I just got my hands on a 5070 Ti for $835—it's the Gigabyte Windforce. I'm planning to use it mainly for AI research, along with some gaming and VR. I'm kinda lost on how much I should spend on the rest of the components and if I should approach my build differently for productivity versus gaming. I'm seeing a lot of combo deals out there, but I'm not sure what's worth it for my GPU. Also, is it a good idea to spend an extra $100 for a better version of the GPU, like the Gigabyte Eagle or MSI Gaming Trio, or should I save that cash for other parts? Here's what I'm considering: CPU? Motherboard? Case? PSU (thinking about 800-1000w)? RAM (32gb)? Storage (2TB)?
4 Answers
Check out the Puget Systems website for specific recommendations based on the software you plan to use. They often have detailed guides on which hardware works best for different tasks. It'll help you make the best choices!
If you're mostly gaming, I'd recommend the Ryzen 9 9800X3D. As for the GPU, definitely consider spending that extra $100 for a model with better cooling; it’s worth it! Just don’t go too far over that amount, as it might not be necessary for your use case.
I pair my 3080 Ti with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D too, but my GPU still bottlenecks when I’m pushing high settings. For the motherboard, stick with trusted brands like MSI or ASUS ROG. They last longer than the cheaper options. And personally, I’d go for 64GB RAM if your budget allows, but 32GB should still be decent for now.
For your PSU, a 750W should be more than enough for the 5070 Ti, helping you save some cash. Mine runs fine under load with that wattage, so don't feel pressured to go higher unless you’re planning on building a much stronger rig later.
I’ve got the Gigabyte Windforce too, and I was wondering the same about whether to upgrade to something like the MSI Gaming Trio. It’s a tough call!