Configure your new gaming build with optimal settings.
Configure your new gaming build with optimal settings.
Hey there, so I haven't assembled a PC in years and to be honest, I've only adjusted the BIOS or settings a bit outside of game configurations. I'm curious if there are any updates, changes, or programs I should install or modify. I've seen a lot of videos about EXPO discussing CPUs, RAM, and motherboards, but I'm not sure what they mean. The components are expected to arrive within a week, so I wanted to be prepared by then. If anyone has advice, that would be great! The build includes: GPU-PowerColor Radeon RX 9070 XT, 16GB GDDR6, CPU-AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D at 4.7GHz, a MOBO-GIGABYTE X870E Wi-Fi 7, AORUS ELITE, and a Corsair RM850x. I also have a Samsung SSD (2TB, M.2 2280, PCIe 4.0), an NVMe cooler, and a dual-channel case with RGB lighting. Thanks in advance!
Use Ninite to download and install all necessary apps at once. It’s really handy. Also, consider Heaven Benchmark to test your system performance and ensure everything works smoothly.
This list is really helpful. The AIO might be too much for your 9800X3D, but it’s nice if you’re going for style. EXPO is AMD’s way to boost RAM speeds, similar to XMP on Intel systems. They’re essentially the same feature. If you need help enabling EXPO 1, just follow the steps in the BIOS—usually found in the main menu. Make sure to install all necessary drivers and chipset updates from the motherboard site. I’m happy to walk you through it if you’d like. In my view, the build is solid—9.4 out of 10. Nice parts, solid PSU, perfect RAM. Yes, I own a 9800X3D and have adjusted BIOS settings before.
Chipset drivers are crucial and it makes sense to include LAN/WIFI drivers just in case Windows lacks them. You should have a tool to track updates, such as hwinfo. If you don’t have a USB drive with the Windows 11 installer prepared, you might want to create one (note: formatting may be needed). When assembling, avoid using a phone or another PC unless necessary, and consider photographing the motherboard manual’s front panel (power switch, LEDs, etc.). It’s best to ensure you have a reference available, since watching YouTube tutorials for specific tasks—like CPU coolers—can be very useful.
For someone just starting out, it's better to choose something simpler and easier to handle. I don't see the point in using 360mm rads, an X870E board, or a PCIE 5.0 M.2 when it doesn't add value. A more beginner-friendly setup would work well. Just remember, no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth needed—those can be added later. For example, you could use the CPU listed here: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 3.9 GHz, 6-core processor ($229.99 at Best Buy), a Pure Rock 3 59.6 CFM cooler ($35.90 on Amazon), an ASRock B850M Pro RS Micro ATX AM5 motherboard ($149.99 at Amazon), Silicon Power XPOWER Pulse Gaming 32 GB DDR5-6000 CL36 memory ($67.48 at Amazon), a Patriot P400 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVMe SSD ($67.98 at Amazon), and a PowerColor Hellhound OC Radeon RX 9070 16 GB video card ($835.00 at Amazon). Storage: a Patriot P400 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVMe drive ($67.98 at Amazon). For the graphics, consider the PowerColor Hellhound OC Radeon RX 9070 16 GB ($835) or the G.Skill LT1 MicroATX case ($69.98). Power supply: Cooler Master MWE Gold 850 V3 850W (certified 80+ Gold, $104.99 at Amazon). Case fans: Pure Wings 3 49.9 CFM and 57.4 CFM options available ($9.99-$13.90 each) and can be chosen later. All prices include shipping, taxes, and any discounts."
Begin by preparing your Tiny11 boot drive. Next, obtain the chipset, LAN, and GPU drivers, then transfer them onto your USB storage device. After putting together the components, you won’t need to adjust the BIOS settings. Activate EXPO / XMP during OS installation, but keep it disabled temporarily. Proceed with Windows updates, followed by installing the remaining software. Finally, return to the BIOS and turn on the full capacity of your RAM.
Currently, most tasks require minimal effort. Back in the day, platforms like AM5 presented challenges, but today's products usually come ready to use. For Windows 10 or 11, you typically don't need to manage drivers—except perhaps for the graphics card driver. Updates should handle this automatically. You can visit the manufacturer’s site and download the latest versions yourself if needed, but it’s often unnecessary. The same applies to modern UEFI BIOS; it identifies your hardware and applies optimal settings at startup, or lets you choose between default and custom options. Optimized configurations include features like EXPO/XMP enabled by default, correct boot order, and proper settings. Check the BIOS settings to ensure everything aligns with your preferences.
Software and games are usually sufficient. For peripherals, RGB control tools and fan management apps may be useful if needed. Mouse and fan controls can often be adjusted via software.
Regarding drivers: contrary to common belief, you don’t need frequent updates. Most drivers install automatically. GPU drivers are special because they apply game-specific tweaks. Playing the latest games regularly keeps them updated, but it’s not always advisable—older games with stable drivers rarely require changes. Any adjustments beyond basic settings should be researched carefully.
Be wary of myths: disabling pagefile when you have over 32GB RAM isn’t recommended. Avoid making changes unless you understand the impact. Follow reliable sources and avoid blindly following others’ advice.
Okay guys, I'm almost done with the build but I have no clue how to do the cables for PSU. It seems this MOBO has two 8 pins connectors to the CPU. Should I use both ? As for the rest of PSU, beside the MOBO connector,CPU Connector and GPU connector do I need any extra ones for SSD,CPU Cooler or other case fans ? Sorry if it's a dumb question and thanks in advance. As for BIOS, from what I heard there is the EXPO that's easy to do (advance mode, tweaker and EXPO 1 at XMP/EXPO profile and there is also undervoltage that could help but I'm not to sure about it (it's really that big of a change or it's stock just fine without doing anything else beside EXPO? I don't wanna go hard into overclocking n stuff)
I got the PC up and turned on EXPO without any other changes to the BIOS or overclocking. I ran some 3D Mark tests, but most scores were average—usually between 100 and 500 points depending on the run. Regarding the sound, it’s a bit loud in games (you can hear it clearly through your headphones at full volume), and I’m not sure if it’s suitable for my build or if adjusting the cooler settings would help.