I'm building a new gaming PC with a bit of homework use, and I'm torn between the 9900x and the 7800x3d since they're both around the same price. Here's my planned build: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III 360 A-RGB CPU Cooler, ASRock X870 Pro RS ATX AM5 Motherboard, G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB DDR5-6000 RAM, Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2 TB SSD, PNY Dual Fan OC GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, and a MSI MAG A750GL 750W Power Supply. My budget is around $1500. Any thoughts on which CPU I should pick or any tips on my build?
5 Answers
For gaming, the 7800x3d is the way to go. Most games don't utilize more than 8 cores, so you'll get great performance out of it without overspending on a higher core count CPU.
You might want to look into getting CL30 RAM instead. It can give a better performance boost and is worth considering if you're focusing on gaming.
Definitely go with the 7800x3d! It's a gaming powerhouse and doesn’t require an insane cooler since it’s more efficient. If you're fine with a basic look, you can swap the liquid cooler for a cheaper air cooler like the Phantom Spirit or Peerless Assassin. Otherwise, stick with your AIO if you like the aesthetics!
Without a doubt, pick the 7800x3d for your gaming build. It’s optimized for gaming and will serve you much better than the 9900x in that context.
Honestly, I think your build could use some tweaks to maximize performance. You could save a bit of cash and switch to a 5070Ti instead of the 5060 Ti—it's a much better GPU for just a little more investment. It will significantly outperform your current choice, especially at higher resolutions. Also, remember to budget for a case, which isn’t included in your list! If you’re mainly playing AAA games, I’d prioritize that GPU over a more powerful CPU. Here’s an alternative build that I think you'll like: [alternative build link].
Thanks for the input! I’ll definitely consider the 5070Ti. I want the best gaming experience possible!