New desktop needed - where to buy?
Discussion
I built my current desktop back in 2013, it was the best that i could build at the time, Intel i7 4770k CPU, AMD 290x GPU with a Asus ROG Gene 7 motherboard and a Samsung 840Pro SSD. I could throw and AAA game at it and it would play, no app would trouble it.
However, the desktop is showing it's age now.
It's like a tired and trusty pet dog that wants to please, but can no longer get excited and jump about. And occasionally pisses on the floor.
It's no longer powering up on the first attempt, the onboard Ethernet connection has now failed (using a USB - RJ45 adaptor) and compared to my work laptop (HP Probook with an Intel i7-1360p on Win11) it feels sluggish. I think it's time to bring in a new model to pick up my computing needs for the next 10-15 years.
As things have moved on significantly in the last 10 years and i'm also a bit lazier now, I was looking for a place that will build the desktop for me. Who are the go to people for home desktop computers, either off the shelf or custom built?
I was hoping that i could just pluck the best bits again and hope that they will last a decade or so, things like a RTX4090, i7 or i9 CPU (or Ultra Core?), 32-64GB DDR5 RAM and a PCI5 SSD, all water cooled.
In terms of CPU though, I see that Intel are bring out the Ultra Core with a NPU? Worth waiting on, or just a gimmick?
Can anyone recommended a builder/store please, i don't think i have long left with this desktop which might pop any time now.
However, the desktop is showing it's age now.
It's like a tired and trusty pet dog that wants to please, but can no longer get excited and jump about. And occasionally pisses on the floor.
It's no longer powering up on the first attempt, the onboard Ethernet connection has now failed (using a USB - RJ45 adaptor) and compared to my work laptop (HP Probook with an Intel i7-1360p on Win11) it feels sluggish. I think it's time to bring in a new model to pick up my computing needs for the next 10-15 years.
As things have moved on significantly in the last 10 years and i'm also a bit lazier now, I was looking for a place that will build the desktop for me. Who are the go to people for home desktop computers, either off the shelf or custom built?
I was hoping that i could just pluck the best bits again and hope that they will last a decade or so, things like a RTX4090, i7 or i9 CPU (or Ultra Core?), 32-64GB DDR5 RAM and a PCI5 SSD, all water cooled.
In terms of CPU though, I see that Intel are bring out the Ultra Core with a NPU? Worth waiting on, or just a gimmick?
Can anyone recommended a builder/store please, i don't think i have long left with this desktop which might pop any time now.
Edited by bunchofkeys on Wednesday 20th December 22:35
I got mine from PCSpecialist - and there's also a forum (similar address, but unique login) for potential/past customers to help with builds.
Website: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk
Forum: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/forums/
There are a few components on backorder now though, due to the Christmas rush, so you may not be able to configure something with first choice cases or cooling components. As long as you're not in a rush, there should be no issues getting these components in the New Year.
You may also find getting your hands on an RTX4090 near impossible (or at anywhere near RRP due to China gobbling them all up before the chip ban went into effect). But the GPU is probably the item you'd upgrade soonest, so maybe a AMD 7900XTX would suffice if you don't need Nvidia specific features.
AMD 7800x3D is the daddy of gaming CPUs at the moment, so unless you have a specific need for an Intel CPU, then be prepared for everyone on the forum to point you AMD's way.
Website: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk
Forum: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/forums/
There are a few components on backorder now though, due to the Christmas rush, so you may not be able to configure something with first choice cases or cooling components. As long as you're not in a rush, there should be no issues getting these components in the New Year.
You may also find getting your hands on an RTX4090 near impossible (or at anywhere near RRP due to China gobbling them all up before the chip ban went into effect). But the GPU is probably the item you'd upgrade soonest, so maybe a AMD 7900XTX would suffice if you don't need Nvidia specific features.
AMD 7800x3D is the daddy of gaming CPUs at the moment, so unless you have a specific need for an Intel CPU, then be prepared for everyone on the forum to point you AMD's way.
Edited by mmm-five on Wednesday 20th December 13:27
My last two builds have been from PCSpecialist, minus the RAM and GPU, I’ve sourced those myself.
If you want a 4090 you won’t go far wrong with a 4090FE via Scan. Apparently there are revised models coming out in January but not sure if there will be a 4090FE Super or not, it might just be the lower tier cards that get the Super treatment.
The AIB 4090’s really aren’t worth the extra cash unless you have very specific needs IMO. The FE is a very solid, cool running card.
The 4090FE was in stock a couple of days ago but it’ll be back in stock again soon I’m sure.
If you want a 4090 you won’t go far wrong with a 4090FE via Scan. Apparently there are revised models coming out in January but not sure if there will be a 4090FE Super or not, it might just be the lower tier cards that get the Super treatment.
The AIB 4090’s really aren’t worth the extra cash unless you have very specific needs IMO. The FE is a very solid, cool running card.
The 4090FE was in stock a couple of days ago but it’ll be back in stock again soon I’m sure.
Thank you for the replies so far.
There's no immediate rush, i could probably wait until about March-April, but i think it depends on the current kit and if it will last that long. It just seems to be slowly dying.
No loyalty to Intel, i only spec'd it as AMD were a bit pants about a decade ago and the current CPU has done so well up to now.
I've head that AMD are better, but i'll need to get myself up to speed on their CPU/GPU SKU. But if the CPU and GPU are better bang for buck, i'll be happy to use them.
Is there really going to be that much of a noticeable difference between the top end AMD and RTX GPUs? And also the same with the AMD and Intel CPUs, or is it more of a pub bragging rights thing?
There's no immediate rush, i could probably wait until about March-April, but i think it depends on the current kit and if it will last that long. It just seems to be slowly dying.
No loyalty to Intel, i only spec'd it as AMD were a bit pants about a decade ago and the current CPU has done so well up to now.
I've head that AMD are better, but i'll need to get myself up to speed on their CPU/GPU SKU. But if the CPU and GPU are better bang for buck, i'll be happy to use them.
Is there really going to be that much of a noticeable difference between the top end AMD and RTX GPUs? And also the same with the AMD and Intel CPUs, or is it more of a pub bragging rights thing?
One feature in favour of AMD is that at least historically they keep a mobo socket going for two generations of CPU, whereas Intel change their mobo socket every generation. The AM5 socket is new with the AMD 7900 series CPUs. Worth bearing in mind if you think you may want to upgrade CPU in the future
Thank you, that's definitely something worth bearing in mind.
Had a play around on the PC specialist site. It's nearly a grand for water cooling, is it worth it? I won't be over clocking, and a decent case will surely keep the fan noise down?
PC will most likely be tucked away behind the screens or sit under the desk in a holder.
Had a play around on the PC specialist site. It's nearly a grand for water cooling, is it worth it? I won't be over clocking, and a decent case will surely keep the fan noise down?
PC will most likely be tucked away behind the screens or sit under the desk in a holder.
bunchofkeys said:
Thank you, that's definitely something worth bearing in mind.
Had a play around on the PC specialist site. It's nearly a grand for water cooling, is it worth it? I won't be over clocking, and a decent case will surely keep the fan noise down?
PC will most likely be tucked away behind the screens or sit under the desk in a holder.
Full-on water cooling loop/reservoir/rad/etc. is not worth it unless you're heavily into overclocking (or want to cool an i9, RTX4090, multiple SSDs, etc.)...and will require regular maintenance.Had a play around on the PC specialist site. It's nearly a grand for water cooling, is it worth it? I won't be over clocking, and a decent case will surely keep the fan noise down?
PC will most likely be tucked away behind the screens or sit under the desk in a holder.
All of the current gen AMD CPUs will run fine with a good tower air cooler, or an entry-level Corsair H100i AIO liquid cooler kit (pump, fans, rad). Of course, there's nothing stopping you putting lots of fans/rgb to feed your own particular fetish if that's your thing.
Edited by mmm-five on Thursday 21st December 12:15
I'm still running my old i7 4770k 
I added a 2080Ti recently which picked up the FPS Nicely (It's definitely bottlenecked, but I'm not that bothered)
Starting to get to a similar point, but to be honest I'm wondering how far I can string it out now - It's still running a happy 4.5GHz OC after 10 years with perfect stability - And it stays on 24/7 running F@H, so no easy life.
The price of used Workstation desktops is surprisingly low on Ebay; Only a few years old - I have been tempted to do a transplant with a dual socket Xeon motherboard for the sheer novelty value.
I added a 2080Ti recently which picked up the FPS Nicely (It's definitely bottlenecked, but I'm not that bothered)
Starting to get to a similar point, but to be honest I'm wondering how far I can string it out now - It's still running a happy 4.5GHz OC after 10 years with perfect stability - And it stays on 24/7 running F@H, so no easy life.
The price of used Workstation desktops is surprisingly low on Ebay; Only a few years old - I have been tempted to do a transplant with a dual socket Xeon motherboard for the sheer novelty value.
Haltamer said:
I'm still running my old i7 4770k
I added a 2080Ti recently which picked up the FPS Nicely (It's definitely bottlenecked, but I'm not that bothered)
Starting to get to a similar point, but to be honest I'm wondering how far I can string it out now - It's still running a happy 4.5GHz OC after 10 years with perfect stability - And it stays on 24/7 running F@H, so no easy life.
The price of used Workstation desktops is surprisingly low on Ebay; Only a few years old - I have been tempted to do a transplant with a dual socket Xeon motherboard for the sheer novelty value.
I will be trying to move from a i5-4670 to an i3-13100 over Christmas using a pre-built MB bundle plus bargains spotted in the hotdeals website. Not attempting to move the Windows installation but starting from fresh.I added a 2080Ti recently which picked up the FPS Nicely (It's definitely bottlenecked, but I'm not that bothered)
Starting to get to a similar point, but to be honest I'm wondering how far I can string it out now - It's still running a happy 4.5GHz OC after 10 years with perfect stability - And it stays on 24/7 running F@H, so no easy life.
The price of used Workstation desktops is surprisingly low on Ebay; Only a few years old - I have been tempted to do a transplant with a dual socket Xeon motherboard for the sheer novelty value.
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