Michty_me' bargain basement AM4 build

michty_me · 5 Jul 2026 at 21:02

Today I've picked up a bench PSU, a Bargain fluke (my current multimeter is a bit questionable) and a PCB pre heater.
I've also got myself a Metcal PS-900 for heavy duty soldering but also ordered an Ali special GeeBoon TC22 iron which is a JBC clone soldering iron but gets decent reviews.
I've enjoyed being back on the tools that much that I want to at least get back to it as a hobby.

I'm going to potentially start buying select GPUs in the £10-£20 range to practice on. I've got my eye on a 5700 Merc for £25. Although there is a 9060Xt for £150 but collection only from Lancaster if someone wants to do me a solid :cry:

michty_me · Tuesday at 20:14

Looks like a second build just kicked off. Now purchased an 850w PSU and a 7800x3D from the MM.
I'm now thinking resolve the 3060 issue with vram and stick it in the 5500X3D build and then all going well stick the 7900XT in the 7800X3D Build.

Still spewing at RAM prices though. Sad state of affairs. It's either go 2x8gb for £200 or 2x16gb with a CL46ish for around the same money. I could start tuning them I suppose but don't expect to get much out of them.

Alexrose1uk · Tuesday at 20:53

Just remember that 7800X3D are less refined and mature than our 9800X3D, so don't expect as much tweaking room. Simple curve optimiser of 10 usually works however.

michty_me · Tuesday at 21:13

Alexrose1uk said:
Just remember that 7800X3D are less refined and mature than our 9800X3D, so don't expect as much tweaking room. Simple curve optimiser of 10 usually works however.

This is true!
I'm sure I'll give it a thorough test as always. According to the FS thread, he's been running it at -28 all core so could be some fun with this.

michty_me · Tuesday at 22:31

Thanks to Mr Rose above! I've now got some ddr5 RAM on the way. His brains will well and truly be picked trying to bring them up to spec.

He sent some videos of RAM speeds/specs for X3D chips and I've decided to go for some bargains basement sticks. I'll attempt to give them an OC of sorts.

@Alexrose1uk has been a massive help to my projects and upgrades over the past year or so. Another absolute star to this forum. If I'm ever unsure of something, he pretty much has an answer.