I'm diving into my first PC build and could use some advice! I want to set up a security and virtual machine lab. I've received some good starter parts: an X470 Gaming Plus Max motherboard and 2x32GB Corsair Vengeance DDR4 RAM. I've also picked up an ASUS 4060ti 8GB GPU (which I've heard mixed opinions about) for $230, two Dell S241HN monitors with a dual stand for $150, and a lightly used Corsair RM750E PSU for $30.
Before I make any more purchases, I'm hoping to round out my build with a budget of around $650, keeping my total around $1000. My main focus is on running virtual machines for security, but I plan to game on it as well in the future. My wife is the bigger gamer, so I imagine the PC will see a lot of gaming use.
I'd appreciate any recommendations or feedback to help me make the best choices!
3 Answers
Consider selling the 4060 Ti for around $200+. That way, your budget increases to about $850-$1200, which opens up better options. I recommend getting either a Ryzen 5900X or 5950X along with a solid GPU, like a 16GB 5070 Ti or a used 24GB 3090. Don't forget to grab a high endurance SSD, like the Seagate FireCuda 530R – it's solid and under $100!
The 5070 Ti sounds great, a strong choice for your build!
You should really go for a CPU with a lot of cores if you're running multiple VMs. The more cores, the more VMs you can handle at once. For GPUs, if your virtual machines need discrete graphics, higher GPU cores are a must too. Also, opt for a processor with a good boost clock for better performance!
Thanks for the tips! I hadn’t considered the CPU cores in depth before.
Honestly, the 4060 Ti is decent if it's your only option, but it’s not the best GPU out there. I suggest returning it if possible. If not, it’s still fine for modern games, especially since it supports the latest DX12 Ultimate. But for your VM work, it should serve you okay.
Thanks for the honest take! I got it used, and I might look into reselling it for a better upgrade.
I'm definitely buying the SSD since the Samsung I was eyeing sold out and is now way overpriced. Glad to hear the 5900X is a good pick!