I'm working on a $1500 PC build mainly for gaming, but I also want to do some CAD work on the side. I'm a bit confused about which CPU to choose. Any suggestions? Here's a link to my build for reference: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/mGWTgn
3 Answers
I worked with a 7900X setup. I swapped to a cheaper PSU, reduced the storage capacity to 1TB (which is easier to upgrade later), and used a 240mm AIO cooler since the 7900X has 12 cores. Your air cooler might still work if you want to save some cash, though.
I found a build with a 5070 Ti and a 9600X for $1610. If that's too high, you might want to consider the previous build recommendations, especially focusing on whether your CAD work is more CPU or GPU intensive. Extra VRAM is super useful for rendering!
I actually made a build suggestion for about $250 more than yours. I upgraded the GPU and switched to a cheaper yet reliable power supply. I also optimized the storage options a bit. I used the 7700X, but it might be overkill for your needs.
Why did you go for the 9070 if it's pricier?
The link seems broken, can you recheck it?
I've seen the Ryzen 5 9600X is currently on sale and it's a solid choice for gaming. It should handle your needs pretty well for both gaming and some light CAD work. Definitely worth considering!
Since you mentioned CAD, are you focusing more on 2D modeling or heavy rendering? For 2D, a higher-end CPU is beneficial, but for 3D, the GPU is more crucial. I think going for better Nvidia CUDA cores could be the way to go, suggesting maybe AMD isn't the best fit here.