Hey everyone! It's been about seven years since I last built a PC, and I've decided it's finally time for an upgrade from my trusty old 1070. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and not super confident about building one from scratch again, especially with all the advancements in technology. I'm aiming for a budget of around $2000, not including taxes and additional costs like water cooling. Most of my gaming is on two 24-inch 1080p monitors, and I sometimes play newer titles like Ark ASA, Path of Exile 2, Palworld, and Marvel Rivals.
I could really use some advice on a few things:
1. I'm considering water cooling—what do I really need to know about that?
2. PCPartPicker suggests I need a CPU cooler; any specific recommendations?
3. Is my power supply up to par for this setup?
4. Are there any other important factors I should keep in mind?
Thanks for your help!
4 Answers
For gaming purposes, I suggest considering the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D instead of the 9900X; it performs better at a lower cost. Also, Micro Center allows you to use parts from outside the store if you're using their custom build service, so check on that! You might save some cash by purchasing parts elsewhere. I recommend picking up one of their CPU/motherboard/RAM bundles for good deals. You could optimize your build down to around $1831 if you swap to the 7800X3D. For cooling, the Thermalright Phantom Spirit is a solid pick and is quite affordable at about $37.
I’d go with one of the 7800X3D or 9800X3D bundles; they’re awesome for gaming. And yes, you do need a CPU cooler—either something like the Thermalright PA120 or a 240mm AIO. It's also good to confirm if Micro Center lets you bring in parts, as they generally prefer everything comes from them. It might be worth a call for clarity. But remember, the 9800X3D is a bit pricier—is it worth the boost in performance?
If gaming is your main focus, the 9900X isn't necessary; the 9600X or 9700X would suffice and save you a lot of money. At Micro Center, see if you can get a bundle that includes faster RAM, as it makes a difference in performance. You will need a cooler since the CPUs don’t come with one, but you don’t have to go liquid—air coolers like the Thermalright Peerless Assassin or Phantom Spirit are great options. Also, consider downsizing your case; a regular Pop Air should fit your components without issue and might save you money!
Thanks for the suggestions! I'll look into those CPU alternatives and cooler options.
Honestly, the 7800X3D or 9800X3D bundles at Micro Center would be a smart choice for gaming. You will need a cooler, so think about either a good air cooler or a decent AIO liquid cooler. As for your power supply, it looks decent on paper, but always check the wattage to ensure it meets your system's needs. Don't get too crazy with your build—given you're playing at 1080p, you're already looking at an overkill setup! Maybe invest in a better monitor instead!
That’s a good point! I’ll definitely weigh the performance against the price before deciding.