDD bays as standard, plus 2 SSD bays, and the GPU length warning is just if you want to start installing additional HDD bays on top of the 2 x 3.5" and 2 x 2.5" bays it ships with:
http://www.phanteks.com/Eclipse-P400A.html

 

[Nagsy97]

No, the MAX motherboards by MSI were released for the 3000 series CPUs
https://www.msi.com/blog/msis-max-motherboard-lineup
and so all have the requisite BIOS updates in place, partpicker just issues that warning for all B450s

Edit: And it seems the GPU length warning relates to an optional extra HDD bracket for that case. i.e. it has 2 HDD bays as standard, plus 2 SSD bays, and the GPU length warning is just if you want to start installing additional HDD bays on top of the 2 x 3.5" and 2 x 2.5" bays it ships with:
http://www.phanteks.com/Eclipse-P400A.html

Ok and this PC won't need additional cooling?

 

[Oussebon]

If it gets hot you can sort of waft it gently with a newspaper.

Kidding aside, the GPU's cooling is decent, the AMD stock cooler is alright, and the case has good airflow.

If you are dialling back the GPU to a 2070 Super, you could invest some of the money saved into a 240mm AIO cooler, Ryzen CPUs running faster the cooler they are.

But the cooling as configured is fine, nothing's going to melt.

 

[extreme_noob]

If it gets hot you can sort of waft it gently with a newspaper.

Kidding aside, the GPU's cooling is decent, the AMD stock cooler is alright, and the case has very good airflow.

If you are dialling back the GPU to a 2070 Super, you could invest some of the money saved into a 240mm AIO cooler, Ryzen CPUs running faster the cooler they are.

But the cooling as configured is fine, nothing's going to melt.

240mm AIO is unneccesary and often times overpriced considering how often high end air coolers beat them. Just get an NH U12S or Dark Rock 4 if you really want it to run quiet and cool. But the stock cooler is fine, it just may end up a tad bit loud and slightly hot. Still safe.

 

[Nagsy97]

240mm AIO is unneccesary and often times overpriced considering how often high end air coolers beat them. Just get an NH U12S or Dark Rock 4 if you really want it to run quiet and cool. But the stock cooler is fine, it just may end up a tad bit loud and slightly hot. Still safe.

I will say I would like to go with the case I had originally picked out, should I upgrade cooling with that case?
https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/FtCpQq

 

[Oussebon]

An AIO isn't necessary, but neither's any aftermarket cooler technically. However, an AIO like the H100x can keep a CPU several degrees cooler than e.g. a Dark Rock 4:
https://www.kitguru.net/components/cooling/dominic-moass/corsair-h100x-liquid-cooler-review/5/
With Ryzen apparently dropping frequency every 5 degrees or so, that's noteworthy.

The H100x is only $20 CAD more than the Dark Rock 4 according to partpicker prices anyway.

Absolutely agree it's not an essential purchase, I just wouldn't entirely rule out a 240mm AIO (or a decent air cooler) depending on prices and available budget.

 

[Oussebon]

I will say I would like to go with the case I had originally picked out, should I upgrade cooling with that case?
https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/FtCpQq

Consider the H710 non-I. As it's 50-80 CAD cheaper, and the 'smart' features aren't necessarily worth it. Or maybe you can get an H700 non-i cheaper on a US store if it ships to Canada.

https://www.gamersnexus.net/hwreviews/3521-nzxt-h710-case-review-brute-force-airflow
This article reviews the case, compares it to the 700, and suggests some alternatives.

Also if you're spending 250 CAD on a case, you really would want to be spending something extra on cooling your CPU to maximise its performance. It would feel (and be) a little imbalanced otherwise.

 

[extreme_noob]

Also if you're spending 250 CAD on a case, you really would want to be spending something extra on cooling your CPU to maximise its performance. It would feel (and be) a little imbalanced otherwise.

I don't really agree with this. If anything, getting a cheap case will require a better cooler or more case fans to make up for the inefficiencies of the case. Also, the H700 series isn't even great in terms of cooling. Sure, it has a lot of fan support, but it still has pretty small side intakes and exhaust.

I will say I would like to go with the case I had originally picked out, should I upgrade cooling with that case?
https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/FtCpQq

I agree with @Oussebon that you should get an H710 or H700 non i since the "smart" device is not smart at all.
More case fans aren't really necessary since the H700 series brute forces cooling with its high count of stock fans.

 

[Oussebon]

I don't really agree with this. If anything, getting a cheap case will require a better cooler or more case fans to make up for the inefficiencies of the case.

Who said anything about buying a cheap case?

I'm saying if you're spending 250 CAD on a case, part of the premium supposedly being for cooling, sticking with the stock CPU cooler seems kind of odd.

And that it might make more sense to get a not-cheap-but-cheaper (150 CAD?) case like the H500 which is still rather good for cooling, and invest some of that into a CPU cooler.

 

[extreme_noob]

Who said anything about buying a cheap case?

I'm saying if you're spending 250 CAD on a case, part of the premium supposedly being for cooling, sticking with the stock CPU cooler seems kind of odd.

And that it might make more sense to get a not-cheap-but-cheaper (150 CAD?) case like the H500 which is still rather good for cooling, and invest some of that into a CPU cooler.

I was making an example that could go both ways. A cheap case requires a better cooling solution to make up for its shortcomings. An expensive case doesn't need a great cooling solution to make up for shortcomings.

Yeah I do agree that going for a cheaper case and a better cooling solution is better than an expensive case with a stock cooler. But this seems different than the point you made the first time.

Also, I don't think the quality of the cooler necessarily has to scale with the price of the case.

 

[Oussebon]

Yeah I do agree that going for a cheaper case and a better cooling solution is better than an expensive case with a stock cooler.

Then we're in agreement

 

[Nagsy97]

My point was that if the OP is planning in dabbling in streaming and has the budget, I would suggest they take the R7 3700x over the R5 3600 for the additional 2 cores.

Or as a third way if they want to keep the IPS monitor, drop the GPU to RTX 2070 Super or even RX 5700 XT, both of which are excellent for 1440p high refresh gaming

What would you recommend for more memory?

 

[extreme_noob]

What would you recommend for more memory?

Even for streaming, 16GB RAM is plenty. But if you insist on 32GB, get 2x16GB not 4x8GB.

 

[Nagsy97]

Even for streaming, 16GB RAM is plenty. But if you insist on 32GB, get 2x16GB not 4x8GB.

Sorry worded that wrong, how about more storage