Build Advice Building a New Computer for the First Time in 7 Years

[justinj]

Had the 1080Ti GOAT and it's day is coming. Windows 11 is not supported by my rig and need to upgrade anyway (for gaming mostly). I looked at the Toms Hardware Best PC Builds (https://www.tomshardware.com/best-picks/best-pc-builds-gaming) and want to build something with my son, most likely at the higher end. Appreciate any help or advice.

• GPU: I am waiting to see how the RTX 9070XT performs and have a RTX 5070Ti already that I might return (unopened) if the 9070XT is the better choice. Will wait to see benchmarks but if what people are saying is right, it sounds like I'm better off with the 9070XT for $150-$200 cheaper and with slightly less good ray tracing. The 5090 seems to be too expensive right now, so I might want to buy one in 2-3 years and replace what I buy now.
• CPU: I am thinking we definitely get the AMD 9800x3d CPU - read that performance is by far better in games.
• Mobo: I am not sure what motherboard to get. The $4k build in the article has the GIGABYTE X870E AORUS PRO ICE AM5 but that was a bundle deal that's gone now. Should I still get that one or any other suggestions? Hoping it has at least 3 SSD slots, ideally 4 but maybe that's standard now?
• RAM: I think 32GB is still enough but feel free to talk me into 64GB (although it's easy to upgrade later I think). I know I need two sticks but otherwise, is there anything to watch out for here? The guide shows G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 (2 x 16GB) DDR5 6400, 2 kits.
• Storage: I thought it was best to separate the OS on its own drive but the $4k build in the article has it all on one? So maybe a 1TB for the OS and a 4TB for the rest. Is there any high end alternative to the Samsung 990 Pro? Also, don't I need a heatsink? I've never used a heatsink with a SSD before but it seems like they're a good idea these days (for my rig to last at least 3-5 years).
• PSU: article for $4k build has Corsair RM1000e - that ok or look at other alternatives? I do like the idea of having headroom here and want to potentially upgrade to a 5090 later on.
• Cooler: article has AIO Cooler Master MasterLiquid PL360 FLUX. I've never used an AIO before but that's normal now I suppose. Is that Cooler Master the right choice?
• Case: Fractal Design North XL case seems fine but not too concerned if there's something else better/cheaper. I don't want to have too little room to fit anything.
• Any other fans needed?

 

[Lutfij]

For your ram, you should look at the Neo series if you want to stick to G.Skill kits. They are the kits that have AMD's E.X.P.O baked into them. As for ram speed, you can look at DDR5-6000MHz but if you can source higher frequencied ram kits with tight latencies, then go for it. In 2025, if you want to merely game, then 32GB is the standard. If you want to throw in multitasking and productivity in the mix of tasks for the build then get 64GB out of the box.

I tend to build system's with the OS on it's own standalone SSD, usually of 500GB capacity. The next SSD can be a larger drive that acts as a game library drive. If you are creating content, then an HDD would be a good idea to house all your finalized productions. If you can source an Arctic Liquid Freezer III then get that in place of the Coolermaster AIO. Case is a personal preference thing.

Fans, I think you could look into Noctua's if you'd like high end fans and want the silence.

 

[justinj]

For your ram, you should look at the Neo series if you want to stick to G.Skill kits. They are the kits that have AMD's E.X.P.O baked into them. As for ram speed, you can look at DDR5-6000MHz but if you can source higher frequencied ram kits with tight latencies, then go for it. In 2025, if you want to merely game, then 32GB is the standard. If you want to throw in multitasking and productivity in the mix of tasks for the build then get 64GB out of the box.

I tend to build system's with the OS on it's own standalone SSD, usually of 500GB capacity. The next SSD can be a larger drive that acts as a game library drive. If you are creating content, then an HDD would be a good idea to house all your finalized productions. If you can source an Arctic Liquid Freezer III then get that in place of the Coolermaster AIO. Case is a personal preference thing.

Fans, I think you could look into Noctua's if you'd like high end fans and want the silence.

Thank you. Ok will have one SSD for OS and one for games, will use Neo RAM with E.X.P.O. and will change the AIO. Any thoughts on the motherboard, anyone?

 

[JayT204500]

I like the Asus ROG Strix X870E. You could try this.

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813119682