Creating my top-tier gaming setup starts with choosing the right components.
Creating my top-tier gaming setup starts with choosing the right components.
Hey everyone, I'm setting up my first high-end PC and am trying to decide between an AMD and an Intel build. Many people suggest AMD for better value, but in the Dutch market I'm finding it tricky. The cheaper CPU options (3700x vs 9700k) seem tempting, yet I end up spending more on a pricier motherboard and RAM because AMD setups usually need faster RAM with tighter timings. Is there something I'm overlooking? I'm new to PC building and really appreciate any advice. My GPU will be the 2080 Super.
You have a solid setup with an AMD 3700 and the 2080 Super. For gaming, I’d recommend Intel if you prefer, but the 9700k paired with the 2080 Super works great too. Could you tell me what games you intend to play? What gaming resolution are you targeting? With an AMD build, you’ll enjoy the fan sounds from the X570 chipset. You could also upgrade to an x470 by flashing the BIOS and other tweaks.
You can power a 3700X using devices such as MSI's B450 Tomahawk MAX. These options are affordable and include BIOS support for the 3000 series.
Sure, I'll take a look. You mentioned needing a newer motherboard, and I'm curious about the memory options.
3200Mhz CL14 or 3600Mhz CL16 tend to perform similarly, often matching prices around 3000Mhz options thanks to lower costs. I've noticed some 3600Mhz CL16 models available at lower prices during promotions. If the local market conditions are comparable, the price difference shouldn't be significant.
The 9700k performs almost the same as a 9900k in gaming. What else do you use on your PC? If gaming is your focus, go with a 9700k paired with a 2080 graphics card and 3200 or 3600Mhz RAM. AMD urgently seeks quicker, lower latency RAM, while Intel offers comparable results without strict requirements.