I've been working on two different PC builds and I'm a bit unsure if I'm going overboard with my choices. I've done a lot of Googling and changed my mind several times. I already have some SSDs, so they aren't included in the lists below.
The first build has higher specs and is more expensive, while the second build is designed to be cheaper but is also aimed at being cute and stylish. I'm hoping the second build can handle modern gaming and streaming without needing upgrades for the next 3-5 years. The case in the second build is pretty pricey, and I didn't intend to use it; I'd likely opt for the case from the first build if I go that route.
Generally, build one is for gaming, streaming with OBS, video editing in DaVinci Resolve, music production, and maybe some hobbyist game development. Build two is intended mainly for gaming and streaming, potentially using an Elgato 4K Pro for console games.
I'm basically asking for advice: Am I spending too much? Could build two be sufficient for my needs? Do I actually need the higher specs from build one? Is there something crucial that I've overlooked?
3 Answers
Both of your builds could use some tweaking. For instance, don’t go for RAM higher than 6000 MHz for AM5 systems—trust me, it can lead to complications. Also, I’d suggest focusing on getting a good GPU over an expensive case. Maybe check out something with at least 16GB of VRAM if you're aiming for modern games on high settings. You can also find better cooling solutions that won't break the bank.
Check out these recommended builds for better performance:
1. [Build for Gaming](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Ggbtdb)
2. [Budget-Friendly Build](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/8gPxmC)
For the second build, it's a bit of a mess, unfortunately. Using a low-end card like the RX 6600 is not a great idea for gaming, especially at higher settings. You’d benefit more from something with at least 12GB of VRAM. And that fancy case doesn’t justify the price—there are many stylish options that are much cheaper. I'd actually recommend going for something like a 5070 Ti for a solid performance upgrade.
Yikes, sounds like I should definitely rethink the graphics card! Thanks for the heads-up!
Honestly, both builds have some issues. For the first build, do you truly need that 9900X CPU? It's pretty overkill unless you're doing lots of heavy multitasking. A 9700X would probably suffice for gaming and streaming. Also, the cooler you're looking at might not be great for that processor; I’d recommend something like the Thermalright Peerless Assassin. For your motherboard, you could save money by going for a mid-range option like a B850 instead of splurging on the expensive X series. As for RAM, aim for 32GB with a CL30 rating; that should cover your needs without going overboard.
That makes sense! I thought 9900X would be future-proof, but maybe it's just a budget trap. I’ll definitely consider a cheaper motherboard and look into that cooler.
I appreciate all the suggestions! I definitely need to take a closer look at these specs and think about what I really need versus what looks good on paper.