Is the latest version robust? Are there any adjustments needed in line with your financial limits?
Is the latest version robust? Are there any adjustments needed in line with your financial limits?
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to construct a new desktop and have explored various components that fit my requirements and budget. I’ve decided to stick with AMD and avoid an Intel setup. My design preferences lean toward a fully white build with a strong RGB aesthetic, so these aspects are important for me.
As a graphic designer who relies on Adobe software, frequently multitasks, and enjoys gaming, these features are essential. My current build will prioritize design work, which is why I’m focusing on components that support this workflow.
Below are the parts I’ve identified as compatible, along with any suggestions or adjustments to help me stay within my £1250 budget.
Case: NZXT H6 Flow
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9900x
CPU Cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer III ARGB White
RAM: G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 64GB DDR5 6000MHz
Motherboard: GIGABYTE X870 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE
GPU: MSI Nvidia Geforce RTX 3060 12GB (swapped from previous build)
Storage: SAMSUNG 990 PRO M.2 Internal SSD
PSU: Corsair CS650M (swapped from prior build)
Fans:
NZXT F120 RGB 120mm (rear)
Arctic P14 PWM PST A-RGB 140mm (bottom)
Budget stands at £1250, which includes the cost of the GPU and PSU.
Feel free to reach out if you have any advice or recommendations.
Best regards,
Lewis
Welcome to the forums, newcomer! CPU Cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer III ARGB White Artic's Liquid Freezer III comes in various sizes, which one have you listed in your build? PSU: Corsair CS650M (swapping from my previous build to new) That's the green labelled unit from Corsair, isn't it? How old is this unit? I wouldn't have it anywhere near your new build, since that's a horrible unit. You're advised to stylize your post with info asked of in this thread; *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. including the names of the app's, titles and tasks you wish to task your proposed build with, not to mention the absolute budget you have allocated towards said build. I've listed some parts below that are compatible and looking for any advice/changes that meet my budget. List your parts on PCPartPicker and then parsed a link for us to see if there's room for fine tuning.
Hey!
I'm choosing the 360mm cooler since I don't have extra money for another PSU, and it fits the remaining budget for the new build power.
Hi everyone,
I’m seeking some guidance on this build I’ve put together. I’ve included notes below to help with direction and criteria. Below is the build I’m currently evaluating.
I’m a Graphic Designer aiming to balance work, multitasking, and productivity, with gaming as a secondary focus.
Case: NZXT H6 Flow
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9900x
CPU Cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer III ARGB White
RAM: G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 64GB DDR5 6000MHz
Motherboard: GIGABYTE X870 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ICE
GPU: MSI Nvidia Geforce RTX 3060 12GB (swapped from previous build)
Storage: SAMSUNG 990 PRO M.2 Internal SSD
PSU: Corsair CS650M (swapped from previous build)
Fans:
NZXT F120 RGB 120mm (rear)
Arctic P14 PWM PST A-RGB 140mm (bottom)
Approximate Purchase Date:
Hopefully this week.
Budget Range:
£800 - £1250
System Usage from Most to Least Important:
Prioritizing productivity and multitasking, with gaming as a secondary need.
Monitor Inquiry:
No
Parts to Upgrade:
CPU, Motherboard, RAM, CPU Cooler, SSD, Case, Fans
OS Purchase Needed:
No
Preferred Parts Sources:
UK-based trusted sites such as Amazon, Scan, CCL, eBuyer, Overclockers.
Location:
United Kingdom
Parts Preferences: AMD, Corsair, G.Skill, Arctic, NZXT
Overclocking Intent:
Unlikely.
Monitor Resolution:
1920x1080 - 144hz
Additional Notes:
I’m aiming for a robust system that’s visually appealing, powerful, and quiet. This build will be mostly white with black components where possible. I prefer AMD builds and want to avoid Intel. Most importantly, I need to understand why I’m making this upgrade.
Looking forward to your thoughts.
I think I'll begin by evaluating your motherboard choice. Unless you're 100% sure you need WiFi 7, a lot of IO, and all those extra expansion ports, I'd prefer something less demanding. The overall budget balance gets a bit uncertain when the board price matches a mid-range CPU cost. This situation makes me reconsider the computer's overall value if the board is priced similarly to a mid-tier processor.
The ROG Strix B650 could be a decent option; but if you're certain you shouldn't opt for something else and instead want to invest more in a graphics card, extra storage, or simply more cash, then the X870 board will still work well for you.
I'm assuming you selected a 2x32 gigabyte configuration, since you didn't mention otherwise. If you went with the alternative, two 2x16 boards, I'd prefer a single 2x32 unit. A standard 2x32 kit is generally more affordable and lets you expand to 128 gigabytes later if needed. For your RAM, opt for a kit with tighter timings compared to the G.Skill model—though the difference is only a couple percent, it could still be a good value if it doesn't add extra cost. Think about this.
The Corsair Vengeance kit or, for a more aggressive build, the Corsair Dominator Titanium set are both viable choices. Both options are priced similarly to or lower than the G.Skill memory and offer better performance thanks to tighter timings.
When it comes to your power supply, it largely depends on its age. If it's only a few years old, it should perform well in this setup. For added security, you might consider adding something like the Corsair RM650, which supports 80+ Gold and features fully modular cables for a sleek look. If you're planning to upgrade your graphics card in a few years—especially with Nvidia's upcoming 5000 series—it might be wise to choose a more robust board to fit your future needs. As mentioned before, a more affordable motherboard could help you stay within your budget, depending on your final decision.
Here is the complete parts list for your reference.
Your suggested build matches my 7950X setup with the same 12GB GTX 3060, but your PSU isn't ideal for a system this powerful.
If you're committed to 650W, the RM650 would be a good choice (I own one in a smaller build). For a 9900X, an RM750 would suit better and I use an RM850 on my 7950X since it offers more SATA power connectors.
Currently, I'm using a Topaz Video AI upscale and my 7950X has reached 184W (without overclocking) while the GTX 3060 is at 170W. I also run Adobe applications; last check showed an average of 350W during rendering.
You're welcome for the reply. For a slightly less demanding setup, I'd suggest sticking with the x870 as your top choice and the X670 as your secondary option. Your current setup should work fine unless you decide to upgrade the PSU later. Let me know if you need more advice!
I now understand that some of the white X870 boards are either unavailable or have inconsistent pricing on PCPartPicker. Nevertheless, this option remains a solid choice.