Comments/thoughts on this system

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ShinyChrome

1603 posts

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#2376344 16-Dec-2019 15:03

kiwis:

Here's what I came up with quickly. $2.5K... really looking to slice some cost off this.

https://nz.pcpartpicker.com/list/zZFmCL

Where could I save costs? CPU is worth getting something high end I believe. I've got several HDD's so I want my tower to have storage slots and power supply for them.

I don't know if you saw, but I put together a quick DIY version for you in an earlier post, some bits of which you could re-use to bring the cost down.

Some questions/statements:

As per the warning, you may need to update the BIOS to be compatible with Zen 2 processors, which usually requires an older processor to do so. I would pay the extra for a X570 board personally.

I would go for a higher tier CPU cooler, the Cooler Master ones are a bit basic. See the Noctua one I linked above for a robust air cooler.

Do you need RGB RAM? You can get much cheaper if not, see above. Do you also need 32GB? Most scenarios are fine with 16GB, unless you need to use memory-intensive apps. You could also add more later if needed.

Could you get away with a Ryzen 5 3600X (6c12t) opposed to the 7 3700X? I'm all for more power, but unless there is a appreciable difference for your use cases (this review has measurements for both processors), you can potentially save yourself $200 there.

Also, be aware that NewEgg is a US based outfit, so extra shipping + CGA doesn't apply etc

IVIemories

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2376382 16-Dec-2019 15:41

ShinyChrome:

With the likes of online retailers like PBTech, Computer Lounge, MightyApe etc in the pre-made business now, I'm honestly not sure this is true anymore (at least at the ~$2k level).

I have tried to beat a few pre-made configurations recently doing a quick PCPP build, and every time, it's been a wash. Maybe if you wait 6 months to get every single component on a decent sale it might balance out ok, but then the same can be said for waiting for a special on pre-made systems. And with going pre-made a) you don't have to spend tens or hundreds of hours researching; b) you usually get a 1-2 year RTB warranty on the assembly as well as the usually longer individual component warranties; c) it comes pretested and turn-key, so avoids disappointment when you spend a couple of hours putting it together only to find a dud RAM stick, and then the dicking about with RTAs etc

I think it only makes sense when you either want to spend a little extra to get specific parts/configurations, since as soon as you start specifying parts yourself, the price seems to go way up; or you enjoy the building process as much/more than the final product.

Which sucks, because I love any excuse to DIY.

I can't say anything about PB or Computer lounge, but last time I checked you could still get a noticeably better computer at the $2k range if you build it yourself as compared to mightyape. Of course their service is top notch but if all you care is cost I wouldn't recommend you buy any pre-builts from them.

Dugimodo

168 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 93

#2376408 16-Dec-2019 16:13

The factory Ryzen cooler is quite good, enough that the hyper 212 evo doesn't make sense.

I went for a little higher end cooler master cooler with dual LED fans on my 2700X and honestly wish I hadn't bothered, makes about 2 degrees improvement on average and lets the clock occasionally go very slightly higher for a few seconds. I forget the model off hand. Was a pain to install as well.

So to agree with earlier comments if you are looking to save money

3600X

16GB RAM

Ditch the cooler (or get a better one if you want to overclock)

Honestly even if you wanted to spend all that money upgrading the graphics card would have a bigger impact on gaming currently.

kiwis

837 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 12

#2376770 17-Dec-2019 09:19

ratsun81:

To bring the costs down a bit heres one i put together.

https://nz.pcpartpicker.com/list/xRqrMc

for the one you put together you could drop the power supply down.

How many HDD's are you putting in the computer?

That looks bloody good.

As for HDD's - I'd have my 500GB SSD for my Operating System then 3-5 for storage.

rb99

3505 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#2376856 17-Dec-2019 11:14

I stuck this together. Works so far -

Fractal Design PC December 2019

Geforce GTX 1660 Super Dual Fan graphics card

477.06

Extra Fan for R5

32.6

Samsung 970 Evo M.2

169

Corsair RM750x power supply

240.22

Ryzen 3700x

583.63

Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR-3600MHz 16GB

223.9

Fractal Design R5 case

199

ASRock X570 Steel Legend mobo

428.79

Total, incl shipping, cc charges etc

2354.2

“The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.” -John Kenneth Galbraith

rb99

3505 posts

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+1 received by user: 1830

Lifetime subscriber

#2376857 17-Dec-2019 11:14

Its looked a lot better before I clicked Post Reply

“The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.” -John Kenneth Galbraith

rb99

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ShiroHagen

59 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 22

#2376871 17-Dec-2019 11:51

Would you consider an upgraded video card for a slightly cheaper amount?

Like you last month my PC also died and I am a PT gamer. In the Gaming thread Geekzoners were discussing this Computer Lounge system. Currently $2149

Equivalent to every part on your list bar the graphics card now upgraded to RTX 2070 - will definitely handle MS Flight Simulator and games for years to come.

The OP didn't go for it - but I did after comparing other RTX 2070 systems and getting the Singles Day discount to bring it down to 2K exactly - who knows if you were prepared to wait for Boxing or NY specials you may also get it at discount.

As others have stated - the advantage of going prebuilt was having everything installed and stress tested so it was simply pickup, plug and play for me. No Hassles.

Dial111

979 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 656

#2376964 17-Dec-2019 12:26

Id drop the cpu cooler off that list as the one that comes with the cpu will be enough, unless you want to sell it and I’ll buy it :-)

You could even save money elsewhere by dropping the rgb ram (unless you want it) to cheaper non rgb sticks, also 32gb is overkill for even full time gamers just go with 16gb, download W10 directly from MS and just buy a key to activate it (even then you don’t need a key to use W10, you lose wallpapers etc but can buy a key later)
The Crucial P1 m.2 nvme will be a better boot drive over the Samsung and a few dollars cheaper and that system build is only drawing 300watts so downsize the PSU to a 550/600/650 watt and do you want full modular?

The savings can be put on a better gpu and or a x570 board

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