I've been relying on gaming laptops for a while due to travel for work, but now I'm ready to settle down and build a proper PC. I'm on a budget but want to maximize performance. I've selected the MSI Gaming Trio OC 5080 for the GPU and the AMD 9 9950X3D for the CPU, aiming for a future-proof setup. However, I'm unsure if these are the right choices for my needs. I need help selecting a suitable motherboard and also need to choose a PSU, case, RAM, and SSD while keeping an eye on costs. I specifically want good value components rather than just high-end models. I also plan to save on RAM and SSD to allocate more budget for the motherboard and PSU. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer
The 9950X3D isn't necessarily faster than the 9800X3D for gaming, and you could save some cash going with the latter unless you really need its extra cores. For your GPU, the best 5080 is honestly just the cheapest available since the performance difference with OC models is minor; you can overclock a non-OC version to get similar results. When it comes to RAM, just aim for kits with similar timings for the best value. You can find good B650 motherboards around $150 that will support your setup well. Also, any decent NVMe SSD will work fine—just ensure it's PCIe 4.0 or better for solid performance. For the PSU, I recommend considering the beQuiet Pure Power series in the 850W range for your system. Lastly, choose a case that prioritizes airflow to keep everything cool!

Thanks for the tips! If I go for the 9800X3D, will I miss out on performance with VR gaming or streaming?