Hey everyone! I'm in the process of building a new gaming rig running Windows 11 using second-hand components from Facebook Marketplace. Here's what I have so far: an Intel Core i7 13700, a Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX motherboard, Corsair Vengeance RGB 32 GB DDR5-6400 CL32 RAM, and two WD Black NVMe SSDs (1 TB for the system and 2 TB for storage). Right now, I'm using onboard graphics while I decide on a graphics card.
My main concern is whether I'm wasting money on the DDR5 RAM. I ended up with only one working stick, so I effectively have just 16 GB. I noticed I could get 64 GB or more of DDR4 for a lower price than what I paid for 32 GB of DDR5. Additionally, what would be a good GPU choice for my setup? I'm seeing a bunch of RTX 2050/2060/2070 cards for under $250, while the 3050 and 3060 are around $300. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
If you only have one stick working, you should really consider doing an RMA since RAM typically has a lifetime warranty. Getting a new stick might resolve your issue without having to spend more money upfront!
I think having 32 GB of RAM is a solid choice for future-proofing your setup, especially since gaming demands keep rising. With the i7 13700, you won't bottleneck on most graphics cards, so go with whatever fits your budget. If you can stick with the DDR5, it’s worth it, but make sure you have a functioning stick!
Just a heads up, DDR4 prices are spiking since manufacturers are shifting focus away from it. DDR5 might actually be more competitive in pricing soon. Plus, at least 16 GB is fine for gaming unless you’re diving into heavy titles like Flight Simulator. I’d recommend holding out for a sale on more RAM if you can!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely look into RMAing the faulty stick.