Hey there! I'm building my very first PC and I'm looking for some feedback on my parts list. The main purpose of this build is for heavy multitasking, rendering, and compositing for VFX and 2D/3D animation, mainly using Adobe Creative Cloud, DaVinci Resolve, Blender, and Nuke.
Here's my parts list: [https://pcpartpicker.com/list/xvy73w](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/xvy73w)
I have a couple of specific questions:
1. Are my specs balanced for what I need them for? (CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, cooling) Is there anything that you think I should change?
2. I'm looking at the Gigabyte X870E AORUS PRO ICE ATX (AM5) for my motherboard. Is there a similar one that's cheaper, or is the PRO ICE really worth the extra cost? I'm not too worried about how it looks, just want to save some cash without sacrificing reliability or expandability.
Thanks so much in advance for your help! I really appreciate any advice or personal experiences you can share.
2 Answers
The X3D model is more geared towards gaming, so it might not be the best choice for productivity. Also, for RAM, I recommend getting 6000 CL30 to save you from tweaking hassle. If you opt for 6400 CL32, just ensure it runs at UCLK=MCLK and not UCLK=MCLK/2, as the latter can hurt performance.
As for your GPU, the 5080 doesn’t offer enough value over the 5070ti for what you gain. For monitors, if you're looking at a 75hz 1440p, consider going for 4K, or at least a higher refresh rate for gaming. If not, you probably won’t need the 9950X3D.
You don’t necessarily need the X870E motherboard either; a solid B850 like the Tomahawk would suffice without missing much functionality. Simply put, you might avoid issues with PCIe lanes when using multiple M.2 drives. Also, for cooling, I wouldn’t go with the Dark Rock Pro 5 for AM5—that one doesn’t work well. Try a Thermalright Phantom Spirit instead. Finally, I’d recommend Fractal Design cases over BeQuiet, as they tend to be much better in my experience.
What features are you specifically looking for in that motherboard? If you're not gaming, you might want to consider the Ryzen 9 9950X—it could be a better fit for your needs.
I heard that the Pro Ice has better cooling compared to the MSI X870 GAMING PLUS WIFI, which was my initial choice. Thanks for the Ryzen tip!
Thanks a lot for all the great recommendations!