My first proper build. Could use some advice.
I'm working on finalizing my first ever proper modern PC build and I want to make sure I do it right. It's been a long time coming. I've built using older hardware, Frankensteined together parts from some old prebuilts, and even cobbled together some old dual Xeon builds from cheap craigslist parts, but I've never actually built a modern machine.
This is what I've come up with after a few weeks of research.
- CPU - Ryzen 7 - 9850X3D Granite Ridge AM5 4.7Ghz 8-Core Boxed Processor
- MOBO - MSI X870E-P Pro Wifi AMD AM5 ATX Motherboard
- RAM - G.Skill Flare X5 Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR5-6000 PC5-48000 CL36 Dual Channel
- SSD - Crucial T710 1TB 3D TLC NAND PCIe Gen 5 x4 NVMe M.2 Internal SSD
- PSU - Lian Li EDGE Gold 1000 Watt 80 Plus Gold ATX Fully Modular Power Supply
- CASE - Lian Li O11 Dynamic Mini V2 Tempered Glass ATX Mid-Tower Computer Case
- COOLER - Hydroshift II LCD-C 360CL 360mm All in One Liquid CPU Cooling Kit w/ Fans
- FANS - 5 x UNI FAN CL Wireless Reverse Blade Fluid Dynamic Bearing 120mm Case Fan - Black
- FANS - 1 UNI FAN CL Wireless Blade Fluid Dynamic Bearing 120mm Case Fan - Black
- MISC - Arctic MX-7 Ultimate Performance Thermal Paste (4g)
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- GPU - Sapphire Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT OC Graphics Card with 16GB GDDR6
- GPU - PNY NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Epic-X ARGB OC Triple Fan, Graphics Card with 16GB GDDR7
I haven't decided on a GPU yet. I originally built this to go with a 5080, but then I saw the Nitro+ 9070 XT and just thought it looked fantastic. Also, the 9070XT would be arguably more than enough for me, I play everything at 1440p and have no interest in DLSS/FSR or frame gen. I also have no intentions of upgrading to a 4k monitor.
Before the GPU, everything comes out to right at $1500 USD. This was never supposed to be a super cost effective build in terms of performance. I know if I go with the 9070XT, I could downgrade to the 7800X3D and save $100 and not notice much of a difference. The Hydroshift is expensive and I could get the same, if not better cooling with a cheaper $100 Artic LF3 which would save another $100, but I really like the clean look of the Hydroshift and the cooling seems to be adequate. The X870E chipset is also overkill, but it comes with the microcenter bundle I chose. I'm sure I wont even notice the Gen 5 SSD speeds from the T710, but I already had that prior to building this. And I already had so much Lian Li stuff I figured I'd go with the PSU as well.
Should I save the extra, $300 from cutting down the CPU/Chipset/PSU or just spend the extra money. The price difference between the 9070 XT and the 5080 is around $500. I'm sure a more cost effective build of the 7800X3D on a B650E with a MSI 1000W and Arctic LF3 and 5080 for $2500 would run circles around the 9850X3d on a X870E with the Hydroshift II and a 9070XT for $2300. Should I just do that instead?
There's not really a set budget and I've clearly fallen victim to power/price creep. It does feel that if I'm spending $2000+ I might as well spend the extra on the 5080. I just much prefer the look of the Nitro+ card, and the only thing that looks similar in terms of a 5080 is the Astral which is $1800 compared to the $1300 of the PNY.
Would appreciate any advice or insights.