F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Question Building A System Today Economically Not Possible?

Question Building A System Today Economically Not Possible?

Question Building A System Today Economically Not Possible?

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DuckManWoo
Member
103
07-15-2021, 08:40 PM
#1
It appears that major companies, driven by their demand for expensive computer components like memory, SSDs, and GPUs, are rendering it extremely difficult to assemble a quality high-end machine today. Prices for these parts have surged significantly—rising from just twice the cost to five times higher in some cases (such as DDR5 memory). Even CPUs could be impacted since they rely on memory chips. Building a top-tier system now seems nearly unattainable without unlimited financial resources. Are they attempting to prevent such builds? I believe AI has already disrupted the market, but the flood of other products has largely eliminated any viable upgrade options for me.
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DuckManWoo
07-15-2021, 08:40 PM #1

It appears that major companies, driven by their demand for expensive computer components like memory, SSDs, and GPUs, are rendering it extremely difficult to assemble a quality high-end machine today. Prices for these parts have surged significantly—rising from just twice the cost to five times higher in some cases (such as DDR5 memory). Even CPUs could be impacted since they rely on memory chips. Building a top-tier system now seems nearly unattainable without unlimited financial resources. Are they attempting to prevent such builds? I believe AI has already disrupted the market, but the flood of other products has largely eliminated any viable upgrade options for me.

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Matm007
Junior Member
2
07-15-2021, 09:07 PM
#2
You can examine a DDR4 system, whether it's an Intel version, the 12th generation model, or an AMD version using the AM4 platform.
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Matm007
07-15-2021, 09:07 PM #2

You can examine a DDR4 system, whether it's an Intel version, the 12th generation model, or an AMD version using the AM4 platform.

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Sims4fun
Member
191
07-17-2021, 02:14 PM
#3
It's challenging, indeed, but not unattainable. Given your list of premium parts, are you aiming to assemble a second PC? For what purpose? Whether for work or entertainment. If it's work, then productivity is compromised. If it's gaming, then an AM4 chip paired with DDR4 RAM remains the most cost-effective choice. For example, the R7 5800X3D offers strong performance compared to the R7 9800X3D, with a 13% improvement, as noted in the review: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/amd-r...3d/18.html. In gaming scenarios, it delivers performance close to or matching other titles, depending on the game; see the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4niQJgsLOqk
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Sims4fun
07-17-2021, 02:14 PM #3

It's challenging, indeed, but not unattainable. Given your list of premium parts, are you aiming to assemble a second PC? For what purpose? Whether for work or entertainment. If it's work, then productivity is compromised. If it's gaming, then an AM4 chip paired with DDR4 RAM remains the most cost-effective choice. For example, the R7 5800X3D offers strong performance compared to the R7 9800X3D, with a 13% improvement, as noted in the review: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/amd-r...3d/18.html. In gaming scenarios, it delivers performance close to or matching other titles, depending on the game; see the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4niQJgsLOqk

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DinglyDongg
Member
174
07-18-2021, 10:54 PM
#4
I was planning to upgrade to a Threadripper Workstation Server, which would require replacing most internal parts. The only exception was the motherboard, which I already have a new case for. Now I’m considering sticking with my present setup and adding more memory instead. This is mainly for boosting productivity, especially with 8K video production.
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DinglyDongg
07-18-2021, 10:54 PM #4

I was planning to upgrade to a Threadripper Workstation Server, which would require replacing most internal parts. The only exception was the motherboard, which I already have a new case for. Now I’m considering sticking with my present setup and adding more memory instead. This is mainly for boosting productivity, especially with 8K video production.

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Mostok
Member
134
07-23-2021, 09:35 AM
#5
When high-end items are least impacted, budgets shrink because of RAM costs. 32GB of RAM feels like a budget that can no longer be afforded due to these prices.
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Mostok
07-23-2021, 09:35 AM #5

When high-end items are least impacted, budgets shrink because of RAM costs. 32GB of RAM feels like a budget that can no longer be afforded due to these prices.

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New_air_games
Member
208
08-03-2021, 07:18 AM
#6
You'd just need a new CPU-MoBo-RAM combination. A fresh CPU cooler is also required. Everything else can be reused.
By the way, the Threadripper 3000-series supports DDR4, allowing you to reuse your existing RAM. However, for higher memory capacity, mixing different types isn't recommended. I'd suggest a complete new RAM setup instead.
For example:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Threadripper 3960X 3.8 GHz 24-Core Processor
Price: $870.99 @ Amazon
CPU Cooler: Gigabyte AORUS WATERFORCE X 60.07 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
Price: $340.99 @ Amazon
Motherboard: Gigabyte TRX40 AORUS MASTER EATX sTRX4
Price: $580.10 @ Amazon
Memory: G.Skill F4-3200C16Q2-128GTZKY 128 GB (8 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16
Price: $1053.69 @ Amazon
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 ATX Full Tower Case
Price: Purchased For $0.00
Total: $2845.77
Shipping, taxes, and available discounts are included
Generated by PCPartPicker
2026-01-07 02:41 EST-0500
Reuse all components except CPU and MoBo. Alternatively, consider a 128GB DDR4 RAM setup (8x16GB).
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New_air_games
08-03-2021, 07:18 AM #6

You'd just need a new CPU-MoBo-RAM combination. A fresh CPU cooler is also required. Everything else can be reused.
By the way, the Threadripper 3000-series supports DDR4, allowing you to reuse your existing RAM. However, for higher memory capacity, mixing different types isn't recommended. I'd suggest a complete new RAM setup instead.
For example:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Threadripper 3960X 3.8 GHz 24-Core Processor
Price: $870.99 @ Amazon
CPU Cooler: Gigabyte AORUS WATERFORCE X 60.07 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
Price: $340.99 @ Amazon
Motherboard: Gigabyte TRX40 AORUS MASTER EATX sTRX4
Price: $580.10 @ Amazon
Memory: G.Skill F4-3200C16Q2-128GTZKY 128 GB (8 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16
Price: $1053.69 @ Amazon
Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 ATX Full Tower Case
Price: Purchased For $0.00
Total: $2845.77
Shipping, taxes, and available discounts are included
Generated by PCPartPicker
2026-01-07 02:41 EST-0500
Reuse all components except CPU and MoBo. Alternatively, consider a 128GB DDR4 RAM setup (8x16GB).

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Epik_Fluffy
Junior Member
11
08-03-2021, 05:11 PM
#7
Where exactly are you situated? If you’re in the USA and near a Microcenter, it’s a solid choice.
For instance
https://www.microcenter.com/product...-c...ild-bundle
shows they offer some bundled options nearby.
You don’t necessarily need to reach that high, but these deals are definitely available if you’re close enough—they might be the best fit for your needs right now.
Alternatively, you could consider a 12-core 9900x with 32GB RAM paired with a board for around $650. The choice is yours based on what’s currently accessible.
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Epik_Fluffy
08-03-2021, 05:11 PM #7

Where exactly are you situated? If you’re in the USA and near a Microcenter, it’s a solid choice.
For instance
https://www.microcenter.com/product...-c...ild-bundle
shows they offer some bundled options nearby.
You don’t necessarily need to reach that high, but these deals are definitely available if you’re close enough—they might be the best fit for your needs right now.
Alternatively, you could consider a 12-core 9900x with 32GB RAM paired with a board for around $650. The choice is yours based on what’s currently accessible.