Build Advice Building a new PC

[Church Johnson]

Hi, I'm trying to finally upgrade my computer from an old HP Pavilion to something newer and more powerful. So far the specs I'm trying to go from to the specs I'm trying to get are the following:

Ryzen 7 1700
Radeon RX550
HP Sunflower Motherboard
16GB DDR4 RAM
HP Pavilion case (idk the details)
HP Pavilion power supply (idk the details)

Ryzen 7 1700 (carrying it over)
Radeon RX 6800 XT
ASUS ROG B550F II Wifi mobo
Corsair Vengeance 32GB RAM
Corsair RM1000x
Corsair 5000D airflow

I think for the most part, everything should be compatible. My only concern is that the Ryzen 7 will be too old to move into the new computer with the current upgrades I'm trying to get. I don't mind a bottleneck for now, I just want it to be able to operate for now while I get the extra cash for a new CPU. If not, is there any way I can make this work or will I have to get a new CPU?

 

[logainofhades]

B550 doesn't support Gen1 ryzen. I would just keep the current system intact, as a spare rig, or to sell. What is the budget for this? There are some great deals to be had, these days.

 

[Why_Me]

Something like this would allow you to get a decent cpu.

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/QnD7YJ/fractal-design-pop-air-atx-mid-tower-case-fd-c-poa1a-02
Fractal Design Pop Air Mid Tower Case $88.98

Pop Air

Fractal fuse flair with function in the new Pop series of cases that doesn’t skimp on aesthetics or flexibility. The entire series offers a solid foundation and excellent build quality, giving all users plenty of options and room to maneuver.

www.fractal-design.com

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/26...-fully-modular-atx-power-supply-cp-9020200-na
Corsair RM850x (2021) 850W 80+ Gold Modular Power Supply $149.99

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/pL...-am4-motherboard-tuf-gaming-b550-plus-wifi-ii
Asus TUF GAMING B550-PLUS WIFI II $168.99

TUF GAMING B550-PLUS WIFI II｜Motherboards｜ASUS Global

TUF Gaming series distills essential elements of the latest AMD and Intel® platforms, and combines them with game-ready features and proven durability. Engineered with military-grade components, an upgraded power solution and a comprehensive set of cooling options, this motherboard delivers...

www.asus.com

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/PgcG3C/amd-ryzen-5-5600-36-ghz-6-core-processor-100-100000927box
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 $139.79

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/amd-ryzen-5-5600-and-ryzen-5-5500-review

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09S38FD1J
Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE CPU Cooler $21.90

or ...

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/JmhFf7/amd-ryzen-7-5700x-34-ghz-8-core-processor-100-100000926wof
AMD Ryzen 7 5700X $189.00

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/amd-ryzen-7-5700x-cpu-review

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/GCjBD3/deepcool-ag620-6788-cfm-cpu-cooler-r-ag620-bknnmn-g-1
DeepCool AG620 Dual Tower CPU Cooler $54.98

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/deepcool-ag620-air-cooler

 

[Church Johnson]

My hard budget is undecided, but right now all the pieces together is about 1600. I would really rather not have the replace the Ryzen 7 if possible, but if it must be done I will. I'm dead set on getting the 6800, even though I haven't been able to find it on AMDs website.

B550 doesn't support Gen1 ryzen. I would just keep the current system intact, as a spare rig, or to sell. What is the budget for this? There are some great deals to be had, these days.

 

[Eximo]

My hard budget is undecided, but right now all the pieces together is about 1600. I would really rather not have the replace the Ryzen 7 if possible, but if it must be done I will. I'm dead set on getting the 6800, even though I haven't been able to find it on AMDs website.

Are you looking for the reference card?

Plenty of 6800XT out there. I think the reference cards were pretty limited run. XFX and ASRock on the cheaper side, Sapphire Pulse looks reminiscent of the AMD design.

 

[logainofhades]

My hard budget is undecided, but right now all the pieces together is about 1600. I would really rather not have the replace the Ryzen 7 if possible, but if it must be done I will. I'm dead set on getting the 6800, even though I haven't been able to find it on AMDs website.

$1600 is plenty to get a full new rig, with a 6800xt.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-13600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor ($319.83 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($37.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI PRO Z790-P WIFI DDR4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($224.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($65.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sabrent Rocket 4.0 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: XFX Speedster MERC 319 CORE Radeon RX 6800 XT 16 GB Video Card ($599.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Lian Li Lancool II Mesh C Performance ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Super Flower Leadex Platinum 850 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($139.99 @ Newegg Sellers)
Total: $1578.66
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-02-08 18:30 EST-0500

For a less than $1650, you could even go AM5.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($328.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($37.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B650M AORUS ELITE AX Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL32 Memory ($142.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sabrent Rocket 4.0 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: XFX Speedster MERC 319 CORE Radeon RX 6800 XT 16 GB Video Card ($599.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Lian Li Lancool II Mesh C Performance ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Super Flower Leadex Platinum 850 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($139.99 @ Newegg Sellers)
Total: $1639.83
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-02-08 18:37 EST-0500

Do you happen to live near a microcenter?

 

[Why_Me]

$1600 is plenty to get a full new rig, with a 6800xt.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-13600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor ($319.83 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($37.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI PRO Z790-P WIFI DDR4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($224.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($65.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sabrent Rocket 4.0 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: XFX Speedster MERC 319 CORE Radeon RX 6800 XT 16 GB Video Card ($599.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Lian Li Lancool II Mesh C Performance ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Super Flower Leadex Platinum 850 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($139.99 @ Newegg Sellers)
Total: $1578.66
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-02-08 18:30 EST-0500

Do you happen to live near a microcenter?

Not knowing the OP's resolution sucks, but this is a spin off from your Intel build that would allow him to step up to a 2TB SSD while staying within his intended budget.

https://www.tomshardware.com/news/nvidia-to-release-geforce-rtx-4070-in-april

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/QnD7YJ/fractal-design-pop-air-atx-mid-tower-case-fd-c-poa1a-02
Fractal Design Pop Air Mid Tower Case $88.98

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Gx...atx-lga1700-motherboard-b760-gaming-x-ax-ddr4
Gigabyte B760 GAMING X AX DDR4 $169.99

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/B760-GAMING-X-AX-DDR4-rev-10#kf

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/VNkWGX/intel-core-i5-13400f-25-ghz-10-core-processor-bx8071513400f
Intel Core i5-13400F $209.96

or ...

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/pQNxFT/intel-core-i5-12400f-25-ghz-6-core-processor-bx8071512400f
Intel Core i5-12400F $164.99

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/LQt9TW/deepcool-ag400-7589-cfm-cpu-cooler-r-ag400-bknnmn-g-1
DeepCool AG400 CPU Cooler $24.99

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/deepcool-ag400

 

[logainofhades]

Not really a fan of the 13400f. Gaming, it really isn't that much better, than a 12400, unless you pair it with a fast, and expensive kit of ddr5. The 13600k has a sizeable lead, over a 13400, though. Storage has become really affordable, and is an easy upgrade, later on.

The spread was pretty low, on average, in a HUB video of a 13400 vs 5700x. If anything, it makes a 5700x a more compelling option, and would allow for more storage. Both platforms are essentially dead, anyway.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsA52DkP8WU&t=792s



PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700X 3.4 GHz 8-Core Processor ($189.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($37.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B550 AORUS ELITE AX V2 ATX AM4 Motherboard ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16 Memory ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial P5 Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($179.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: XFX Speedster MERC 319 CORE Radeon RX 6800 XT 16 GB Video Card ($599.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Lian Li Lancool II Mesh C Performance ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Super Flower Leadex Platinum 850 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($139.99 @ Newegg Sellers)
Total: $1526.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-02-08 19:35 EST-0500

 

[Lucky_SLS]

Like @Why_Me said, the monitor that is gonna be paired to the new system would be a crucial information.

the 6800XT would be an overkill for 1080p 144hz setup. Or do you also plan on getting a new monitor with that $1600 budget?

 

[logainofhades]

I disagree on the overkill for 144hz 1080p. Games are only going to get more demanding, and the demanding titles of today already can make a 6800xt work hard, even at 1080. The 6800xt is a great card, but it is also a couple years old, at this point.

 

[geofelt]

HP products are not designed to be upgraded.
The case and psu may be proprietary.
Your RX550 does not need aux 6 pin power so your psu is adequate.
A RX6800XT is going to need a psu with two 8 pin connectors.
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm
That will be in the 750w area and up.

The R7-1700 may not be strong enough to run a batter graphics card.
Run this test:
Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
This makes the graphics card loaf a bit.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

I think you should add $200 or so to your budget for a good cpu.
Here is a recent tom's review of the I5-13400:
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/intel-core-i5-13400-core-i5-13400f-cpu-review

 

[Church Johnson]

Not knowing the OP's resolution sucks, but this is a spin off from your Intel build that would allow him to step up to a 2TB SSD while staying within his intended budget.

https://www.tomshardware.com/news/nvidia-to-release-geforce-rtx-4070-in-april

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/QnD7YJ/fractal-design-pop-air-atx-mid-tower-case-fd-c-poa1a-02
Fractal Design Pop Air Mid Tower Case $88.98

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Gx...atx-lga1700-motherboard-b760-gaming-x-ax-ddr4
Gigabyte B760 GAMING X AX DDR4 $169.99

https://www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/B760-GAMING-X-AX-DDR4-rev-10#kf

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/VNkWGX/intel-core-i5-13400f-25-ghz-10-core-processor-bx8071513400f
Intel Core i5-13400F $209.96

or ...

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/pQNxFT/intel-core-i5-12400f-25-ghz-6-core-processor-bx8071512400f
Intel Core i5-12400F $164.99

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/LQt9TW/deepcool-ag400-7589-cfm-cpu-cooler-r-ag400-bknnmn-g-1
DeepCool AG400 CPU Cooler $24.99

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/deepcool-ag400

I have two 1080p 165hz monitors. ASUS VGA 248 monitors if you want the specific ones. I have storage I'm moving from the old desktop to the new one so I don't need new RAM or storage, just PSU, GPU, CPU, mobo, and case. I think I'm going to get the 6950XT + Ryzen 9 5950X since it's a thousand dollars and the other components add up to about 1700. I'm not worried about maxing out the new graphics card, I won't run full quality, I just want to get an upgrade for games I do want to run at max. My RX550 has also just had horrible issues recently, I think it's nearing the end of it's life.

 

[Church Johnson]

HP products are not designed to be upgraded.
The case and psu may be proprietary.
Your RX550 does not need aux 6 pin power so your psu is adequate.
A RX6800XT is going to need a psu with two 8 pin connectors.
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm
That will be in the 750w area and up.

The R7-1700 may not be strong enough to run a batter graphics card.
Run this test:
Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
This makes the graphics card loaf a bit.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

I think you should add $200 or so to your budget for a good cpu.
Here is a recent tom's review of the I5-13400:
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/intel-core-i5-13400-core-i5-13400f-cpu-review

I noticed they weren't meant to be upgraded, the case isn't the best. that's why I'm trying to see if I can rip something out of it to just make a whole new case but so far I've been told the 1700 won't really make the cut, which is ok. I know the Ryzen 7 can run something better because my RX550 maxes out on a lot of things, but my CPU never does.

 

[Church Johnson]

I disagree on the overkill for 144hz 1080p. Games are only going to get more demanding, and the demanding titles of today already can make a 6800xt work hard, even at 1080. The 6800xt is a great card, but it is also a couple years old, at this point.

A few years old, I don't mind, so long as it runs better than my current card does (which it will). Again, I don't plan on using the card to it's max, I just want a card that can handle running games at above medium graphics and still run at 60 FPS. I'd mostly be using the card on high for games like GTFO, Cities Skylines, R6S, DRG, DBD, and games similar. I'll still run cyberpunk on relatively carefully because frankly I'd rather be able to play the game than it look like a very sexy slideshow.

 

[Church Johnson]

Are you looking for the reference card?

Plenty of 6800XT out there. I think the reference cards were pretty limited run. XFX and ASRock on the cheaper side, Sapphire Pulse looks reminiscent of the AMD design.

Yeah, I really like the way the reference cards look. Plus, I'd rather have the reference card to the 3rd party brands, even if those brands are better. I just prefer reference/founder's edition cards. I emailed AMD and they said the 6800 is still around, but I've been looking on their website for months and only see the 6900 and 6700. I think I'm going to get the 6950XT and Ryzen 5950X bundle from AMD. Do you think those will work with the build I'm trying to make?

 

[Eximo]

Yeah, I really like the way the reference cards look. Plus, I'd rather have the reference card to the 3rd party brands, even if those brands are better. I just prefer reference/founder's edition cards. I emailed AMD and they said the 6800 is still around, but I've been looking on their website for months and only see the 6900 and 6700. I think I'm going to get the 6950XT and Ryzen 5950X bundle from AMD. Do you think those will work with the build I'm trying to make?

Near as I can tell, they don't exist anymore. AMD has moved their partner's production over to the 7900XT and 7900XTX and presumably they are manufacturing the next SKUs down the stack right now.

 

[logainofhades]

HP products are not designed to be upgraded.
The case and psu may be proprietary.
Your RX550 does not need aux 6 pin power so your psu is adequate.
A RX6800XT is going to need a psu with two 8 pin connectors.
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm
That will be in the 750w area and up.

The R7-1700 may not be strong enough to run a batter graphics card.
Run this test:
Run YOUR games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
This makes the graphics card loaf a bit.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

I think you should add $200 or so to your budget for a good cpu.
Here is a recent tom's review of the I5-13400:
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/intel-core-i5-13400-core-i5-13400f-cpu-review

You must of missed the listing of new parts that included a new B550 motherboard, and a corsair RM1000x PSU, and 5000D airflow case.
I do agree that an R7 1700 is realistically too slow for a 6800xt.

 

[Why_Me]

I have two 1080p 165hz monitors. ASUS VGA 248 monitors if you want the specific ones. I have storage I'm moving from the old desktop to the new one so I don't need new RAM or storage, just PSU, GPU, CPU, mobo, and case. I think I'm going to get the 6950XT + Ryzen 9 5950X since it's a thousand dollars and the other components add up to about 1700. I'm not worried about maxing out the new graphics card, I won't run full quality, I just want to get an upgrade for games I do want to run at max. My RX550 has also just had horrible issues recently, I think it's nearing the end of it's life.

The 5950X goes for $500. The i7 12700F goes for $290.

Gaming benchmarks for the i7 12700 / 12700F.

 

[logainofhades]

I wouldn't build a high end rig, using AM4. The new x3d chips are coming, at the end of the month, as well. At least with AM5, if you want a new CPU in 2-3yrs, you would be able to just update your bios, and drop in a new CPU. No messing with motherboard removal, or reinstalling Windows.

 

[Why_Me]

I have two 1080p 165hz monitors. ASUS VGA 248 monitors if you want the specific ones. I have storage I'm moving from the old desktop to the new one so I don't need new RAM or storage, just PSU, GPU, CPU, mobo, and case. I think I'm going to get the 6950XT + Ryzen 9 5950X since it's a thousand dollars and the other components add up to about 1700. I'm not worried about maxing out the new graphics card, I won't run full quality, I just want to get an upgrade for games I do want to run at max. My RX550 has also just had horrible issues recently, I think it's nearing the end of it's life.

One other thing ... you are going to bottleneck your build if you have anything less than DDR4 3200. Just keep that in mind. And like @logainofhades pointed out, you don't want to go with an AM4 build with your budget. Look at either a Intel 13 gen or AM5 build.

This is the card I'd be keeping my eye on with your budget and resolution if you want a boatload of FPS with all the eye candy turned on high. A 750W psu will easily handle this gpu and still give you headroom. Expect this card's MSRP to be at either $600, $650 or worst case scenario $700. That still makes it a better bargain than the RX 6950 XT.

https://www.tomshardware.com/news/nvidia-to-release-geforce-rtx-4070-in-april

https://www.guru3d.com/news_story/geforce_rtx_4070_is_scheduled_for_release_in_april.html

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/6N...-fully-modular-atx-power-supply-cp-9020199-na
Corsair RM750x (2021) 750W 80+ Gold Modular Power Supply $119.99

The recently released RTX 4070 Ti 12GB sells for $800.

 

[Church Johnson]

One other thing ... you are going to bottleneck your build if you have anything less than DDR4 3200. Just keep that in mind. And like @logainofhades pointed out, you don't want to go with an AM4 build with your budget. Look at either a Intel 13 gen or AM5 build.

This is the card I'd be keeping my eye on with your budget and resolution if you want a boatload of FPS with all the eye candy turned on high. A 750W psu will easily handle this gpu and still give you headroom. Expect this card's MSRP to be at either $600, $650 or worst case scenario $700. That still makes it a better bargain than the RX 6950 XT.

https://www.tomshardware.com/news/nvidia-to-release-geforce-rtx-4070-in-april

https://www.guru3d.com/news_story/geforce_rtx_4070_is_scheduled_for_release_in_april.html

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/6N...-fully-modular-atx-power-supply-cp-9020199-na
Corsair RM750x (2021) 750W 80+ Gold Modular Power Supply $119.99

The recently released RTX 4070 Ti 12GB sells for $800.

I have DDR4 3600, just only works at 2100 because of the mobo. Also, I've heard bad stuff about the 4070, and again, I'd rather get a Radeon card (reference/founders card) just because I'm more used to Radeon that Nvidia. Secondly, isn't getting an AM5 motherboard more expensive? I'll have to get a more expensive CPU and won't be able to use any of the deals on AMDs website. Plus, I do not plan on upgrading any time soon after this, as I'll have a job and will be able to afford another whole new rig. This one will go to my friend, or I'll keep it as a spare. I know this all may seem confusing to you more technical enthusiasts, but I just want a step up for what I have that can last at least half a decade.

 

[Church Johnson]

I wouldn't build a high end rig, using AM4. The new x3d chips are coming, at the end of the month, as well. At least with AM5, if you want a new CPU in 2-3yrs, you would be able to just update your bios, and drop in a new CPU. No messing with motherboard removal, or reinstalling Windows.

I would go AM5, I really thought about it, but that would increase the price more than I'm willing to make. I don't think I can pull off $1700 as is (my original budget was $1000) so any more price increases just drops the chances I get the new rig even more.