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Create a powerful PC tailored for photo editing and beyond.

Create a powerful PC tailored for photo editing and beyond.

K
kolonelalex
Member
201
07-13-2022, 02:52 PM
#1
Hi! This is my first post in this forum and the first time I configure a PC, so I would really appreciate any comments and feedback on the selected components.
The PC I'm building will mainly be used for photo editing in e.g. Affinity Photo and DxO Photolab. These programs uses AI for e.g. noise reduction and object selection. Sometimes I will batch process a range of photos (20 - 500 images) for stacking and time-lapse processing. Occasionally I will do some video editing (in PowerDirector) and audio processing in ProTools (using an external USB sound card). I'm not a pro - it's just my hobby. The PC will
not
be used for any kind of gaming!
I'm looking for a well-balanced system that will last more than a couple of years, can be upgraded and runs cool and quiet. I have an external NAS for storage and backup and use a 60Hz 2560x1440 monitor. My budget is around £1.800. I was initially looking for an Intel based system, but browsing around the web seems to suggest that AMD might be a better option - at least it uses less power and runs cooler as far as I can understand.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor
(£265.99 @ Box Limited)
Alternating between photo editing, batch processing and video editing I need a CPU with a good balance between single- and multi-threaded performance. As far as I can read on the web the 9700X is a good candidate (although lacking a bit behind Intel on multi-threaded performance), but let me know if you think there is a better option (within my budget).
CPU Cooler:
Corsair NAUTILUS 240 RS ARGB 74.37 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
(£89.99 @ Amazon UK)
Do I really need an AIO cooler for the above CPU or can I just use a more simple air cooler?
Motherboard:
Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ATX AM5 Motherboard
(£229.99 @ Amazon UK)
I have had a hard time deciding between this board and the X870 Eagle - the main difference is the lack of USB4 as far as I can see. But what will I use USB4 for...?
Supports WIFI7 and PCIe 5.0 - and most importantly requires no PCIe lane sharing when using the PCIEX16 slot and the two M.2A/M.2B slots, so that both GPU and SSD can run at full speed.
Memory:
Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL40 Memory
(£103.00 @ MoreCoCo)
The 9700X CPU supports dual-channel memory and 5600MT/s as far as I can read on the web.
Storage:
Crucial T705 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 5.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(£114.99 @ Amazon UK)
This M.2 drive will be used for Windows and applications. But it is really expensive so I'm considering using a P310 version instead. Will I notice any difference? On the other hand it's a pity not to utilize the PCIe 5.0 capabilities of the CPU and motherboard...
Storage:
Crucial P310 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(£100.99 @ Currys PC World)
This M.2 drive will be used for images and data for my running projects. Old projects will be moved to my NAS.
Video Card:
Zotac Twin Edge OC GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB Video Card
(£409.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
I need a mid-range graphics card with a decent amount of RAM for the AI features in my photo editing applications.
Case:
Fractal Design North ATX Mid Tower Case
(£121.49 @ Box Limited)
The PC will be standing on my desk so it has to look good! Furthermore this case has good airflow, so the fans will run quietly. Should I add an additional fan at the rear end to obtain even better airflow?
Power Supply:
Corsair CX650M (2021) 650 W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply
(£113.94 @ Newegg UK)
Should I select a 750W PSU instead to prepare for future upgrades? On the other hand the efficiency of the PSU will go down if it is operating far away from the range it is designed for...
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - Download 64-bit
(£108.74 @ Senetic)
Total:
£1659.11
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2025-10-22 20:20 BST+0100
https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/fxVMzP
K
kolonelalex
07-13-2022, 02:52 PM #1

Hi! This is my first post in this forum and the first time I configure a PC, so I would really appreciate any comments and feedback on the selected components.
The PC I'm building will mainly be used for photo editing in e.g. Affinity Photo and DxO Photolab. These programs uses AI for e.g. noise reduction and object selection. Sometimes I will batch process a range of photos (20 - 500 images) for stacking and time-lapse processing. Occasionally I will do some video editing (in PowerDirector) and audio processing in ProTools (using an external USB sound card). I'm not a pro - it's just my hobby. The PC will
not
be used for any kind of gaming!
I'm looking for a well-balanced system that will last more than a couple of years, can be upgraded and runs cool and quiet. I have an external NAS for storage and backup and use a 60Hz 2560x1440 monitor. My budget is around £1.800. I was initially looking for an Intel based system, but browsing around the web seems to suggest that AMD might be a better option - at least it uses less power and runs cooler as far as I can understand.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor
(£265.99 @ Box Limited)
Alternating between photo editing, batch processing and video editing I need a CPU with a good balance between single- and multi-threaded performance. As far as I can read on the web the 9700X is a good candidate (although lacking a bit behind Intel on multi-threaded performance), but let me know if you think there is a better option (within my budget).
CPU Cooler:
Corsair NAUTILUS 240 RS ARGB 74.37 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
(£89.99 @ Amazon UK)
Do I really need an AIO cooler for the above CPU or can I just use a more simple air cooler?
Motherboard:
Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ATX AM5 Motherboard
(£229.99 @ Amazon UK)
I have had a hard time deciding between this board and the X870 Eagle - the main difference is the lack of USB4 as far as I can see. But what will I use USB4 for...?
Supports WIFI7 and PCIe 5.0 - and most importantly requires no PCIe lane sharing when using the PCIEX16 slot and the two M.2A/M.2B slots, so that both GPU and SSD can run at full speed.
Memory:
Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL40 Memory
(£103.00 @ MoreCoCo)
The 9700X CPU supports dual-channel memory and 5600MT/s as far as I can read on the web.
Storage:
Crucial T705 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 5.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(£114.99 @ Amazon UK)
This M.2 drive will be used for Windows and applications. But it is really expensive so I'm considering using a P310 version instead. Will I notice any difference? On the other hand it's a pity not to utilize the PCIe 5.0 capabilities of the CPU and motherboard...
Storage:
Crucial P310 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(£100.99 @ Currys PC World)
This M.2 drive will be used for images and data for my running projects. Old projects will be moved to my NAS.
Video Card:
Zotac Twin Edge OC GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB Video Card
(£409.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
I need a mid-range graphics card with a decent amount of RAM for the AI features in my photo editing applications.
Case:
Fractal Design North ATX Mid Tower Case
(£121.49 @ Box Limited)
The PC will be standing on my desk so it has to look good! Furthermore this case has good airflow, so the fans will run quietly. Should I add an additional fan at the rear end to obtain even better airflow?
Power Supply:
Corsair CX650M (2021) 650 W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply
(£113.94 @ Newegg UK)
Should I select a 750W PSU instead to prepare for future upgrades? On the other hand the efficiency of the PSU will go down if it is operating far away from the range it is designed for...
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - Download 64-bit
(£108.74 @ Senetic)
Total:
£1659.11
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2025-10-22 20:20 BST+0100
https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/fxVMzP

D
doublle_a
Junior Member
5
07-15-2022, 11:24 AM
#2
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Just an FYI, this is what your listing shows, at the time of writing;
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor
(£269.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
CPU Cooler:
Corsair NAUTILUS 240 RS ARGB 74.37 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
(£89.99 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard:
Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ATX AM5 Motherboard
(£229.99 @ Amazon UK)
Memory:
Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL40 Memory
(£134.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage:
Crucial T705 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 5.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(£114.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage:
Crucial P310 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(£105.95 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Video Card:
Zotac Twin Edge OC GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB Video Card
(£409.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Case:
Fractal Design North ATX Mid Tower Case
(£130.34 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply:
Corsair CX650M (2021) 650 W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply
(£430.19 @ Amazon UK)
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - Download 64-bit
(£115.47 @ Scan.co.uk)
Total:
£2031.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2025-10-22 21:09 BST+0100
Here are two of my submissions;
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor
(£345.01 @ Amazon UK)
CPU Cooler:
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 77 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
(£84.95 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Motherboard:
MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
(£153.97 @ Amazon UK)
Memory:
Crucial Pro 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL40 Memory
(£184.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage:
Crucial P310 500 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(£43.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Storage:
Crucial P310 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(£105.95 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Video Card:
MSI EXPERT OC GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card
(£825.87 @ Amazon UK)
Case:
Fractal Design Epoch RGB ATX Mid Tower Case
(£118.99 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply:
Montech CENTURY II 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
(£85.47 @ Scan.co.uk)
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail - USB 64-bit
(£103.99 @ Amazon UK)
Total:
£2053.18
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2025-10-22 21:05 BST+0100
+
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor
(£269.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
CPU Cooler:
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 77 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
(£84.95 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Motherboard:
MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
(£229.99 @ Amazon UK)
Memory:
Crucial Pro 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL40 Memory
(£184.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage:
Crucial P310 500 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(£43.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Storage:
Crucial P310 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(£105.95 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Video Card:
MSI EXPERT OC GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card
(£825.87 @ Amazon UK)
Case:
Fractal Design Epoch RGB ATX Mid Tower Case
(£118.99 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply:
Montech CENTURY II 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
(£85.47 @ Scan.co.uk)
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail - USB 64-bit
(£103.99 @ Amazon UK)
Total:
£2054.18
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2025-10-22 21:03 BST+0100
Much better quality PSU(outside of the wattage), more ram, higher pedigree GPU, I cut down the SSD's to PCIe4.0 since you won't be able to tell the difference in real world cases. The smaller capacity SSD is for the OS, app's and launchers.
D
doublle_a
07-15-2022, 11:24 AM #2

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Just an FYI, this is what your listing shows, at the time of writing;
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor
(£269.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
CPU Cooler:
Corsair NAUTILUS 240 RS ARGB 74.37 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
(£89.99 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard:
Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ATX AM5 Motherboard
(£229.99 @ Amazon UK)
Memory:
Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL40 Memory
(£134.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage:
Crucial T705 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 5.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(£114.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage:
Crucial P310 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(£105.95 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Video Card:
Zotac Twin Edge OC GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB Video Card
(£409.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Case:
Fractal Design North ATX Mid Tower Case
(£130.34 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply:
Corsair CX650M (2021) 650 W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply
(£430.19 @ Amazon UK)
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - Download 64-bit
(£115.47 @ Scan.co.uk)
Total:
£2031.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2025-10-22 21:09 BST+0100
Here are two of my submissions;
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor
(£345.01 @ Amazon UK)
CPU Cooler:
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 77 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
(£84.95 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Motherboard:
MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
(£153.97 @ Amazon UK)
Memory:
Crucial Pro 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL40 Memory
(£184.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage:
Crucial P310 500 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(£43.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Storage:
Crucial P310 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(£105.95 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Video Card:
MSI EXPERT OC GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card
(£825.87 @ Amazon UK)
Case:
Fractal Design Epoch RGB ATX Mid Tower Case
(£118.99 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply:
Montech CENTURY II 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
(£85.47 @ Scan.co.uk)
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail - USB 64-bit
(£103.99 @ Amazon UK)
Total:
£2053.18
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2025-10-22 21:05 BST+0100
+
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor
(£269.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
CPU Cooler:
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 77 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
(£84.95 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Motherboard:
MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
(£229.99 @ Amazon UK)
Memory:
Crucial Pro 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL40 Memory
(£184.99 @ Amazon UK)
Storage:
Crucial P310 500 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(£43.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Storage:
Crucial P310 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
(£105.95 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Video Card:
MSI EXPERT OC GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card
(£825.87 @ Amazon UK)
Case:
Fractal Design Epoch RGB ATX Mid Tower Case
(£118.99 @ Amazon UK)
Power Supply:
Montech CENTURY II 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
(£85.47 @ Scan.co.uk)
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail - USB 64-bit
(£103.99 @ Amazon UK)
Total:
£2054.18
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2025-10-22 21:03 BST+0100
Much better quality PSU(outside of the wattage), more ram, higher pedigree GPU, I cut down the SSD's to PCIe4.0 since you won't be able to tell the difference in real world cases. The smaller capacity SSD is for the OS, app's and launchers.

M
Mr_King13
Member
111
07-15-2022, 12:26 PM
#3
Your initial impression was accurate. With minimal gaming or light gaming, Intel offers a competitive alternative or similar value for the same cost. AMD tends to consume more power during idle or tasks with fewer threads, which might affect overall efficiency. Your system performs well, but some adjustments could enhance its performance and value.
M
Mr_King13
07-15-2022, 12:26 PM #3

Your initial impression was accurate. With minimal gaming or light gaming, Intel offers a competitive alternative or similar value for the same cost. AMD tends to consume more power during idle or tasks with fewer threads, which might affect overall efficiency. Your system performs well, but some adjustments could enhance its performance and value.