Hey everyone! I'm a first-time PC builder and I'm excited to share my setup. I already have the peripherals like storage, keyboard, mouse, and monitor, so I'm purchasing the following parts: CPU - 9950X3D, GPU - 5080 FE, RAM - 48GB x 2 6400MHz CL32, motherboard - MSI X870E Carbon, cooler - Arctic Liquid Freezer III 420mm, PSU - NZXT C1000 ATX 3.1, and case - Fractal Meshify 2 XL. I have a few questions I hope you can help me with:
1. Are any of these components incompatible?
2. Since 6000 CL30 RAM isn't available where I am, will my 6400 CL32 RAM run fine and can I tweak it to act like 6000 CL30?
3. Are the included case fans enough or should I get more?
4. I snagged the 5080 FE at MSRP, but I've heard it has thermal issues compared to other 5080 models. Should I be concerned?
5. Do I need any extra cables to properly connect the GPU to the PSU or motherboard?
4 Answers
It's great that you're building your first PC! From what you've listed, everything looks compatible, but keep in mind that you might need to update the motherboard's BIOS to recognize the 9950X3D CPU. As for the RAM, you should be able to run it at 6000MHz if the 6400MHz gives you any trouble. The pre-installed fans should be fine for general use, but adding an extra 140mm fan for better airflow is a good idea. The thermals for the 5080 FE shouldn't be a massive issue, especially if you got it at MSRP. Just make sure everything is connected properly, and you should be good to go!
Just a heads up, the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 420mm cooler might not fit perfectly in the Meshify 2 XL without some adjustments to the upper dust filter. I found that Corsair's H170i 420mm works great too if you're looking for alternatives. Also, you might want to look for a PSU with a 12VHPWR connector for a single-cable connection to your GPU. Lastly, if you have the option, consider the 6000MHz CL30 RAM for better performance with AMD CPUs if that's what you're leaning toward. Happy building!
You might want to think about what you're using the PC for. If it's mainly gaming, the 9800X3D would do the job at a lower price point. For tasks that require more threads, the 9950X3D is solid. However, a cheaper B850 motherboard could suffice. About the RAM, unless you need all that memory, consider 64GB instead of 96GB. The performance difference between 6400 CL32 and 6000 CL30 isn't significant for most users. Just remember that more expensive components don't always mean better for your needs!
Thanks for the insight! I’m mostly gaming but I wanted some extra power for multitasking.
You're on the right path! Just double-check that your PSU can handle the load, and you should be fine with the connectors for your GPU since it’s ATX 3.1. If it's your first time, just ensure everything’s plugged in correctly, and you should be all set!
That sounds reassuring! I guess the build will be fine since most GPUs have decent cooling. Thanks for the tips!