Confirmed: Is this a suitable setup for playing video games?
Confirmed: Is this a suitable setup for playing video games?
Greetings, I’m constructing my second computer system for gaming and currently believe I've selected components that offer excellent value. However, I have a few inquiries regarding certain aspects of my build.
Here’s the current configuration:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/GHJp8M
I’m curious to know if it would be feasible to replace the all-in-one liquid cooler with a traditional air cooler without causing temperature problems. While I don’t intend to aggressively overclock, I'd like the possibility of doing so in the future. Therefore, if anyone suggests any components that could be upgraded for a more advantageous price point, I would appreciate the advice. My goal is to ensure compatibility with all games and feel these selections represent the most cost-effective choices. Please advise on whether any modifications are recommended. Thank you!
This PC component list, compiled on PCPartPicker, outlines the following hardware configuration:
A Ryzen 7 3800X processor with a clock speed of 3.9 GHz and eight cores, priced at $369.99 from Amazon, will be cooled by an EVGA CLC 280 liquid cooler costing $127.95 from Amazon. A Gigabyte X570 AORUS ELITE WIFI motherboard (ATX, AM4) is listed at $209.99 from Amazon. The system will utilize 16 GB of G.Skill Trident Z Neo DDR4-3600 memory, purchased for $109.99 from Newegg. Storage will consist of an Intel 660p Series 1.02 TB M.2-2280 NVME solid state drive, costing $97.99 from Newegg. A Gigabyte Radeon RX 5700 XT video card is available for $403.98 from Newegg. The build will be housed in a Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic ATX full tower case, priced at $128.99 from Newegg. Finally, a SeaSonic FOCUS Gold 750 W power supply (80+ Gold certified, semi-modular ATX) is priced at $107.10 from Amazon.
PC Part Picker Component List:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/WwNYHB
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 3800X – 3.9 GHz with 8 cores ($369.99 from Amazon)
Cooler: EVGA CLC 280 – 113.5 CFM Liquid Cooler ($127.95 from Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte X570 AORUS ELITE WIFI – ATX AM4 Motherboard ($209.99 from Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z Neo – 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 ($109.99 from Amazon)
Storage: Intel 660p Series – 1.02 TB M.2-2280 NVMe Solid State Drive ($97.99 from Newegg)
Graphics Card: Gigabyte Radeon RX 5700 XT – 8 GB GAMING OC Video Card ($403.98 from Newegg)
Case: Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic – ATX Full Tower Case ($128.99 from Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Gold – 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply ($107.10 from Amazon)
Total: $1555.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts where applicable.
This is my suggested configuration.
The Ryzen 7 3800X is preferable to the Intel 9700K due to its multi-threading capabilities and value for money. I wouldn’t recommend spending more than $350 on a CPU without multi-core processing power.
EVGA's 280mm cooler offers the most effective cooling performance. A 360mm configuration is only necessary if you plan to replace the included fans with higher-RPM models, as 360mm coolers often deliver comparable cooling to 280mm units due to their slower fan speeds.
An X570 motherboard is ideal for Ryzen processors, providing PCIe 4 and Wi-Fi 6 compatibility.
The Trident Z Neo is optimized for AMD systems with CAS latency of 16 and DDR4 memory running at 3600 MHz, which can improve frame rates in games.
The Intel 660p NVMe drive is the fastest and most cost-effective option for storage. It represents the best value in the NVMe market.
Avoid bronze-rated power supplies – invest in a quality one like SeaSonic, providing 750 watts and boasting an 80+ Gold certification.
The case and graphics card have aesthetically pleasing designs.
Contemporary gaming has achieved a level of parity. It’s necessary to consider upcoming advancements unless you intend to continually refresh your hardware every two years. Individuals who previously acquired a 6600K assumed four cores were sufficient, yet within two years they began expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of their processors in games.
Thank you, I realize I initially requested a motherboard in the vicinity of $1600, but would it be possible to find an alternative option at a lower price? Alternatively, does this particular motherboard represent the most suitable choice given my existing components?
You could save money. I chose the most affordable option, and any X570 motherboard will be suitable for routine use and gaming alike.
In practical terms, a high-performance i7-9700K, especially when pushed beyond its standard settings, can sometimes achieve marginally quicker results than a Ryzen 3800X in modern games—particularly when visuals aren't the primary bottleneck. You might observe somewhat improved frame rates in certain titles displayed on a 1080p monitor with a high refresh rate, although the difference in overall performance is likely minimal, particularly if you’re aiming for resolutions beyond 1080p.
The Ryzen processor utilizes SMT technology, which permits it to deliver enhanced performance when numerous processing cores are actively utilized—a feature that Intel traditionally limits to its more expensive i9 models. While most contemporary games don’t typically demand a large number of threads, this could become more beneficial as game development progresses toward increased multi-threaded workloads. Furthermore, selecting the 3700X over the 3800X could represent a cost-saving measure, as they are remarkably similar processors with only a minor variation in clock speeds.
Additionally, it’s reasonable to anticipate needing a less expensive cooling solution due to the processors' improved energy efficiency and subsequently reduced heat output under heavy loads.
Could the 3700X function adequately with any game at near-maximum settings? I am assembling a computer system designed to thoroughly excel on the latest Red Dead Redemption 2 for PC.
Your current Intel build is exceptionally strong for gaming, though it’s slightly inferior to the 9900K. I recommend upgrading the storage unit to a faster, more affordable NVMe drive such as the Crucial P1. Additionally, your chosen case is well-suited for All-in-One coolers, but it won't accommodate the tallest air coolers.
PCPartPicker Build List:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/n6pDx6
Processor: Intel Core i7-9700K 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor – $359.99 (Best Buy)
Cooler: Corsair H150i PRO 47.3 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler – $179.99 (Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI MPG Z390 GAMING PRO CARBON ATX LGA1151 Motherboard – $159.99 (Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory – $99.99 (Newegg)
Storage: Crucial P1 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive – $95.99 (Amazon)
Graphics Card: Gigabyte Radeon RX 5700 XT 8 GB GAMING OC Video Card – $403.98 (Newegg)
Case: Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic ATX Full Tower Case – $128.99 (Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G3 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply – $104.99 (Amazon)
Total: $1533.91
Prices include shipping, taxes and any available discounts, as determined by PCPartPicker on 2019-11-08 20:32 EST-0500