Hey everyone! I've recently made the leap from laptop to custom PC building after my last machine died. I'm looking for some guidance since there are so many options available. Here's what I'm planning to use it for: CAD/GIS work primarily, some programming, Microsoft Office, and maybe a little gaming on the side.
I already have an M.2 SSD for Windows and programs, plus a SATA SSD, so I'm set on storage. I also have a monitor, mouse, and keyboard, and I'm considering setting up a dual monitor system.
My main concerns are with the power supply and motherboard. I'm looking for a solid starting point, and while I don't need an external GPU right now, I might want to add one in the future. I prefer a compact design without any RGB lighting.
Here's what I'm thinking for my build:
- Seasonic Focus GX ATX3.1 750W Full Modular (80Plus Gold)
- MSI B650M Gaming Plus WiFi Motherboard, Micro ATX (AM5)
- AMD Ryzen 7 8700G
- G.Skill Flare X5 DDR5 - 6000MT/s, CL30 (2x16GB)
- Lian Li A3-mATX mini tower
The motherboard choice has me a bit confused. Should I upgrade to a B850 chip? And is opting for a mini tower a risky choice? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for the help!
1 Answer
When it comes to choosing between B650 and B850 chipsets, I would say focus on what ports and features you really need. For your CAD work, anything in the higher range may not provide significant performance improvements, but check that it supports the number of drives you'll be using, plus features like WiFi and Bluetooth. If you can, consider other CPU options like the 9700X or 7700X paired with a budget GPU like the 3050, especially since CAD software can benefit from a dedicated GPU.
I’m working with a budget of about 700€, which is why I opted for the current configuration. Coming from a laptop, the performance leap will be massive! Should I really consider changing the CPU?
If you're set on that budget, the Ryzen 7 8700G should serve you well. Just check if it meets all your needs first.