Hey everyone! I'm planning to build a new gaming PC and I've created a parts list that I'm pretty happy with, but I'd love to shave off $100-150 if possible. Here are my key requirements: I want to stick with the same CPU and GPU (or something similar in performance), it needs to have 2.5 Gb/s ethernet, I'd like a case with a glass panel, and ideally, I want a liquid cooler. I also want all the components to be black or dark in color. As I'm fairly new to PC building, I'm curious if this overall build is well-balanced. Thanks!
2 Answers
Is this build meant for gaming? If so, I think it's a solid start! Just make sure to look closely at the CPU and GPU combo to ensure they're a good match. It seems like a well-thought-out setup overall.
I’m not a fan of that build. Spending $300 on a 9700x is kinda steep. You might get similar gaming performance from a 7500f, which is less than half the price! As for the 2.5 Gb/s ethernet, unless you’re constantly moving large files across your network, you probably won't need that kind of speed. Also, I suggest opting for a 2TB drive instead of just 500GB—storage fills up fast! Liquid coolers can look nice, but don’t forget that air coolers are simpler and often more reliable.
Thanks for the suggestions! I hadn’t considered Intel since I thought AMD was always better. I really want the 2.5 Gb/s to get my money’s worth since that's what my internet plan is. Plus, I'll be using some drives from my old PC, so storage won’t be as much of an issue.

Yes, it's for gaming and I’ll also be doing some coding on the side.