New Gaming PC Spec Advice

tweaked9107 · 2025-03-16T22:12:17+0000

Hi all,

I'll try and keep this short...

Every 4-5 years I build a new gaming PC and go all in. I don't like to upgrade along the way so try to future proof it as best I can. My now 6 year old PC with an i9-9900k and 2080ti is getting a bit crusty and needs replacing (overdue as I had to hold off until I moved house).

The last couple PC's I built myself, but this time around I'm planning on having one of those wonderful companies build it for me. I'm going with a 9950X3D which I know is overkill for what I'm doing, but I'm just going to do it anyway so please spare the lecture on that one. It'll also have the obligatory 5090 to go alongside that.
Now where I'm getting a bit stuck is on the motherboard and RAM choice, mostly due to the limited options on these builder sites.

For the RAM, I can either go 32GB 6000MHZ CL30, 6400MHZ CL32 or 64GB 6000MHZ CL40. I suspect the answer will be the 32GB CL30, but I just want to double check on that one.
As for the motherboard, my choices are limited to the below...

Asus TUF Gaming X870-Plus
Asus ROG Strix X870-F
Gigabyte X870E Elite

I lean towards the X870E Elite, but I was reading somewhere that PCIe lane allocation could be an issue and drop my GPU from x16 to x8. I think it's only if the NVMe.2 slots are all used up but again, something to be aware of and watch out for I guess.

Any help is much appreciated.

mickyflinn · 2025-03-16T22:29:30+0000

Hi.

Memory you want 6000mhz C30 ideally as anything higher changes the CPU memory clock from 1:1 to 2:1 making it slightly slower until 7200 MHz.

32gb is usually enough but if you got the cash 64gb will give you headroom but c40 isn't ideal.

Motherboard choice most share lanes dropping to x8 pcie5 isn't a big hit in performance just pick the board which suits your needs .

You should consider Overclockers to build your pc they will custom make it to your specific specifications.

tweaked9107 · 2025-03-16T22:46:21+0000

mickyflinn said:
Hi.

Memory you want 6000mhz C30 ideally as anything higher changes the CPU memory clock from 1:1 to 2:1 making it slightly slower than ntil 7200 MHz.

32gb is usually enough but if you got the cash 64gb will give you headroom but c40 isn't ideal.

Motherboard choice most share lanes dropping to x8 pcie5 isn't a big hit in performance just pick the board which suits your needs .

You should consider Overclockers to build your pc they will custom make it to your specific specifications.

Thanks for the response. Sounds like the CL30 is the best option and motherboard will probably just come down to price/other specs.

As for the build... I would use Overclockers as I've had good experiences buying from them in the past, but I think stock is a bit of an issue at the moment. You have to go where the stock is the get the 5090's. Plus I can never really make heads or tails of their configuration system. The fact you have to pre-select a PC they've designed and then completely change it, but depending on what one your originally clicked on the options you can change then change and the components you want arent available under that one by are on another... it's all a bit... well I think it could use an upgrade to make it a bit more user friendly. That's me being polite.

mickyflinn · 2025-03-16T22:55:42+0000

tweaked9107 said:
Thanks for the response. Sounds like the CL30 is the best option and motherboard will probably just come down to price/other specs.

As for the build... I would use Overclockers as I've had good experiences buying from them in the past, but I think stock is a bit of an issue at the moment. You have to go where the stock is the get the 5090's. Plus I can never really make heads or tails of their configuration system. The fact you have to pre-select a PC they've designed and then completely change it, but depending on what one your originally clicked on the options you can change then change and the components you want arent available under that one by are on another... it's all a bit... well I think it could use an upgrade to make it a bit more user friendly. That's me being polite.

Fair point.

Stock can be an issue .

What sort of money you going to be spending ?

tweaked9107 · 2025-03-16T22:58:00+0000

mickyflinn said:
Fair point.

Stock can be an issue .

What sort of money you going to be spending ?

Still playing with the spec a little, but it's looking like it's going to land somewhere around £4500-£5000.

mickyflinn · 2025-03-16T23:07:33+0000

tweaked9107 said:
Still playing with the spec a little, but it's looking like it's going to land somewhere around £4500-£5000.

Make sure the PSU is a quality unit and your happy with your choices.

Take a looked at the Asrock x870E nova it's a decent motherboard with limited restrictions.

Enjoy.

tweaked9107 · 2025-03-17T00:14:03+0000

mickyflinn said:
Make sure the PSU is a quality unit and your happy with your choices.

Take a looked at the Asrock x870E nova it's a decent motherboard with limited restrictions.

Enjoy.

Asrock is the one that keeps popping up as the best option, but unfortunately it isn't available where I'm buying from. Hence the smaller list of options.