Hey everyone! I'm looking to upgrade my gaming rig and I'm thinking of building a new desktop with either the AMD 9800X3D or 9850X3D paired with an RTX 5080. My current setup is an Intel i7 9700K with an RTX 3070 Ti that I've been using since 2019, but it's starting to feel a bit dated. I want to get ahead of rising prices and I have access to Microcenter, which is great for deals.
Here's what I'm considering:
1. What's better for purely gaming, the B850 chipset or the X870E? I'm curious if investing in the X870E might future-proof my build a bit, even though I don't plan on using USB4 right away.
2. I've found some nice bundles at Microcenter, but I've heard mixed things about the ASUS Strix boards damaging the 9800 series CPUs. Is this a legitimate concern?
3. For the power supply, is a 1200W necessary, or could I go with something lower? Recommendations on brands would be appreciated! I want one that will work well with the RTX 5080.
4. I'm guessing I'll need a full-size ATX case. I prefer a design without flashy components like RGB lighting.
5. What memory should I consider? I know Microcenter price matches, but any specific suggestions would help.
6. Finally, do I need an AIO cooler, or could a high-end air cooler be enough to manage heat for the RTX 5080?
I'm sure I'll think of more questions later, so any tips would be super helpful!
4 Answers
You should consider your monitor's resolution. If you're gaming at 4K, the 9800X3D and RTX 5080 is a solid choice. If you're okay with 1080p or 1440p, you might not even need to upgrade right away. But, if you're fully committed to that 4K 120Hz experience, go for it! A really nice air cooler can work. Just check reviews before buying.
Definitely think about going with a bundle! It can save you around $300, especially at Microcenter where they have quality options, including an x870 chipset paired with the 9850X3D. For the GPU, a 1000W power supply should suffice; it doesn’t hurt to go for a well-reviewed one like the FSP Hydro Ti Pro. The difference between the 9800 and 9850 is minimal performance-wise, so don’t sweat it if you choose the former. You really only need high-quality cooling if you’re pushing limits with overclocking or heavy workloads.
For your gaming needs, I'd say you can definitely go with the B850 chipset. PCIe 5.0 and USB4 won't drastically enhance your gaming experience right now. A solid motherboard like the MSI B850 MAG Tomahawk should work great! As for your PSU, a high-quality 1200W Platinum or Gold will ensure stability, but you might get away with a 1000W, depending on your cooling and overall build plan. And keep in mind, these newer GPUs can be quite large, so make sure your case can fit them! If you're tight on budget, you might consider a good air cooler over an AIO; they can be just as effective if they’re high-end.
I get your point about being economical, but with the hardware prices likely rising, investing in a good motherboard and PSU now can save you money in the long run!
I just put together a similar setup. Got the Gigabyte x870E, 9800X3D, and a gaming-specific GPU. Everything fit well in my Fractal case, and I'm using a high-quality 1000W PSU. No issues with power! I recommend looking up some videos on motherboard features too; they can really help clarify what’s worth investing in,
Totally agree! I went for a high-end air cooler on my recent build and it's keeping everything cool. No issues so far!