Should I pull the trigger on this?
Posted by ShakaZulu1994@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 10 comments
I've not upgraded my PC in almost 10 years. I'm currently on a 6th gen i5 with a GTX 970 😅
My upgrade will be used for both gaming and work (I'm a graphic designer with occasional video editing) I also favour graphics over FPS, so gaming will be 4K wherever possible.
What are we thinking about this below? Can I improve or reduce (if overkill)?
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro
Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI ATX
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 32 GB CL30
OS Storage: Crucial T500 500 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME
Storage: Crucial T705 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 5.0 X4 NVME
Video Card: Asus PRIME OC Radeon RX 9070 XT 16 GB
Case: MSI MPG VELOX 300R AIRFLOW PZ
Power Supply: Asus TUF Gaming 750G 750 W 80+ Gold
Thanks!
aragorn18@reddit
Seems fine. I wouldn't waste your money on the small SSD for your operating system. You can just install Windows on a logical partition on the main drive.
ShakaZulu1994@reddit (OP)
I was thinking about this initially, but isn't it a bit risky having everything on a single drive? I know it's not as common to have issues with technology being as advanced as it is, but is it worth the risk?
aragorn18@reddit
Having two drives with different data on them isn't a backup strategy. If you truly are concerned about your data, invest in an external HDD for a proper backup.
ShakaZulu1994@reddit (OP)
I agree. I do have an an external HDD that I use to backup data. I'm thinking about more in the moment, if my OS drive was to have any issues etc, at least it's only that drive that will need re-formatting, leaving all my games/data untouched.
aragorn18@reddit
As I said, you can simply use a logical partition. That will allow you to wipe the OS drive without touching your games or data. A physically separate drive is a waste of money and PCIe lanes.
Urdnot_Flexx@reddit
Gone are the days where your operating system storage should be separate from your everyday storage. Storage in 2026 is expensive because of AI, so wasting money on a crap 500gb SSD is not recommended. I’d grab a 2TB storage SSD only and add more storage later down the line when you actually need it. Also, as a graphic designer, if you work with blender at all I would recommend going with Nvidia instead. The 9070XT can do 4K with FSR4 at good fps, but it will have HALF the Blender score that the usually inferior RTX 5070 would have. I would cut some costs like the AIO to an air cooler or the 9800X3D to a 7800X3D to grab an RTX 5070ti instead. Of course if you don’t use blender, keep it as is.
ShakaZulu1994@reddit (OP)
As mentioned in my other reply, would you not think it's risky having everything on a single drive? I went with an AMD build because I feel Intel and Nvidia have become extortionate within the last five years and feel AMD are offering the best value for money IMO. I've swapped out the AIO with an air cooler as suggested. I also don't do any 3D work, so don't use Blender either. I use AI within my workflow on my work PC, and it takes a beating. Would you still suggest the 7800X3D?
Urdnot_Flexx@reddit
It isn’t risky at all. Just make sure the SSD you’re buying is TLC nand instead of QLC nand and it will last you a long time. Most modern motherboards, like the b850 ones, have built-in heat sinks as well. As for the GPU, keep as is if you don’t use blender. And if you have the money to stretch, the 9800X3D is a great buy. If you need extra money anywhere in the budget though, downgrading to a 7800X3D is the easiest way to optimize since you aren’t losing much performance.
ShakaZulu1994@reddit (OP)
Thanks, this helps a lot!
simagus@reddit
Seems reasonable and it's relatively future proof, so if you can afford it get it.