I'm working on a PC build with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D and a 4070 graphics card. I'm a bit lost on how to choose the rest of the components, like the motherboard, power supply, and other peripherals. What should I be looking for to ensure everything is compatible and works well together?
2 Answers
A great tool to start with is PCPartPicker, which helps you check compatibility as you select components. You just need to put together a list of what you're considering, and it will notify you of any issues. When selecting a motherboard, ensure it has an AM5 socket since that’s what the Ryzen 9000 series needs. For RAM, go for DDR5, ideally a 32GB kit (2x16) with a speed of 6000 MHz and a CAS latency of CL30. Any SSD will work, but consider an M.2 SSD as they generally perform better than older SATA types. Lastly, for your GPU, just confirm it fits in the case you choose! Typically, a power supply in the 600W-750W range from a trustworthy brand should suffice. Check out the PSU tier list for recommendations, too.
If I were you, I’d suggest looking at the new 5070 instead of the 4070. The performance difference isn't huge, and the price might be similar. Balancing your CPU and GPU is key; the 9800X3D might be overkill for the 4070. Think about if you'd benefit more from upgrading the GPU instead of having a high-end CPU.
Thanks for the advice! I did see the 5070 is available for a similar price, but it depends on shipping to my location. I'm still deciding whether that upgrade is worth it for my gaming needs.