I'm planning to build my first PC and I'm trying to stick to a budget while also keeping it upgrade-friendly for the future. I want to reuse my current GPU since it's still performing well. Here's the part list I'm considering: [PCPartPicker Link](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/xqBdfd). What do you think about my choices?
3 Answers
Overall, you've made some solid choices! Going with the AM5 platform is smart—it allows for a good amount of future upgrades, especially with CPUs. The 7600X should perform well without bottlenecking any mid-range GPUs for the time being. Just a heads up, your 650W PSU might limit future upgrades a bit. If you can swing it, a 750W PSU would provide a safer cushion for future components. But as it stands, it should work fine for now!
To be honest, I think there are a few issues with your build. Firstly, if you're budget-conscious, consider saving some cash and going with the non-X 7600 instead of the 7600X, and just use the stock cooler. Also, be careful with your cooling choice—the cooler you picked might struggle to keep the CPU cool enough. Plus, that NVMe drive seems entry-level for its price. I also think your RAM speed is a bit on the slow side, and the motherboard isn't the best option out there. For the case, I'd recommend going for something simpler that prioritizes airflow. As for the PSU pricing, you can get a better deal if you're anticipating future upgrades. You could check my list for some practical alternatives: [PCPartPicker Link](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/bKMdfd).
I actually recommend upgrading the power supply to a 750W model, especially if you're thinking about eventually switching to an x3d CPU or getting a better GPU. The PSU I found has a nice 10-year warranty, which is a plus! I also opted for a motherboard with a more robust heat sink for better VRM performance and swapped the RAM to a faster speed for optimal CPU performance. The case you chose looks decent, though it seems a bit busy for the price you’re paying. Check out my part list for options that might work better: [PCPartPicker Link](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/CTtB9C).
I have to say, I agree with BuildMaster99 about the PSU. If you're planning to upgrade later, the 750W is a safer bet!
Just to jump in here, while upgrading the PSU is a good idea, I think recommending a specific model is tricky without knowing how much you plan to upgrade. The 650W should be sufficient unless you're going for high-end parts later on. Also, don't count out that case too quickly—it might surprise you in terms of build quality!