efficient cpu + gpu?

throwaway4372 · 28 Apr 2025 at 19:14

I don't need a full system spec, just a cpu and gpu recommendation to build a system around.
Something that isn't going to cause me heat and noise problems, but still performs well.
I have a strong preference for very low noise and not heating the room up.
Usage: web browsing, gaming (1440p 144hz freesync / gsync compatible)
Full system budget: £2k ish
System being replaced is: i7 6700K + GTX 1080 Strix

throwaway4372 · 28 Apr 2025 at 21:01

What about the 9700X for 65W?

throwaway4372 · 29 Apr 2025 at 08:04

Some questions having looked up the 7800X3D:

1. If the 7800X3D (120W) uses less power in reality than 9700X (65W) why does it say 120W and not 65W?

2. If the 7800X3D is using less power than the 9700X why is approx 10c hotter? And is it right to assume this means the cpu cooler will be louder?

3. Would the 9700X be your second choice recommendation for me, or something else? (More options please)

throwaway4372 · 29 Apr 2025 at 14:00

That's helpful ty, I also have some questions about GPUs, assuming it's the 5070/9070 tier I'm aiming for:

1. How much weight should I give to choosing between DLSS Super Sampling and FSR? Is one massively better than the other, does it matter? Would I even need to use them at 1440p? Do they provide future-proofing?

2. When choosing a GPU model, prioritising quietness, which tier is going to be quieter, a low tier with low clocks and basic cooler, a mid tier with better cooler but higher clocks, or a top tier with massively better cooler but also much higher clocks? (and it must not have coil whine) (I paid extra for the 1080 Strix and it was money well spent)

3. I have used Nvidia mainly, my last foray into ATI was the 5870 which had unstable drivers and I missed out on PhysX, so I ended up looking like a fool while we were playing Borderlands and I couldn't see half the effects and I crashed out every session and I'm therefore wary of switching but I have heard about Nvidia drivers being unstable lately. What is the current situation? Are there any feature differences, or stability, latency, etc - what would I notice if I made the switch to AMD now?

throwaway4372 · 4 May 2025 at 17:05

I got a bit further along, in that now that I have some options priced up just to see what's doable in budget (£2k ish). GPUs are a bit of a problem, either out of stock or overpriced, so I'm in no rush to order (maybe in 1-3 months). But getting to this stage means I can post it and you can suggest stuff, so here it is:

To explain not choosing X3D - gaming is one of my requirements but I don't game a lot so I don't want to pay a premium for it (GPUs already feel borderline not worth it). I play at 1440p, high settings is fine (ultra not needed), not fussed about ray tracing, 100fps is fine. Generally not playing AAA games / unoptimized console ports etc.