Hey everyone! I've recently sold my old PC for parts and picked up some new and used components to build a new gaming rig. I'm aiming to game at 1440p on AAA titles and would love to hit a stable 60fps without any online gaming. Here's what I've got so far, though it's not assembled yet:
- **Motherboard:** Gigabyte B450M DS3H
- **CPU:** R5 2600x
- **Cooler:** Corsair Nautilus 240 AIO (non-RGB, new)
- **GPU:** EVGA RTX 3080 XC3 Ultra
- **RAM:** Corsair Vengeance DDR4 32GB 3600MHz (new)
- **PSU:** Corsair CX600M
- **Storage:** 2x 500GB SATA SSD, 3TB HDD (new)
- **Case:** NZXT H3 Flow (new)
- **Fans:** Thermalright TL C12C (5x120mm, new)
I'm leaning towards upgrading the PSU first since I want to ensure stability. After that, I'm considering either a new CPU or an NVMe SSD. What do you think I should tackle first?
4 Answers
I agree about the PSU. A 600W unit might not handle the RTX 3080 well; you might want to upgrade to something more robust. After that, consider upgrading to a Ryzen 5 5600 for better performance and grab an NVMe SSD when you start running out of space.
Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone! I’m on the lookout for a new PSU right now, aiming for something in the 800-850W range for good measure. Do you think an R7 3700X would pair well with my GPU? They're pretty affordable these days, but I’m not sure if it’s a solid match. Any experiences with that combo?
I would recommend upgrading your PSU first, then focus on the GPU, and finally tackle the CPU. Given that the RTX 3080 can be pretty power-hungry, a good quality PSU is essential. Check out this site to verify ratings: [psutierlist.org](https://psutierlist.org). Always aim for C-tier or higher.
I’d say definitely start with the PSU, then think about upgrading to a 5000 series CPU like the 5600 or 5800X; they’re excellent choices. Also, make sure to update the BIOS on your B450 motherboard when switching CPUs. Having a quality 750W or 850W Gold PSU will give you some nice headroom too!
Exactly! Also, the RTX 3080's power draw can go above 320W, so being safe with the PSU is key.
This site is way better than what I was using! Thanks for the tip!