Hey everyone! I'm diving back into building my own gaming PC after a long break since 2019. I've been relying on a budget MSI laptop that makes my ears hurt with its loud fans, and unfortunately, it's not capable of running many of the games I love. I'm ready to invest a bit more and would love your feedback on my proposed build before making any purchases.
My budget is around CAD 5K, though my current total is higher, so I'd appreciate suggestions on where I can cut costs without sacrificing quality. I'm mostly going to be using this PC for gaming—think fast-paced FPS games like Overwatch and Valorant, along with some resource-heavy RPGs, which my current laptop cannot handle.
I've been leaning towards MSI for the graphics card and motherboard since I've had good experiences with their durability, even if their fans can be noisy. I initially considered an ASUS motherboard, but I've heard some negative feedback about their recent models. For the PSU, I trust Seasonic based on my past research.
Here's my build: [PCPartPicker List](https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/wrFYH3)
5 Answers
Thanks for the suggestions! I appreciate the insights on the CPU and motherboard. I just want to make sure I’m making the best choices for gaming, and it seems like the 9850X3D is a better fit for that. And definitely glad I didn't opt for an Asrock motherboard!
You should definitely consider updating the GPU. The 5080 is nice but maybe check for other models that offer similar performance for less money. You can achieve a satisfying gaming experience without overspending. Good luck with your build!
I suggest switching your CPU to the 9850X3D. It's currently the best option for gaming, and you won't lose any FPS compared to the pricier 9950X3D. Pair it with a decent 360mm AIO cooler to keep things cool. As for the motherboard, the MSI option you mentioned is great, especially with features like WiFi 7 and additional M.2 slots for future upgrades. Also, consider going for 32GB of RAM, alongside a fast 2TB PCIe 5.0 SSD. You might want to think about the GPU too; the 5080 is costly—maybe look at the 5070Ti or 9070XT, which offer great performance without breaking the bank. Let me know if you have questions about my recommendations!
For a gaming-centric build, definitely go for the 9850X3D. It’s really optimized for performance in games—it’s slightly ahead of the 9950X3D in terms of gaming efficiency, which is what matters most for you. Plus, staying away from ASRock could save you some potential headaches later on!
If you’re looking to stay under CAD 5K, take a look at my alternate build. It’s priced at CAD 4865. I kept quality items while optimizing costs, like going for a B850 motherboard instead of the X870E, but still maintains solid features including 2TB of DRAM SSD storage. You can save more if you're willing to choose more budget-friendly components. Here's the link: [Alternative Build](https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/JpCMck)
Thanks for your input! I checked prices for the 5070Ti, and it's quite a bit cheaper. Going with MSI’s Gaming Trio OC version could save me about 800 CAD!