$2200 PC Build - Custom or Pre-Built

Lhelloworld99 on 02/01/2021 - 21:32
Last edited 04/01/2021 - 12:30

I just sold my used MacBook Pro for $2250 to fund a PC build. I could spend a few hundred extra dollars if needed.
I have started playing some games so Mac OS just didn't make sense anymore.

Edit
Just adding I'm a graphic/web designer which is my main use for the PC. Illustrator, InDesign and XD are mostly what I use but have been learning to do front end development so some visual studio code.

I have a basic 27 inch 1440p monitor, I think 60hz. I'm pretty happy with it. And have a keyboard and mouse too as I always docked the macbook. I am keen to switch to a mechanical keyboard at some point as my keyboard is a mac keyboard but I can live with what I have for now! Thanks for all the comments on here!

I am trying to work out if I should do a custom build (parts all in stock) or risk it for one of the Techfast builds which could take a while. I am using an 8 year old cheap laptop in the meantime so not keen for it to take a month or more haha. I have gone with the 3700X for stock availability. Would prefer the 5600X.

Keen for some opinionated ozbargainers!

—-Edit—-
This is the build I have landed on:
https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/tKqyLP

Computing Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

  • Tnetennba on 02/01/2021 - 21:54

    Not sure about the case, i'd probably go a better case brand + separate PSU.

    • helloworld99 on 02/01/2021 - 22:40

      I was mostly keen on this case for the aesthetic to be honest! But will try and do a bit more research.

      • mizx on 02/01/2021 - 22:42

        NR200P.

        Oof, you are late.

        • helloworld99 on 02/01/2021 - 22:57

          Dam :(
          but not pink…

        • Davesday on 03/01/2021 - 00:26

          Another vote for the NR200/NR200P. The layout is quite like the Ncase M1.

      • yak on 02/01/2021 - 23:20

        I love the aesthetic case too. It looks great. Unfortunately, it has no airflow; your components will get cooked. This probably won't harm them (maybe!), but your system will definitely slow them down so that they don't generate as much heat. You'll be leaving a lot of the performance you've paid for on the table.

        Whoops. I was wrong. Thermals are fine. Gamers Nexus has a great video on this case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRiCON5PAY8

    • original15 on 03/01/2021 - 08:55

      Being a pc build noob but also been exploring and investigating like OP, my initial thoughts were pricy case, but appreciate different aesthetic desires

  • Godric on 02/01/2021 - 22:00
    +1

    Custom

    • helloworld99 on 02/01/2021 - 22:49

      Thanks! Leaning towards this

    • helloworld99 on 02/01/2021 - 22:40

      Thanks! I was keen to try and buy it all in once place to save on shipping but might be worth looking around!

  • Freezies on 02/01/2021 - 22:41
    +1

    Custom. If you know how, then do it. If not, then learn as it's not difficult. You'll save money too, but you should look around more for the parts.

    • helloworld99 on 02/01/2021 - 22:45

      I have watched a lot of youtube videos, so feeling reasonably confident!

      • Freezies on 02/01/2021 - 22:46

        You have to start somewhere. It's pretty straightforward and you will feel better after you have built it yourself too.

    • helloworld99 on 02/01/2021 - 22:55

      Thanks! That looks great. The person below said 650W might not be enough, so maybe I will look for a different PSU.

  • tichet18 on 02/01/2021 - 22:50
    +2

    Custom for sure. It's really easy to build. If you're in doubt, just follow a guide on youtube. Everything basically clicks into place… and read the manual.

    Just a few suggestions about your build:

    1. You might need a bit more than 650W - the 30xx cards can pull quite a lot of wattage, but you most likely be okay.
    2. If you're just playing games you won't need 32gb of ram - you're better off getting 16gb but with a lower timings (CL number). Funnel the balance into peripherals/upgrades.
    3. I think you can find a better bang for your buck case.
    4. Do you have a CPU cooler? For a case like that you'll probs need an AIO of some kind.

    Hope that helps.

    • helloworld99 on 02/01/2021 - 22:52

      Thanks! That helps a lot. I picked the case because of the way it looks and didn't give it more thought than that haha
      My MacBook had 32GB RAM so was just replicating what I had, not sure if I ever used it all.
      I think the CPU comes with a cooler, but I will check that.

      • tichet18 on 02/01/2021 - 22:58
        +1

        Ah no worries.

        What's your use case? That might help us a bit more…

        Looks like you're after an mITX form factor (small, compact), the thing to be aware of is clearance of the case. Some mITX cases are much more forgiving than others. Others if they have a small literage will reduce your margin of error.

        I think the packaged CPU cooler will most likely be fine clearance wise, but your temps might be pretty warm. A liquid AIO is probably the way to go.

        If you want more inspiration… https://au.pcpartpicker.com/builds/ - you can filter results to see what other people have done.

        Go well! It's a great rabbit hole to be down. Enjoy!

        • helloworld99 on 02/01/2021 - 23:03

          I am a graphic/web designer - so that is mostly what I use it for but have been playing WOW and a few other multiplayer games with friends which I am enjoying. Nothing too crazy though!
          And yeah, I honestly just found the case and did a built to fit around that because I liked it. Probably not the most sensible/logical thing to do haha

          • tichet18 on 02/01/2021 - 23:29
            +1

            @helloworld99: Nope that's logical! Depends what your priorities are. Asthetics do count. If you really like the case, then it might be helpful to see if others have built in it. They'll give you the heads up about clearance issues if any.

  • This Guy on 03/01/2021 - 00:23
    +1

    Monitor, keyboard and mouse? These could add $600+ to your budget.

    We need to know monitor or atleast resolution and refresh rate to know if your GPU is suitable. Games you wish to play too.

    Pick a keyboard and mouse that suits your normal use and your gaming preference. A mechanical keyboard that lives in a shared bedroom is a bad idea.

    Ignore the 16GB RAM comments. Go size over timing or speed. RBG adds cost, not speed. Cheap is generally fine as they are all from the same few fabs, just binned for different speeds. You will never notice the up to 5% improvement you see on a 3950X/3090 build. You will notice when a web browser plays up. Or you need to close everything to run a AAA game smoothly. Or when your try to load a city in city skylines. Or if you jump down the modding rabbit hole.

    Consider a case that can fit a mechanical HDD. 1TB is not much for games. Nor is 2TB. Big, cheap SSD's have been around the corner for five years. Plan for the worst.

  • Diverse on 03/01/2021 - 00:47

    What programs do you use for your graphics design, not sure why no one else is asking this before dropping their pcpartpicker links, lol.

    And do you need a monitor? IPS panel then having focus on colour gamut then resolution.

  • AustriaBargain on 03/01/2021 - 02:41

    No point going pre-built if it doesn't include support for the life of the machine. Support is nice. If you work with your machine and rely on it I'd consider getting a Mac and your nice gaming PC. What would a day without your computer cost you if you need it to get work done? What would a few days of troubleshooting a computer cost you, depending on the project you're working on it could cost you more than $2,000 in troubleshooting when all that time you actually just needed to get some work done. Understanding a DIY PC doesn't earn you anything at all. I use my gaming PC for gaming and design, and I do all server stuff, all logins, anything even slightly sensitive on my Mac. Lets me keep my gaming PC kinda sloppy, doesn't matter if it goes out of commission for a week because I can design on my Mac too.

  • ln28909 on 03/01/2021 - 11:22

    if you're using it for work, I wouldn't buy from Techfast

  • wkaxon on 03/01/2021 - 20:19

    If you are interested in the 5600x, Umart has a stock ETA for the 22nd of Jan 2021 so thats probably when its in stock nationwide

    https://www.umart.com.au/AMD-Ryzen-5-5600X-6-Core-AM4-4-6GHz…

  • helloworld99 on 04/01/2021 - 12:30
    +1

    This is the build I have landed on: https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/tKqyLP

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