Building a PC Help
Building a PC Help
Currently in the process of figuring out my build and I already have some parts from an old build. I do not game, and I want to spend the least amount of money as possible. I built a PC a while ago with the same hardware except CPU, RAM, MB (I no longer have this PC so I am going off my memory).
The apps I would be running are: zoom, slack, multiple msft apps, visualization tools, and chrome
Previous parts before I returned CPU, MB, RAM:
Old CPU: 12900k
MB:
32gb ram
Current Concerns:
High Temps , with the 12900k build, my CPU and GPU temps were consistently over 80C during low-normal work loads
My gpu is notorious for getting hot
I cranked all my case fans to circulate air, but temps still remained high
Bottleneck
GPU bottle necking the rest of the hardware, but i dont think it matters in my case since I dont care about high resolution and high frame rates, 720p @ 60htz is fine for me
PSU not high enough, but
my list
says I should be fine especially because I there is still 100W headroom
Intel CPU: from what I can tell, this isnt a huge issue since I dont plan on OC and warranty is extended to 5 years (which i will probably replace by then)
GPU issues: only need GPU to use 4+ monitors because without it, the 34" curved monitor would use ALOT of ram and push me close to 32GB ram use vs under 20GB without 34" ultrawide
On my old setup, after I got the GPU (bought used for a steal, and looked in great condition) 1 of 2 things would happen
Install GPU Driver: caused resolution issues on curved monitor, and spent hours trying to debug the issue, and nothing worked, BUT all my monitors would work(34" curved just had resolution issues)
Not Install driver: 34" curved had proper resolution, but 1-2 of my other monitors would not even connect
I changed up the 24" screens to use discrete graphics, but still caused issues
Changed out cables, nothing
What I need to buy:
I am pretty set on this because I fortunately live near a Microcenter, and the CPU price/performance on this bundle is noticeably better than AMDs in the same range (likely because those AMD bundles are gears towards gamers).
32gb ram
MB: asus z790
CPU: 14700k
What I have:
GPU
: AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100 100-505826 8GB
I only bought this so I the monitors do not used shared/onboard ram
Case:
Thermaltake View 200 TG ARGB ATX
CPU Cooler
Deepcool AK620
Fans (in addition to case fans)
PSU
: PowerSpec PS 650BSM 650 W 80+ Bronze
34" curved
34" flat
2x-3x 24" monitor
I dont know if I should be worried about the CPU/GPU temps being over 80C under normal-low workloads. But I think my resolution is either 1 or a combination of the following. I want minimize my money spent on the solution.
PSU replacement: I'm only considering this, because for some reason, after using 12900k build for 3 weeks it suddenly started went slow (Hardware utilization rates were not even half) All the wattage calculators say the setup would top out at 550W so maybe not the issue
GPU replacement: I am ok with getting a used one, but would need help here, because I do not know anything about GPUs since I was using discrete graphics on 4 x 24"
Only bought one once I bought a 34" curved - this was a few weeks into having the 12900k build.
would ideally want to run 4 monitors on it, 2 of which are 34", if not, I can run the 24" ones on discrete since they barely use CPU & RAM
Case replacement: Im guessing the glass front panel isnt ideal for intake fans and may have a high impact on temps (i dont know to be honest)
CPU Cooler replacement: would only consider
Thermalright AIO
because all the other brands are way too expensive (would not want to spend more than $70)
PC Part list for easy reference
In my opinion, I wouldn't invest in anything Intel for the next couple of generations after GamersNexus mentioned that the problem now documented on the website was well known by Intel but chose to remain silent about it.
Being on the same platform as one with known BIOS, power limit, and processor fab issues isn't helping your situation.
The applications I'd use are: zoom, slack, multiple MSFT apps, visualization tools, and chrome.
You could also run these on AMD without much trouble.
I'm not sure if I should be concerned about CPU/GPU temperatures exceeding 80°C under normal-low workloads. My plan is to either focus on one solution or combine a few options to reduce costs.
I see your case;
Amazon.com
https://www.thermaltake.com/view-200-tg-...assis.html
If you try it, remove the front fascia and check if temperatures drop. Then look for any pending BIOS updates on your motherboard.
I'm trying to help you fix your build instead of letting you waste more money without getting the same performance or fixing the problem.
I understand you’re acknowledging that despite a decent patch and extended warranty, there are still uncertainties ahead over the next five years, especially since I plan to replace my PC. A lot has changed, and currently I don’t have a CPU or enough MB, though I still have DDR5 32GB sticks. Any other bundles seem appealing, as the microcenter package makes sense because it allows me to sell one of my RAM kits.
Mixrocenter bundles:
I was hoping to stay under $400 for MB, RAM, CPU, but the specs on the 14700k bundle felt justified by the extra $80 compared to the 12900k option. Do you have any suggestions from the microcenter range? Or a CPU/MB combination in the 300-350 range (maybe outside the micrometer)?
Edit:
Also, if I remove the front glass, would dust still enter the system and harm its lifespan?
I’m trying to keep costs down but not at the cost of long-term health or performance. If I need to spend an extra $60-70 just to avoid cutting corners too much, that’s fine with me.
You have two Ryzen 7 bundles available:
https://www.microcenter.com/product...ie...ild-bundle
https://www.microcenter.com/product...ie...ild-bundle
The price compared to performance is similar between Intel and AMD.
If you know what Intel is, it’s best to stick with it.
Switching to AMD requires ensuring your RAM is compatible.
AMD relies on quick RAM for optimal results.
For current Intel models, updating the motherboard BIOS is essential—it adjusts settings to standard voltages.
Your component selection makes sense.
I’d opt for a higher-quality PSU, preferably with a 7 or 10-year warranty, and a model in the 750-850W range.
It will only draw power based on what it needs, not its maximum capacity.
It will operate efficiently within the middle of its power range.
Your case is ideal for air cooling, and your chosen cooler fits well.
Updating the BIOS helps maintain stable voltages.
Too high voltage is what damages components and creates heat.
Do you know that AIO coolers aren’t permanent?
Over time, the mechanical pump may fail or clog, or air can enter the tubes, requiring replacement.
Consider a lifespan of about five years.
Also, 280-sized AIO units offer similar cooling performance to the one you picked.
Good idea, this might be difficult to answer, but do you think it's better to 1. choose a mesh case or 2. opt for one of these thermalright AIOs?
I noticed my current cooler works well, but I'm unsure if AIOs are more effective in tight builds since my case is already quite compact for ATX. Also, the only place to install an AIO would be at the front where the glass is.
Is the main distinction in choosing RAM whether they support XMP and Expo? I still have brand new sticks since I had to return my other ones, but I noticed on the case that it only mentioned XMP and not Expo.
For the PSU upgrade, what would be the reason behind it? I thought the bronze, gold, and plat ratings were mainly about how efficiently they convert power from the wall into the system. Also, I believed the wattage calculations were based on maximum power needed, so I don’t plan to add any resource-heavy GPU in the future.
If concerns are about RAM compatibility, AM5 has made significant progress. Updating the BIOS to the newest version should allow running the RAM at 6000 CL32 speed. I wouldn't rely on Deepcool in the US due to restrictions imposed by the government. Consider this alternative:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/zkWJ7P/...oler-ps120