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?
I see I can secure the 265k for $259 now, compared to the 9700x for $329. Is the $70 difference worth it? Imo it isn't, but I've also noticed the 9700x has dropped to some low prices recently, so maybe it's worth waiting a few more days.
The product you often find on budget-friendly lists with excellent performance is thermalright peerless assign 120. It usually costs just over $35. The main challenge is that there are numerous versions, mostly differing in fan designs. The latest models are only marginally improved.
For high-end LED displays, a new model has just launched and will add around $7 to $8.
You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKkG9Z-_3Ho
de8auer is a well-respected source and supports this choice. He mentions he uses it with a 9800x3d cooler.
There isn’t a significant difference between coolers of similar size and shape, so switching brands should work fine. The main variations usually involve fan speed. All perform similarly at full speed.
PCpartpicker can confirm compatibility, but I recommend double-checking. Memory clearance often comes up as the more difficult aspect on some coolers.
A3-mATX - LIAN LI offers a flexible M-ATX mesh PC case that keeps the chassis compact yet fits big parts. With a moveable PSU bracket, it lets you craft a strong yet slim PC setup suited to your requirements...
lian-li.com
Your case specifications indicate compatibility with air coolers up to 165mm in height. This means roughly 90 percent of such coolers should work. Your choice will hinge on budget, noise sensitivity, and comfort with heat levels.
Options include Thermalright, Deep Cool, and Noctua. If you prefer quieter operation, Noctua is worth considering despite the higher cost.
I own the Corsair 2000D and it's been an excellent ITX choice for SFF and a full-size GPU.
I needed to recheck my desk today after some changes – it seems the Lian Li A3 no longer fits, so I had to move over to a Terra. I’m sure I’ll be bringing back or selling the AIO I received because it might not fit anymore. This also means I’ll have to look for another CPU cooler. Right now my build looks like this:
PCPartPicker Part List:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/mQkgGJ
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9700X 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor ($319.00 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9A-AM5 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.95 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus ROG STRIX B850-I GAMING WIFI Mini ITX AM5 Motherboard ($269.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Silicon Power XPOWER Zenith Gaming 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($199.97 @ Newegg Sellers)
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 ($113.01 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte WINDFORCE OC SFF GeForce RTX 5080 16 GB ($899.00)
Case: Fractal Design Terra Mini ITX Desktop Case ($199.99 @ B&H)
Power Supply: Cooler Master V850 SFX GOLD 850 W (80+ Gold Certified, Fully Modular) ($154.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2267.25
All prices include shipping, taxes, and any available discounts
Let me know your thoughts!
The Terra presents an unusual situation concerning its cooler height. Its suitable cooler sizes are closely linked to those of the video card. Terra was created with a focus on compact gaming setups, featuring design elements like thick aluminum panels, precision CNC cuts, and solid walnut that meets FSC standards. Inside, it...
I think it's fine as long as it doesn't reach 80C+ or 90C, that's what my previous setup handled well. I can increase the cooler temperature and adjust the budget a bit if necessary to fit the heat levels—my main worries are about size and whether the cooler and GPU will fit in the available space. The new case dimensions I have are 44 cm (L) x 22 cm (W) x 20 cm (H), unless there are major changes to the wall or desk. I'm limited on height, so I checked the Terra. If you know of other options, I'd appreciate hearing about them.
What are the size restrictions for placing your case? This unit is available if it fits and can accommodate an AIO.
The dimensions of 44 cm (L) x 22 cm (W) x 20 cm (H) are suitable for the Terra. Another option would be using a desk-mounted desktop mount, though it might be a bit tricky due to space and drilling requirements. If no other alternatives exist, that could work too.
PCPartPicker List of Components
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor
($319.00 @ Newegg)
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:
G.Skill Ripjaws S5 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory
($171.99 @ Newegg)
Storage:
SK Hynix Platinum P41 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage:
SK Hynix Platinum P41 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($129.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card:
Gigabyte WINDFORCE OC SFF GeForce RTX 5080 16 GB Video Card
($899.00)
Case:
Lian Li A3-mATX MicroATX Mini Tower Case
($89.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply:
Montech CENTURY II 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($84.90 @ Amazon)
Case Fan:
Corsair RS120 ARGB 72.8 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack
($54.99 @ Amazon)
Overall Total:
$1999.83
Costs encompass shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
Created by
PCPartPicker
2025-10-06 21:34 EDT-0400