Hey everyone! After weeks of research, I'm finally ready to buy the parts for my first PC build and I could use some last minute advice. The main focus of my build is productivity in Adobe programs like Premiere and After Effects, with a bit of Blender on the side. I'm keeping gaming and streaming in mind but they're not my primary goals. Here's what I've got so far:
- **CPU**: Intel i9-12900k
- **Motherboard**: ASUS Z790 Prime Gaming WIFI7 Intel LGA 1700 ATX
- **RAM**: G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32GB DDR5-6000 (I plan to upgrade to at least 64GB, maybe even 128GB)
- **GPU**: I'm looking at the 5060 Ti 16GB for about $500, but I've also considered the RTX 3060 12GB for $285. I'd really love some input on this, as the GPU choice has been a tough decision for me.
- **Storage**: Samsung 990 PRO 2TB NVMe SSD
- **Power Supply**: Corsair RMe Series RM750e 750 Watt Fully Modular Power Supply
- **Cooling**: Lian Li Galahad II Trinity Performance 360mm Liquid Cooler, but I started out planning on air cooling so I'm open to suggestions here.
- **Case**: Lian Li 011 Vision Compact
I've looked into AMD options but they don't seem to fit my needs and budget compared to Intel and Nvidia. Any thoughts or advice on my build would be super helpful!
2 Answers
For your GPU, you might want to check out Puget System's hardware recommendations for After Effects. They have some great insights that can help you weigh your options. The 5060 Ti is new and might not have enough benchmark data yet, so consider how much you really need that extra performance. Also, keep in mind that the i9 is strong for video work! Just a heads-up though: DDR5 can be tricky with more than two DIMMs on consumer motherboards, so think about how you plan to set that up. As for the PSU, aiming for 850W would be smart with that build, since stability is key for high-performance CPUs.
Oh, and regarding storage, 2TB may feel a bit limiting if you're working with a lot of media, so consider getting a second drive or a larger SSD! A good alternative would be the WD SN850x if you're looking to save a bit while keeping performance high.
Hey, great tips! Just to add, if you're going for looks with liquid cooling, the 360mm is great, but make sure it's necessary for your CPU to prevent overheating. An air cooler could save you money!
If you're set on a GPU, I’d suggest not going overboard if you're not gaming heavily. The 3060 could give you decent performance without breaking the bank, especially since you said you can handle slightly slower speeds. Just keep in mind the balance between price and performance — sometimes less is more! Also, good call on the RAM upgrade; 64GB should definitely serve you better for Adobe tasks. Also, question, have you looked into alternative cooling solutions? Some people swear by air coolers for stability and less frequent maintenance!
Definitely, and they can be more budget-friendly! Just make sure the one you choose can handle the heat that comes with your i9.
Thanks! I’m finding that balancing cost with performance is key, especially with GPUs, so any insight is great.
Thanks for the detailed response! I'll definitely look into the benchmarks you mentioned and reconsider my memory setup. I appreciate the heads-up on the PSU, too!