Build AdvicePC Setup for Gaming / Video editing - $2000-2500
Build AdvicePC Setup for Gaming / Video editing - $2000-2500
Lian Li Gallahad II 360 appears in four different models:
- Gallahad II LCD ($275)
- Gallahad II Trinity ($120)
- Gallahad II Trinity SL-INF ($180)
- Gallahad II Trinity performance ($160)
I don’t think there’s a cheaper and simpler option than the Trinity version, and I noticed several pump and noise problems with this model. Thanks for the suggestion. I also saw another monitor but it seems confusing because the site compares LG and Dell, stating:
Also, this point makes me doubt about the Dell:
I won’t use a PS5 on this screen. The LG looks better, but the Dell has better ratings and is listed in their top budget 2024. So I’m unsure.
You may be noticing the pump sound because this AIO features a significantly larger 38mm radiator compared to the 22mm used in Asetek models. Increased fins, greater surface area, and additional travel require the pump to exert more effort when moving water through the radiator. The same applies to the fans.
The Galahad II delivers the strongest performance, even if it isn't the quietest. For a high-performance AIO drawing 14700k and consuming over 250W, the top-tier model is essential.
Other comparable AIOs:
- https://pcpartpicker.com/product/7m...
- https://pcpartpicker.com/product/CrLdnQ/...oler-13052
If your case accommodates a 420 AIO, it could be noticeably quieter than similar 360 models. Both Arctic liquid freezer and T38 models offer 420 AIO options.
For superior picture quality, consider mini LED or OLED displays.
- https://pcpartpicker.com/products/monito...000,540000
See related videos:
- https://youtu.be/yBylusZNZHY?si=6-VUhk5KZWIRrUlr
- https://youtu.be/ZZWvCbOXroc?si=rlNWYcbFtPG2nNKt
Thanks for the other AIOs, I’m now focusing on the Artic but need to verify compatibility with the Lian Li 216 (size). I’m not sure the 420 version would work well.
Also, the case includes an external 120 mm fan to help cool the GPU from behind, so I’d need to purchase one if it’s missing.
Do you have any suggestions? Maybe the Be Quiet Silent Wings pro 4 would be a good fit.
For the monitor, thanks for the advice. I’ll use my 165" Neo QLED Samsung, which has great image quality (double-screen setup). I’m not sure if I should spend a lot on it.
This monitor will mainly be used for gaming, internet, and apps, and I’m not aiming for the highest picture quality.
Still, I’ll consider your suggestions just in case!
I think this is the optimal selection within your desired price ranges:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
Intel Core i7-14700K 3.4 GHz 20-Core Processor
($389.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler:
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB 48.8 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
($132.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard
($255.99 @ B&H)
Memory:
G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory
($104.99 @ Amazon)
Storage:
Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($179.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card:
Gigabyte GAMING OC GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER 16 GB
($829.99 @ B&H)
Case:
Lian Li LANCOOL 216 ATX Mid Tower Case
($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply:
Corsair RM850e (2023) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX
($119.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor:
LG 27GP850-B 27.0" 2560 x 1440 165 Hz
($296.99 @ Amazon)
Overall Cost:
$2410.91
Includes shipping, taxes, and any applicable discounts
Created by
PCPartPicker
2024-01-25 15:05 EST-0500
If you treat the two budget categories of $2000-2500 and $300-500 as a single range of $2300-3000, you’ll find a superior monitor like this:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
Intel Core i7-14700K 3.4 GHz 20-Core Processor
($389.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler:
ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB 48.8 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
($132.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX LGA1700
($255.99 @ B&H)
Memory:
G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30
($104.99 @ Amazon)
Storage:
Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($179.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card:
Gigabyte GAMING OC GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER 16 GB
($829.99 @ B&H)
Case:
Lian Li LANCOOL 216 ATX Mid Tower
($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply:
Corsair RM850e (2023) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular
($119.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor:
LG 27GP850-B 26.5" 2560 x 1440 240 Hz
($746.99 @ Abt)
Grand Total:
$2860.91
All amounts account for shipping, taxes, and any available discounts
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2024-01-25 15:07 EST-0500
I was looking for a curved VA panel, so I picked the S3222DGM (https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/dell/s3222dgm). I’d suggest it to you, but your request was for a size of 27 inches.
It didn’t always receive top marks in any review, but it stood out within the price range. I’d need around $300-400 more for something better.
Some features the S3222 doesn’t have are not crucial to me, though they might matter to others. The absence of a USB hub or speakers isn’t a problem for me, and I don’t mind that. The lack of HDR is more noticeable but isn’t essential for me either.
It performed well against the Acer Nitro EI242QR I bought two years ago, costing about $50 less. The Acer isn’t terrible, but there’s noticeable black smearing and slight backlight bleed. Still, it’s lightweight and manageable, though it comes with a brick power adapter.
Backlight bleed is more important to me than what RTings calls black uniformity.
Finding monitors with great scores in that area without spending more is tough. Along with contrast and viewing angle washout, these were some of the compromises I had to make when evaluating monitors in the $300-500 range.
The S3222DGM is a solid choice. No smearing, minimal bleed, and I never noticed anything unpleasant in dark rooms—most of the time. It’s really good if you’re after a VA panel with a curved design.
A friend suggested a Samsung Odyssey, and I also checked out some LG models and others, but nothing felt better until I reached the $600-800 range.
Except for the Dell 2724D I recommended, it might be a better option than what I bought. But I really wanted a curved VA, not a flat IPS.
The Dell tends to wobble when the table is moved or nudged—small but noticeable. It’s not disruptive, but it’s mentioned in every review I’ve read. It’s heavy because it’s large, and the power adapter is built into the case.
It seems sturdy and well-made. I’ve never used any Dell products before.
I’m happy with this one.
If you’re okay with a 32-inch size, that might be the way to go. Though the 2724D could be slightly better.
Everyone has different needs and priorities.
As for the LG review, it was comparing Dell to others. I see the strobing is limited to 120Hz or higher, and it doesn’t support overclocking or variable refresh rate. I’m not sure how important that is, since I’m not sure strobing/BFI is necessary. Maybe it’s worth considering at a higher price. Here, I’d just prefer VRR support.
It’s a capable monitor overall. The only downside is contrast, which is typical for IPS panels. VA panels offer better contrast but fade more when viewed at an angle. OLED is superior, but it’s expensive and might not be worth the cost. There are good VA and IPS options available.
The ~$750 LG 27GR95QE-B 26.5" model is likely the best pick for quality. And it’s not overly expensive. In fact, these recommendations are solid.
Maybe reduce the SSD size from 2TB to 1TB, unless you’re using it mainly for the OS, occasional games, or video editing. The 1TB 990 Pro is just as good and you already have storage space. Putting more than a TB of data on a boot SSD doesn’t make much sense.
Choosing an air cooler seems questionable. It probably won’t save much, and you’d likely need some 140mm fans to fill the case.
It looks like you’re close to building something great. Now it’s just a matter of deciding whether to spend the money.
Thank you for your assistance. I have limited comments because these setups are quite similar to what I had in mind.
The advice given by the forum member for the MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI is helpful. If we stick with my initial preference, the MAX model doesn't require any BIOS update.
RAM: if I have the budget, would it be more advantageous to purchase the G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory instead of the Flare X5?
PSU: you're correct about the 850W requirement, but I've read it's beneficial to have a bit more than the total consumption. In this case, it would be around 662W plus a 20% buffer, which equals approximately 800W. This should be manageable for future upgrades.
Monitor: the LG 27GR95QE-B appears to be an excellent choice.
Thank you for explaining your perspective on the monitors.
My main concern regarding size is the distance between my face and the screen (maximum 70 cm). I worry a 32-inch model would be too large. I tried using a cardbox to test it, but it still felt a bit off.
I’ve had a 22-inch monitor for a long time and need a little more space, but at this distance it seems quite large.
I fully agree with your thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages that don’t affect me much, such as speakers or a USB hub. The contrast and black levels are more important to me than the color accuracy since I’m not a gamer or competitive player.
For storage, I’m considering combining my two 2.5-inch HDDs (one each) with one 3.5-inch HDD (either 1TB or 500GB).
I also have one SSD (1TB) but I’m unsure about my old PC’s future—whether it will become a NAS, be sold, or discarded—and so I might not be able to reuse the SSD and one HDD.
Your introduction is great! Here it is rewritten with varied phrasing while keeping the original meaning and tone:
Your greeting comes across well. Regarding the motherboard, the Tomahawk I referenced offers superior VRM compared to the MSI PRO MAX when it comes to future overclocking. The TOMAHAWK MAX includes additional features, but it comes at a higher price. In my opinion, the extra cost could be better spent on a quality monitor or a superior graphics card. You probably won’t need to upgrade the BIOS for this board, though PCPP notes it's possible you might require a BIOS update for the CPU.
For the RAM, I recommend the same performance you’re after; if you prefer RGB lighting, the kit you linked is ideal. However, it costs an extra $12 for the same amount of RAM but with vibrant colors—your choice is up to you.
Based on my calculations, your system should stay under 640 watts of power consumption. It’s unlikely you’ll hit that limit unless you push your CPU and graphics cards to their limits simultaneously. Most applications won’t demand such high power individually. Unless you’re running Prime95 and 4K native Cyberpunk 2077 at the same time, I’d estimate your typical gaming usage to be around 400-500 watts. If you need a higher wattage PSU, here are some suggestions.
I strongly suggest an OLED monitor—just be sure to disable the energy-saving mode if it appears dim in its settings.
Here’s a summary of my ratings:
- PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: Intel Core i7-14700K 3.4 GHz, 20-Core (~$389.99 @ Newegg)
Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB (~$132.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX (~$239.99 @ Amazon)
RAM: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB (32 GB, $117.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 (~$169.99 @ Amazon)
GPU: Gigabyte GAMING OC GeForce RTX 4070 Ti (~$839.99 @ B&H)
Case: Lian Li LANCOOL 216 ATX (~$99.99 @ Amazon)
PSU: Corsair RMe (2023) 1200 W, Gold Certified (~$169.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: LG 27GR95QE-B 26.5", 2560 x 1440 (~$746.99 @ Amazon)
Total comes to $2907.91, including shipping, taxes, and any available discounts.
This setup includes the RAM you want and a 1200W PSU suitable for future upgrades. For a slightly cheaper option, the 1000W version of the same PSU is available for $10 less. I’d note that PSUs work most efficiently between 30-70% of their rated power—so 300W for a 1000W unit, 360W for 30%, and 255W for 30%. Higher wattage units may sacrifice efficiency unless you’re doing heavy power-hungry tasks.
Unless you’re running Prime95 and 4K Cyberpunk 2077 together, your typical gaming power usage should stay in the 400-500 watt range. If you’re aiming for more power, consider these alternatives.
MB: Appreciate the clarifications
RAM: For the same setup, I could buy the X5, but this version only has one profile (AMD EXPO). I’d prefer the Trident XMP instead.
PSU: Thanks for the information and guidance, you helped me learn a lot about things I wasn’t aware of. I get why you suggested the 850W initially. I probably wouldn’t go that far, but it’s possible I could play on a 27" monitor while watching a video on a 65" one (maybe once a year? haha). For my regular use, I’m an average user who just wants the best performance when needed and can afford it.
I need to consider if a 1000W unit might be useful sometimes or if it would just waste energy and money. Based on what you said, it could be the latter...
Thanks again for your assistance—it’s really helpful.