I'm looking to upgrade my old Ryzen 7 2700 and RX 580 build from 2020. I've found a potential new build that includes some solid components like a Ryzen 7 9700X, RTX 5070 Ti, and a Thermalright Phantom Spirit CPU cooler. However, I have a few questions:
1. Is 16GB of RAM really enough now that most new setups discuss 32GB as the standard? I currently have DDR4 RAM, but I know I'll need DDR5 for this build. Is it worth spending the extra money on RAM now?
2. Also, I'm curious if the brand of the CPU cooler makes a significant difference. Is a dual tower cooler really necessary, and would the Phantom Spirit be a good choice?
3. Lastly, how does the brand of the power supply factor in? Should I splurge on a Corsair unit, or is MSI still a good option? Thanks for any insights!
3 Answers
In 2025, I’d say 16GB might still work for casual use, but for gaming, especially with demanding titles, going for 32GB would be a smarter bet. You’ll have much better stability and performance in the long run. And about the cooler, the Phantom Spirit is impressive for the price, and it definitely outperforms a lot of coolers out there. No need for a dual tower unless you want that extra cooling headroom. Lastly, I wouldn’t stress too much over the brand for PSU; both Corsair and MSI are reliable but check the reviews and tier listings to make an informed decision!
16GB RAM is doable, but you're right that many newer games are already pushing beyond that, especially with mods or heavy multitasking. If you can swing it, investing in 32GB now may save you some headaches later. As for the CPU cooler, I think you’ll be fine with the Phantom Spirit; it’s getting good reviews for its performance and price. And when it comes to PSUs, both brands are solid, but I’d look for a well-reviewed unit that fits your budget and has good efficiency ratings.
You definitely can't mix DDR4 with your new Ryzen 7 9700X and AM5 motherboard, so getting a good DDR5 kit is a must. Aim for 32GB because it's becoming the new norm, and it really helps with performance, especially in RAM-heavy games. Prices are crazy right now, but just look for a reliable brand with good reviews, rather than worrying too much about the "best". As for coolers, the Thermalright Phantom Spirit is a solid choice and offers great cooling without needing to go dual tower unless you're planning big overclocks. Oh, and regarding power supplies, MSI should be adequate, but check out the PSU Tier List to make sure you’re getting a good one!
Thanks for the input! I think I’ll go for the 32GB then, and I appreciate the reassurance about the cooler and PSU!