Tips and questions for a mid-range gaming PC setup
Tips and questions for a mid-range gaming PC setup
Hello! I'm currently assembling a PC for someone and haven't been around hardware much lately. I'm seeking some input on the following setup:
1) We chose a DDR5 configuration so they can upgrade later. Should we invest a bit more in CL30 rather than CL36? There are opinions on both options.
2) Should we opt for an AMD build to ensure longer support? If yes, which CPU and motherboard would be best?
3) Would upgrading the GPU be beneficial? If yes, which models are recommended?
4) Are there any components that could become bottlenecks in this build?
5) Is the stock cooler adequate for this configuration, or should I replace it?
PCPartPicker Part List
(Costs in CAD)
CPU: Intel Core i5-13400F 2.5 GHz 10-Core Processor
($268.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX LGA1700
($199.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36
($124.90 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME SSD
($129.99 @ Best Buy Canada)
Storage: Western Digital Blue 4 TB 3.5" 5400 RPM HDD
($97.99 @ PC-Canada)
Video Card: ASRock Radeon RX6700XT CLD 12G RX 6700 XT 12 GB
($449.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Meshify C ATX Mid Tower Case
($134.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: Corsair RM750e (2023) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX
($138.50 @ Vuugo)
Overall Cost: $1545.32
Includes shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
Created by
PCPartPicker
2023-09-06 20:32 EDT-0400
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I would integrate a non-K, non-F suffix processor with an iGPU to address potential display problems from your discrete GPU.
Thanks for the suggestions, that's very useful! The budget falls between 1300 and 2000 CAD, giving us some flexibility. They aren't pushing extreme demands or needing 120 FPS/Ultra everywhere, so we're aiming for a solid setup that will hold up well (and I'm planning to buy monitors, so I don't want to go too high).
RAM; I wouldn't go into too much detail about it, but you should consider the first word latency. A latency of 10 is possible with DDR5 6800/CAS 34 or similar options, while DDR5 6000/CAS 30 or DDR5 5600/CAS 28 can reach it at 6000/36.
6000/36 offers a latency of 12.
https://pcpartpicker.com/products/memory...5091,15059
I'd feel uneasy with speeds above around 6000 to 6400. You might want to tweak settings or risk replacing RAM if the board gets complaints.
Perhaps a latency just above 10 would help ease concerns?
AMD could be worth looking into if the user often swaps the CPU.
A stock cooler should work fine if you're not too concerned about noise or temperature.
I think a 13400 might be better for integrated graphics, unless you need more.
The WD 4 TB spinner is acceptable if you require four terabytes. If you're okay with two terabytes, I'd likely skip spinning drives altogether.
This configuration offers flexibility for future enhancements.
Consider the 7800XT starting at 500 USD.
CPU options include an AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-core processor (available from Canada Computers).
A suitable cooler is the be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black CPU cooler (59.99 CAD at Canada Computers).
The motherboard recommended is the MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 board (269.99 CAD on Amazon Canada).
Memory suggestions feature G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB DDR5-6000 CL32 (124.97 CAD at Newegg Canada).
Storage choices include a Crucial P5 Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME drive (130.75 CAD at Vuugo).
The case to consider is the NZXT H5 Flow RGB ATX Mid Tower (119.99 CAD on Amazon Canada).
Power supply options range from Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 TT to 750 W with Gold certification (124.99 CAD at Memory Express).
Overall cost comes to $1149.68, covering shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts.
Information compiled by PCPartPicker
Date: 2023-09-08 04:08 EDT-0400