JR_12

Hi All, I'm going to be teaching my nephew how to build a PC for the first time (and it's been along time since I've done a build) and was wondering if anyone has set up check list for good practices? I.e. after you've done the build + post anything you should do? I did see Paul's hardware first 5 things to do and that made me think if there's anything else. I used to do the basics like update drivers, create a recovery point, and install some anti-virus/spyware protection but I think there's probably more things you can/should do now a days. Thanks in advance for any references!

Price wise, Gigabyte & MSI are releasing most of their boards $160 - $200 price range. I figured B550 would offer better power delivery, thermals & upgrade longevity over B450 but at that range seems like I could just shop around for a x570. Obviously, I don't "need" these features now, but doing a new build and trying to make the parts last as long as possible for future upgrades.

Hi All, Given that the B550 board prices seem to be closer to x570 than b450, (so far) is there a reason to get B550 over X570? Other a few manufacturer specific features and 2.5 gbit Ethernet port - they seem to be pretty comparable. Any reason you all would wait to get B550 if you could find an x570 in stock? An example that comes to mind is asus tuf gaming x570 / MSI gaming plus x570 vs their B550 counterparts.

I just got the monitor in and been using it for a couple days. So far it's been great. I really like the think bezel and it's so much better than my previous monitor. I don't have a comparison between other monitors at this price, but I'm certainly happy with it. My only complaint is that the ports in the back are vertical so have to work a little to get the connectors in. I never thought about looking for used - but again I don't have any complaints with the current monitor. It met all my requirements and budget. I was hoping hardware unbox would do a comparison because they've been such big fans on the AOC 24g2 and would like to see the direct comparison.

I'm in the same situation and decided to wait because this is my first build in a LONG time and I wanted to have the largest window for upgrade opportunities down the road with my budget. I also don't mind waiting & don't need the system right now. I have all the parts sitting in my room outside of the Mobo but personally, think it's worth it. But I wouldn't fault anyone for getting a different board now.

Didn't have to wait long! MSI: https://www.msi.com/Landing/amd-ryzen-b550-motherboard Gigabyte: https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/Socket-AM4 ASUS: https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/All-Series/ ASRock: https://www.asrock.com/mb/index.asp

Fingers crossed. Have most of my build sitting in a corner waiting for the new Mobo. Hoping to order on release date and trying to do some homework before hand as everything has been selling out so quick lately. Thanks for the reply!

I know the core specs have already been released by AMD, but I'm talking about the different vendors. I know MSI & Gigabyte, at least, will have several variants. I'm assuming ASUS & ASRock will also. Any idea when we'll start seeing the vendor specific details?

If anyone is interested. I decided on the AOC 24G2... but since that's pretty much out of stock everyone (or priced at double the original), I ended up getting the ASUS VP249QGR for $160 before it also promptly sold out. These 2 monitors seemed like the best value so I would pick up which ever is in stock.

Yeah, with the slight price drop on the 5600xt, i think Im going that way. It's a close call and if I had the extra $120 I'd get the 5700xt. But trying to save on the build to put towards a new monitor. Thanks again for the input!

Thanks for all the info everyone! Looks like I may have to make some slight adjustments in my build plan - but thanks again!

Hi All, Unfortunately, my current monitor is having some issue and it looks like I'll need to get a replacement. I'm looking for 24-26" 144hz monitor for both work & gaming. I definitely want good display for text as I edit both code and a lot of documentation. Here are my criteria: Price: $150-$250 (value oriented) Freq: 144hz Res: 1080p (1440p is fine, but not needed) Ports: at least 2x HDMI ports (1 for Desktop RX5000 series GPU & 1 for work laptop Menu Button: Menu button on bottom or side of the panel, NOT on the back (I'll have to switch between PC & Laptop input) VESA Mountable or an adapter available to mount I prefer thin bezels and IPS panel, but I know both of those will push the budget and I'd be willing to push a bit (~$300) if it checked all the boxes. Here are some that I've found that look appealing but not sure what else I should consider if I'm missing any big downsides. T/N isn't a deal breaker but these look to have Nixeus EDG 24: https://www.nixeus.com/gaming-monitors-shop/nixeus-edg-24-1920-x-1080-amd-radeon-freesync-certified-144hz-gaming-monitor AOC G1490FX: https://us.aoc.com/en/gaming-monitors/g2590fx AOC 24G2: https://us.aoc.com/en/gaming-monitors/24-g2 MSI Optix G241: https://www.msi.com/Monitor/Optix-G241

Hi All, I have a question about using a USB docking station & GPU usage. I have a docking station I use for my work latop (usb 3.0) and a USB 3.0 switch that I used to switch my set up (primary monitory, additional USB monitor, headset/mic, wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, DAC, External SDD, and ethernet line) over to my personal laptop. However, I'll be building out a casual gaming PC over the next couple of months and I was curious if using the USB 3.0 connection would use my GPU (likely an RX 5000 series) or If I could have to connect disconnect the HDMI cable from the docking station and connect it directly to the GPU whenever I want to switch between desktop & laptop. Has anyone done something like this before or have a recommendation how I could switch between the systems w/o having to disconnect anything? Thanks in advance for any input!

From what I've seen/read it seems to be the Sapphire Nitro+ has the best thermals/noise levels for the performance. ~$430 USD

Hi All, I'm working on building my first PC since like 2004. I'm looking to keep my budget under $1200 and wavering back and forth between the 5600xt & 5700xt. Obviously, I know the 5700 is the better card and I'm between the gigabyte OC & sapphire Nitro+ for the 5700xt. However, the nitro+ ends up coming to about $475 with tax & shipping. Which has made me reconsider if it's the best performance for price. I'm only looking for 1080p gaming (not interested in 4k,etc). I have a 120hz refresh monitor and just want to get solid performance. Not streaming, not recording, etc. Just personal use. Given the BIOS update for the 5600xt this year and that I can pick up the Sapphire Pulse 5600xt for ($311, including ship + tax). It seems like the better value. ~20% decrease in performance but ~35% savings seems like good choice, but am I missing something. Is there a downside to the 5600xt that I'm missing? Thank you all in advance for any input! Other System parts: CPU: Ryzen 5 3600 Ram: G-skill Ripsaw V (3600, cas 16) MoBo: waiting for new B550 SDD: 1TB 960 Evo (already had this, not calc in cost) PSU: Pending (a lot are sold out/expensive right now) Case: Fractal Meshify C + 3 additional pure wing 120mm fans

I've been really considering buying this case too, but since the price is now near $100 is it still worth that or are there better cases at that price point?

Hi Everyone, I like this build & considering it as a home gaming/personal set up. I don't need any peripherals and it's been a long time since I've done my own build. Wondering which parts would be good upgrade consdierations (aside from the GPU that's already been called out) around the same budget. I.e. Are there better options within the same general budget (I'd be willing to spend another $100 USD) for parts?

Yup, just looking for a chair where I can sit comfortably for a long time and looking for suggestions for a chair under $500.. or if anyone can vouch that spending more than that on a "high end" chair is really worth it. When i tried out those chairs I couldnt feel a massive difference between them and some "standard" chairs at the office supply store. They didn't seem like they were worth paying 3 or 5 times as much. I don't care if it's a gaming chair or not. Any insights, recommendations, or confirmation the more expensive chairs are really worth it would be greatly appreciated!

Hi All, Im looking for a desk chair for long hours sitting (7 hours+). Ideally it would have 3 or 4d adjustable arms, lumbar support, lockable tilt and be able to move over carpet. Im 5'11" (1.8m) and ~250lbs (113kg), no injuries or conditions, just need something that i can sit in for a long time, be comfortable with some good support. Dont care about reclining (i will never sleep at my desk). Everything else is a bit negotiable. Before everyone jumps on and says herman miller aeron... I've tried it and about a dozen other chairs, Aeron didnt make my top lists. I have tried chairs from: Herman Miller, Steelcase, Haworth, and Humanscale. My top 3 were: 1) herman miller Embody 2) Steelcase Leap 3) Haworth Very They were all pretty close but they didnt feel $600-$1200 better than some of the chairs i tried at the local office stores. I've also heard a lot of good things about the Secret Lab Titan, but havent been able to try one. I think i can get what I'm looking for under $500, even if it has to be used. I'm wondering if anyone has managed to find something they like with the criteria I mentioned or if those 3 chairs really are worth paying such a high price tag for? Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions!

Hey Everyone, Thanks again for all the feedback! Here's an update: I added the bainwavz to the M50s and they make a HUGE difference! They are WAY more comfortable than stock and I'm wearing them comfortably most of the time. However, they still feel a bit heavier than I'd like overall and the top band still causes my head to get sore after a few hours. They are still great over all and I HIGHLY suggest getting the brainwvz pads if you buy these. Here's the link to the ones I bought, but it's not Linus' affiliate link. You can use theirs if you want to help them out: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MFDT894/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I recently got a couple gifts and ended up buying the Bose QC 35s (series 1) which actually have a larger cup depth than the 25s and they fit great! I'm not running a DAC/AMP or anything like that so I'm only speaking from the perspective of using phone/work laptop. Overall, I think the m50s are great for the price but you MUST get the replacement pads to make them comfortable for long sessions and if you still need something more comfortable/lighter - the QC35s are fantastic and great for traveling! I'm very happy with both sets and are keeping them. Hope this helps anyone else looking for something similar!

Thanks for the replies! I just heard about the brainwavz and will prob try those since they're not that expensive.. failing that, seems like I have a couple follow up options and will take a look at those too. I'll reply once I settle it all out.

Hi Everyone, I need some help with an admittatedly subjective search. I'm looking for a hi audio quality set of closed back headphones that are comfortable for wearing 6+ hours, under $300 USD. Here's some info and questions for reference. I've been using a pair of bose QC 25s for a few years. These have SUPER comfortbale pads and are very lightweight. I LOVE the comfort of these cups.. but here's the issue I've been having. The inner diameter of the pads is too small for my ear and it squeezes the top lobe of my ear. Adding to that, I wear glasses and the pads push a little against the arms/my head over time. So my ear gets really sore after a few hours. Also, when these are not using the active noise canceling, the sound is kinda quiet and not that crisp. I don't need noise canceling, I'm more interested is something I can wear for long periods of time, with very little fatigue. I also recently bought a pair of ATH m50x's since they are so well reviewed and suggested, but oh wow these were NOT comfortbale to me! The pads are much less comfortable than the bose and these things feel like they weigh a ton comparatively. However, the cup size was great and fit comfortabally around my ear with clearance for my glasses too! Essentially, I'd love something as light/comfortable as the qc25 with the cup size of the m50x. Noise canceling isn't nessecary, nor is bluetooth, but they are nice to haves. I also tried the Sony WH-1000X-M2 and these also felt stiff comparative to the Bose pads. They were also way to shallow for my ear. Not comfortable. Can anyone suggest a pair of headphones like I'm describing for less than $300 USD ... Or do you know of ATH replacement pads that would be a similar feel to the qc25 pads?? thank you all in advance for any help!! This has been a much more difficult/time consuming search that I initially thought.