I'm building my first PC, aiming for a solid setup that can handle gaming as well as video editing. Here's my planned build:
- **CPU**: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D (4.70 GHz, 8-Core) - $400
- **Cooler**: Noctua NH-D15 G2 - $120
- **Motherboard**: MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Wifi - $220
- **RAM**: Corsair Vengeance 32GB (2x16GB, 6000 MHz DDR5) - $400
- **Storage**: Corsair MP600 ELITE (2TB, M.2 2280) - $210
- **GPU**: ASUS PRIME RX 9070 XT OC - $670
- **Case**: be quiet! Pure Base 600 - $70
- **Power Supply**: be quiet! Pure Power 12 (750W) - $80
Total cost: $2,170.
I know the CPU is pricier than the GPU because I need it for more than just gaming. RAM prices are ridiculous right now, but it's a necessary investment. I focused on getting good cooling, a quiet build, and I'm a bit unsure about the motherboard. Any suggestions or critiques are welcome!
5 Answers
I think you're overspending on the Tomahawk motherboard. Plenty of solid alternatives out there for about $50 less. Also, the Pure Base 600—it's getting a bit long in the tooth. You can likely find better case options for the price. And consider looking for a storage solution with DRAM; that would really help for video editing since it handles large files better. Plus, don't forget to check if your RAM supports the EXPO profile for better performance!
If you can stretch your budget a bit, consider the 5070 Ti instead of the RX 9070 XT. It would be a powerhouse for both gaming and video editing. While the RX is cheaper, the 5070 will outperform it in productivity tasks due to better CUDA optimization. That said, if you're happy with your graphics settings at 1080p and 30fps, you’re probably in a good spot. Just ensure you plan for future expansions!
For noise reduction, remember that it's mostly fan speed that contributes to sound. A good cooler like the Noctua is great, but you can achieve similar results with other models at a lower cost. Quick question—are the prices in USD? Because some of your parts seem a bit overpriced to me. Are you primarily focused on gaming or video editing? That'll help narrow down what you really need!
Yes, the pricing is in Euros. Gaming is my main focus, but I also want to edit videos for fun. My current laptop struggles, so I believe this new build will make a difference!
Your build looks good overall! However, for cooling, you might want to consider swapping the Noctua for something like a Thermalright Phantom Spirit, which could save you around $80. Also, bumping your PSU to 850W would give you some extra headroom for future upgrades. Just a thought!
Your motherboard is a solid choice! It supports PCIe 5.0 which is great for future-proofing, especially since it has two M.2 slots with that support. But for your storage, consider upgrading to a PCIe 5.0 NVMe if you can, as it would speed things up a lot. Your CPU choice seems a bit overkill for the GPU though. If I were you, I’d look into swapping it for a 7800X3D paired with a 5070 12GB. It’d balance things out and make your build more efficient, especially since the 9800X3D can run quite warm. Don't forget about RAM; 32GB seems necessary for video editing, so you're on track there. Check the second-hand market for some deals!
Thanks a lot for the detailed response! Just to clarify, the RAM is actually 32GB (2x16GB).
The 5070 Ti is indeed more expensive, and I’m already a little over my budget at around €2,200. Plus, I need to factor in a monitor and keyboard costs later. But I appreciate the suggestion!