First ever build and flexible

[Jerome]

Hello all,

First ever post and also my first ever build.

Current spec is an i7-7700HQ, 16GB RAM, 1050Ti laptop which is becoming a bit long in the tooth now.

I'm looking to build a new desktop which I'd use to get back into a little more gaming with a primary focus on MSFS and other random games (from RDR2 all the way through to the next GTA whenever it may be released).

I work on my computer most of the day although web development based and nothing really intensive (no AI, no advanced video editing, etc.) but it's good to be mindful that it's not strictly for gaming, rather a combination.

My idea so far:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard: MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory
Storage: 2x Crucial P3 Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
Video Card: Asus ProArt OC GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER 16 GB
Case: Fractal Design Pop XL Air ATX Full Tower Case
Power Supply: Corsair RM850e (2023) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX
Fans: ARCTIC P14 72.8 CFM 140 mm Fans 5-Pack

Estimated around £2,300 depending on the price of the 9800X3D (for comparison a 7800X3D build was around £2,200)

I'd considered going for a 7900XTX as I don't really care about raytracing but everything I've read suggests the 4080 is more stable. If the 5080 has huge improvements over the 4080 I'd likely swap over the card in January.

My budget is fully flexible.. if there's things I should be spending more on and can be justified, I'm happy to do so. I absolutely cannot justify spending another grand on upgrading to a 4090 though.

In regards to the case, I believe in practicality over design. I don't care how big and ugly it looks as long as I'd much prefer more space in the case and ample airflow.

I use a primary 4K monitor and two secondary 1080p monitors.

All suggestions and feedback welcome!

 

[Jerome]

Thanks for such a detailed reply. I really appreciate it.

I'm all for saving money on the motherboard, but if you're going to fork out for a 9800X3D and 4080 Super, I'd really want to at least have PCIE 5.0 and USB4.

You'd also have only 2x M.2 slots with the Gaming Plus, if you were to buy another M.2 drive in future.

It appears I hadn't done enough research on motherboards. I certainly prefer the newer tech and extra slot, so good shout.

Are you buying the RGB version of the case? If you are, I think it comes with 4x120mm fans already.

I am, although I read the fans were quite slow in comparison to the ones I had considered. I will double check that of course.

Changed the GPU from the ProArt model, just because of warranty length and price (5 year on the Zotac versus 2 year on the ProArt).

Definitely prefer the extended warranty and saving money is a bonus.


All other points noted too, and will likely follow your recommendation on all counts.

 

[Jerome]

MS flight loves x3d and also dlss, so wouldn't change any part of that

Glad to hear that!

according to gamernexus 9800x3d will be launched thurs for $480 in US. that's £371 uk...at 20%vat that's about £445..so £450..no doubt thell put it £30 more then at £480....anyway. GN should have reviews dropping tomorrow as when embargo gets lifted

In my mind I had thought the same.. whatever the USD price is, it'll be the same in GBP after accounting for VAT and the usual premium.

FYI: if you switch to Corsair's RMx SHIFT do check case compatibility (there's a checker on Corsair's SHIFT PSU page), since it has side-mounted cables.

I'll do a check now to see.


Just out of curiosity, beyond waiting for the 9800X3D to be released in the coming days, is there any benefit in waiting for Black Friday? I'm in no urgent rush to build this (especially if it's beneficial to save a few quid by waiting another couple of weeks) but I know in recent years it's a bit of a gimmick.

 

[Jerome]

I'm really looking forward to it.

First 9800X3D benchmarks are looking really good.. so that's what I'll be going for.

Black Friday can't come soon enough!

 

[Jerome]

I managed to get a 9800X3D on launch day for £475 (unfortunately not OCuk as multiple batches were already out of stock) and it's scheduled to arrive after the 15th - we will see though. I hadn't intended to buy any parts until the end of the month as I didn't expect it to be snapped up as much as it had but decided to bite the bullet and I'm glad I did - as I wouldn't have waited until next year.

One question in regards to GPUs - I know Tetras kindly suggested Zotac - is there much difference between brands? I see they vary around ~£200 for the same model with different makes. I'm most likely going to sell it when the 5080 becomes available so I'd like to maximise resale value where possible.

I'm keeping an eye on parts and if any deals crop up I'll be buying them early, otherwise holding off until Black Friday week.

As usual, many thanks for the help of everyone so far. I'm desperate to get it built, so the end of the month can't come soon enough.

 

[Jerome]

Managed to get a few parts on various offers that I saw over the last few days. Thankfully I received the 9800X3D yesterday and it's sitting in its box ready to be built in the next week or so (ideally before the 14-day period is up).

Using some of the helpful advice above, the parts I've ordered:

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Motherboard: ASRock X870 Pro RS WiFi
GPU: Zotac Nvidia Geforce RTX 4080 Super Trinity
Case: Lian Li Lancool 216 Black ATX
PSU: 1000W Corsair RMx Series RM1000x

In regards to CPU coolers, is there much difference between the Phantom Spirit and Peerless Assassin? Is it worth going for an 'AIO' cooler? If I do ever overclock in future it's only going to be minimal and certainly not pushing the limits.

I'll likely opt for the RAM recommended above (64GB) and the storage solutions too. I'll also pick up a dust filter for the case and go for Windows 11 (somewhat begrudgingly). I'll also pick up the set of 140mm case fans I mentioned for the exhaust at the top and intake on the bottom.

Counting down the days now.

If anyone has any further advice on what they'd change or add I'd love to hear. If I've made any critical mistakes I can always change parts at this stage.