Possible new build
Possible new build
I probably shouldn't do a new build.
My current gaming system is old, i7-4790k/6700xt, 500gb SSD+6tb HD. It actually funs fine, except quirks and slow load times. I should probably replace the storage with SSD is all.
But I've been considering getting a new system. I've ordered a 2TB SSD, an 8TB SSD - I had originally planned to use the first for the OS before learning I should just use the 8TB for OS and games - and 24TB HD for 'more games'. I've also ordered an MSI x870e Carbon motherboard because black friday.
If I'm going to get the rest, it's an AMD 9800x3d - now $450 - and 32gb ram and PS and GPU and case..
I'm leaning toward 9070XT, as I'm not sure whether I'd use it on my 1440p monitor or my 4k TV.
This raises some questions. Which GPU? For example there's Sapphire Nitro, ASROCK Taichi. I'd like basically good, good value, and quiet. The TUF says it's quiet but it's $850.
Which PSU? Is 850w enough, with a little room if I want to add this or that like capture card or sound card? Which one?
Which case? They all seem to have windows now, I prefer solid, but nice looking is 'nice to have'. Needs to have good quality and right size.
Which RAM? It seems suggested to get at least 6000 and CL30, but Newegg only has one meeting that for $350. They have a CL32 for $280.
Welcome any thoughts from why I should just upgrade the storage on my current system and wait on a new system, to suggestions for the specific parts.
Sapphire Pulse is another choice to consider.
Noise review:
https://www.techpowerup.com/review/sapph...se/39.html
In summary, the main distinctions among AIB models lie in power delivery, cooling solutions, noise levels, thermal behavior, and visual appeal. Performance remains consistent across these options, provided you avoid overheating problems.
For a suitable PSU for a PC equipped with a dedicated GPU, Tier A is recommended. Examples include Seasonic Focus/Vertex/PRIME, Corsair RMx/RMi/HXi/AXi, and Super Flower Leadex Gold/Platinum/Titanium.
PSU tier recommendations:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...JW...1973454078
Tier A is ideal, while Tier A+ is preferred.
My two PCs are powered exclusively by Tier A+ PSUs. I own Seasonic PRIME 650 Titanium (Tier A+) and Seasonic PRIME Ultra 650 Titanium (Tier A+). Details and images are attached.
From a wattage perspective, an 850W unit would suffice. The GPU draws about 304W; however, upgrading to a 1kW model is also possible.
At the moment, Montech Century II PSUs offer the best value for Tier A units. Even models with 1050W or 1200W are reasonably priced.
Any unit you're interested in should be evaluated regularly, as personal preference plays a big role—choosing a case is ultimately your decision.
For DDR5 configurations, the optimal settings are either 6000 MT/s at CL30 or 6400 MT/s at CL32.
In my Aurora and Astral builds (specs/pics attached), I run R7 9800X3D CPUs with X870E MoBos, using two 16GB 6400 MT/s CL32 RAM units.
However, if you're concerned about stability, opt for the RAM listed in the MoBo memory QVL list, as I have used it in my previous setups.
It’s actually fine, though there are some quirks and slow load times. I think it would be wise to upgrade the storage to an SSD.
My idea is to dedicate time and effort to fix these issues and boost performance.
An SSD would be a solid first step. Maybe...
Or perhaps just clearing out old files to make more space available.
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I recommend using Windows built-in tools to explore the system, its configuration, and performance.
Utilize Task Manager, Resource Monitor, Performance Monitor, and Process Explorer (Microsoft, free).
Work with all four but focus on one at a time. Keep the tool window open while working or gaming.
The goal is to identify which system resources are being used, how much they consume, and what’s using each one.
For instance, you might find that drive usage increases during "quirks" or when applications load slowly.
Take a closer look at the system—dig deeper.
Here are a few suggestions you might find useful. I noticed the Sapphire Pulse at the end of a list of ranked 9070 xt's, but the Nitro seems more appealing. I’m looking for ideas to compare options.
On a note, it appears to be a choice between 850 and 1000, and I think a solid pick would be best, though I need more details.
Also, I still think upgrading the current setup could work. The 500gb OS SSD and 6tb hard drive seem problematic—replacing both with an 8tb drive might be necessary. I could swap the SSD for a 2tb one instead.
My main game is World of Tanks, which stores replays worth 37gb. It would be frustrating if the SSD fills up, but it might be manageable.
If I go that route, I’d end up with an 8tb SSD and a motherboard ready for a future rebuild.
For instance, the "MSI MPG A1000GS 1000W 80+ Gold PCIE5 Fully Modular Gaming Power Supply" costs $109 and is difficult to choose from many options. It's unclear which features are most beneficial or available.
Solid and high-quality PSU, Tier A.
The power supply offers numerous connectors for various hardware components in the PC. However, the main points are:
- 24-pin ATX - MoBo power
- 8-pin EPS - CPU power
- 12V-2x6 - GPU power (RTX 40-series and 50-series)
- 8-pin PCI-E - GPU power (Radeon, RTX 30-series and earlier)
- 6-pin PCI-E - GPU power (for weaker GPUs, e.g., GTX 1650)
- SATA - 2.5" SSD or 3.5" HDD power (also supports other add-in cards and devices)
- MOLEX - for powering any add-on device, such as fans. It serves as a predecessor to the SATA power connector.
There are three alternatives that clearly don't justify the lower price:
6400 CL32 for $280
https://www.newegg.com/g-skill-trid...82...ByNewegg=1
6000 CL 28 for $350
https://www.newegg.com/g-skill-trid...82...ByNewegg=1
6400 CL32 for $220
https://www.newegg.com/v-color-32gb...00...ByNewegg=1
I'm uncertain about whether your i7-4790K motherboard includes an M.2 port, though if it resembles my Gigabyte board with an i7-4770K, the slot supports just two PCIe lanes. The Kingston 1TB NVMe Gen. 3 drive operates at around 800MB/s, which is only marginally quicker than a SATA SSD at 500MB/s.
To enhance performance, consider installing an NVMe drive if feasible, or opt for a Samsung 980 SATA SSD equipped with DRAM cache (500GB, 1TB or 2TB). I frequently restart old systems using SATA drives without DRAM cache, and they lag behind the Samung 870. However, the Patriot Burst offers less than half the cost per gigabyte compared to the Samung 870.
Assuming you've already overclocked your K-series CPU, I'm running three i7-4770K units at a gentle 4.1GHz with a fixed Vcore of 1.250V. Increasing the speed would require raising the Vcore and prioritizing longevity over higher throughput. Similarly, with 1,866MT/s or 2,133MT/s DDR3 RAM, performance will improve slightly.
When I assembled my 7950X in 2022, I chose two 32GB DDR5-4800 modules; other components were significantly pricier. Switching to 4,800MT/s RAM instead of 6,000MT/s didn't noticeably impact DaVinci Resolve with AMD CPUs.
In today's climate of rising RAM costs, it makes sense to opt for something marginally slower but more practical. My applications prioritize functionality over raw speed or bandwidth. Slower RAM adds a delay during transcoding.
If you're skilled in manual adjustments, you might lower CL32 to CL31 or CL30 on a budget RAM set, increasing voltage slightly, though this risks instability and accelerated wear. On an older system, I increased the CL value by two clock cycles for better stability.
If maximizing FPS is your priority, invest in the fastest available kit (within limits), but avoid overpaying for RAM if your CPU/motherboard can't handle it.
I recently purchased an MPG A1000G to replace a legacy Corsair RM850x PCIe ATX 2.0 power supply. I prefer the A1000G because it provides four SATA/Molex outputs for all my drives, unlike some PSUs with only three. Your requirements might differ.
It's worth testing whether a 200% reduction in OCP on the A1000G improves stability in my video editing rig, compared to the 130% transient limit of the old Corsair.
I'm speculating that my RTX 3060 (and its replacement RTX 4070) caused issues with the Corsair RM850x during lengthy transcodes, but the problem vanishes when I set GPU power at 95% in MSI Afterburner. We'll see if the new PSU is a waste of money.
I didn't purchase the Corsair RM1000x ATX 3.1 PCIe 5.1 because it lacks a -12V rail, and I suspect my old motherboard won't boot without it. Most modern PSUs no longer require this rail, though some manufacturers still include it. It's unclear if the proposed 24TB model is CMR or SMR—this likely won't significantly affect game loading, but saving games in SMR mode will be slower than CMR.
Choose the model you plan to use. Check the MoBo Support page for memory QVL options. Select the RAM listed there. This is the only method to ensure a guaranteed RAM. The chosen RAM will function at advertised speeds (like 6400 MT/s) instead of defaulting to 4800 MT/s, provided it hasn't been tested by the MoBo manufacturer and you avoid missing out on the RAM selection.
Sounds like you have the "itch"
To see if your cpu is your limiting factor, run this simple test:
Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
This makes the graphics card loaf a bit.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.
If you are graphics limited, look into a psu and gpu upgrade first and see how you do.
What is the make/model of your motherboard?
If it is a Z prefix, you can overclock your 4790K and gain some 30% cpu capability.
If you need more, you are looking at a motherboard change as well as a cpu and ram change.
If you have a M.2 pcie slot, you can install a fast PCIE drive for the OS which should help with loading speeds.
What is the make/model of the ssd drives you ordered?
On the PSU, buy only a quality unit with perhaps a 10-12 year warranty.
And, make it 850w or better. The next tier stronger does not usually cost much more.
A psu only uses the power demanded of it regardless of the max capability.
Lastly, most on these forums use AMD and you can expect them to recommend what they have.
On a price/performance basis AMD and Intel are comparable.
How things work are different.
As an Intel user you may be more comfortable with intel.
A new case is always fun.
If you have the funds and don't mind the conversion effort, consider scratching the itch.