I'm looking to optimize my PC build to be more cost-effective while maintaining decent performance. Here's the current configuration I'm working with: an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, a liquid CPU cooler, a solid motherboard, 32 GB of RAM, a 2 TB NVMe SSD, and an Asus TUF GAMING OC GeForce RTX 5070 Ti. The total price comes to over $2000, which is quite a bit. Any advice on which components to downgrade or swap out for better deals without losing performance?
4 Answers
You might want to switch to a solid air cooler instead of the liquid one you picked. Something like the Peerless Assassin could save you some cash and still do a great job. The 7800X3D doesn't run super hot, so it's a practical choice.
Make sure to look at the motherboard too. A better quality one could provide more stability and better future upgrades. Also, check out faster RAM and a HDD that is more reliable than the QLC one you have now.
Good point! I’ve seen some budget cases with great reviews, so if aesthetics aren’t a big deal, you might find a cheaper option that performs well.
You could also consider a different GPU for significant savings. Downgrading to a 9070XT could save you a couple of hundred dollars. Unless you need full ray tracing, you probably won’t notice much difference in gameplay performance.
Check out this alternative build I created. I managed to chop off $175 from the total while keeping performance in mind: [PCPartPicker Part List](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/GFKHDj).
Yeah, I agree! Air coolers are often more reliable and can handle the CPU's heat just fine.