I built my last PC back in 2017, so I'm pretty out of date on current hardware and pricing. I'm planning a new system for a mix of games, including flight and space simulators using a HOTAS setup. I haven't purchased anything yet, and I'd appreciate feedback on compatibility, value, and any parts that should be changed. The draft includes a Ryzen 7 9800X3D, 32GB of DDR5-6000 memory, an RTX 2080 Ti, a 500GB NVMe SSD, a 5TB 5400 RPM hard drive, and an 850W power supply, for roughly $2,600. I was also considering a mostly white build.
4 Answers
If the 2080 Ti is hardware you already own, you can reuse it temporarily, but I wouldn’t buy it as part of this new build. If you’re buying a GPU now, put more of the budget toward a current-generation model with newer features and more VRAM. Also check whether your existing Windows license can be transferred before paying for another copy; OEM licenses are often tied to the original motherboard.
Double-check the memory price before buying. $469 for 32GB of DDR5-6000 CL36 appears abnormal; 32GB kits should generally cost far less. DDR5-6000 is a sensible target for the 9800X3D, though a lower-latency CL30 kit would be preferable if the price is reasonable. The motherboard is compatible, but you could potentially save money with a less expensive B850 or B650 board without losing important gaming performance.
The revised direction looks much better: keep the 9800X3D, use a reasonably priced 32GB DDR5-6000 kit, install a 1TB or 2TB NVMe SSD, and choose a modern GPU. You don’t need a separate M.2 drive just for Windows—one NVMe drive can handle Windows, applications, and games. A second drive is only useful for extra capacity, backups, or separating files.
The CPU and platform are solid, but the graphics card and storage choices don’t fit the budget. An RTX 2080 Ti is an older card, and that listing is wildly overpriced at nearly $800. A modern card such as an RX 9070 XT would offer much better performance and longevity for a similar price. I’d also replace the 500GB SSD and mechanical game drive with a good 2TB NVMe SSD. A hard drive is fine for backups or rarely used files, but modern games load much more slowly from one.
The 9800X3D is a strong choice for simulation games, especially if you’re aiming for high frame rates or running CPU-heavy titles. Just make sure the board’s BIOS supports it and enable the memory’s EXPO profile after assembly.