The PC Build Thread

[Intox]

Thanks man, how did you find those prices, Wayback machine?

The ION+ has been replaced with the ION+2 In 2021 so maybe that's why there's not many prices floating around.

Yep Wayback machine

 

[CaneMan]

wow couldn't find any pricing for the 760W but looking at the other model prices below I would guess in 2021 they probably sold for around 2K

Fractal Design FD-PSU-IONP-560P-BK Ion+ 560W = R1499 (Feb 2022)
Fractal Design FD-PSU-IONP-660P-BK Ion+ 660W = R1899 (Feb 2022)

Fractal Design FD-PSU-IONP-560P-BK Ion+ 560W = R1299 (Aug 2021)
Fractal Design FD-PSU-IONP-660P-BK Ion+ 660W = R1599 (Aug 2021)
Fractal Design FD-PSU-IONP-860P-BK Ion+ 860W = R2399 (May 2021)

Fractal Design FD-PSU-IONP-760P-BK Ion+ 760W 80 Plus Platinum Certified Fully Modular Desktop Power Supply

WO_FD-PSU-IONP-760P-BK-ZA

1​

Excl. VAT: R1,633.91 Incl. VAT: R1,879.00​

Outdated price 02-Jan-2021

 

[airborne]

If your grfx card has an 8pin and 4 pin power connector should you run a seperate PCIe power cable for each or is one cable with both plugs on fine?

What's the point of having 2 connectors if they are both running off the same cable?

That being said the Fractal PSU cables are pretty dik, well over engineered, so I'm assuming just one of their PCIe power cable will be able to supply the 180W my grfx card will draw going full tilt The 8pin PCIe power jack is designed to supply max 150w so the extra 30w on the 4pin isn't going to push any limits.

I'm assuming running 2 seperate cables would be required if your card needed something like 300W

 

[_kabal_]

most PSU are single rail, so it wont make a difference

the cables are also rated at something like 10amp at 12v

 

[Faux_Grey]

If your grfx card has an 8pin and 4 pin power connector should you run a seperate PCIe power cable for each or is one cable with both plugs on fine?

What's the point of having 2 connectors if they are both running off the same cable?

That being said the Fractal PSU cables are pretty dik, well over engineered, so I'm assuming just one of their PCIe power cable will be able to supply the 180W my grfx card will draw going full tilt The 8pin PCIe power jack is designed to supply max 150w so the extra 30w on the 4pin isn't going to push any limits.

I'm assuming running 2 seperate cables would be required if your card needed something like 300W

Most of this stems from the days gone of power supplies that had multiple power rails which you'd have to balance components across, newer PSUs stuck with the same 6/8 pin connectors to maintain compatibility & the like.

most PSU cables these days are well enough designed to handle these kinds of loads, (or at least, the reputable ones are)

The average 18AWG cable from a gpu connector should be able to handle 14 amps without failing which puts each strand at ~160 W
The cables on the ION are advertised as 16-18AWG rating (lower carries more current) so I'd expect you could at least get around 450W through a single PSU-side connector before melting the cables. (3x supply strands of 18AWG)

I've been running a 1080ti off my fractal 560W on a single 8+8 cable for quite some time now without issues.
I am even bravely running a 3080ti in the same way from a corsair itx PSU.

 

[The Voice]

If your grfx card has an 8pin and 4 pin power connector should you run a seperate PCIe power cable for each or is one cable with both plugs on fine?

What's the point of having 2 connectors if they are both running off the same cable?

That being said the Fractal PSU cables are pretty dik, well over engineered, so I'm assuming just one of their PCIe power cable will be able to supply the 180W my grfx card will draw going full tilt The 8pin PCIe power jack is designed to supply max 150w so the extra 30w on the 4pin isn't going to push any limits.

I'm assuming running 2 seperate cables would be required if your card needed something like 300W

While the x+x connectors are handy for SFF cases, it’s always advisable to run two separate cables if you can for more powerful cards.

 

[furpile]

Any recommendations for a work monitor? I used to have a desktop with 2x24" monitors, and was planning to get 2x27" to replace them. Now I got a laptop as replacement for the desktop but it only has 1 HDMI output. So I want to get a 32"-34" screen to work one, which should have almost the same real estate as the 2x27" ones. Work use will be mostly 3D modelling, and having multiple windows open on the big monitor.

Aiming for 4K, will WQHD be good enough on a screen this size? Especially when you have lots of text on screen?

Any specific recommendations? Looking at these options, would need to be below R10k.

https://www.wootware.co.za/samsung-ls32am700uaxxa-32-uhd-3-840-x-2-160-60hz-va-panel-smart-desktop-monitor.html

LG 32UN550 31.5" UHD 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz 4ms VA FreeSync Display HDR10 Desktop Monitor - Wootware

Buy LG 32UN550 31.5" UHD 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz 4ms VA FreeSync Display HDR10 Desktop Monitor at Wootware with fast shipping & superb service.

www.wootware.co.za

https://www.wootware.co.za/dell-210-axlh-s3221qs-31-5-4k-uhd-3840x2160-60hz-8ms-va-freesync-curved-desktop-monitor.html

 

[_kabal_]

Any recommendations for a work monitor? I used to have a desktop with 2x24" monitors, and was planning to get 2x27" to replace them. Now I got a laptop as replacement for the desktop but it only has 1 HDMI output. So I want to get a 32"-34" screen to work one, which should have almost the same real estate as the 2x27" ones. Work use will be mostly 3D modelling, and having multiple windows open on the big monitor.

Aiming for 4K, will WQHD be good enough on a screen this size? Especially when you have lots of text on screen?

Any specific recommendations? Looking at these options, would need to be below R10k.

https://www.wootware.co.za/samsung-ls32am700uaxxa-32-uhd-3-840-x-2-160-60hz-va-panel-smart-desktop-monitor.html

LG 32UN550 31.5" UHD 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz 4ms VA FreeSync Display HDR10 Desktop Monitor - Wootware

Buy LG 32UN550 31.5" UHD 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz 4ms VA FreeSync Display HDR10 Desktop Monitor at Wootware with fast shipping & superb service.

www.wootware.co.za

https://www.wootware.co.za/dell-210-axlh-s3221qs-31-5-4k-uhd-3840x2160-60hz-8ms-va-freesync-curved-desktop-monitor.html

I have the Samsung M7 linked above, and it's excellent (I use it as 2 portrait monitors).

Just looking at my monitor now, I definitely would not want a curved 32".

If I was you, I would go with the LG, because the Samsung has no adjustment (I use a monitor arm, so not an issue for me), it has freesync (I assume it's 40-60hz range), and it has "HDR10".
The Samsung does have other nice features like airplay and the android equivalent (which I have never used outside of trying it out )

 

[furpile]

I have the Samsung M7 linked above, and it's excellent (I use it as 2 portrait monitors).

Just looking at my monitor now, I definitely would not want a curved 32".

If I was you, I would go with the LG, because the Samsung has no adjustment (I use a monitor arm, so not an issue for me), it has freesync (I assume it's 40-60hz range), and it has "HDR10".
The Samsung does have other nice features like airplay and the android equivalent (which I have never used outside of trying it out )

View attachment 1249868

Thanks, what you are showing is one of the use cases for sure. Not interested in any fancy features like Airplay as this is purely a work monitor and will be company property. Just needs to be big for screen real estate and show text properly in split screen setup.

Do you think the monitor is too small for curved?

 

[_kabal_]

Thanks, what you are showing is one of the use cases for sure. Not interested in any fancy features like Airplay as this is purely a work monitor and will be company property. Just needs to be big for screen real estate and show text properly in split screen setup.

Do you think the monitor is too small for curved?

cannot see how curved would be better as I am currently looking at my monitor

 

[Gtx Gaming]

Anybody wanting to buy a 3060ti buy it before the 26th

 

[airborne]

Anybody wanting to buy a 3060ti buy it before the 26th

Why what's happening after the 26th?

 

[Barbarian Conan]

Any recommendations for a work monitor? I used to have a desktop with 2x24" monitors, and was planning to get 2x27" to replace them. Now I got a laptop as replacement for the desktop but it only has 1 HDMI output. So I want to get a 32"-34" screen to work one, which should have almost the same real estate as the 2x27" ones. Work use will be mostly 3D modelling, and having multiple windows open on the big monitor.

Aiming for 4K, will WQHD be good enough on a screen this size? Especially when you have lots of text on screen?

Any specific recommendations? Looking at these options, would need to be below R10k.

https://www.wootware.co.za/samsung-ls32am700uaxxa-32-uhd-3-840-x-2-160-60hz-va-panel-smart-desktop-monitor.html

LG 32UN550 31.5" UHD 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz 4ms VA FreeSync Display HDR10 Desktop Monitor - Wootware

Buy LG 32UN550 31.5" UHD 4K (3840x2160) 60Hz 4ms VA FreeSync Display HDR10 Desktop Monitor at Wootware with fast shipping & superb service.

www.wootware.co.za

https://www.wootware.co.za/dell-210-axlh-s3221qs-31-5-4k-uhd-3840x2160-60hz-8ms-va-freesync-curved-desktop-monitor.html

No.

1 x WQHD is not a replacement for 2x 1080p.
Working on 2x 1080p displays, you're used to have two apps in 1080p mode open side by side. With 1440p you can only have 2 x 720p windows open side by side. Maybe fine for some apps, but not for what I need it for.

I would rather go 27" 4K than any size 1440p for work.

Having used a 32" curved monitor.... meh. In horizontal it's not really better or worse for me. For vertical it feels strange. Preferences differ.
HDR in Windows 11 is much better than in Windows 10, but still not something that would sway my decision for a work monitor.

All of them have VESA mounts, so that's the same. I suggest you get a monitor arm. Definitely worth it.

I would choose the LG based purely on spec, the Dell because I'm a big Dell fan when it comes to monitors, but won't necessarily wait for this to come back in stock.
The Samsung just has lower response times and less adjustability, but with the savings you can get that monitor arm.

 

[furpile]

No.

1 x WQHD is not a replacement for 2x 1080p.
Working on 2x 1080p displays, you're used to have two apps in 1080p mode open side by side. With 1440p you can only have 2 x 720p windows open side by side. Maybe fine for some apps, but not for what I need it for.

I would rather go 27" 4K than any size 1440p for work.

Having used a 32" curved monitor.... meh. In horizontal it's not really better or worse for me. For vertical it feels strange. Preferences differ.
HDR in Windows 11 is much better than in Windows 10, but still not something that would sway my decision for a work monitor.

All of them have VESA mounts, so that's the same. I suggest you get a monitor arm. Definitely worth it.

I would choose the LG based purely on spec, the Dell because I'm a big Dell fan when it comes to monitors, but won't necessarily wait for this to come back in stock.
The Samsung just has lower response times and less adjustability, but with the savings you can get that monitor arm.

Thanks, will stick to 4K only. We use Dell PC's and laptops for work so I wouldn't mind the Dell monitor, and Takealot has it in stock. Will need to see what our IT guys can get through our vendors though. Thanks

 

[StrontiumDog]

The 12600 isn't worth the price bump over the 12400 - Intel are asking for ~30% more money for 9% higher boost clock. That's a poor proposition - you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the 2 CPUs with the naked eye (they would benchmark a few percentage points apart).

I think 10 grand should be enough to get you going - I'd consider this a good budget build.

View attachment 1241460

In terms of mobo's is it worth spending more on one or not really if one isn't going to be overclocking? The more expensive mobo's just have more features it seems, so you get what you pay for. This upgrade is only going to happen once every few years for me I would say.

 

[Neoprod]

Is it worth


In terms of mobo's is it worth spending more on one or not really if one isn't going to be overclocking? The more expensive mobo's just have more features it seems, so you get what you pay for. This upgrade is only going to happen once every few years for me I would say.

View attachment 1253212

Up to the buyer generally - more stuff on-board is useful if you're going to use that stuff.

Personally, I get the cheapest motherboard that I can stand - I've been carrying over an external DAC + audio interface for awhile plus a USB 3.0 hub so I don't need much on the motherboard. If it doesn't explode in the reviews I check out beforehand, it's already a maybe

 

[Barbarian Conan]

Is it worth


In terms of mobo's is it worth spending more on one or not really if one isn't going to be overclocking? The more expensive mobo's just have more features it seems, so you get what you pay for. This upgrade is only going to happen once every few years for me I would say.

View attachment 1253212

I would say look at the chipsets they use, and then compare those. The "best" two chipsets (Z690 and B660 I think?) are usually good. The lower chipsets are sometimes missing important features.

 

[The Voice]

I would say look at the chipsets they use, and then compare those. The "best" two chipsets (Z690 and B660 I think?) are usually good. The lower chipsets are sometimes missing important features.

“H” is barebones, “B” is midrange/enthusiast, “Z” is enthusiast/overclocking (more PCIE lanes, USB headers, better cooling). Hardly anyone ever needs what’s on a “Z” anyway, so “B” is the best bet.

 

[Tjoker]

New Aorus Liquid Cooler 360 installed. Beautiful thing this, especially the display on pump

Idle fan, pump speed and temps:



With this cooler im able to boost to 5.1GHz(P-Cores) and 4.1GHz(E-Cores), avg 4.75Ghz, and I still hit the thermal throttle as both the pump and fan on the cooler is running max when benchmarking, although hitting at a slower rate:



CPU-Z 24 thread comparison:



CPU-Z 32 thread comparison:



Cinebench R23:



Intel Exreme Tuning Utility:



Notes:
- Win11 Pro
- Switched to the DDR4 board version
- 2x32GB 4000Mhz RAM(link). Bandwidth is lower, but latency is better for my purposes.
- BIOS -0.05 mV undervolt. Anything lower, I get Win11 BSOD.

Running this still hits the thermal throttle, but at way slower rate than previous cooler.

Im running all P8 and E8 cores.

View attachment 1243618

View attachment 1243620

View attachment 1243630

 

[Tjoker]

Comparing the different benchmark tools and my actual use case scenarios, the temps are about 10C lower for a couple of hours and very very stable with this board and my old RAM, compared to DDR5 board and the RAM I had. I'll play and tweak a bit more. Not sure if I should make a separate thread for any interest, or suggestions?

I will push the P-Core up to 5.2GHz, and see how it goes in my day-to-day...I'm happy if the temps can stay high 85-93C.