Hey everyone! I'm in the process of building a PC with a 9070 XT and a 9800X3D, both of which I've already purchased. I mainly play CPU-heavy games, so I need some advice on picking the right motherboard, and I'd like some input on RAM as well. I've narrowed my RAM choices to two options due to availability and pricing:
1) GSKILL NEW Trident Z5 RGB Series, 32GB (2 x 16GB) 7200 CL34 for 200.
2) Kingston Fury Beast, single 32GB 64GB 6000 CL30 for 250.
I think having more RAM sounds nice, but I don't really need it, just feels more comfortable.
Regarding motherboards, I'm a bit confused about power phases — how important are they? I don't need Wi-Fi since I'm wired. I'm focusing on B650 boards and here's what I've shortlisted:
A) B650 AORUS Elite AX Ice
B) B650 Gaming X AX
C) B650 Eagle AX
D) MSI B650M PROJECT ZERO
E) MSI PRO B650M-P
Aside from the MSI Pro, they're all pretty much the same price or within $15 of each other. The MSI Pro is $70 cheaper. If you think I should consider other motherboards or chipsets, I'd love your thoughts! Am I just overthinking this whole process?
5 Answers
Using 32GB 7200 CL34 RAM on AMD is a bit of a waste since you'd get better performance from 6000MT/s CL30. About power phases: they help manage the power delivery to your CPU better. More phases mean smoother output, especially under load. For your 9800X3D, anything decent will handle it, but I'd recommend at least a board with 12+2 phases for peace of mind. ASRock Riptide or MSI MAG would be solid choices!
If you're not going to overclock, sticking with 6000MT CL30 is a smart move. Pushing for higher speeds really doesn't add much unless you hit 8400MT, which is pricey and not necessary for most setups. For your CPU type and gaming needs, 6000MT CL30 hits that sweet spot in terms of price to performance.
Thanks for the tip! I'll go with the 6000MT.
Just grab a B650 motherboard. Honestly, 32GB of 6000MHZ RAM with the lowest CAS latency you can find is the way to go. You'll be set for most gaming tasks.
I had an AORUS Elite AX that arrived DOA, which was a hassle! I eventually switched to the Asus TUF Gaming B650 motherboard, and it works perfectly with my setup. Just make sure it has enough M.2 ports and fan headers for your needs; I've found it dependable and quite price-efficient.
Your CPU and GPU combo sounds solid for AAA gaming. Don't stress too much over your parts; they're great! Just go for the DDR5-6000 memory to avoid wasting money on RAM that might not run at its rated speed. Regarding motherboards, any of your picks should work well. If you’re eyeing a B850, check if your case fits the Project Zero model; it has some unique sizing requirements.
I heard the 9800X3D is considered overkill. What’s the key difference between B650 and B850 boards?
B850 generally has better features and support for more future upgrades, but it really depends on your needs.
Thanks for breaking that down about power phases! I checked, and the Kingston RAM is AMD EXPO certified.