I'm planning my first PC build and would appreciate a compatibility check, along with advice on whether any components are poor value. I'm aiming for a high-end gaming system and would like to play at 1440p, with the option of using upscaling for 4K.
Current parts and approximate prices:
- CPU: Ryzen 7 7800X3D — £275
- CPU cooler: Corsair Nautilus 360 RS — £80
- Motherboard: ASUS TUF Gaming B850E — £165
- Memory: Kingston Fury Beast RGB, 16GB DDR5 (2×8GB) — £260
- Storage: Silicon Power UD90 1TB — £125
- Graphics card: Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB — £750
- Case: Corsair 4000D RS ARGB — £90
- Power supply: MSI MAG A850GL 850W — £95
As a beginner, have I missed anything, and will these parts work together? I'm especially interested in recommendations for better-value alternatives, the right amount of memory and storage, and what to compare when choosing a motherboard.
4 Answers
The main issue is value rather than basic compatibility. A 360mm liquid cooler is more expensive than necessary for the 7800X3D unless you particularly want the appearance; a good Thermalright air cooler should handle it well for much less. You could also compare MSI boards with the ASUS model by checking the socket and chipset, memory support, M.2 slots, rear USB selection, networking, and VRM quality. For the graphics card, choose the least expensive reputable RX 9070 XT unless a particular model has a significantly better cooler or warranty. An 850W unit is suitable, but make sure the replacement is a well-reviewed, high-quality model such as a Montech Gold/Titan Gold equivalent.
The UD90 is a budget QLC-based SSD. QLC stores more bits per cell, which helps reduce cost but usually means lower endurance and slower sustained writes, particularly when the drive is getting full. It can still work for general use, but I’d choose a reasonably priced TLC NVMe drive for the operating system and games. Also check newer 2TB options such as the GM7 or another well-reviewed TLC model rather than focusing only on the brand name.
I wasn’t sure what QLC meant. Someone suggested a 2TB G7—would that be a better choice?
Double-check the memory listing and price. 16GB is only 2×8GB, which is a bit limiting for a modern high-end gaming build, and £260 sounds extremely expensive. A 32GB kit—ideally 2×16GB DDR5 with suitable speed and timings—would make more sense. You can also consider a 2TB SSD if the budget allows.
A higher-quality 2TB drive would be a sensible place to spend some of the money saved on the cooler, motherboard, or graphics-card model.
That combination should be capable of excellent 1440p performance and strong 4K results when upscaling is supported. FSR features are not available in every game, but that usually isn’t a major problem: you can play many titles natively or use other settings and resolution options. Just make sure the specific motherboard model supports the processor with the appropriate BIOS, and verify that the case has enough clearance for the 360mm radiator and graphics card.
I’m completely new to this, so I really appreciate the advice. I’ve added the Montech power supply, although I do like the look of the liquid cooler and may keep it. I’ll compare the MSI and ASUS motherboards using those features.