I'm putting together a gaming PC using a Ryzen 5 9600X and Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB. Is this a well-balanced combination, and what power supply would be a good choice for it? I'm also confused about why 32GB of DDR5 memory has become so expensive. I know an all-in-one liquid cooler isn't necessary, but I like the look and I'm willing to spend extra on one. Any advice on improving the parts list would be appreciated.
4 Answers
The CPU and GPU are a sensible pairing. A 750W 80+ Gold power supply from a reputable model line would give you plenty of headroom and leave room for future upgrades. The unusually expensive RAM is worth replacing with a cheaper 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30 kit if you can find one. The SSD can also be swapped for a less expensive model without a noticeable difference in normal gaming.
Used or open-box parts could reduce the cost quite a bit, especially for the RAM, SSD, and graphics card. Just check the seller carefully and make sure the parts have a return option or some remaining warranty. The RAM kit you found with slightly higher latency should still work, but compare its actual price against new kits before buying.
The build looks good overall, but that AIO is a luxury rather than a performance requirement. If you keep it because you like the appearance, that’s totally reasonable, but the extra money could instead go toward a stronger graphics card. A good air cooler would handle this processor easily and could improve gaming performance if the budget is limited.
The high memory price is largely tied to supply pressure from demand for AI and server hardware. For gaming, 32GB is still the practical target, so I wouldn’t drop to 16GB just to save money unless your budget is extremely tight. Look for DDR5-6000 around CL30 or CL36 from a reputable brand, and prioritize the graphics card over decorative cooling if you have to choose.
Thanks, I mainly want the AIO for the appearance, so I’m okay with spending extra on it.