I'm starting a fresh PC build after seven years
I'm starting a fresh PC build after seven years
For your RAM, consider the Neo series if you're aiming for G.Skill kits. These kits include AMD's E.X.P.O technology. Regarding speed, DDR5-6000MHz is an option, but if you can find higher frequency kits with low latency, that's better. In 2025, for casual gaming, 32GB is typical. If you need more than just gaming—multitasking and productivity—opt for a 64GB build.
I usually assemble systems with standalone SSDs, typically 500GB. A larger drive can serve as a game library. For content creation, an HDD is ideal to store finished projects. If you're after performance, consider an Arctic Liquid Freezer III instead of the Coolermaster AIO. The choice of case depends on personal preference.
Fans, you might want to explore Noctua for top-tier fans if you prioritize quiet operation.
Thank you. Ok will have one SSD for OS and one for games, will use Neo RAM with E.X.P.O. and will change the AIO. Any thoughts on the motherboard, anyone?
I enjoy the Asus ROG Strix X870E. You might want to check this out.
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813119682
I don't think so, not worth it. I don't think personally I would go with most of the Tom's best build list. Edit I would follow this format and you can probably get a better build for the money. *How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice* How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice First off, respect where respect is due - this is an adaptation of the Animal's *How To Ask For New Build Advice* Sticky. I created this because there's a lot of posts nowadays asking for upgrade advice both on here and on the CPU forums, and I feel... forums.
I believe adhering strictly to Tom's list format isn't ideal because it limits flexibility and clarity.
It's easy enough to fit two more DIMMs to an existing mobo, provided it has empty memory slots, but that's where the problems sometimes start. If you're thinking of upgrading from 32GB (2x16GB DIMMs) to 64GB (4x16GB) DIMMs at a later date, this can lead to stability problems. For a start, it's better if all the DIMMs are precisely matched, i.e. if you want 4 DIMMs, buy a single kit that contains 4 DIMMs, not two pairs of DIMMs, that despite having the same part number, will not be exactly matched. They'll most likely be from two different batches and different bins. Then there's the problem that many systems become less stable when running 4 DIMMs. If you manage to run an AMD X3D CPU at XMP 6000MT/s on 2 DIMMs, you may have to drop the speed to something closer to JEDEC 4800MT/s to maintain stability on 4 DIMMs. In some instances, the mobo/cpu manufacturers may specify even lower speeds for stability with 4 DIMMs, e.g. 4200 or 3800MT/s. It's far better to fit two DIMMs than four, so buy 2x32GB if you think you might need 64GB in the foreseeable future. Forget what the memory manufacturer states on the label. Just because a DIMM is rated a 6000, 7000 or 8000MT/s, doesn't mean it will work at that speed in all systems. AMD CPUs can be more difficult to run at high XMP speeds than Intel CPUs. Similarly, just because a mobo manufacturer states their board can be clocked up to DDR5-7200, doesn't mean you'll achieve that speed with all combinations of RAM and CPU. Are you talking about NVidia's professional RTX 6000 Ada Lovelace 48GB workstation GPUs, or a successor to the latest gaming CPUs? Here's a nice example on NewEgg of an RTX 6000 at $9,879.90. Wish I could afford one for my editing rig. https://www.newegg.com/p/1FT-000P-00622 Buy now before global prices increase. If you have money to spare, buy whatever you can afford, but if you're building a gaming system, some of the extra facilities on an expensive mobo might never get used. Most motherboards will accept an RTX 5090, even mATX form. You need a PCIe x16 length slot, a big PSU and a suitable case. You don't necessarily need an 870E to run a 5090. Many motherboards come with integral heatsinks for M.2 drives. If you buy an NVMe SSD with a glued-on heatsink, you'll have to discard the mobo heatsink panel, which does nothing for the aesthetics. If you see metalwork covering parts of a motherboard near the PCIe slots, they often act as heatsinks for M.2 drives hidden underneath. I've never used an AIO, preferring big air coolers, like the Thermaltake Phantom Spirit 120 (cheap) or the Noctua NH-D15 (expensive), but they're massive chunks of metal and won't fit in smaller cases. You might gain additional CPU boost performance (100-200 MHz?) with a big 420mm AIO (triple 140mm fan radiator) over air cooling, if you want to push your processor way past 200W.
This stylish white build offers a solid foundation. I focused heavily on appearance and ample storage for ease of use. I also opted for premium components, allowing significant customization based on your budget. Check it out:
PC Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 4.7 GHz 8-Core Processor
($491.41 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler:
Lian Li HydroShift LCD 360R RGB 79.9 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
($199.99 @ Newegg Sellers)
Motherboard:
Gigabyte X870 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE ATX AM5 Motherboard
($279.99 @ Amazon)
Memory:
G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory
($109.99 @ Amazon)
Storage:
Crucial T705 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 5.0 X4 NVME SSD
($154.99 @ Amazon)
Storage:
Western Digital WD_Black SN850X 8 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($511.78 @ Amazon)
Video Card:
Sapphire PURE Radeon RX 9070 XT 16 GB Video Card
($679.99)
Case:
be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow ATX Mid Tower Case
($109.75 @ Amazon)
Power Supply:
FSP Group Hydro PTM X PRO,Gen5 1000 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
($169.99 @ Newegg Sellers)
Case Fan:
be quiet! Pure Wings 3 PWM High-Speed 72.2 CFM 140 mm Fan
($11.90 @ Amazon)
Case Fan:
be quiet! Pure Wings 3 PWM High-Speed 72.2 CFM 140 mm Fan
($11.90 @ Amazon)
Overall Cost: $2731.68
Includes shipping, taxes, and any applicable discounts
Created by
PCPartPicker
2025-03-05 14:45 EST-0500
I’m pleased to provide answers to your inquiries.
The cooler review highlights that optimizing the fan curve effectively addresses its main limitation, which can be configured within the BIOS of the motherboard for AIO fans. If noise becomes excessive, reducing the maximum RPM at typical gaming temperatures helps. Arctic freezer AIO models perform well, though finding a compatible case can be challenging due to their thicker radiators (38mm) compared to standard 25-27mm. Generally, thicker radiators enhance performance but may reduce case fit. I haven’t encountered significant quality control issues with Lian Li AIOs beyond the usual expectations.
The same SSD in a 4TB configuration proves highly effective, which is why it was included in the revised build.
For the motherboard, it supports overclocking within the capabilities of the CPU and RAM selected. It features four M.2 NVMe slots, making an upgrade to the newer versions unnecessary.
Below is a comparison chart illustrating the differences in chipset options.
USB 4.0 proves beneficial when transferring large amounts of data between the PC and external devices or when using USB hubs; it offers similar functionality with improved speed.
Adding a NEO kit of RAM was considered, though most available kits function adequately even without an EXPO profile, with some optimizations enhancing compatibility and performance.
Regarding the graphics card, opt for any 5000 Nvidia or 9000 AMD model you can obtain; older or refurbished options are also viable alternatives.
A 1000W PSU is sufficient for a 5090 now and in two years. I paired your system with a reliable PSU, but switched it later due to reports of increased noise under load. Since you may eventually get a 5090, the previous PSU will likely be louder more often. The alternative PSU I used is among the top choices on the market, ensuring efficient conversion of AC to DC power and offering strong warranties—typically 10+ years.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 4.7 GHz 8-Core Processor ($543.19 @ Amazon)
Cooler: Lian Li HydroShift LCD 360R RGB 79.9 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($199.99 @ Newegg Sellers)
Motherboard: Gigabyte X870 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE ATX AM5 ($279.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6400 CL30 ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial T705 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 5.0 X4 NVME SSD ($154.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital WD_Black SN850X 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD ($279.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire PURE Radeon RX 9070 XT 16 GB ($679.99)
Case: be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.90 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: FSP Group Hydro Ti PRO,Gen 5 1000 W 80+ Titanium Certified Fully Modular ATX ($249.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: be quiet! Pure Wings 3 PWM High-Speed 72.2 CFM 140 mm ($12.90 @ Newegg)
Total: $2633.82 (incl. shipping, taxes, and discounts)
Generated by PCPartPicker
2025-03-06 03:35 EST-0500