Simple Questions - April 03, 2026
Posted by AutoModerator@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 27 comments
This thread is for simple questions that don't warrant their own thread (although we strongly suggest checking the sidebar and the wiki before posting!). Please don't post involved questions that are better suited to a [Build Help], [Build Ready] or [Build Complete] post.
Examples of questions suitable for here:
- Is this RAM compatible with my motherboard?
- I'm thinking of getting a ≤$300 graphics card. Which one should I get?
- I'm on a very tight budget and I'm looking for a case ≤$50
Important: Downvotes are strongly discouraged in this thread. Sorting by new is strongly encouraged.
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To easily find previous simple questions posts, use this link.
thenordicbat@reddit
What's a decent "already built" PC that could play the new Resident Evil game for around $700-$800 ?
(Tired of waiting for the steam machine)
theslymoogle@reddit
Am I better off buying something prebuilt right now with the current price of parts?
TemptedTemplar@reddit
Entirely depends on whats available. Even wholesale assemblers are suffering from the price increases.
For example;
https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapcsales/comments/1scbk4w/prebuilt_skytech_14700f32gb_ddr51tb_ssd4070_super/
https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapcsales/search?sort=new&restrict_sr=on&q=flair%3APREBUILT
Z0idberg_MD@reddit
Looking to build a PC for my daughter, but RAM prices are insane. I still have my old 2x 8GB DDRM. Is there any reason to not use this vs buying the insanely overpriced ram currently on the market?
VoraciousGorak@reddit
DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5?
Z0idberg_MD@reddit
sorry thought I had that in there: DDR4
VoraciousGorak@reddit
Okay, yeah, that can be re-used. AM4 with a 5700X or 5800XT CPU, or LGA1700 with a 12th-gen CPU or 13600K/14600K would be my picks. Used if possible.
bestanonever@reddit
16GB is perfectly fine for a starter computer. What would be the purpose of that PC? I think it would do just fine for internet search and modern-ish gaming, assuming it also has a GPU.
Z0idberg_MD@reddit
I’m going to build her a fairly competent gaming PC. I figured I can always pump in better ram down the road when price is drop.
TemptedTemplar@reddit
Second the other user. 16GB is more than enough to start.
Are you building with DDR4 or 5? DDR5 uses a funny dual-channel setup PER DIMM. Meaning you could start with just one 16GB stick without hampering performance, and add a second one later if prices normalize.
Turnabo@reddit
Which anti GPU sag should I get if my case fans are right below GPU? There is no stable surface nor place to install.
Thanks.
Parts involve are PowerColor Hellhound RX 9060 XT Lian Li A3 Thermalright TL-C12CW.
Aleksanterinleivos@reddit
Could always DIY so run clear fishing line from the GPU to the top of the case etc?
xetni05@reddit
What's the cheapest dual-tower CPU cooler I could buy that would be compatible to my current AM4 (5600) cpu and potential upgrade to AM5? Thanks!
Protonion@reddit
Thermalright Peerless Assassin and Phantom spirit are superb choices for about 35 bucks.
xetni05@reddit
Thanks! Probably going for Pearless Assassin as we don't have white Phantom Spirit locally.
n7_trekkie@reddit
https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapcsales/comments/1s9uktq/cooler_cpu_cooler_dualtower_66mm_heat_pipes_cpu/
URecken@reddit
I need to know if my setup, especially the RAM, is compatible. I wanted to pull the trigger but it's not available anymore :/
(keep)Monitor: Acer X34 3440x1440 100Hz Gsync (1st Gen probably)
GPU: 5070 Ti Eagle OC
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X
RAM: 1st Option: Kingston Fury Beast 2x16Gb KF560C30BWEK2-32; 2nd Option: G.Skill Flare X5 2x16Gb F5-6000J3038F16GX2-FX5
Mainboard: MSI B850 Gaming Plus WiFi6E
SSD: Samsung 990 Pro 4Tb
(keep)PSU: bequiet P8 750W
CPU-Cooler: Noctua NH-D12L
(keep)Case: Fractal R5 Windowed
URecken@reddit
Or should I buy the Gigabyte X870E AORUS ELITE WIFI7 Mainboard?
The MSI B850 had some warning on it's site that it Note:
1.CPU memory controller quality will affect the memory operating frequency. System reliability and stability could be impact by the status of higher temperature from DDR5 memory modules.
2.The partial DDR5 memory module will remain running at 4800MT/s because of the architecture design by the Ryzen 9000 series CPU.
wtf man I don't understand...
EdoTheOnlyOne@reddit
The msi b850 is fine, but if the x870 is the same price / less expensive get that one
EdoTheOnlyOne@reddit
Is this a gaming build or a productivity build?
Goble4@reddit
Why does the Gigabyte B850 Gaming X with a 12 phase Vrm have cooler Vrm Temps than the B850 Aorus Elite Wifi7 with 14? Is it because of flaws in testing methodology or is the Gaming-X really better designed?
https://www.techspot.com/articles-info/3050/bench/2025-11-06-image-j.webp
Protonion@reddit
VRM count alone doesn't tell the whole story. Model of VRMs used, the heatsink used for them, BIOS settings, and variations between test runs can affect the result a lot more than difference of two VRM stages would.
Looking at the boards, they seem to use pretty much identical heatsinks, and based on the similarity of the designs I wouldn't be surprised if they used the exact same VRM models too. So the remaining probable causes are slightly different BIOS settings causing a higher VRM load on the Aorus Elite (CPU boosting higher and using more power), slightly different stock fan curves causing slightly different airflow over the VRM heatsinks, or just normal margin of error due to one heatsink for example being slightly tighter from the factory or the temperature being measured from a slightly different spot.
I would say 4°C is well within the measurement error for the kind of test setup they're using, especially considering that the sample size for each board model is just one.
Goble4@reddit
I see.
One more thing about the Vrms' is how the extremely tall heatsinks on these boards interact with the exhaust from the cpu cooler. Is getting hot air blown onto them and raising their temps a thing?
jamvanderloeff@reddit
It can be a bit, particularly when looking at near-idle temps instead of heavily loaded.
Most of the VRM heat is going out the bottom through the board anyway, the big chunky heatsinks on top are largely decorative unless it's a board that's using MOSFETs/integrated power stages that actually have a top metal surface, and any of those are already so overbuilt that they wouldn't need it for any sensible AM5 CPU anyway, they really aren't that demanding.
Goble4@reddit
I see. Thanks.
Eyphio@reddit
Would a peerless assassin 120se be sufficient in cooling a 7800x3d?
Also looking for a case recommendation. Board is MATX, graphics card is full pcie height (half height 9060xt don't seem to exist), atx power supply.
I don't care about rgb and have no intention of getting something with glass/acrylic side panel, mesh is probably the best for air flow (aside from going open bench)
would prefer it to be on the thinner side, but thin ones either require half height graphics card, water cooling, and or sfx/flex PSUs, none of which I'm considering.
n7_trekkie@reddit
That cooler is more than enough
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/CgFCmG/cooler-master-elite-302-microatx-mini-tower-case-e302-kgnn-s00
That's fine and cheap