I'm putting together a PC with a budget of around $2,000 CAD, and while gaming is my main focus, I also need good performance for productivity tasks like using AutoCAD and SolidWorks for school. I've got a list of parts up on PCPartPicker that I've either ordered or am considering. I already own the Crucial RAM and FSP PSU, but I have about $200 left to spend on upgrades. I'm curious if my build is balanced or if I'm missing a big bottleneck. Should I invest in something like a 5070 Ti for graphics, or do I need to focus on upgrading the CPU? I've heard the AMD x3d chips are excellent for gaming, but I'm a bit concerned about their performance in productivity tasks compared to other options like the 7900x. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer
For use with AutoCAD and SolidWorks, you don't really need an ultra-high-end CPU. The x3d chips are great but might be overkill unless you're strictly gaming. If you can return your RAM, consider bundles that come without it; you can upgrade the CPU to something like the 7600x or even the 7800x3d, depending on your budget.
If you're thinking about the 7800x3d, remember that it’s an extra $20 over the 7900x. It could be worth it for gaming, but make sure the productivity gains are worth that bump in price.
Also, just a heads up—the case you picked is pricey. You could save some cash by getting a Montech 903 for around $100, which will free up funds for other upgrades.