I'm replacing a PC I built more than ten years ago, and I want the new system to last just as long. My main uses are general computing, storing and editing photos in Lightroom and Photoshop, and some video editing. I'm based in the UK and would like a case that can accommodate a couple of my existing 3.5-inch hard drives for backups. Because DDR5 memory is currently expensive, I plan to start with 32GB and upgrade to 64GB later if necessary. An AI-generated parts list suggested a Ryzen 9 9900X, 32GB of DDR5-6000 CL30 memory, an MSI X670E motherboard, an RTX 4070 Super, two NVMe SSDs, a Peerless Assassin cooler, a Corsair 4000D case, and an 850W Corsair power supply. The quoted prices appear optimistic, though, so I'd appreciate advice on whether the parts are compatible, whether the build is sensible for my workload, and where I could get better value.
4 Answers
Two SSDs are not essential for everyday responsiveness. A single good-quality 4TB NVMe drive is often cheaper and simpler than buying separate premium 1TB and 2TB drives, and mid-range NVMe models will feel much like high-end options for Lightroom and Photoshop. A separate scratch or media drive can still make sense for organization, backups, or heavy video work, but it should be a deliberate capacity and workflow choice rather than something added because the faster model sounds better.
The AI pricing is the biggest problem here. A 4070 Super was quoted at around £540, but current UK prices are closer to £700, so the full build is unlikely to stay within £2,000. The SSD prices may also be substantially higher than the estimates. You could consider a newer AMD card such as an RX 9070, which can offer more VRAM and better value. Adobe benefits from Nvidia in some workloads, but AMD cards are still perfectly usable for Lightroom, Photoshop, and video editing.
That matches what I found—the AI had the 1TB Samsung drive priced at about £95, while it currently costs closer to £230. I'm still considering two M.2 drives for separating the operating system from media and scratch files, even if that pushes the budget up.
For a long-term productivity system, a comparable Intel processor could also be worth considering. Intel's memory controllers are often a little more forgiving when running four DIMMs, so upgrading from 32GB to 64GB later may be easier while retaining decent memory speeds. The case choice is practical too: it can hold two 3.5-inch hard drives along with additional SSDs, has plenty of front USB connectivity, and offers good airflow. A current-generation Corsair RMx power supply would be preferable to an older model; the newer units are quiet, well built, modular, and carry a long warranty.
The general component selection is reasonable, but the graphics card and storage estimates need to be checked against real UK prices before choosing the rest of the system. Since your current PC lasted a decade, there is no need to obsess over a particular platform for theoretical future-proofing. Focus on a reliable motherboard, adequate cooling, a modern 850W-quality PSU, enough drive bays for your existing backup disks, and a GPU with enough VRAM for the video work you expect to do.
The two-drive layout can still be useful if the system drive contains Windows and applications while the second holds media, cache, and project files. It just may not provide a noticeable speed improvement compared with one larger SSD, so the extra cost should be weighed against capacity and convenience.