Beginner requesting advice on building a small form factor pc
Posted by International_Fix_89@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 3 comments
Hi all, I'm hoping to get some advice on the feasibility of this PC build that I've outlined on PCPartPicker. As a first-time builder, I've tried to do some research on this but would appreciate a more experienced eye to review these parts. My goal is to create a portable PC (preferably one that can be carried on airline flights as I tend to move around a lot) that can handle demanding imaging software like photogrammetry and image editing, as well as for gaming titles such as Baldur's Gate 3, Dead Space remake, and other similar games. I'm aiming to keep the cost around $1200.
Parts:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor ($194.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master MasterLiquid 240L Core ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver 3.5 g Thermal Paste ($7.06 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial P3 Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($112.00 @ iBUYPOWER)
Video Card: MSI VENTUS 2X BLACK OC GeForce RTX 4060 8 GB Video Card ($298.98 @ Amazon)
Case: Jonsbo Jonsplus Z20 MicroATX Desktop Case ($96.99 @ Newegg Sellers)
Power Supply: MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($90.00 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM - DVD 64-bit ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Thermalright TL-C12C-S X3 66.17 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack ($13.59 @ Amazon)
Ockvil@reddit
Honestly — and I realize it runs counter to the purpose of this sub — if you want a portable PC, I'd get a laptop. They're designed to be picked up and carried from place to place, around unlike a desktop build. A desktop GPU (and PSU, and cooler, etc.) aren't designed for that, and I wouldn't want to drop $1.2k on something only to have it break from hauling it around constantly.
If you want something you can tinker with, a friend picked up a Framework laptop to take along on work trips, and wanting to do something similar what you describe, and really likes it although it definitely has some drawbacks for gaming: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/01/review-frameworks-laptop-16-is-unique-laudable-fascinating-and-flawed/
International_Fix_89@reddit (OP)
Hi, thanks for the advice! I have a laptop now, but I'm looking to upgrade to a more powerful system. I was envisioning more of a pc that will stay in one place for a few years at a time and then be easily packed up in the event I need to move.
Ockvil@reddit
Ah, I see. It looks mostly ok, in that case. I only have a few suggestions:
Go with a cheaper cooler, as liquid cooling is overkill for a 7600x. Something like a Thermalright Assassin X will be plenty for it, though of course if you want liquid you can. Also, air coolers typically come with paste, though I admit I don't have experience with liquid myself so maybe those don't. Upgrading to an 8-core CPU like a 7700x (or better) might also be a good call, depending on how much media work you plan to do. An Assassin X probably wouldn't be enough for one of those, but you could go with its big brother the TR Phantom Spirit if you do.
I'd suggest a high-performing SSD like a WD SN850x. Yours should work, but as I recall the P3 Plus is underwhelming and media work is one of the few use cases where SSD performance can really matter.
On that note, a 2x32gb kit of DDR5-6000 might be a better choice given you plan to do media work with this build. DDR5 currently does not handle 4 DIMMs well, at all, so if you do find you need to upgrade it would be better to just get plenty from the start rather rather than have to replace those with a new kit.