I'm putting together a new PC setup and want to know if there are any glaring mistakes I might be making. PCPartPicker marked everything as compatible, but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the different motherboard options out there. I went with a reasonably priced one that doesn't show any compatibility issues according to the site. My build is listed here (minus my case): [link](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/mjP6cx). My case is a 'Cepter Skin Mid Tower', which is pretty spacious, so I don't expect space to be an issue. I'd appreciate any advice or tips! Oh, and just to clarify, the RAM I'm planning to buy is the non-RGB version, and I already have a Kingston A2000 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD.
2 Answers
Overall, your build seems compatible, but keep an eye on the height of your CPU cooler. Those can sometimes be too tall for mid-tower cases. I recommend checking the case specs for max CPU cooler height. Also, throw in 2-3 case fans if your case doesn’t include them; I’ve had good results with ARCTIC fans. And if aesthetics matter to you, go for an ATX motherboard instead of micro-ATX to avoid looking cramped inside your case. One last thing: your case appears to have a USB 3.0 front panel, but your motherboard might not support that. A USB adapter could be necessary if you pick that board.
You might want to consider upgrading your motherboard to a nicer B850 model for about $20 more. You're pairing it with a top-tier CPU, so it's worth it! Also, check if the 9800x3d is just $40 more—it's definitely a smart upgrade. Your PSU isn't the best choice for a high-end build; an A-tier model will serve you better. And please opt for an ATX motherboard instead of a micro-ATX in a full ATX case; it just looks more fitting. Lastly, think about adding a second SSD since 1TB fills up fast!
Thanks for the tips! I had no idea about the 9800X3D being a solid choice. I'll definitely look into upgrading my motherboard.
Here's a [PSU tier list](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1akCHL7Vhzk_EhrpIGkz8zTEvYfLDcaSpZRB6Xt6JWkc/htmlview?usp=sharing&pru=AAABm6i2pOY*cF3myrp5NJnnUwFOE5rdUQ#gid=1973454078) to check the quality of your PSU!
The B850 model you looked up should solve the USB header issue, but you’ll still have the micro-ATX size. Your PSU should be fine unless you’re having stability issues, though!