Building advice It's been some time since my previous build, isn't it a solid one?
Building advice It's been some time since my previous build, isn't it a solid one?
Recently assembled a PC in 2019 and have mostly replaced parts over the years. Now I’m in a different location, planning to build another one. I’m considering SFF PCs because I lack enough desk space. Ideally, I want something quiet and not too noisy, though I suppose that might be a modern luxury. Also, I aim to keep expenses under $2,100.
My main focus will be gaming or experimenting with large language models. The display should fit a 3440 x 1440 UW monitor.
I’ve always used Intel systems before, but I’ve heard AMD is now the preferred option.
I already acquired a cooler and GPU at a good price, so here’s what I’m planning to include in my build. Some suggestions are below.
PCPartPicker Part List:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/JBvjdb
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9700X 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor ($329.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Elite 84.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($39.99)
Motherboard: ASRock B850M Pro RS WiFi Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6400 CL34 Memory ($208.99 @ B&H)
Storage: Western Digital Green SN350 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME SSD ($61.35 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Blue SA510 2 TB 2.5" SSD ($104.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte WINDFORCE OC SFF GeForce RTX 5080 16 GB ($899.00)
Case: Lian Li A3-mATX MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Cooler Master V850 SFX GOLD 850 W (80+ Gold Certified, Fully Modular) ($154.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair RS120 ARGB 72.8 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Overall Cost: $2083.28
Prices include shipping, taxes, and any available discounts
I’ve been reading that Asrock mobos can cause CPU damage or other problems, so I’ve become more cautious. My goal is to avoid dealing with this issue for several years after the build is complete.
Thank you for your advice.
Each person has their own way, but... I'd feel quite anxious about getting a 40 dollar liquid cooler for a 2000 dollar PC.
The 9700x and Zen 5 generally perform well without needing heavy cooling. It's not a high-power processor, and I haven't considered overclocking at the moment. There might be something overlooked, but the price of a cooler doesn't seem directly tied to its quality since it was a reasonable offer for this line.
Thanks for the feedback on the RAM suggestion. I remember hearing about problems with the Core Ultra 7 recently. How is it performing now? Compared to the Core Ultra, there are some reasons why Intel could still be worth looking into today.
I might have misunderstood then. Could you clarify why Intel could still be a good fit for your needs? It seems the 265k model matches the 9900x and offers better value. But what else should I know? AMD currently leads in gaming performance if that's accurate. Also, is the correct Intel platform already set, meaning newer CPUs might not work?
I think it is more water cooling is going to fail eventually. Depends if more money spent increases the life. There is also the rare issue of water leaks.
You can get a air cooler in the same price range that will cool just as well and the worst can happen is you have to replace a fan.
I guess it depends why you want a water cooler. If you look at the cooler testing on this and many other sites you will find is air coolers are as good and many times better until you get to 360 water coolers. Those can cool some of the very power hungry cpu when you overclock them that air coolers can not.
I noticed you chose the AIO because it was a solid option at $40. I use a Corsair H100i in my previous setup, and it seems to be performing well so far. If you're considering replacing it with an air fan cooler, any recommendations would be appreciated.
AMD's x3D processors excel in gaming. It's unclear if the Arrow Lake lineup will receive an update, honestly.