Hey everyone! I'm planning to build a new PC for the first time in about 13 years and would love some input. I've put together a list of parts, but I want to make sure I'm making the right choices, especially since I haven't had any real hands-on experience with these brands or components.
Here are a few notes:
- I'm aiming for a minimalist case with a lot of glass because I find them really appealing.
- I'd like a mostly white build with some black and steel accents, and am hoping to find a case that feels premium within my budget.
- I want the best motherboard chipset (Z890) and a latest-gen processor, but I'm flexible with options.
- Initially, I considered AMD but got put off because of concerns about bandwidth issues on motherboards, where using certain slots can disable others. That's why I switched back to Intel.
- I'm also prioritizing connectivity and future-proofing in my build!
- I'm reusing an 8 TB Western Digital HDD and an ASUS Xonar DSX audio card from my old PC.
- I found some SSD and RAM on discount at Amazon and might go for them soon if they're good picks.
- Currently focused on retro gaming, so I'm skipping a graphics card for now and might get a mid-tier one down the line.
- Is there anything else I might have overlooked for my build?
- My overall budget is around $1,000, not including a graphics card.
- I'd prefer something quiet, and if there is any RGB, I want the option to turn it off.
Here's my part list on PCPartPicker: [PCPartPicker Part List](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/ctPs3w).
1 Answer
I think you're making solid choices here! Just to clarify, I wouldn't worry too much about those AMD bandwidth issues; they seem more exaggerated than reality. If you're set on Intel, it's a good move. With that 750W power supply, just keep in mind that GPUs can drain a lot of power, so plan ahead if you decide to get one later. Also, since you're looking for speed, if you can, try to get some CL30 RAM—it’s typically priced similarly to CL36 and performs better. Liquid cooling is cool but usually not needed, you might be better off saving some cash with a good air cooler instead.
Thanks for the tips! I have heard air coolers can sometimes block RAM access. Is that a common issue? Can you suggest a reliable air cooler? Also, I might consider bumping my power supply to 850W for future-proofing.