Is My First PC Build Setup Any Good?
Asked by
CuriousBuilder29
Hey everyone! I'm brand new to the world of PC building and was actually thinking about getting a prebuilt system. However, after some research, it seems like the prebuilts aren't worth it compared to building my own. I'd love to get your advice on my current setup if it's feasible and any suggestions for upgrades that won't break the bank! Here's the link to my parts list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/RD77Jn
Answers
I've got a very similar build I put together last year. Same CPU and motherboard, plus 32GB of DDR5 6000 RAM and a 750W Gold PSU. The main difference is I went with an RTX 3060 and used an air cooler. Overall, I’m really happy with how it performs!
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You could squeeze in a much better GPU for about $100 more if you're willing to adjust the aesthetics a bit. Check this link for alternatives: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/jdM7Jn. Also, consider a B850 motherboard instead of the B650, and switch to the Ryzen 5 9600X for similar performance at a lower price. Don't forget to grab 32GB of 6000MHz CL30 RAM, and I recommend the power supply I listed too—it’s more reliable and cheaper! Let me know if you have any questions.
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The P3 plus is not the best QLC drive out there—there are much better options. Still, overall your build looks decent! And don't stress too much about the difference between CL30 and CL36 in gaming—it's super minimal, around .002%!
CuriousBuilder29: Thanks for clarifying!
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Looks good! But what will you mainly be using it for?
CuriousBuilder29: Primarily 1080p gaming, and maybe 1440p if I splurge on a new monitor later.
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I think you might want to rethink your case choice. Assuming you're in the USA, you could grab a Montech 903 Air Max for around $75 on Newegg or Amazon (as of July 3rd). Everything else seems fine!
CuriousBuilder29: Thanks for the tip!
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Your build looks solid overall! I'd suggest considering CL30 RAM for better performance. If you want to cut back on costs a bit, an AIO cooler isn't a necessity, but it does give that slick look. This setup is great for 1080p gaming and can even handle 1440p in most titles!
CuriousBuilder29: Thanks for the advice! I'm leaning towards the AIO for aesthetics since it's a big investment.
CodeWhiz: Quick question: for programming and AI tasks, is an AMD CPU or Intel CPU better?
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If you’re looking for savings, I saw that one of those video cards is going for $299 on Newegg. Maybe you could use those savings to go for a 9700 instead?
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CuriousBuilder29: Appreciate the suggestions!