I'm finally upgrading from my aging gaming PC now that I have a full-time job and a larger budget. I've built several entry-level systems before, but this would be my first higher-end build. My current GPU is a GTX 1660 Super, and I already own two 8GB sticks of the listed RAM plus the 1TB SSD.
Planned parts:
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
- XFX Mercury Radeon RX 9070 XT
- Team T-Force Delta RGB 3600MHz, 4×8GB
- ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II
- Samsung 990 Pro 1TB NVMe
- Corsair RM750e fully modular PSU
- Thermalright Frozen Warframe Pro RGB 360mm AIO
- Phanteks Evolv X2 Matrix case
I chose AM4 because I already have compatible memory and didn't want to pay extra for DDR5. I currently have a Ryzen 5 5600X, so I'm also wondering whether I should keep it for now rather than buying a 5800X3D. Are there any compatibility, power, cooling, or value concerns with this parts list? I'm also considering a Samsung Odyssey G55C monitor, Logitech G502 Hero mouse, Audio-Technica ATH-M30x headphones with an inexpensive DAC, and a Keychron K8 keyboard.
4 Answers
The 5800X3D is still a strong gaming CPU, but its pricing can be hard to justify on an older platform. Since you already have a 5600X, it may be worth trying it with the new graphics card first. Upgrade to the 5800X3D only if you’re seeing CPU-limited performance, particularly at lower resolutions or high refresh rates.
The graphics card manufacturer recommends an 800W power supply for that RX 9070 XT, so I’d step up from the 750W unit. A quality 850W model would give you more headroom and avoid running close to the recommendation, especially with transient power spikes.
A 1TB drive will fill up quickly with modern games and applications. If the budget allows, add a second 2TB SSD or replace the current drive with a larger one. You can always add storage later, but it’s worth planning for now.
It’s definitely expensive, but you’re right that I should budget for more storage.
For a new build, 2×16GB is generally preferable to 4×8GB because it puts less stress on the memory controller and leaves room for future expansion. Also, a 360mm AIO is not essential for this setup; a strong air cooler or smaller liquid cooler should be plenty unless you specifically want the appearance.
I’m currently using a Ryzen 5 5600X. Do you think it would bottleneck the new GPU badly, or should I keep it until a better-value AM4 upgrade appears?
Good point—I’ll plan on getting a higher-wattage PSU.