I'm considering a PC build with a budget of $2,500, and I want to know how it holds up for both 2K and 4K AAA gaming. Here's what I'm looking at:
- **CPU**: AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
- **Motherboard**: Asrock X870 Steel Legend
- **RAM**: Corsair VENGEANCE RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 6000MHz CL36
- **Graphics Card**: SAPPHIRE NITRO+ AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT GAMING OC 16GB
- **Power Supply**: Super Flower Leadex VII XG 850W 80 Plus Gold ATX 3.1 White
- **PC Case**: NZXT H9 Flow White
- **SSD**: WD_Black SN850X 1TB
- **CPU Cooler**: Cooler Master MASTERLIQUID 360 CORE SI White
- **GPU Vertical Holder**: Cooler Master Kit 3
- **Case Fan**: Lian Li INF clone JUNGLE LEOPARD Prism 6Pro x10
I have a few concerns about my choices:
1. Should I choose CL30 RAM with EXPO support instead of the CL36? I've read conflicting information about whether this matters.
2. Would the B850 Steel Legend motherboard be a better choice over the X870 given I'm unlikely to utilize 100% of either? It seems like a more budget-friendly option.
3. I'm aware that there's been some reliability issues with AMD 9000 series CPUs in the Asrock community, but with the latest firmware updates, I'm hoping to take a chance on it.
I'd appreciate any thoughts or advice on the build and my concerns. Thanks!
7 Answers
I'd go for the B850 motherboard instead! Also, consider switching to a Ryzen 7 9800X3D for your CPU. The CL30 RAM is a good idea, and definitely look into upgrading storage to at least 2TB; 1TB just doesn’t cut it these days. You might even find a less expensive cooler that performs well!
I agree with your points! Just for reference, a 750W Platinum PSU can also save on energy costs in the long run.
It’s surprising how much people spend on builds. I managed to create a parts list for about $400, so seeing $2,500 feels like a lot!
Yeah, I feel you on that! Sometimes we end up spending more for the aesthetics or personal preferences.
I get what you're saying. I’ve found myself going a bit over budget, too! What's in your parts list, if you don't mind me asking?
In my recent PC order, I switched to G.Skill Flare X5 32GB DDR5 6000 CL30; it’s cheaper and performs well. The B850 motherboard fit my needs, and I saved some cash to spend elsewhere!
Make sure to check the current prices; the X870 is around $240 now on sale, not too much more than the B850!
What specific features did you like in the B850 that made you go with that over the X870? I’d like to know!
The 9900X isn’t the best for gaming, especially compared to others. You might want to consider the 9800X3D unless you really need those extra cores. Regarding RAM, CL30 is worth looking into!
Thanks for the insights! I'll definitely reconsider the CPU performance since you make a solid point about it being GPU-bound at high resolutions.
Do you have any suggestions for a build that fits a 5080 GPU within this budget? I'm curious!
Honestly, a Ryzen 9 isn't the best for gaming—opt for a Ryzen 7 7800X3D or 9800X3D instead. The X870 mobo is solid, but I’d stick to CL30 RAM and definitely aim for a 2TB SSD. About graphics, the 9070XT might struggle at 4K; you should consider a 5070 Ti or better for decent 4K performance!
Doesn't the performance for 2K or 4K mainly depend on the GPU, though? I've seen benchmarks showing minimal difference between those CPUs at higher resolutions.
I'd advise against Asrock motherboards until they sort out the 9000 series issues. Just play it safe!
Right? I hope the recent fixes have improved things; reliability is key for long-term use!
I’m also planning a very similar build primarily for game development on UE5. I have a few questions:
1. Why did you choose the X870 motherboard?
2. Have you considered the X3D CPUs for your gaming needs?
3. Is your $2,500 just for the PC components, or does it include peripherals too?
I chose the X870 for its design and compatibility with my build but I'm still weighing my options. The price is just for the PC itself, as I already have monitors and peripherals. Happy to share details!
I’d suggest going with one memory stick of RAM instead of two if you plan to upgrade later. It seems to help with performance!
Could you break down how much performance difference you think there is between CL30 and CL36 RAM? Would love to understand the impact!