I'm in the process of building my first gaming PC and could really use some help to wrap things up. I want to achieve the best performance without breaking the bank. I'm currently debating which cooler to choose. I've heard that liquid cooling is a great future-proof option, but I'm hesitant to spend more than €80 on it. If anyone knows of a decent liquid cooler in that price range, I'd appreciate the suggestions.
Additionally, I noticed that there's not much difference in performance between the Ryzen 7 9850X3D and older Ryzen 5 or 7 models at higher resolutions. However, I'm planning to play competitive games at lower resolutions, so I think the 9850X3D is a good choice for that. I'm also looking at the RX 9700 XT for graphics-heavy games. Thanks in advance for any advice!
3 Answers
Consider opting for a good air cooler instead of an AIO. You're looking at a longer lifespan with air coolers. I have a Corsair AIO for my 5600, but I know I might have to replace it in a few years due to pump issues or coolant leaks; it's just how they are.
Thanks for the input! I initially picked the 9850X3D because I thought it might offer better future performance with newer GPUs. What do you think about that choice? And yeah, I appreciate the motherboard info—didn’t realize the different versions could matter so much!
Your build looks solid overall! If it were me, I'd suggest going for the 9800X3D instead of the 9850X3D, since the performance boost is only about 7% for an extra €50. Also, check out the Thermalright AIO cooler; it’s cost-effective and performs well. Make sure your SSD is intended, as it’s currently out of stock, but everything else seems great! Good choice on the motherboard; a newer one can save you from needing a BIOS update later.

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