I'm trying to assemble a budget-friendly PC build for a friend, and we have a total budget of £700. We've got a case already, and they'll be receiving a GPU for free from someone upgrading their setup. Here's the current components list I'm considering:
- **CPU:** AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D 3 GHz 8-Core Processor - £240.85
- **CPU Cooler:** ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS 70 CFM - £19.98
- **Motherboard:** MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI Micro ATX - £99.99
- **Memory:** Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 - £113.99
- **Storage:** Crucial P3 Plus 1 TB M.2 NVME - £87.99
- **Video Card:** PowerColor RX7800XT 16 GB - Free
- **Case:** Montech AIR 100 ARGB MicroATX - Already owned
- **Power Supply:** MSI MAG A750GL 750 W 80+ Gold - £79.98
**Total:** £1151.71
I'm not very familiar with small cases, so I'm concerned about compatibility. Are there any issues I should be aware of with these parts? Any relevant experiences or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
Make sure to check the cooler height and GPU length against the case specs. Generally, your parts should fit, but it's always good to verify. Most of the components you listed aren't oversized, so you should be fine!
Considering the price of some components, it might be worth looking at used parts for the AM4 platform. Given that they're phasing out soon, you could save a lot by shopping around eBay or other marketplaces. For instance, you could find cheaper RAM and maybe even a motherboard without breaking the bank. Also, if they're up for it, exploring the AM5 route might yield better performance as these CPUs are more future-proof.
Good point on the used parts. Sometimes you can snag a great deal, especially on RAM since many people upgrade to AM5 CPUs and sell the old gear.
If gaming is the primary use, shifting to AM5 might give them more performance. They could grab a Ryzen 7800X3D for around £250, and it typically comes with a cooler. Just ensure you budget for a CPU cooler if they go that route. The case and PSU seem manageable as long as they're within the size limits, so double-check those specifications.
Yeah, for sure! Just keep in mind compatibility issues with certain motherboards. Avoid Asrock since I've seen several users report issues with them.
Noted! I was worried about getting DDR5 due to prices, but that AM5 build seems more feasible than I expected.
For storage, the P3 Plus is decent, but keep in mind it uses QLC flash, which can slow down over time. It might be better to look for a more durable TLC SSD if longevity is a factor.
Yeah, I agree with the AM5 suggestion! The 5700X3D is still powerful, but if they can get into a newer generation, it might be a smarter investment.