I'm trying to build a budget gaming PC around an RTX 2080 Ti with 11GB of VRAM, using Intel components if possible. A parts list suggested an i7-4790K, but that seems quite old, so I'd like advice on a better CPU and motherboard with some room for future upgrades. I'm also considering used parts and DDR4 memory. Does it matter whether the graphics card originally came from a prebuilt system, and what kind of power supply should I use?
4 Answers
The 4790K was one of the faster consumer DDR3 chips in its day, but it’s still a fourth-generation processor and is not a sensible choice for a new build unless the price is extremely low. A modern CPU may shift the bottleneck toward the GPU in many games, which is fine—the 2080 Ti should be doing most of the graphics work. Just choose the CPU based on your resolution and target frame rate rather than trying to eliminate every possible bottleneck.
For a budget build, 16GB of DDR4-3600 can work, but 32GB is preferable if you can afford it. A quality 650W power supply should generally be enough for an RTX 2080 Ti and a mainstream CPU, while 750W gives you more breathing room and future-upgrade flexibility. Focus on a reputable model rather than just the wattage rating.
If you want the best value, a Ryzen 5 5600, 5600X, or Ryzen 7 5700X on a B550 board is worth considering, especially with affordable used DDR4. A 5600 is plenty for most games with a 2080 Ti, while a 5700X gives you more CPU headroom. The downside is that AM4 has a limited upgrade path compared with newer platforms.
Avoid the i7-4790K unless you’re building an extremely cheap used DDR3 system. A modern Intel setup such as a Core i5-12600K or i5-14600K with a B760 DDR4 motherboard would pair well with the 2080 Ti. Something like 32GB of DDR4-3200 is a good target. The graphics card won’t be a problem just because it came from a prebuilt, as long as it uses standard power connectors and fits your case.
The exact requirement depends on the rest of the system and the PSU’s quality, but I’d avoid pairing that card with a cheap or unknown power supply.