I'm planning to build a new PC and would love your feedback on my current build. Here's a quick rundown: I'm upgrading from an HP Victus 15L with an i5-12400 and a 3050, so options are limited. The goal is to stay around $1200 without going for super high-end parts like 5090s. My monitor is an Omen 27qs, which runs at 1440p and can hit 240Hz, but I'm currently limited to 144Hz due to my GPU.
I enjoy a range of games from older titles to newer releases, prioritizing high FPS over graphics quality. I want to avoid 60fps since it feels choppy now with my current setup. Beyond gaming, I need the PC for video and photo editing, coding, music production, and game development, so I heard AMD GPUs might be better for those tasks but I'm not sure.
Games like "Robocop: Rogue City" have been unplayable, and I experience performance dips in others. Since I'll be giving my old rig to my girlfriend, I'm not looking to sell it for more funds, but I can still access it. Any suggestions on my build for improved performance would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
If you're not concerned about upgrade potential, consider the Intel 265K CPU, which outperforms the 9700X in multithreading tasks and could save you some cash too. Check this build: [PCPartPicker List](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/HhsvyW). In video editing, it scores significantly better than the 9700X, and it won’t compromise gaming performance too much.
I think your build looks solid, but I have a few tweaks that could improve performance without breaking the bank. For around $1215, I suggest swapping the CPU cooler and motherboard to cheaper but equally effective options. Also, get a faster SSD with better longevity. Check out my part list: [PCPartPicker Part List](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/VjP73w). Overall, you should aim for components that perform well and are cost-effective.
Thanks for the suggestions! I really appreciate it. I’ll definitely check out the parts you recommended.
Your build is decent, but I recommend considering the AMD 7700X instead of the 9700X. It's slightly slower, but you won’t notice the difference, and it can save you some cash. I also swapped the PSU for an 850W for future upgrades and selected a higher-rated SSD to boost your overall build quality. Check it out: [PCPartPicker List](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/jQjqzP).
Hey, that sounds interesting! Why do you think the SSD is worth it? Is DRAM really that much better? Also, how do I choose a good motherboard?
Interesting point! I was concerned about mixing Intel with AMD brands. Is that still an issue these days? Thanks for the heads-up!