I'm building a PC primarily for trading using the thinkorswim platform, along with Photoshop and Lightroom. I do some casual gaming too, with titles like Metal Gear Solid and GTA V (and hopefully GTA VI when it comes out). My setup includes a 5080 graphics card with 16GB of VRAM and 32GB of DDR5 RAM running at 6000MHz.
While gaming isn't my focus, I'd like to ensure this build lasts me around 7 years without needing upgrades. Currently, I'm coming from a 1060 6GB. I considered the 9800X3D, but I'm wondering if the cheaper 9900X will still meet my needs, especially since a slight drop in FPS isn't a deal breaker for me. Thanks for any advice!
4 Answers
Check if there’s a Microcenter nearby; their 9900X bundles with RAM and motherboards can be a steal, often coming in under $700. Just make sure the build matches your all-white theme, because aesthetics can be important too!
Price is a key factor here. The X3D is fantastic for gaming but doesn’t offer much of a boost in productivity applications. The 9900X or even the 9700X could give you the performance you need for both gaming and productivity without breaking the bank, plus it might last you longer in the bigger picture.
I get what you mean about prices; just looking to get the best bang for my buck!
If you’re mainly focused on productivity, the 9900X is definitely the way to go. While the 9800X3D is a powerhouse for gaming, the 9900X excels in productivity tasks. For the casual gaming you mentioned, like MGS and GTA, it’ll serve you just fine.
Thanks for the insight!
For gaming, the 9800X3D outshines the 9900X. But if you mainly use applications like Photoshop and Lightroom, the 9900X is a solid upgrade. The performance difference isn't huge, but for future-proofing and overall performance in non-gaming tasks, it'll be the better choice. Thinkorswim users have noted that the 9900X performs quite well too, so it might be a good fit for your needs.
That’s super helpful! I’ll definitely lean towards the 9900X since productivity is key for me.
I’m actually 500 miles from a Microcenter, so that’s not an option for me! But I appreciate the tip!