I'm building my first PC and would appreciate advice on a small-form-factor parts list. I'm aiming for roughly an upper-midrange build suitable for light video editing, Toon Boom animation, office and home use, and mostly light gaming with occasional AAA games at medium settings.
My home setup uses a 40 Gbps Thunderbolt 4 dock, so I'd like the system to support it while leaving some USB-C connectivity available. The MSI MPG Z890I Edge Ti WiFi motherboard caught my attention because of its extensive selection of ports.
I'm located in the US and already own the 2 TB SK hynix Gold P31 SSD, Windows 11, and one 16 GB DDR5-5200 memory module. I'll need to add another matching memory stick. The PC will be connected to an 18-inch 2560×1600 portable monitor that I already own.
I haven't chosen a power supply or case yet. Ideally, I'd like to use the Makeyo MK02, a 3D-printed case designed for the HDPLEX 500 W power supply. I'm unsure whether that power supply and case can safely handle the selected components. If they aren't practical, I'm open to changing those parts while keeping the rest of the build.
I'm flexible on budget and can find used components locally. I'd like a genuinely small build and would prefer cost-effective choices that don't involve a major performance compromise. The current parts list includes an Intel Core Ultra 7 265K, Noctua NH-L9i cooler, MSI Z890I motherboard, 16 GB DDR5 memory, the existing SSD, and a low-profile RTX 3050 6 GB. Any compatibility, cooling, power, or component-selection advice would be appreciated.
2 Answers
The processor is worth reconsidering. An Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus may offer better performance while typically costing about the same, so it could be the stronger choice if pricing is similar.
The RTX 3050 is also a weak buy at current prices. If you already own it, keeping it is reasonable, especially for a compact low-profile build. However, if you still need to purchase a graphics card, look for a Radeon RX 6700 XT on the used market for substantially better performance at a similar price. If you prefer Nvidia, a used RTX 3060—ideally the 12 GB version—would be a better target.
Where are you finding the RTX 3050 at a worthwhile price? Unless it’s already in your possession or you need that specific low-profile form factor, I’d avoid buying one new. Its performance and 6 GB of VRAM make it a poor value compared with several used alternatives.
Thanks for the advice! GPUs are definitely the part I understand least, and it shows. I don’t have a strong brand preference, so I’ll look into the RX 6700 XT and compare used prices.