Hey everyone! After weeks of research, I'm finally ready to buy the parts for my first PC build. My primary use will be for productivity in programs like Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and a bit of Blender. I plan to do some gaming and streaming in my free time, but that's not the main focus of this build.
Here's what I'm considering:
- **CPU:** Intel i9-12900K
- **Motherboard:** ASUS - Z790 Prime Gaming WIFI7 Intel LGA 1700 ATX
- **RAM:** G.Skill - Ripjaws S5 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR5-6000 (bundled with the above), but I plan to upgrade to at least 64GB, maybe 128GB.
- **GPU:** I'm eyeing the 5060 Ti 16GB for about $500, but I'm also considering the RTX 3060 12GB at $285. I'd love some advice on this choice, as it could mean a $200 difference.
- **Storage:** Samsung - 990 PRO 2TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe M.2 SSD
- **Power Supply:** Corsair RMe Series RM750e, 750 Watts, fully modular
- **Cooling:** Lian Li - Galahad II Trinity 360mm liquid cooling (recently switched from air cooling—open to suggestions here).
- **Case:** Lian Li 011 Vision Compact.
I've looked into AMD for the CPU and GPU too, but they don't seem to match Intel and Nvidia for my needs and budget. If I'm mistaken, feel free to correct me with benchmarks!
3 Answers
Thanks for all the responses! I realize some parts, like the GPU, could be better, but I'm okay with slightly slower performance for a decent price cut. Sometimes it's about finding the right balance for your needs.
If you're unsure about Intel vs AMD, I found this benchmark comparison: [CPUBenchmark](https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/6171vs4597). It’s worth checking the 7000 series against the 12900K, especially if you're looking for better performance in those programs.
Interesting! I was looking at the 9700X too. Do you think I'd actually benefit more from a 9900X even without some features that Intel has?
You might want to check out Puget System's hardware recommendations for After Effects. They have solid info that could help with your GPU decision. The 12900K is a great choice for video tasks, but remember, DDR5 doesn’t always play nice with more than two DIMMs right now. If you combine the bundled RAM with another kit, it might cause issues.
Also, be cautious with your PSU; considering an i9 and a 5060, an 850W might be a safer bet. I usually check the estimated TDP on PCPartPicker and then multiply by 1.5 for a good buffer. As for storage, I think 2TB feels a bit tight for media work—maybe consider a larger SSD? The Samsung 990 Pro is good, but there are cheaper great alternatives like the WD SN850x that could save you some cash while still delivering similar performance.
On cooling, a 360mm liquid cooler sounds right for the i9, but I don’t have much hands-on experience with liquid cooling, so I can’t give specific advice there.
For RAM, I plan to resell the two 16GB sticks and just use two 32GB sticks, not both. Your insights helped clarify a lot!
Thank you! I really appreciate your detailed reply!
Yeah, the benchmarks do show AMD catching up, but for video editing, Intel's QuickSync can be a game-changer if you work with lots of video formats.