I'm planning a new PC for around €3,000 in the Netherlands. I've built two systems before, but I had help from a more experienced friend, so I'd appreciate a compatibility and balance check on this parts list.
The build uses a Ryzen 7 9800X3D, Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE, Gigabyte B850 AORUS Elite WiFi7 motherboard, 32GB of DDR5-6000 memory, a 2TB Samsung 990 Pro NVMe SSD, an Asus Radeon RX 9070 XT, a Phanteks XT Pro case, an 850W MSI power supply, and five additional Arctic fans with a fan hub. I'm also considering a 1080p 200Hz monitor alongside a 1440p 240Hz monitor.
My main goal is to play Blood of the Dawnwalker smoothly at 1440p when it releases. I'll also do some non-professional video editing and 3D animation. Do these components work well together, or is anything unnecessarily expensive, underpowered, incompatible, or likely not to fit?
2 Answers
For gaming, the RX 9070 XT offers very good value at these prices and is a sensible match for a 1440p high-refresh display. However, Nvidia’s 5070 Ti may be considerably faster in Blender and can have better support in GPU rendering and video-editing applications, especially when software relies on CUDA or Nvidia’s encoders. If those workloads become more important, compare application-specific benchmarks before choosing.
An AIO liquid cooler is optional rather than necessary. A 360mm unit could reduce noise or temperatures with an appropriate fan curve, but the Phantom Spirit is simpler, cheaper, and already adequate. Also check the exact case and graphics-card clearance measurements, though these parts should generally fit together. The suggested replacement SSD and power supply may save money, but verify independent reviews and the PSU’s platform and protections rather than choosing solely by wattage.
The core build is well balanced and should be excellent for 1440p gaming. The Phantom Spirit is more than capable of cooling the 9800X3D; the regular Phantom Spirit is worth considering if it is only a few euros more.
The biggest oddity is the memory price. €400 for 32GB of DDR5-6000 CL36 is extremely high, so it would be worth checking other retailers or choosing a similar 2x16GB DDR5-6000 kit with reasonable timings. The 990 Pro is also a premium SSD, but a less expensive TLC NVMe drive would feel virtually identical for gaming.
Rather than buying a budget case and then adding nearly €40 in fans and a hub, you could look at a case with stronger airflow and included fans, such as the Lancool 207 or a suitable Fractal model. The RX 9070 XT is a strong gaming choice and 850W is sufficient for it.
What specifically makes the alternative case better? I suspected it might have better airflow, but it’s difficult for me to judge from the specifications. I’m also considering a GeForce 5070 Ti if it would make a major difference for 3D rendering and editing. Would that be a straightforward replacement for the RX 9070 XT?
I was initially nervous about liquid cooling, but the installation looks manageable after watching a guide. What makes the alternative power supply a better choice than the MSI model? I’d also like to understand whether the 5070 Ti’s rendering advantage is large enough to justify switching from the RX 9070 XT.