Building a PC for the first time, advice for new builders.
Building a PC for the first time, advice for new builders.
Hello, I’m a beginner setting up my first PC and really need some guidance. Here’s what I’m thinking about for my initial build:
CPU options range from 9600x to 9950x3d, with possible choices like 9700x or x3D CPUs.
I’m planning to use a 850W power supply.
GPU choices include the 9070/9070 xt or the 5070 Ti.
RAM will be 32GB, with at least 1TB or 2TB M.2 drives.
CPU cooler will be a thermalright air cooler (not sure which model).
I’m considering only air cooling and not liquid.
Monitor size should be 24 to 28 inches, not OLED.
The PC is mainly for multitasking and browsing in Windows, but I want to play the latest and older games at high quality, especially titles like Cyberpunk, Doom, Alan Wake 2, and upcoming releases.
My biggest challenge is picking the right CPU and figuring out when the GPU will start handling tasks instead of the CPU, especially if I choose a model like the 9070 xt or 5070 Ti.
I don’t have a fixed budget but aim for something that lasts at least 5 to 8 years in both gaming and productivity. I’d prefer value for money, but if the 9950x3d gives me better long-term performance without needing replacement, I’ll be willing to spend more.
For storage, I need a good 1440p monitor (not OLED), preferably £150-£350, 24 to 28 inches. I’d like two M.2 drives—one for booting (1TB) and another for games/storage (2TB or no drive). I might also need a cheap 1TB M.2 for other uses, but it should be reliable.
I already have a Corsair 7000D case, but it has no fans, so I’ll need to add some. I’m planning three 140mm fans: two for the front and one or two for the back.
I’ve been doing a lot of research for my job, running multiple programs at once in Windows, using browsers and photo editing software, and just started using VMware virtual machines. I also need enough resources for that and possibly running a game.
This was a bit long to explain, but I really appreciate any advice you can give me. Thanks!
Welcome to the forums, newcomer! If it's 1440p, you're going to be fine with the Ryzen 5 9600x. 850w psu 850W is the advertised wattage of the unit. What is the make and model of the PSU? i dont really have a budget but will need the pc to last at least 5-8 years at a good gaming/productivity level Users are advised to stylize their threads with info asked of in this thread; *How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice* How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice First off, respect where respect is due - this is an adaptation of the Animal's *How To Ask For New Build Advice* Sticky. I created this because there's a lot of posts nowadays asking for upgrade advice both on here and on the CPU forums, and I feel... forums. to help lend us some context into your predicaments, which in turn will help the community chime in with worthwhile suggestions. Include all the productivity apps you'd like to tax the system with, apart from the games you're interested in playing. This is something you could probably look at; PCPartPicker Part List CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor (£338.91 @ Amazon UK) CPU Cooler: Thermalright Royal Pretor 130 BLACK 81.88 CFM CPU Cooler (£60.65 @ Amazon UK) Motherboard: MSI MAG B850M MORTAR WIFI Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard (£226.65 @ Amazon UK) Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory (£169.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk) Storage: Gigabyte AORUS Gen4 7300 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (£119.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk) Video Card: Gigabyte WINDFORCE SFF GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card (£943.68 @ Amazon UK) Case: NZXT H3 Flow MicroATX Mid Tower Case (£59.90 @ Amazon UK) Power Supply: Montech CENTURY II 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (£85.47 @ Scan.co.uk) Total: £2005.24 Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-10-12 21:10 BST+0100 thought you'd be best off stylizing the thread with additional info asked of above. The community will chime in with amazing suggestions, they always do.
Approximate Purchase Date:
this week if possible
Budget Range:
1700 british pounds to 2100
System Usage from Most to Least Important:
gaming and multitasking in windows with an focus on using multiple browsers at same time as other programs like vmware virtual machines.
Are you buying a monitor:
yes need a 1440p monitor no oled not included in budget. 150-350.
Parts to Upgrade:
need all parts but case.
Do you need to buy OS:
No
Please note that if you're using an OEM license of Windows, you will need a new one when buying a new motherboard.
Preferred Website(s) for Parts:
uk websites only
Location:
UK
Parts Preferences:
nothing apart for wanting amd cpu.
Overclocking:
Maybe
Multiple GPUs:
no
Your Monitor Resolution:
1440p when i get it.
Additional Comments:
(e.g.: Need to have a window and lots of bling, I would like a quiet PC. Please also list specific software or games you're using)
And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading:
current pc 8 years old i5 8600k, not enough ram,old gpu 1050 ti.
PCPartPicker List of Components CPU: * AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 4.7 GHz 8-Core Processor (£399.95 @ Amazon UK) CPU Cooler: * Thermalright Royal Pretor 130 81.88 CFM CPU Cooler (£39.00 @ Computer Orbit) Motherboard: * MSI MAG X670E TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard (£229.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk) Memory: * ADATA XPG Lancer Blade 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory (£229.00 @ Computer Orbit) Storage: * TEAMGROUP MP44L 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD (£99.95 @ Overclockers.co.uk) Storage: * Gigabyte AORUS Gen4 7300 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD (£119.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk) Video Card: * Zotac SOLID SFF GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card (£719.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk) Case: * Montech AIR 903 BASE ATX Mid Tower Case (£49.99 @ Overclockers.co.uk) Power Supply: * be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (£121.49 @ Scan.co.uk) Monitor: * LG 27GS75Q-B 27.0" 2560 x 1440 180 Hz Monitor (£191.49 @ Scan.co.uk) Overall Cost: £2200.84 Costs encompass shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts *Selected parts based on predefined parameters Created by PCPartPicker 2025-10-13 06:38 BST+0100
The 9950X3D seems to perform worse for gaming compared to the 9800X3D. The problem lies in how many components are running alongside a VM that heavily uses cores. If you can avoid using those cores, you could achieve a similar setup to mine with the platform and an R5 chip, then upgrade to the last supported X3D chip for better longevity and possibly bypass AM6.
Consider extravagant options. Aim for top-tier equipment within your budget to ensure longevity. Also prioritize a robust power source with at least 1000 watts. Insufficient power from the PSU is a common problem.