This is my initial complete custom configuration.
This is my initial complete custom configuration.
AutoCAD doesn't require many threads, making 8 cores more than sufficient. The cooler also performs well.
Who can you rely on from a company perspective to ensure I get a good GPU? Does it really matter which 5070ti I choose, since they all seem to perform similarly? What do those CUDA cores actually mean, because that’s what people are discussing as I install these cards for an avionics project? I just need all the information to make the best choices for my build. Luckily, I still have a month before I place my order. What’s going on with the prices above the MSRP for most cards? My last GPU cost me $100, and what are the performance differences between the 5070 and 5070ti, especially if the Ti is worth $1200 more?
the key distinction among aftermarket options lies in the VRM layout, the cooler’s noise during operation, and its thermal efficiency. Of course, there are models that are superior or inferior, but fortunately I don’t have any that would fall short for this purpose. With prices already quite high, it’s usually reasonable to accept a bit less silence in exchange for a more affordable option. In general, for the latest 5xxx series Nvidia graphics cards, ASUS offers several solid choices, while MSI has its gaming trio or Vanguard models—though these tend to be on the pricier side. Notably, ASUS Prime is currently the most budget-friendly choice (TUF would be even better), although Prime is still quite good.
PCPartPicker Part List
Video Card:
ASus PRIME GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card
($1089.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Total: $1089.99
Includes shipping, taxes, and available discounts
Generated by PCPartPicker
2025-07-02 23:19 EDT-0400
When comparing the RTX 5070 versus the RTX 5070 Ti, the Ti version gains extra 4GB of VRAM, which proves useful in higher resolutions and offers improved rasterization performance thanks to a slightly smaller chip than the RTX 5080. Overall, it runs about 20% faster at 1440p and 25% faster at 4K compared to the standard RTX 5070. It also excels in productivity tasks.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/a...rq...Jv4KqgVemi
I have always had good results from Newegg in the US, Newegg.ca is likely to be good also.
Some thoughts:
Many on this forum are gamers and will suggest the X3D processors.
The huge cache does wonders for for the single master thread that games need.
But, the down side is that other multitasking does not do as well as the underlying base chip.
For your use, pick the R9-9950X vs. the 9950X3d version. $799 vs. 959.
On the Intel side, look at the Ultra 285K $789.
The new Intel ultra chips are power efficient and have integrated ram controllers which allow maximum ram at higher speeds.
As a plus, Intel will include integrated graphics that can get you started.
It will include the quick sync capability if that is useful to you.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Quick_Sync_Video
Do not discount the I9-14900K at $639.
FUD abounds. Discount reports that are a year old.
Intel has found and fixed the voltage issues.
Here is the most recent status:
https://community.intel.com/t5/Mobi...-V...-p/1686948
I do not see a 4 x 64gb DDR5 ram kit on Newegg.ca.
To get 256gb you would need two 128gb kits and therein is a potential problem.
Ram to perform as advertised must be from a single matched kit.
Try to buy all of your parts at the same time. If you need to return a part bought earlier, the return window may have closed or you found the part at a lower price.
One exception might be the case which will not change much over time.
Your case selections seem to me to be a bit of overkill.
But will work just fine. There are some less expensive options.
OTOH, it is important to buy a case that you love. It will be with you for a long time.
Buy a sufficiently strong quality psu.
One way to gauge quality is by the warranty. Look for 7 years minimum, 10 or 12 year warranty is better.
Look for a stronger psu. The price differential between 750w, 850w and 950w is usually not that great.
A extra strong psu will only use the power demanded of it, regardless of the max capability.
It can handle power spikes from modern graphics cards and will run quietly in the middle third of it's range.
Unless you will attempt overclocking, a good air cooler in a good case is all you need.
AIO coolers do not last forever.
In time the mechanical pump fails or gets clogged. Air will enter the tubes and the unit must be replaced.
Think of an AIO as a 5 year rental.
The Puget tests mentioned below used a Noctua NH-U12s air cooler.
Not even the strongest in the noctua line.
FWIW as a first time builder
MY build process:
Before anything, while waiting for your parts to be delivered, download
and read, cover to cover your case and motherboard manual.
Buy a long #2 magnetic tip philips screwdriver.
A small led flashlight is also useful.
I find it handy to buy a power switch like this for testing.
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16812119009...tion=power switch&cm_re=power_switch-_-12-119-009-_-Product&quicklink=true
1. I assemble the critical parts outside of the case.
That lets me test them for functionality easily.
A wood table or cardboard is fine.
2. Plug in only the necessary parts at first. Ram, cpu, cooler, psu.
Do not force anything. Parts fit only one way.
Attach a monitor to the integrated motherboard adapter if you have one, otherwise to the graphics card.
3. If your motherboard does not have a PWR button, momentarily touch the two pwr front panel pins with a flat blade screwdriver.
4. Repeatedly hit F2 or DEL, and that should get you into the bios display.
5. Boot from a cd or usb stick with memtest86 on it. memtest will exercise your ram and cpu functionality.
They boot from a usb stick and do not use windows.
You can download them here:
MemTest86 - Official Site of the x86 Memory Testing Tool
MemTest86 is the original self booting memory testing software for x86 and ARM computers. Supporting both BIOS and UEFI, with options to boot from USB.
www.memtest86.com
Memtest86+ | The Open-Source Memory Testing Tool
Memtest86+ is an advanced, free, open-source, stand-alone memory tester for 32- and 64-bit computers (UEFI & BIOS supported)
www.memtest.org
If you can run a full pass with NO errors, your ram should be ok.
Running several more passes will sometimes uncover an issue, but it takes more time.
Probably not worth it unless you really suspect a ram issue.
Opinions vary on updating the bios.
Normally, one does not update a bios unless there is a fix for something that is impacting you. I violate this rule on a new build and will update to currency up front.
Use the usb option, not the windows option.
If there is a severe problem, the impact is small.
6. Install windows.
7. Install the motherboard cd drivers. Particularly the lan drivers so you can access the internet.
Do not select the easy install option, or you will get a bunch of utilities and trialware that you don't want. Drivers only.
7. Connect to the internet and install an antivirus program. Microsoft defender is free, easy, and unobtrusive.
8. Install your graphics card and driver if you tested with integrated graphics.
You will need to remove the graphics card later to install your motherboard in the case.
As a tip when screwing the motherboard into the posts, give the screw a small counterclockwise turn until you feel a click.
That lets you know that the screw will engage properly.
Make a note of how the graphics card latches into the pcie slot.
The mechanism will be hidden under the card and may be difficult to work if you have not previously checked how.
9. Update windows to currency.
10. Only now do I take apart what I need to and install it in the case.
11. Now is the time to reinstall your graphics card.
First off, What does FWIW, OTOH mean? Thank you for that valuable information. This is my first full on scratch build done several upgrades over the years, the assembly doesn't worry me its more what happens on first time it gets fired up and that is nothing wrong or I missed something or not take something into account at this stage of the build which is where many over think the problem. Wasn't much of a selection when I bought my last desk top 22 years ago and after 5 years I was sick of it as they looked the same sense the early days of the Tower desktop. If I am building it myself I want to see what I put together.
On the AIO Taken that into account as it does fit with current upgrade plans down he road, replace it at that point. Looked at MTBF numbers on the units and crunched a few numbers on how long it will last. Looking at about a 4 year upgrade cycle on the short end of the scale. Its more for the aesthetics and that I want to be sure it stays as cool as possible. Honestly Noctua and be quiet do have good kit for tower coolers and actually don't look too bad.
I considered Intel and use to sware by them but got a Ryzen 7 Laptop and I was loving the performance I got from a mid budget Dell Laptop with touch screen. Wasn't impressed with the I7 HP laptop I had which died due to a drive failure I am thinking. May repair it eventually and do a couple upgrades while I am at it. The reason why I am looking at Ryzen is that they seem to be better received and didn't have as many issues. Some of the Intel features would be nice to have. Also I and looking at Adding VR to my setup down the road and the Ryzen seems to perform better according to some reviews.
The biggest questions that keep me awake surround Ram which would be what set to get for best performance, what spec is best for my needs and is it worth USing XMP or other ram optimizers. Right now Thinking 6000 CL30 spec but 64 or a 128gb set or even a 96gb set as that will be the set for the MB until the Ram fails oe the MB dies.
On the GPU What I want is the 5080 or 5090 ti but those are just at unatanium level currently so I only have 2 or 3 options that are feasible and somewhat affordable. Now if MSi would send me one of either 5090 ti or the 5080 ti I would be a very happy man but I am still undecided on that though its looking like the 5070ti may be what I go with. I am not a Frame rate nut I just want something that runs smooth with the frame generation and other settings plus I will likely limit the frame rates to 60 FPS and would be at 1080p settings regardless .
For what it's worth
OTHERWISE
Ryzen relies on RAM for performance.
Not every so-called correct RAM will function properly.
To prevent problems, choose a kit listed in the motherboard's RAM QVL for your processor.
The QVL will show only those RAMs that have been tested and confirmed to work.
Updates to the list might not occur after the motherboard is released.
An alternative approach is to select a preferred RAM manufacturer and use their support app to choose a compatible kit.
XMP refers to a set of RAM configurations built into the stick, enabling it to run at its advertised speed.
EXPO serves as a similar concept for AMD RAM.
Unless you're aiming for top frame rates, the 9950x would be a more suitable option for your setup.
The x3d components will require a Nvidia xx80 or xx90 card. The 5060 won't take advantage of the x3d cache.
Memory usage: 4 sticks puts significant strain on the memory controller. Consider 2x48GB 6000 memory units. For instance
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/cors...-4...03746.html