Hey folks! I'm putting together a gaming rig and need some advice. I've got an RTX 3090 and a monitor that runs at 2K resolution with a 180 Hz refresh rate. I'm considering two builds:
**Build 1:**
- Gigabyte B850 GAMING WF6 Motherboard
- AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU
- Kingston Fury Beast Black 16GB (2x8GB) 6000 MHz RAM
**Build 2:**
- MSI B850 MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI Motherboard
- AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU
- Kingston Fury Beast Black 16GB (2x8GB) 6000 MHz RAM
My main goal is to play games like Battlefield 2 and Counter-Strike 2 with high FPS. Initially, I leaned towards Build 2 for the better motherboard, thinking it might be a good investment for future CPU upgrades (like Zen 6 or something beyond). However, I realized that I can get a similar price with Build 1 using the 9800X3D and a less expensive motherboard. Is this a solid move or am I missing something? For cooling, I'm using a Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE, and I've got a Fractal Design Torrent case, so I'm good there. I don't plan on upgrading my GPU now, just looking at the 6000 or 7000 series cards in the future. Also, I don't want to go for a budget motherboard with the 7800X3D because I'd rather keep my budget in check rather than have leftover cash. What do you all think? Which build would you pick and why?
4 Answers
If you can save money by opting for a cheaper motherboard and invest that into a better CPU, then definitely go for the 9800X3D. Just make sure that the motherboard you choose still meets what you need for your setup. It's all about getting the best bang for your buck!
Honestly, the motherboard doesn't make a huge difference for most gamers. Just get a good B650 or B850 motherboard, and concentrate on the CPU — that's where you'll see your performance gains. The 9800X3D should give you really solid FPS, while the 7800X3D is slightly slower but offers better value overall. Pick based on which feels right for you!
The MSI Tomahawk B650 is a great option! It's high quality without costing a fortune. Plus, it looks pretty sleek. Definitely have fun building with the 9800X3D!
I'd say go with the 9800X3D if you're looking for maximum performance for gaming. The motherboard isn't going to have a huge impact unless you need specific features, like extra ports or connections. For most gamers, a decent board is totally fine. Focus on that CPU for the best FPS you can get right now!
Yeah, I agree! The Tomahawk does look better, and I'm going for a non-RGB black theme. Just to confirm, I should update the BIOS first when I get it, right?