I'm putting together a new PC for gaming, coding, and video editing, while using my current computer for storage, streaming, and recording. I'm in the United States and would appreciate a second opinion on the parts list, especially any ways to reduce the cost without sacrificing performance. The proposed build uses a Ryzen 7 7800X3D, an ASUS B650E motherboard, 32GB of DDR5-6000 memory, a Radeon RX 9070 XT, and a 1000W power supply. I'm also considering a Micro Center bundle for the processor, motherboard, and memory. Since I'm new to PC building, I'd like to know whether the 1000W power supply is necessary or if a lower-wattage model would be safe and reliable long term. I'm also looking for two monitor recommendations, a dual- or triple-monitor arm that can be moved to another desk later, and a wired keyboard and mouse with plenty of programmable side buttons.
1 Answer
The build generally looks solid, but a 1000W power supply is more than this system needs. A quality 750W or 850W unit should provide plenty of headroom for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and RX 9070 XT, including normal power spikes. Choosing the smaller unit mainly saves money and may improve efficiency; it shouldn’t cause problems later unless you plan to install substantially more power-hungry hardware or overclock heavily. I’d prioritize a reputable model with a strong efficiency rating and the appropriate modern GPU power connector.
I’m completely new to this, so why would a lower-wattage unit be better besides the price? Could using 750W or 850W create problems if I upgrade later?