Gaming computer help please.

[MrAndyW]

Need a gaming PC for my grandson. He wants to run steam O/S for the games he wants.
I know nothing about modern computers. Want to get him something that will not be obsolete in a few months. Is this spec any good? £1499.

Today's Special Offers Norton 360 VPN & Security for Gamers (Full 1 Year License) [FREE! Worth £79.99]

Case CyberPowerPC Sylph Mesh Gaming Case - White - (features 4x ARGB fans)

CPU (Processor) Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 225F: 10 Cores [6P Up to 4.90GHz / 8E Up to 4.40GHz], 65W TDP, 22MB Cache

CPU Cooling CyberPowerPC V4-NXP Air Cooler (TDP 250W) - White

Cooling Upgrades Thermal Grizzly Premium Thermal Paste
Motherboard ASUS PRIME H810M-A-CSM: m-ATX w/ PCIe 4.0, USB 3.2, SATA3, 2x M.2

Memory (RAM) 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 4800MT/s

Graphics Card (GPU) NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5060 Ti 8GB (1 Card)

PSU (Power Supply) InWin B65E 650W 80+ Bronze Gaming Power Supply

Primary Storage (NVMe Drives) 1TB NVMe Gen4 SSD [+91]

Wireless USB Adaptor USB Wireless AC 600Mbps USB Adapter [+3]

Sound Cards HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD AUDIO

Bluetooth Adaptors USB Bluetooth Dongle

Operating System Windows 11 Home (No Recovery Media)

Fast Track Service Fast Track Service !!! Ready to Ship Same Business Day if Order Confirmed by 2PM

Warranty Service DESKTOP STANDARD WARRANTY: 5 Years' Labour, 2 Years' Parts, 12 Months' Collect and Return plus Life-Time Technical Support

[mmm-five]

Edited to change the GPU to a SteamOS compatible GPU.

Understanding that everything comes at a cost and you'll have a budget you'd like to stick to, I'll just give general notes on the components and let/others decide which are necessary and which are nice to have.

• You don't need / want Norton malware anywhere near it, nor do you need a Windows licence if your grandson is putting SteamOS on it - so if it saves you money, I'd remove both.
• Motherboard is very basic (i.e. no built in bluetooth or wifi), with very limited upgrade room - so any
• It's very slow RAM for a Windows gaming PC, but might be fine for SteamOS, normal speeds are 6000MHz+

This would be a better buy, and I've removed Windows as it'll be a SteamOS machine (or you can buy a cheap Windows key online).

Case
CORSAIR 3500X ARGB TEMPERED GLASS MID-TOWER (PCS)

Processor (CPU)
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X Eight Core CPU (3.8GHz-5.5GHz/40MB CACHE/AM5) - or a 7800X3D for about the same price (but not sure of the X3D cache support in SteamOS)

Motherboard
GIGABYTE B850 EAGLE WIFI6E (AM5, DDR5, M.2 PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E) - more RAM/PCIe slots for upgradability, built-in wifi/bluetooth

Memory (RAM)
16GB PCS PRO DDR5 5600MHz CL46 (2 x 8GB) - faster RAM, don't need 32GB for gaming

Graphics Card
16GB GIGABYTE RADEON™ RX 9060 XT GAMING OC - HDMI, 2 x DP - double the VRAM and faster than the 5060, and SteamOS has drivers for it

M.2 SSD Drive
1TB SANDISK Optimus 5100 M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD (Up to 7,100MB/s Read, 6,700MB/s Write) - faster SSD

Power Supply
CORSAIR 750W RMe SERIES ATX 3.1, MODULAR, CYBENETICS GOLD - modular PSU for easier component upgrade; as it's modular only the cables currently needed are fitted so they take up less space in the case; plus it's more powerful so suitable for a few upgrades to the GPU/CPU

Processor Cooling
PCSpecialist LS-360 AIO Liquid Cooler - more than enough for such an efficient CPU

Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)

Operating System
NO OPERATING SYSTEM REQUIRED

Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)

Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)

Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 4 to 6 working days

Price:
£1,547.00 including VAT and Delivery

Unique URL to re-configure:
https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configuration...

Edited by mmm-five on Thursday 24th September 20:29

[Drive Blind]

what games is he playing and at what resolution ?

[butchstewie]

I'll caveat this that I am not a gamer so apologies if I'm talking out my arse but I ran you question through a few AI engines (genuinely useful) and all three flagged the graphics card as apparently SteamOS has (had?) issues with NVIDIA cards.

[mmm-five]

butchstewie said:

I'll caveat this that I am not a gamer so apologies if I'm talking out my arse but I ran you question through a few AI engines (genuinely useful) and all three flagged the graphics card as apparently SteamOS has (had?) issues with NVIDIA cards.

You're quite correct though.

I completely overlooked that restriction...but there's definitely not enough budget for a 9070 or 9070XT, but the 16GB 9060XT I've changed it to is still better than the 8gb 5060.

[MrAndyW]

Fantastic mmm-five especially Thanks for all the time and effort.

Thanks to everyone else too.
I don't really know what games and res he's is going to use,
Just starting a process for a Christmas present. So I've got plenty of time to get it right,
Wil possibly come back with more questions/info
Budget will be around £1500 ish,

Once again thanks a million so far.

[Mr E]

How old is the lucky recipient?

[TheDrownedApe]

some game's anti cheat mechanics block linux making SteamOS useless. However its only a few AAA games but best to check what your grandson will be playing

[MrAndyW]

Mr E said:

How old is the lucky recipient?

He will be 13

[Mr E]

MrAndyW said:

He will be 13

So, a thought.
A 13, I made my kid build a machine.
It’s not that hard, there’s loads of guides online etc. it meant we built exactly what we wanted, it meant when he was bragging to his mates about the new toy he could say “built not bought” and it also means that upgrades/fixes down the line are easier as he knows how it runs.

If he’s interested in tech and has a bit of aptitude, might be fun. You should probably identify someone in the family who could help just in case.

[butchstewie]

mmm-five said:

You're quite correct though.

I completely overlooked that restriction...but there's definitely not enough budget for a 9070 or 9070XT, but the 16GB 9060XT I've changed it to is still better than the 8gb 5060.

No worries just saw "Todays Special Offer" and the word "grandson" and (no offence MrAndyW) just though "oh god don't buy that today because you're in a hurry" to do something nice as a gift

[Zetec-S]

Mr E said:

So, a thought.
A 13, I made my kid build a machine.
It s not that hard, there s loads of guides online etc. it meant we built exactly what we wanted, it meant when he was bragging to his mates about the new toy he could say built not bought and it also means that upgrades/fixes down the line are easier as he knows how it runs.

If he s interested in tech and has a bit of aptitude, might be fun. You should probably identify someone in the family who could help just in case.

I'd second this, if he's that age and wants a proper gaming machine (rather than a PS5) then he'd probably benefit from building it himself.

I remember when I got my first PC (25+ years ago) it spent more time with the case open than closed, always faffing around with the Windows install or swapping out components. Life has got in the way since and I've not really had anything other than consoles or off-the-shelf laptops since, but now I have more time and disposable income it doesn't scare me if I were to go down the self build route. When I mentioned it to my wife she looked at me in horror as she thought it needed to be built in a proper workshop by professionals

[Greedydog]

Zetec-S said:

Mr E said:

So, a thought.
A 13, I made my kid build a machine.
It s not that hard, there s loads of guides online etc. it meant we built exactly what we wanted, it meant when he was bragging to his mates about the new toy he could say built not bought and it also means that upgrades/fixes down the line are easier as he knows how it runs.

If he s interested in tech and has a bit of aptitude, might be fun. You should probably identify someone in the family who could help just in case.

I'd second this, if he's that age and wants a proper gaming machine (rather than a PS5) then he'd probably benefit from building it himself.

I remember when I got my first PC (25+ years ago) it spent more time with the case open than closed, always faffing around with the Windows install or swapping out components. Life has got in the way since and I've not really had anything other than consoles or off-the-shelf laptops since, but now I have more time and disposable income it doesn't scare me if I were to go down the self build route. When I mentioned it to my wife she looked at me in horror as she thought it needed to be built in a proper workshop by professionals

I third this. And, to be honest, with the current hardware price environment the best way to get value for money is to source nearly new parts and self build. Not only would the kid gain technical skills but there’s life lessons on budgeting and the actual cost of these things.

I know it’s a long way from buying a ready built PC but £1500 on nearly new (not knackered ex mining crap obvs), and carefully sourced new hardware gets a far more powerful and upgradable machine for the money. No one should be buying Intel CPUs on dead end platforms and 8GB GPUs if they want any longevity from their system.

Very rough prices but generally you want to be looking at AMD AM5 motherboards (£150), a 7800X3D (£225 ish), 16GBDDR5 (£200), cooler (Thermalright or similar £50), 1tb NVME (£150), PSU (£100) and a 16GB GPU, the 9060XT mentioned here is the best at this level, (£350) and a case, mouse, keyboard (£150 all in) plus bits and bobs like fans should still come in under £1500.

The issue with this is of course, no , or limited warranties and it’s a hassle.

[Xenoous]

I completely agree with building a PC together. I remember tinkering with my old PCs in the 90s with my dad (RIP). Fantastic times. I recently built a new (to me) PC and it took me right back to those days. This is just a PC to you, but to him it'll be a memory that'll last a lifetime!

AMD AM4 Ryzen 7 5800XT
16/32GB of DDR4 (depending on how flush you're feeling)
AMD RX 9060 XT (or go used and get something like a 3080 or RX 6800 XT)
AM4 motherboard
1TB NVMe
800w PSU

You'll have a very good PC that'll last a few years. I'd stay away from AM5/DDR5 due to the current prices (AM4/DDR4 also effected, but not to the excessiveness of DDR5)

Or not, either way you're winning top grandad points.

[Greedydog]

Xenoous said:

I completely agree with building a PC together. I remember tinkering with my old PCs in the 90s with my dad (RIP). Fantastic times. I recently built a new (to me) PC and it took me right back to those days. This is just a PC to you, but to him it'll be a memory that'll last a lifetime!

AMD AM4 Ryzen 7 5800XT
16/32GB of DDR4 (depending on how flush you're feeling)
AMD RX 9060 XT (or go used and get something like a 3080 or RX 6800 XT)
AM4 motherboard
1TB NVMe
800w PSU

You'll have a very good PC that'll last a few years. I'd stay away from AM5/DDR5 due to the current prices (AM4/DDR4 also effected, but not to the excessiveness of DDR5)

Or not, either way you're winning top grandad points.

Whilst AM4 is still a capable platform, at this point, due to lack of future upgradability it’s a false economy. AM5 has a road map for 2 more generations of CPUs so will be able to last easily for another 6-8 years.

[Xenoous]

My PC, made up of mostly used parts apart from the case, CPU, PSU and drive, come to a total of £920 and is the following spec. I did get lucky with some of the buys, but there you go.

5800XT
32GB DDR4 (with another 16GB sat in my drawer unused)
6800 XT 16GB
750W Corsair PSU
Lian Li Cool 207 case
1TB NVMe
34" Ultrawide monitor (new from Samsung)
MSI mechanical keyboard
G502 mouse

I of course appreciate what you're saying, but good luck even getting close to the performance of this device with DDR5 system any time soon. If hardware prices normalise, I would 100% agree with you, but value for money DDR4 trumps it right now, and will be relevant for a long while yet as people simply can't afford to upgrade to DDR5 systems.

If you're flash with cash, DDR5 it is. If you want bang for buck, DDR4.

[Dave Hedgehog]

butchstewie said:

I'll caveat this that I am not a gamer so apologies if I'm talking out my arse but I ran you question through a few AI engines (genuinely useful) and all three flagged the graphics card as apparently SteamOS has (had?) issues with NVIDIA cards.

nvidia wont develop for linux / steam OS where as AMD are all in on it

[Greedydog]

[quote=Xenoous]My PC, made up of mostly used parts apart from the case, CPU, PSU and drive, come to a total of £920 and is the following spec. I did get lucky with some of the buys, but there you go.

5800XT
32GB DDR4 (with another 16GB sat in my drawer unused)
6800 XT 16GB
750W Corsair PSU
Lian Li Cool 207 case
1TB NVMe
34" Ultrawide monitor (new from Samsung)
MSI mechanical keyboard
G502 mouse

I of course appreciate what you're saying, but good luck even getting close to the performance of this device with DDR5 system any time soon. If hardware prices normalise, I would 100% agree with you, but value for money DDR4 trumps it right now, and will be relevant for a long while yet as people simply can't afford to upgrade to DDR5 systems.

If you're flash with cash, DDR5 it is. If you want bang for buck,



The issue with AM4 is that if you go used, it s much older parts and if you can find new, they re not that much cheaper, especially when you consider the performance difference.

As an example, for gaming an X3D chip is faaaar better than non X3D, AM4 X3D CPUs are more expensive than AM5 Zen 4 X3D CPUs (hence my 7800X3D recommendation which is much better than a 5800X3D at 2/3 the price).

[Xenoous]

Greedydog said:

Xenoous said:

My PC, made up of mostly used parts apart from the case, CPU, PSU and drive, come to a total of £920 and is the following spec. I did get lucky with some of the buys, but there you go.

5800XT
32GB DDR4 (with another 16GB sat in my drawer unused)
6800 XT 16GB
750W Corsair PSU
Lian Li Cool 207 case
1TB NVMe
34" Ultrawide monitor (new from Samsung)
MSI mechanical keyboard
G502 mouse

I of course appreciate what you're saying, but good luck even getting close to the performance of this device with DDR5 system any time soon. If hardware prices normalise, I would 100% agree with you, but value for money DDR4 trumps it right now, and will be relevant for a long while yet as people simply can't afford to upgrade to DDR5 systems.

If you're flash with cash, DDR5 it is. If you want bang for buck

The issue with AM4 is that if you go used, it s much older parts and if you can find new, they re not that much cheaper, especially when you consider the performance difference.

As an example, for gaming an X3D chip is faaaar better than non X3D, AM4 X3D CPUs are more expensive than AM5 Zen 4 X3D CPUs (hence my 7800X3D recommendation which is much better than a 5800X3D at 2/3 the price).

No doubt the X3D chips are far superior. It all boils down to cost vs performance again. My 5800XT cost £180 with the cooler, the 5800X3D is over £300. It all makes a difference. The 5800XT is a great middle ground CPU that manages most tasks, including gaming, rather well. That said, the X3D is of course going to be better when it comes to the more demanding games.

Personally, as long as I can manage 1440p at 60FPS I'm not too bothered. I'm getting too old for non stop action FPS's these days. I have about 10 years of games to catch up on as well so this will manage my back catelogue rather nicely!

Getting back to OP, it all depends what you want to spend at the end of the day. Your current biggest expenditures will be memory and GPU. Look for CPUs with higher cache as that's what's important when it comes to gaming. But generally speaking anything 30mb and above will suffice. You don't have to have the latest and greatest to play the most recent titles. The X3D chips mentioned have a huge L3 cache which is why they're considered the best, but they also come with a hefty price tag.

[MrAndyW]

Wow thanks for all the info.
Really appreciate it, lots to consider and work out. Don't know about self build,but worth consideration.
Luckily I'm one of those people that researches things in plenty of time, so I don't buy the wrong thing.
Once again many many thanks