F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Feedback on 70% productivity, 30% gaming PC build, thanks!

Feedback on 70% productivity, 30% gaming PC build, thanks!

Feedback on 70% productivity, 30% gaming PC build, thanks!

L
livtheviking
Posting Freak
846
03-03-2025, 07:34 AM
#1
Hello, here are the parts and the background information provided.
(Updated: Switched PSU and Motherboard according to suggestions, thank you).
Components
: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/NHBkt7
UPDATED Components
: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/kdzQbL
Why this new build?
I require a more efficient productivity PC with upgrade potential (AM5 over AM4 is my choice now) to ensure it remains functional for over four years. I aim for solid value, so I’m opting for 32 GB of RAM and 2 TB of storage instead of 1 TB. Please confirm this setup is sound.
Approximate Purchase Date:
I expect to order within the next two weeks.
Budget Range:
Around $800 to $950 total after taxes and shipping.
System Usage from Most to Least Important:
70% productivity (mainly 20-30 browser windows and one or two demanding programs running simultaneously). 30% gaming (currently 1080p, with GPU upgrade planned in 2-3 years).
Are you purchasing a monitor? No, I already have a 1080p display and won’t upgrade it until I acquire a different GPU.
Parts to Upgrade: Only the GPU needs replacement.
Do you need an operating system? Yes. Any recommended sources?
Preferred Website(s) for Parts:
Reputable sites are fine; Aliexpress is acceptable.
Location:
Texas, no nearby microcenter.
Overclocking: Mabe
L
livtheviking
03-03-2025, 07:34 AM #1

Hello, here are the parts and the background information provided.
(Updated: Switched PSU and Motherboard according to suggestions, thank you).
Components
: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/NHBkt7
UPDATED Components
: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/kdzQbL
Why this new build?
I require a more efficient productivity PC with upgrade potential (AM5 over AM4 is my choice now) to ensure it remains functional for over four years. I aim for solid value, so I’m opting for 32 GB of RAM and 2 TB of storage instead of 1 TB. Please confirm this setup is sound.
Approximate Purchase Date:
I expect to order within the next two weeks.
Budget Range:
Around $800 to $950 total after taxes and shipping.
System Usage from Most to Least Important:
70% productivity (mainly 20-30 browser windows and one or two demanding programs running simultaneously). 30% gaming (currently 1080p, with GPU upgrade planned in 2-3 years).
Are you purchasing a monitor? No, I already have a 1080p display and won’t upgrade it until I acquire a different GPU.
Parts to Upgrade: Only the GPU needs replacement.
Do you need an operating system? Yes. Any recommended sources?
Preferred Website(s) for Parts:
Reputable sites are fine; Aliexpress is acceptable.
Location:
Texas, no nearby microcenter.
Overclocking: Mabe

I
Inuyashalover
Junior Member
10
03-03-2025, 07:34 AM
#2
I wouldn't recommend using that Apevia PSU in your build if you're mindful of the cost. Consider this alternative:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/xf...ie...mag-a650gl
You can use the non-X version of the Ryzen 5 7600 and stick with a stock cooler until you can afford an aftermarket one later. Also, think about using two SSDs—one for the operating system and AP launchers, and another for your game library or scratch space.
Need a more efficient productivity PC?
Productivity often depends on which apps put the most strain on the system, so the community can help fine-tune your setup.
I
Inuyashalover
03-03-2025, 07:34 AM #2

I wouldn't recommend using that Apevia PSU in your build if you're mindful of the cost. Consider this alternative:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/xf...ie...mag-a650gl
You can use the non-X version of the Ryzen 5 7600 and stick with a stock cooler until you can afford an aftermarket one later. Also, think about using two SSDs—one for the operating system and AP launchers, and another for your game library or scratch space.
Need a more efficient productivity PC?
Productivity often depends on which apps put the most strain on the system, so the community can help fine-tune your setup.

D
Darsel
Junior Member
5
03-03-2025, 07:34 AM
#3
Certainly choose another motherboard and power supply.
Here are some recent reviews of AMD B650 motherboards that can help you decide:
New budget-friendly AMD B650 motherboard reviews
Manufacturers often update existing boards, but this batch is all entry-level and recently launched...
www.techspot.com
A comprehensive AMD B650 motherboard review covering 35 tested models
The process involved several months of thorough testing to compile our AMD B650 motherboard roundup.
www.techspot.com
Power supply information from Apevia is frequently inaccurate.
HWBusters is a reliable source for PSUs, and you can find recommendations there:
https://hwbusters.com/
Alternatively, a less detailed but generally trustworthy list in the A/B category is available here:
https://cultists.network/140/psu-tier-list/
D
Darsel
03-03-2025, 07:34 AM #3

Certainly choose another motherboard and power supply.
Here are some recent reviews of AMD B650 motherboards that can help you decide:
New budget-friendly AMD B650 motherboard reviews
Manufacturers often update existing boards, but this batch is all entry-level and recently launched...
www.techspot.com
A comprehensive AMD B650 motherboard review covering 35 tested models
The process involved several months of thorough testing to compile our AMD B650 motherboard roundup.
www.techspot.com
Power supply information from Apevia is frequently inaccurate.
HWBusters is a reliable source for PSUs, and you can find recommendations there:
https://hwbusters.com/
Alternatively, a less detailed but generally trustworthy list in the A/B category is available here:
https://cultists.network/140/psu-tier-list/

A
Angel_MP
Member
174
03-03-2025, 07:34 AM
#4
I wouldn't invest that much in the 980 pro. A better option would be this model:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/DN...-4...w002t0c101
For the PSU, I'd recommend:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Bj...ul...850g-bkcus
If you need PCIe 5.0 SSD support, check this one:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/fF...ic...s-elite-ax
A
Angel_MP
03-03-2025, 07:34 AM #4

I wouldn't invest that much in the 980 pro. A better option would be this model:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/DN...-4...w002t0c101
For the PSU, I'd recommend:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Bj...ul...850g-bkcus
If you need PCIe 5.0 SSD support, check this one:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/fF...ic...s-elite-ax

M
morrisyee2015
Junior Member
8
03-03-2025, 07:34 AM
#5
I share Lucky's view, the Samsung 980 pro is too expensive for its price. You could get a Crucial P3 Plus for fifty dollars less, and those savings could go toward a better power supply or motherboard.
M
morrisyee2015
03-03-2025, 07:34 AM #5

I share Lucky's view, the Samsung 980 pro is too expensive for its price. You could get a Crucial P3 Plus for fifty dollars less, and those savings could go toward a better power supply or motherboard.

C
CSBunnyz7
Member
50
03-03-2025, 07:34 AM
#6
I’d consider swapping the cooler and NVMe setup. RAM remains acceptable, though I’m more confident in G.Skill. Regarding RAM specifically, since gaming isn’t a priority, stock or JEDEC options would be more affordable. Higher latency RAM might cost less, but AMD CPUs vary in performance, so it’s unclear if that would be beneficial.

PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor ($157.00)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 36 CPU Cooler ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI Micro ATX AM5 ($163.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 ($112.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: TEAMGROUP MP44L 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD ($112.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PNY Blower GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11 GB ($160.00)
Case: Deepcool CH370 MicroATX Mid Tower ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: MSI MAG A650GL 650 W (80+ Gold Certified, Modular ATX) ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $886.93 (shipping, taxes, discounts applied)
Generated by PCPartPicker
2024-05-16 18:00 EDT-0400
The P3 Plus offers great value, but I believe the MP44 provides better reliability. Both options are solid.
C
CSBunnyz7
03-03-2025, 07:34 AM #6

I’d consider swapping the cooler and NVMe setup. RAM remains acceptable, though I’m more confident in G.Skill. Regarding RAM specifically, since gaming isn’t a priority, stock or JEDEC options would be more affordable. Higher latency RAM might cost less, but AMD CPUs vary in performance, so it’s unclear if that would be beneficial.

PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor ($157.00)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 36 CPU Cooler ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI Micro ATX AM5 ($163.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 ($112.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: TEAMGROUP MP44L 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD ($112.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PNY Blower GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11 GB ($160.00)
Case: Deepcool CH370 MicroATX Mid Tower ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: MSI MAG A650GL 650 W (80+ Gold Certified, Modular ATX) ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $886.93 (shipping, taxes, discounts applied)
Generated by PCPartPicker
2024-05-16 18:00 EDT-0400
The P3 Plus offers great value, but I believe the MP44 provides better reliability. Both options are solid.