Help me settle on my build

[bobboberts]

Hello folks,

Having had some things to think about in another thread, I've been staring at various components for a few days now but don't have the knowledge these days to make firm decisions (seems a lot has changed since I last built anything) so I need some help in finalising everything, but would also benefit from a bit of understanding. My template responses:

Purchase Timeframe: Very soon, whilst there are some offers around

Budget: £2,000-ish

Usage: Purely gaming at 1440p/60fps (and I am happy with this)

Preferences: It should be based around a 9800X3D CPU. Everything else is up for debate! I do prefer a mid or full tower for a case - I don't want a mini build.

Current Hardware: Only relevant thing is that I will bring across existing storage

Peripherals: n/a, already have all these sorted

Special Needs/Requirements (inc Wi-Fi): As above, I don't need storage, as this will come from my existing build. I don't need wifi on the mobo either, as I am cabled for my internet connection. For the case, I quite like the look of the Evolv X2 but this isn't going to be a PC on display (it's fairly hidden) so aesthetics are not a priority over cooling and noise. Preferably I would like any case to come with some fans, but suggestions for what to get if not.

I also have some questions:

• I've been looking at the 5080 vs 5070 Ti and for 1440p (especially at 60fps) the Ti looks the sensible choice, especially given the lack of extra VRAM on the 5080, right?
• What features should I be looking for on motherboards, and what differences would I see between different models?
• For the cooling, AIO or air? What things should I be considering here?

Thanks!

 

[Tetras]

I've been looking at the 5080 vs 5070 Ti and for 1440p (especially at 60fps) the Ti looks the sensible choice, especially given the lack of extra VRAM on the 5080, right?

Yeah, even a 5070 could do that.

What features should I be looking for on motherboards, and what differences would I see between different models?

The only thing you need is a VRM powerful enough for the CPU so that it doesn't throttle, but the 9800X3D can run on almost anything.

I would not buy a board with just 2x M.2 slots or just 2x SATA ports. A lot of the lower-end boards are stuffed with USB 2.0 on the back panel, which I'm not a fan of either.

USB4 is mainly found only on X870/X870E boards.

LAN comes in 1Gb, 2.5, 5 and 10Gb variety, but 2.5 is fine for the majority. Some will say to avoid Intel 2.5 Gb.

For the cooling, AIO or air? What things should I be considering here?

AM5 CPUs do run a little hot, but the 9800X3D can be easily/cheaply cooled with a peerless assassin.

Most cases nowadays are designed for the AIO to fit in the roof (usually 240mm or 360mm), which is both for effectiveness and for aesthetics. Hotter or smaller cases are easier to cool with AIOs and assume you're going to use one.

 

[mickyflinn]

Similar to my other build in your other thread but with a larger case and a x870 motherboard.

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Eight Core 5.20GHz (Socket AM5) Processor - Retail (SKU: PRO-AMD-03517) = £394.99
• 1 x AMD Game Bundle - Crimson Desert (SKU: DIG-AMD-07311) = £0.00
• 1 x KLEVV FIT V 32GB (2x16GB) 6000MHz C30 DDR5 Dual Channel Kit - Black (SKU: MEM-KLV-07036) = £289.99
• 1 x Palit GeForce RTX 5080 Gaming Pro 16GB GDDR7 PCI-Express Graphics Card (SKU: GRA-PAL-04059) = £999.95
• 1 x NVIDIA Game Bundle - Resident Evil: Requiem (SKU: DIG-NVI-07316) = £0.00
• 1 x MSI MPG A850G ATX 3.1 PCIe 5.1 850W 80 Plus Gold Modular Power Supply (SKU: CA-00Y-MS) = £99.95
• 1 x Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 Black ARGB V3 All In One CPU Cooler (SKU: COO-TLR-03256) = £49.99
• 1 x Gigabyte X870 EAGLE WIFI7 (Socket AM5) DDR5 ATX Motherboard (SKU: MOT-GIG-03322) = £182.99
• 1 x PHANTEKS Eclipse G370A - ATX Mid-Tower Case - Black (SKU: CAS-PHK-05088) = £49.99
• 1 x Promo Phanteks M25 140mm D-RGB PWM High-Airflow Chassis Fan - Black (SKU: FG-039-PT) = £0.00

Total: £2,067.85 (includes delivery: £0.00)​

 

[Gray2233]

The Aquate Elite has been out of stock for awhile now, but the Frozen Warframe is only a tenner more currently:

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x Thermalright Frozen Warframe SE 360 ARGB Black All In One CPU Cooler - 360mm (SKU: COO-TLR-04551) = £59.99

Total: £63.98 (includes delivery: £3.99)​

Performance is probably the same, but it comes with a nifty screen.

 

[bobboberts]

Based on the comments about the motherboard, is the X870 overkill? Is the only reason for that over the Saphhire Nitro due to the Nitro being mATX?

 

[Tetras]

Based on the comments about the motherboard, is the X870 overkill?

(Compared to the B850M) The VRM specs look similar.

Eagle has an extra M.2 slot, USB4 (2x Type-C, there's only a USB 3.x Type-C on the Nitro), WIFI7 versus 6x and a couple of 1 lane slots at the bottom for add-in cards.

No DP on the rear I/O of the Eagle either, since they expect you to use DP via the USB4 ports.

 

[bobboberts]

The Nitro+ does list a DP, though not sure it would ever be needed, so that would seem okay (I don't need the WiFi or lots of USB ports)?

For the case, assuming I go with the AIO, how many additional fans would you recommend (and which)? Again, something fairly quiet would be good.

Edit: Also, for the RAM, any reason to go for the Klevv over either of these which are currently on offer?

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x Kingston FURY Beast EXPO 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 PC5-48000C30 6000MHz Dual Channel Kit (SKU: MEM-KNG-03705) = £298.99
• 1 x Patriot Viper RGB Venom 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 C30 6000MHz Dual Channel Kit (SKU: MEM-PAT-06974) = £299.99

Edit 2: Doing some reading on motherboards now, and as most features seem to be similar, it mainly seems to come down to how many, where (front or back) and which speed USBs I want. Is that a fair summary? I suppose to ask a different way, is there anything I want to avoid?

 

[Tetras]

The Nitro+ does list a DP, though not sure it would ever be needed, so that would seem okay (I don't need the WiFi or lots of USB ports)?

Personally, I'd get the full size version for £38 if you're going ATX on the case. Though the MATX version is a good price.

The full-size Nitro has an extra M.2 slot, upgraded WIFI, an additional PCI-E slot and 3x more audio jacks.

 

[Gray2233]

Edit: Also, for the RAM, any reason to go for the Klevv over either of these which are currently on offer?

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x Kingston FURY Beast EXPO 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 PC5-48000C30 6000MHz Dual Channel Kit (SKU: MEM-KNG-03705) = £298.99
• 1 x Patriot Viper RGB Venom 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 C30 6000MHz Dual Channel Kit (SKU: MEM-PAT-06974) = £299.99

Yes.

It's £10 cheaper and will perform identically, the only reason to go for the Patriot would be if you want RGB.

 

[mickyflinn]

Don t forget you can save £250 if you drop to a 5070ti from the 5080 .

I personally would get an x870 motherboard which gives you usb 4 , you have the budget and it's something that may become useful long term rather than buy and add in card later .

Why don't you put a build together yourself from what you've learnt and like then we can see if there's any improvements or alternatives so your ready to pull the trigger.

 

[bobboberts]

Okay, this is what I'm looking to go for:

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Eight Core 5.20GHz (Socket AM5) Processor - Retail (SKU: PRO-AMD-03517) = £394.99
• 1 x AMD Game Bundle - Crimson Desert (SKU: DIG-AMD-07311) = £0.00
• 1 x MSI MPG A850G ATX 3.1 PCIe 5.1 850W 80 Plus Gold Modular Power Supply (SKU: CA-00Y-MS) = £99.95
• 1 x Thermalright Frozen Warframe SE 360 ARGB Black All In One CPU Cooler - 360mm (SKU: COO-TLR-04551) = £59.99
• 1 x APNX V1 Wood Case - Black (SKU: CAS-APN-02845) = £74.99
• 1 x KLEVV FIT V 32GB (2x16GB) 6000MHz C30 DDR5 Dual Channel Kit - Black (SKU: MEM-KLV-07036) = £289.99
• 1 x Asus Prime B850-Plus WIFI (Socket AM5) DDR5 ATX Motherboard (SKU: MOT-ASU-06004) = £149.99
• 1 x Zotac GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Solid SFF OC 16GB GDDR7 Graphics Card (SKU: GRA-ZTC-04899) = £739.99
• 1 x NVIDIA Game Bundle - Resident Evil: Requiem (SKU: DIG-NVI-07316) = £0.00

Total: £1,809.89 (includes delivery: £0.00)​

Anything I'm missing/obvious weak points? Any suggestions of extra fans for the case?

@mickyflinn I get what you are saying and I appreciate in the scheme of things it is only saying ~£40, but I don't really see a particular use case for USB 4 for me, so USB 3 will be fine.

 

[Gray2233]

Okay, this is what I'm looking to go for:

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Eight Core 5.20GHz (Socket AM5) Processor - Retail (SKU: PRO-AMD-03517) = £394.99
• 1 x AMD Game Bundle - Crimson Desert (SKU: DIG-AMD-07311) = £0.00
• 1 x MSI MPG A850G ATX 3.1 PCIe 5.1 850W 80 Plus Gold Modular Power Supply (SKU: CA-00Y-MS) = £99.95
• 1 x Thermalright Frozen Warframe SE 360 ARGB Black All In One CPU Cooler - 360mm (SKU: COO-TLR-04551) = £59.99
• 1 x APNX V1 Wood Case - Black (SKU: CAS-APN-02845) = £74.99
• 1 x KLEVV FIT V 32GB (2x16GB) 6000MHz C30 DDR5 Dual Channel Kit - Black (SKU: MEM-KLV-07036) = £289.99
• 1 x Asus Prime B850-Plus WIFI (Socket AM5) DDR5 ATX Motherboard (SKU: MOT-ASU-06004) = £149.99
• 1 x Zotac GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Solid SFF OC 16GB GDDR7 Graphics Card (SKU: GRA-ZTC-04899) = £739.99
• 1 x NVIDIA Game Bundle - Resident Evil: Requiem (SKU: DIG-NVI-07316) = £0.00

Total: £1,809.89 (includes delivery: £0.00)​

Anything I'm missing/obvious weak points? Any suggestions of extra fans for the case?

@mickyflinn I get what you are saying and I appreciate in the scheme of things it is only saying ~£40, but I don't really see a particular use case for USB 4 for me, so USB 3 will be fine.

Everything looks grand if you're tied to Nvidia for the GPU.

The only caveat would be the case, it does not come with any fans and might look odd without if you're aiming for aesthetics. That said, the build you're looking at will not require them for gaming and you could add more down the line.

 

[bobboberts]

Thanks @Gray2233

The case does list it coming with 2 x 120mm fans (though they aren't in any of the pictures) and I was looking at getting one of these to complement them:

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x be quiet! Pure Wings 3 PWM Triple Fan Pack - 120mm (SKU: COO-BEQ-06573) = £25.99
• 1 x Arctic P12 Pro A-RGB PWM Triple Fan Pack - 120mm (SKU: COO-ARC-05881) = £28.99

 

[Gray2233]

Thanks @Gray2233

The case does list it coming with 2 x 120mm fans (though they aren't in any of the pictures) and I was looking at getting one of these to complement them:

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x be quiet! Pure Wings 3 PWM Triple Fan Pack - 120mm (SKU: COO-BEQ-06573) = £25.99
• 1 x Arctic P12 Pro A-RGB PWM Triple Fan Pack - 120mm (SKU: COO-ARC-05881) = £28.99

If you're going for a very focused aesthetics build, you do not want to mix fans, certainly not in a case like that.

It's lovely that it does come with a couple, clearly I missed that, but they wont match or look good.

I would highly recommend using a different case if aesthetics are a focus because the component list you have is going to look weird as hell in that case.

 

[bobboberts]

The aesthetics aren't a focus at all as the PC will be tucked away on the floor with any RGB turned-off and I certainly won't be intending to sit and look at it lovingly. The main reason for going with that case is because I like the shape - it has a bit of character - and that the insides meet my requirements.

 

[Gray2233]

The aesthetics aren't a focus at all as the PC will be tucked away on the floor with any RGB turned-off and I certainly won't be intending to sit and look at it lovingly. The main reason for going with that case is because I like the shape - it has a bit of character - and that the insides meet my requirements.

Then why are you choosing an aesthetics focused case that costs more than better options that are non aesthetic?

Edit:

Here you go, it's mesh and comes with a bunch of fans for £30.

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x Kolink Observatory Duo ARGB Midi Tower Case - Black Window (SKU: CA-077-KK) = £34.99

Total: £34.99 (includes delivery: £0.00)​

Everything in the spec list will fit.

The Phanteks case recommended by Micky was already a great choice for your use case.

 

[Tetras]

Anything I'm missing/obvious weak points? Any suggestions of extra fans for the case?

The full ATX Nitro+ looks like a better board from a quick look than the Prime Plus. The paper specs VRM of the Prime are not good and it was one of the worst performers thermally in HUB's roundup (this is a historical thing with Asus Prime series, they seem to love putting poo VRMs on the lower-end ones).

Case, what about Lian Li's 216? It has both water and air config options and plenty of stock cooling.

 

[mickyflinn]

Here you go, it's mesh and comes with a bunch of fans for £30.

My basket at OcUK:

• 1 x Kolink Observatory Duo ARGB Midi Tower Case - Black Window (SKU: CA-077-KK) = £34.99

Total: £34.99 (includes delivery: £0.00)​

Something to note about that case is that doesn't take a 360mm aio in the top so it would have to be front mounted reducing GPU length clearance.

280mm or 240mm and your good in the top.

Great case for the price.

 

[bobboberts]

Re: the motherboard, thanks, I will change that. To go back to an earlier point, aside from USB4, does the Gigabyte Eagle originally suggested have any benefits over the Nitro?

As for the case, I appreciate the suggestions. Whilst I'm not fussed about how it looks inside, I like the shape of the APNX and the design of the compartments; it's slightly more interesting than a simple black box. Unless it is functionally bad (the only comment I could see on a search across the forum was somebody saying it had really good airflow), I'm probably going to stick with it, but I will have a think before committing to ordering.

 

[Rob_B]

I can't see it mentioned why you went with Nvidia? The 9070XT is currently available from £560, well worth checking performance comparisons if you haven't already.