I'm getting back into building PCs after a long break since 2012, and I'm planning to put together a new setup. I've done a lot of part swapping over the years, so it's time for a fresh start! I recently came into some money and my current rig just can't handle the games I want to play anymore. I've modified a high-end build from PCMR and while I only play at 1080p (so I know it might be overkill), I'm ready to invest wisely and stick with it until it's time to upgrade again.
I'm curious about a few things:
1. Cooling: I'm not well-versed in cooling solutions. I'm leaning towards air cooling since I won't be overclocking. Is the stock cooler decent, or would I need to buy any thermal paste or extras?
2. Motherboard/Storage: The motherboard specs mention slots for "1 Blazing M.2 (PCIe Gen5x4)" and "1 Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4x4)." Can someone explain this? Is the M.2 I selected compatible? Can I install two M.2 drives for extra storage?
3. RAM: I opted for a high-performance RAM, mainly for overkill. Is it a good choice, or should I reconsider?
4. PSU: I'm using a PSU calculator, and I'm wondering if an 850W PSU is excessive? Is there a more affordable option with lower wattage?
5. Cooling: Do I need to add any extra cooling beyond the heatsink and fans included with the case?
Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your help!
2 Answers
For cooling, you should be fine with the stock cooler that comes with your CPU. If you want to go the extra mile, a thermal pad could help, but it’s usually not necessary unless you're really pushing the limits. Regarding the M.2 slots, Gen 5 is indeed faster than Gen 4. Your current SSD is Gen 3, which means it won't fully utilize the motherboard's capabilities. I'd suggest looking for a good Gen 4 drive instead; they're fast and better priced. If you're unsure, spreadsheets like the one from Reddit can help you compare options easily.
About your RAM, the ones you picked are not the best choice. Aim for RAM with speeds around 6000MHz and low latency (CL30 or CL32). This way, you can optimize performance easily by enabling EXPO or XMP in the BIOS. As for the PSU, while 850W seems like overkill, it gives you room for upgrades down the line. A good quality PSU is worth the investment to ensure stability. If you’re not overclocking or adding more components anytime soon, you could consider something in the 750W range to save some cash without compromising too much.
Got it! I’ll look for some better RAM speeds and might consider dropping the PSU wattage a bit if it fits my needs.
Thanks for the clarification on the M.2! I guess I'll stick with a Gen 4 SSD then.