I'm putting together a small-form-factor gaming PC with a budget of around $2,500–$3,000 and would appreciate feedback before buying the parts. The planned build includes a Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra motherboard, 32GB of G.Skill Flare X5 memory, an ASUS RTX 5070, a 2TB Samsung 990 EVO SSD, a Lian Li A4-H2O case, and an MSI MAG 750W Gold power supply. Would these parts work well together, and are there any changes you would recommend for gaming or editing?
3 Answers
If you’re mainly gaming or editing, it may be worth comparing the Radeon RX 9070 XT with the RTX 5070. It can offer stronger performance for the money, depending on the prices in your area. Also, make sure the $2,500–$3,000 budget is clearly identified as USD, CAD, AUD, or another currency, since that makes a big difference when judging the parts list.
The core parts look well suited to a high-end small-form-factor build. Before purchasing, verify the exact GPU dimensions, radiator or cooler clearance, RAM height, and power-supply compatibility with the case. A 750W Gold unit should generally be adequate, but choose a reliable model with the right GPU power connector and leave some headroom if you upgrade later.
The Lian Li A4-H2O is still a solid compact case, but you could also look at the T1 V2.1 or V2.5. Those cases have a different, more open layout, so check whether you’re comfortable with that design and whether the GPU and cooling setup will fit your preferences.
The more open design makes me a little hesitant. I’d prefer something that feels more enclosed while still having good airflow, so I’ll compare other compact cases as well.
I’m still fairly new to PC building, so I wasn’t sure which currency comparison you meant. I’ll also look more closely at the RX 9070 XT instead of automatically going with the RTX 5070.