Hey everyone! I'm putting together my very first PC build, and it's been quite the challenge with all the crazy prices and availability in my area. I've done a lot of research while picking out the components, but I'm still finalizing a few things. I've already bought the RAM, SSD, and an extra fan. I'm eager to get some recommendations! I'll share my PCPartPicker link and my thoughts on each choice below. For performance, I'm targeting 1440p at 240fps for games like Destiny 2 and Warzone, which I think is feasible.
Here's what I have so far:
- **CPU**: The 9800x3D is $150 more, but I don't think it's worth the extra cash.
- **AIO Cooler**: Found the best-looking one for the price, but I couldn't get my hands on the Arctic Freezer III.
- **RAM**: Already purchased, looks good for $101.
- **SSD**: Also purchased, has good reviews and speeds.
- **GPU**: Found the cheapest 9070xt since the 5070ti costs $180 more.
- **Case**: I like it, has a cool 270-degree angle, came with 4 fans (3 are reversible).
- **PSU**: A tier on the SPL Tier list which is solid.
- **Motherboard Options**: I'm stuck between a few overpriced choices; my RAM isn't on the Gigabyte QVL but is on MSI's:
- MSI Pro B650 S Wifi = $195
- Gigabyte B650 Eagle AX = $195
- Gigabyte B650 GAMING X AX V2 = $225
- MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI = $240
I'd really appreciate any tips or recommendations you might have! Thanks in advance!
2 Answers
If I could suggest anything, I’d say go for an air cooler instead of an AIO. They tend to have better price-to-performance ratios. AIOs can be flashy but aren't always worth it.
You might want to consider buying a used motherboard. I picked up an MSI Pro B650 Wifi for just $100 on Facebook Marketplace, and it’s worked great for me for three months now. For a first build, it could be a bit risky, but with how tough the market is, it could save you some cash!
I’m not sure about buying second-hand items. How does your motherboard handle temperatures? I heard that one can run pretty hot.
Sounds like a fun first build! Good luck with it!
I get that, but I’m willing to spend an extra $50 for aesthetics! I just don’t like how bulky air coolers can look.