Hey everyone! I'm new to PC building, and after some frustrating experiences with a Corsair prebuilt that I ended up selling, my dad and I decided to take the plunge and build our own. I've done some research and watched a bunch of YouTube videos, but I'm feeling a bit lost. I've created a PC part list that you can check out [here](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/h8snFZ). I live in an area that can get really hot—up to 40°C—so I'm concerned about how that might affect my PC's temperature. I don't have a budget limit, and while I mainly want to game, I might dabble in game development as well. I'm still searching for a good case with airflow since I got confused with all the options. Aesthetics aren't a big deal for me; I just want a solid build that also looks decent. Any tips or suggestions for a good case would be super helpful!
5 Answers
If temperatures are a concern, look into undervolting your CPU and GPU once you have everything set up. It can help keep things cooler without sacrificing performance too much.
You might save some cash by opting for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D instead of the 9800. You also don't really need 64GB of RAM unless you’re running heavy applications—32GB should be just fine! It'll give you a better balance without overspending.
What significant changes should I expect if I go for the 7800 instead?
First off, where do you live? It sounds like you might need a decent monitor too! I noticed that your current choice is only 1080p, which won't do justice if you go for a powerful GPU. Here's a build I'd recommend that includes a really nice monitor: [Check it out here](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/kVPgNz). This setup has a solid Ryzen 7 9800X3D, a great cooling solution, and a 1440p monitor that will pair nicely with your components. Just a heads up, make sure you consider the temperatures; undervolting could also help if you’re concerned about overheating in your area!
The monitor I picked is actually one I own, so my dad won't buy another right now. But I will definitely look into upgrading it later!
What’s the difference between Windows 11 Home and Pro for gaming? Also, I heard some 50 series cards have issues—like heating and compatibility worries. Is that something to consider?
Just a thought: If dealing with prebuilt PCs has been tough for you, building one yourself might not necessarily be easier. You might want to consider that before fully committing, especially if your dad isn’t on board with it.
This experience has totally turned my dad off from prebuilts! It's either build one now or get a regular laptop, so I'm hoping to figure this out.
Seriously, at least get a 1440p monitor if you’re getting a powerful GPU like the 4080 Super! A regular 1080p 75Hz monitor could bottleneck its performance.
That monitor is just one I have right now because of budget constraints. Hopefully, I can buy something better later!
I definitely plan to undervolt once I've got all the parts and have everything assembled.