Need advice on build/config
Posted by dragodosexluna@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 4 comments
Hello !
After spending some time trying to build a component list for an upcoming build, my partner and I have ended up with the following: https://fr.pcpartpicker.com/list/dQdb8Z, with the option to get the processor for 240€, which brings the total cost to 2650€.
However, we still have some questions/hesitations we could use some help with:
- Which processor to choose between the 7800x3d or 9800x3d, from what we saw the difference in specs doesn't really justify the price hike, but we may be wrong;
- At 20€ more, we could get a 1000W MSI psu instead of the 850W, but is it necessary ? It may also be a way of getting a more future-proof build;
- Thje biggest concern right now is the case: we just don't know which way to go as aesthetics don't really matter to either of us. We chose the Fractal for now, but it's clearly not locked, as the most important would be a case with enough space (for ease of assembly and maintenance), some way of hiding cables, and a good airflow. Any advice on how to make a choice is appreciated;
- Finally, what additional case fans would be the best value/money that we can get.
Here is a breakdown on our choices regarding the other components:
- Thermalright PS120 cooler seems to be one of the best air coolers available, especially at its price point, would fit with the 7800x3d, and except for looks, watercooling didn't seem to bring that much value;
- x870 Motherboard is barely more expensive than the corresponding b850 and it looks like a clear upgrade, but it's the one we're the least certain about;
- We don't really know the SSD brand, but from what we saw it is legit and a good deal;
- Regarding the GPU, we ended up going for the cheapest coming a known manufacturer, we didn't find anyone saying it would matter that much in the long run
Thank you for reading, and for any info you can give us
Cer_Visia@reddit
The 9800X3D would be a little bit faster than the 7800X3D, but the main difference is better power usage. For most people, this is not worth it the price.
The only difference between the X870 and B850 chipsets is USB4 support (otherwise, their performance is exactly the same). And the USB4 controller eats four PCIe lanes that could otherwise be used for PCIe/M.2 slots, so you should get it only if you actually need USB4.
Silicon Power has switched to slow and low-durability QLC flash in all of its cheap drives. The Exceria is very reliable, and has TLC flash and DRAM cache. Its interface is PCIe 3.0, but this does not have any effect on the noticeable speed in your applications.
This GPU model is the cheapest one that PCPP knows. All GPUs with the same chips have essentially the same performance.
For this system, you do not need more than 850 W; a larger PSU would actually be less efficient. 1000 W would make sense only if you were actually planning to upgrade to a more powerful GPU later. However, you do not know what future GPUs actually need, and more modern GPUs tend to be more power efficient. If you really buy a GPU that needs more power than the 5080, then the price of a new PSU will be negligible.
The Arx 500 has very good airflow (three silent 140 mm front fans). But the North or Lancool 217 also are good; you can choose by the looks or by price. All these cases already come with enough fans.
PCPartPicker Part List
dragodosexluna@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the advices
Ockvil@reddit
Generally the 7800x3d is available at a better price/performance point than the 9800x3d, and it looks like it's that way in your region. The 9800x3d has a few architectural improvements that let it hit higher clock speeds than the 7800x3d but either is a beast for gaming and should do you well for years to come.
I'd be tempted to go with the 1000W PSU myself at that price difference, but I also like to have a hefty amount of headroom for future upgrades. A 850W should be plenty for your build, though. The MSI A-GL line is very good quality and a popular choice for build lists around here.
If you want a solid, low-cost case and don't particularly care about aesthetics, I'd look at what Montech has to offer: https://fr.pcpartpicker.com/products/case/#sort=price&m=824 They make quality cases with decent styling but not many aesthetic frills, at least not in comparison with the competition. I have my current build in a Montech AIR 903 and am very happy with it — the difference between the BASE and the MAX is one extra front fan in the MAX (three instead of two) and the fans have RGB.
I personally feel that if you have a case with decent airflow then extra case fans are mostly for aesthetics, but Arctic is a brand I see recommended pretty often. They seem to be quality and inexpensive.
The PS120 is a fantastic cooler and will be perfect for either of those CPUs. You're right that neither needs an AIO.
A X870/X670 motherboard will add some features that a B850/B650 doesn't have, but a lot of it is expanded IO (USB ports, etc.) and a B850/B650 will have plenty IO for 99% of gamers, or at least the ones who aren't looking to eventually become streamers. If that's not you, a B850/B650 will probably save you a little.
Silicon Power is a common mainstream SSD brand. The UD90 is one of their lowest-performing lines but should be fine for a gaming PC.
And finally, that's usually the best way to pick a GPU. Higher-end models are mostly there to appeal to people looking for aesthetics as well as those looking to overclock the GPU to its limits.
dragodosexluna@reddit (OP)
Thank you for the advice, it clears up a lot
We looked a bit at montech cases, but also at the Lian li 217, and will most likely go with the latter, but it helped