Hey everyone! I'm a dad looking to step back into the desktop scene after two decades of using laptops. I'd like your advice on a build I'm considering. I'm currently looking at the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, and I have a budget of around $2000-$2500. I've built only one computer before, back when the Radeon 9800 Pro was state-of-the-art! My setup includes 64GB of RAM and I'm unsure if I really need that much. I also could use some guidance on whether to go with an AIO cooler or stick with an air cooler. Plus, I'm a bit lost when it comes to choosing the right motherboard. I'm near a Microcenter in Tustin and plan to pick up most of my components there. Any suggestions for improvements or adjustments would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
4 Answers
Don't forget to grab a good quality monitor! A 27" or 32" 4K display will really enhance your gaming experience. Microcenter should have plenty of options when you visit.
With a $2.5K budget, you might even want to consider getting an RTX 5080 alongside the 9800X3D for a killer combo! Here's a part list I created: [link](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/BtXgWc).
Interesting! Does the motherboard not matter much? If I can get a 5080 for a similar price, that sounds tempting!
A 5080 could be overkill. The 5070 Ti is solid, and the Super version might be better in a couple of months with more VRAM!
Welcome back to building! Just a heads up, the link you provided was the general PCPartPicker one. Make sure you paste the exact link to your parts list so we can check it out.
Oh right, I added the correct link now!
I'd suggest going with an AIO for that CPU. Also, consider dropping down to 32GB of RAM instead of 64GB, unless you're playing super RAM-intensive games.
Or if you're doing 3D design or video editing, you might need the extra RAM. But if you're looking to save some cash, less RAM can definitely help.
You might not need an AIO for the 9800X3D though. A good idea is to add some Noctua fans to your air cooler for better performance and quieter operation.
I currently have a nice 240Hz 1440p monitor, but I've been considering getting an OLED display down the line.