would never buy a ref but good too see prices coming down

Not trying to knock on people choices but how do people justify paying so much for processing power? Surely you can buy the top range processors and max out on RAM.
Or am I understanding PC modification/GPUs differently?
Genuinely curious as I'm currently collecting parts my first PC build

I see. So, If I want to run two or three monitors with my build, would it be wise to invest in a lower end GPU?
I don't really intend to play PC games, but would like to be able to if i change my mind (maybe flight simulator x occasionally).

Here's my parts collection so far https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/KRTQ9W (I've also bought a generic mechanical keyboard and wireless adapter which i couldn't find on PCPart picker)

Thanks for the reply

If you don't know the difference between a CPU and a GPU you're far from ready to build a computer or even pick your own parts. I'd do A LOT more research before you start investing money.

Building a PC all depends on what you want to use it for - interest browsing, photography, editing, gaming? Saying "I might want to play games, so I'll invest £200" could be a big gamble if you then never play games. Or saying "I might want to edit photos so I'll buy a £600 monitor" could also be a mistake.

I don't think you have a clear enough idea of what you expect from this to even start. You'd also be best explaining why you want 2-3 monitors and what you will be doing on them, as in many cases it can be pointless.

Looks like you chose a good system there. Hope you have a big case though as that cooler is massive, i had one and was really tight fit inside the case.

I think for multiple monitor setups you need a card which has multiple display connectors. I have a nvidia GTX 970 and I believe it has 3 display port connectors so can plug 3 monitors in.

I'm pretty sure with multiple monitors the resolution increases, which means in games you require more processing power.

Don't quote me but a HD monitor is 1920x1080, on 2 monitors it will be 1920x**** with an increase as the monitors increase. Never used multi monitor so can't help too much on that front.

If you know what games you plan on playing I would say check the system requirements to get an idea of what kind of card you may need.

Thanks for the reply. :smiley:
I know the difference between the two I just have never needed a GPU (or so I thought) as most CPUs come with an integrated GPU.

I write financial software for a living so I do more data processing than graphic (multi threading, etc) and have pretty solid build at work (three monitors, i7 and 32GB RAM) which works pretty well but gets a bit fidgety with monitor setup..

I didn't really think I needed a dedicated GPU but I reckoned, since I'm getting to choose my own build, and I might be playing Flight Simulator (which i haven't played in a long time), I should consider getting one at some point..

Thanks for the reply. Very helpful.
Yeah I'm getting a graphics card

If you already have an i7 computer can I ask why you're getting an i5? Your i7, even if old, is probably more powerful than a new i5. I had a i7 that was 4 years old and still outperformed a new i5.

As for a GPU, wait a month. Volta and Vega announcements may be made in May, could cause a lot of waves and price drops.