Hey everyone! I'm finally ready to upgrade my PC after a few years, and I'm seeking your advice on my build. I built a budget PC in 2019, but now I'm focused on gaming and running some virtual machines for work in medicine. I've recently got a 5090 FE, which has motivated me to put together this build. I've done my research but I'm questioning some of my choices, so I'd love to get your opinions! Money isn't a huge concern for this gift to myself, but I do want to be smart about it and try to future-proof where possible. Here's what I'm looking at:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D 4.3 GHz 16-Core
- CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360
- Motherboard: Gigabyte X870E AORUS ELITE WIFI7
- Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 64 GB DDR5-6000
- Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB M.2 NVMe SSD
- Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
- Case: Fractal Design North XL ATX
- Power Supply: NZXT C1500 1500 W Fully Modular
I'd appreciate any advice on whether I'm making the right choices, especially regarding the CPU, cooler size, motherboard selection, and the other parts. Thanks a lot!
3 Answers
I have a similar build, and I use a 280mm cooler for my 9950x3d. It's been working perfectly even with some overclocking. A 360mm should handle it just fine, especially with how efficient these CPUs are. Don't worry too much about heat!
I recommend swapping your power supply for the Corsair HX1500i or even the AX1600 for better quality and efficiency. As for the case, the Antec Flux Pro would be a great alternative for better airflow. Don't overlook getting that 420mm Arctic Liquid Freezer III; with your setup, you'll want the extra cooling. Consider looking into the 14900k if you can find it—it's a solid option and might be easier to get than the 9950x3d. You'll save some cash without sacrificing much performance in gaming!
Thanks for the power supply tip! I wasn't very familiar with them, so I appreciate the guidance. The Antec case does look good, and more cooling seems smart with a build like this! I’ve always been an AMD fan but I might just check out Intel's offerings!
I agree! A strong power supply can make a difference. That Antec case is also aesthetically pleasing, plus great airflow can keep everything cool.
If you're going with the 9950x3d, consider a PCIe 5.0 drive for your boot drive to really maximize performance. If you have enough PCIe lanes available, it's totally worth it!
Awesome to hear you're enjoying your build! I’m excited too, I haven't tried overclocking before, but I'm curious and ready to dive into those hobbies!