Question Buying New PC, looking for recommendations

[helper800]

awesome, thank you helper800... why did you choose the Intel Core i7-14700K over the i9-14900K, other than cost was there a reason?

They are very close in performance and the 14900k is not worth the extra 150+ unless you need the extra cores. It is also even harder to cool than the 14700k.

Also, if you could spend $400 more helper800, what would you upgrade? Also, would like to be able to put in a RTX 5090 or even RTX 6090 in the future if possible...

Main use = gaming PC, Cyberpunk 2077 , Elden Ring ...etc

I would not really do anything different. You could spend an extra bit on 64gb of RAM or a 4090. That comes back to the perspective of "value."

 

[helper800]

quick questions, is there a way to turn the lights off on these fans, or do I need to buy with no lights? I often sleep with my PC on at night and I don't want my room lighting up like a disco club...

That usually falls under a BIOS setting. My ASUS motherboard has an option to turn off all LEDs, the only gotcha is if you want any of them on you have to go back into the BIOS and turn the option back on.

Here is an updated build with a good thermal paste and a 13700k to save you 50 dollars.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-13700K 3.4 GHz 16-Core Processor ($345.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 72.8 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($130.43 @ Amazon)
Thermal Compound: ARCTIC MX-6 4 g Thermal Paste ($8.24 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE X AX ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($289.99 @ B&H)
Memory: Patriot Viper Venom 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-7000 CL32 Memory ($116.49 @ B&H)
Storage: Crucial P5 Plus W/Heatsink 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($111.45 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial P3 Plus 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($179.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: Asus TUF GAMING GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB Video Card ($1199.99 @ ASUS)
Case: Lian Li LANCOOL III RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($139.00 @ Newegg Sellers)
Power Supply: Corsair RMe (2023) 1200 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2691.56
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-12-01 11:54 EST-0500

 

[Vanz_000]

That usually falls under a BIOS setting. My ASUS motherboard has an option to turn off all LEDs, the only gotcha is if you want any of them on you have to go back into the BIOS and turn the option back on.

Here is an updated build with a good thermal paste and a 13700k to save you 50 dollars.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-13700K 3.4 GHz 16-Core Processor ($345.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 72.8 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($130.43 @ Amazon)
Thermal Compound: ARCTIC MX-6 4 g Thermal Paste ($8.24 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE X AX ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($289.99 @ B&H)
Memory: Patriot Viper Venom 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-7000 CL32 Memory ($116.49 @ B&H)
Storage: Crucial P5 Plus W/Heatsink 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($111.45 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial P3 Plus 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($179.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: Asus TUF GAMING GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB Video Card ($1199.99 @ ASUS)
Case: Lian Li LANCOOL III RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($139.00 @ Newegg Sellers)
Power Supply: Corsair RMe (2023) 1200 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2691.56
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-12-01 11:54 EST-0500

Thanks again helper800, I really like this build!

Getting close to pulling the trigger, do you think it's worth matching the mobo brand with the GPU brand (i.e. Gigabyte mobo with Gigabyte GPU)? I would think not but you would think if they were the same, the compatibility and performance would be slightly better (very slight)? If the cost is less than say $100, I wonder if it’s a good idea... thoughts?

Going to go with the 2GB storage I think, a little extra boot drive space would be nice...

What about these for case fans or is it not worth it?
https://www.amazon.com/DeepCool-180...8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

Any concerns on the compatibility report below?

Note: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 72.8 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler may require a separately available mounting adapter to fit the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE X AX ATX LGA1700 Motherboard.

Note: The Patriot Viper Venom 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-7000 CL32 Memory operating voltage of 1.45 V exceeds the Intel Raptor Lake CPU recommended maximum of 1350 mv+5% (1417.5 mv). This memory module may run at a reduced clock rate to meet the 1350 mv voltage recommendation, or may require running at a voltage greater than the Intel recommended maximum.

 

[Why_Me]

quick questions, is there a way to turn the lights off on these fans, or do I need to buy with no lights? I often sleep with my PC on at night and I don't want my room lighting up like a disco club...

You can turn off the LED or get a case and AIO with no LED.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU Cooler: *ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 Rev. 2 56.33 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($125.68 @ Amazon)
Case: *Lian Li LANCOOL 216 ATX Mid Tower Case ($96.99 @ Adorama)
Total: $222.67
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-12-01 12:18 EST-0500

 

[helper800]

Thanks again helper800, I really like this build!

Getting close to pulling the trigger, do you think it's worth matching the mobo brand with the GPU brand (i.e. Gigabyte mobo with Gigabyte GPU)? I would think not but you would think if they were the same, the compatibility and performance would be slightly better (very slight)? If the cost is less than say $100, I wonder if it’s a good idea... thoughts?

Going to go with the 2GB storage I think, a little extra boot drive space would be nice...

What about these for case fans or is it not worth it?
https://www.amazon.com/DeepCool-1800RPM-61-91CFM-Computer-Cooling/dp/B09CKFKXD1/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2GI829SCYQAIJ&keywords=deepcool+fc120+3in1&qid=1701448220&sprefix=deppcool+fc120,aps,154&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

Any concerns on the compatibility report below?

Note: The ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 72.8 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler may require a separately available mounting adapter to fit the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE X AX ATX LGA1700 Motherboard.

Note: The Patriot Viper Venom 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-7000 CL32 Memory operating voltage of 1.45 V exceeds the Intel Raptor Lake CPU recommended maximum of 1350 mv+5% (1417.5 mv). This memory module may run at a reduced clock rate to meet the 1350 mv voltage recommendation, or may require running at a voltage greater than the Intel recommended maximum.

Those fans are fine, albeit kinda expensive. I'll add a 2tb storage for the OS drive. The GPU and motherboard being the same Brand will not make it perform any better or worse, but they could be more "compatible" in the sense of their RGB controlling capacities. The arctic freezer 2 420 AIO has a larger shroud over the contact plate so it may interfere with some motherboards heatsink fans over the VRMs just above the CPU socket. If it does not fit properly, there is usually a bracket included for compatibility. If the bracket is not included for whatever reason Arctic will send you one for free. According to this reddit post they will fit with no issues. The kit of RAM I included is very fast and requires a higher voltage to reach the advertised speeds. This is extremely commonplace and should not lead to any issues.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-13700K 3.4 GHz 16-Core Processor ($345.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 72.8 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($130.43 @ Amazon)
Thermal Compound: ARCTIC MX-6 4 g Thermal Paste ($8.24 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE X AX ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($289.99 @ B&H)
Memory: Patriot Viper Venom 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-7000 CL32 Memory ($116.49 @ B&H)
Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($129.99 @ Best Buy)
Storage: Crucial P3 Plus 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($179.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: Gigabyte AORUS MASTER GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB Video Card ($1239.99 @ Best Buy)
Case: Lian Li LANCOOL III RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($139.00 @ Newegg Sellers)
Power Supply: Corsair RMe (2023) 1200 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2750.10
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-12-01 12:39 EST-0500

Edited the build to have a Gigabyte 4080 to match the motherboard branding for what that is worth.

 

[Vanz_000]

thanks again Why_Me and helper800, you made my build ten times better than what I originally had... going to be fun xmas time off, going to finally reboot up Cyperpunk and hopefully most of the bugs are now fixed in it and I can have an enjoyable time...

 

[helper800]

thanks again Why_Me and helper800, you made my build ten times better than what I originally had... going to be fun xmas time off, going to finally reboot up Cyperpunk and hopefully most of the bugs are now fixed in it and I can have an enjoyable time...

Cyberpunk is in a much better place now than it has ever been. Its not just a bad game with good stories and setting. Now it's actually a great game. As others have suggested, it may be a good idea to wait a little longer on the graphics card for the 4080 Super to release. It should be the same price or lower, have 4gb more VRAM, and be about 5-10% faster.

 

[Vanz_000]

Cyberpunk is in a much better place now than it has ever been. Its not just a bad game with good stories and setting. Now it's actually a great game. As others have suggested, it may be a good idea to wait a little longer on the graphics card for the 4080 Super to release. It should be the same price or lower, have 4gb more VRAM, and be about 5-10% faster.

bbbbut xmas vacation... would it be so bad to order a RTX 4080, then after xmas return it to Amazon, then buy the 4080 Super in January... I know it's bad and I shouldn't be thinking this... definitely would not do with Newegg but Amazon with Bezo and all...

 

[helper800]

bbbbut xmas vacation... would it be so bad to order a RTX 4080, then after xmas return it to Amazon, then buy the 4080 Super in January... I know it's bad and I shouldn't be thinking this... definitely would not do with Newegg but Amazon with Bezo and all...

I would give the 4080 non-super a test drive in cyberpunk with maxed out settings. If you feel you want an extra 5-10% FPS for the inconvenience of taking out the current 4080 and putting in a super for the same price, I don't see a problem with that.

 

[Vanz_000]

Those fans are fine, albeit kinda expensive. I'll add a 2tb storage for the OS drive. The GPU and motherboard being the same Brand will not make it perform any better or worse, but they could be more "compatible" in the sense of their RGB controlling capacities. The arctic freezer 2 420 AIO has a larger shroud over the contact plate so it may interfere with some motherboards heatsink fans over the VRMs just above the CPU socket. If it does not fit properly, there is usually a bracket included for compatibility. If the bracket is not included for whatever reason Arctic will send you one for free. According to this reddit post they will fit with no issues. The kit of RAM I included is very fast and requires a higher voltage to reach the advertised speeds. This is extremely commonplace and should not lead to any issues.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-13700K 3.4 GHz 16-Core Processor ($345.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 72.8 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($130.43 @ Amazon)
Thermal Compound: ARCTIC MX-6 4 g Thermal Paste ($8.24 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE X AX ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($289.99 @ B&H)
Memory: Patriot Viper Venom 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-7000 CL32 Memory ($116.49 @ B&H)
Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($129.99 @ Best Buy)
Storage: Crucial P3 Plus 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($179.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: Gigabyte AORUS MASTER GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB Video Card ($1239.99 @ Best Buy)
Case: Lian Li LANCOOL III RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($139.00 @ Newegg Sellers)
Power Supply: Corsair RMe (2023) 1200 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2750.10
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-12-01 12:39 EST-0500

Edited the build to have a Gigabyte 4080 to match the motherboard branding for what that is worth.

is this not the same motherboard as yours helper800? PCPartPicker does not show it, but found on Amazon for $50 cheaper = https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-Z79...fos.d977788f-1483-4f76-90a3-786e4cdc8f10&th=1

 

[Vanz_000]

can't get your memory until after xmas, thoughts on this as a replacement?

https://www.amazon.com/CORSAIR-VENGEANCE-7000MHz-Compatible-Computer/dp/B0BLYLQZJL/ref=sr_1_4?crid=11QTT06OMU7L6&keywords=DDR5+7000MHz&qid=1701453377&sprefix=ddr5+7000mhz%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.d977788f-1483-4f76-90a3-786e4cdc8f10

ordering mostly through amazon so I can get faster, would like to build machine next weekend if possible, Newegg is charging quite a bit for only a few days less shipping time but some items are default 9 to 15 days...

 

[Vanz_000]

or what WhyMe recommends for RAM = https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09Y1BM3ZH/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A3TOECTKC4OEBD&psc=1

is 7000MT/s vs 6000MT/s going to make significant difference...

 

[helper800]

is this not the same motherboard as yours helper800? PCPartPicker does not show it, but found on Amazon for $50 cheaper = https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-Z790-Q-Flash-EZ-Latch-Motherboard/dp/B0BH9DXY38/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3A6PDCHL6EJ1S&keywords=Gigabyte+Z790&qid=1701452873&sprefix=gigabyte+z790,aps,172&sr=8-3&ufe=app_do:amzn1.fos.d977788f-1483-4f76-90a3-786e4cdc8f10&th=1

No, the one I picked has an extra "X" in the model name. Its a bit higher end motherboard with respect to the VRMs and componentry.

 

[Vanz_000]

I'm actually really considering this:

Amazon.com

about $400 less and about 5% difference in performance... is this correct?

Benchmarks = https://www.gpucheck.com/gpu-benchmark-graphics-card-comparison-chart

 

[helper800]

or what WhyMe recommends for RAM = https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09Y1BM3ZH/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A3TOECTKC4OEBD&psc=1

is 7000MT/s vs 6000MT/s going to make significant difference...

Usually not a big difference. I chose that 7000 mega transfer kit because it was very cheap from that link. Let me make you a parts list with all amazon links. It will probably be considerably more expensive though, particularly the videocard. I would just get that one from best buy. They have a very good returns service, i just hope you can get if for that weekend build.

 

[Vanz_000]

No, the one I picked has an extra "X" in the model name. Its a bit higher end motherboard with respect to the VRMs and componentry.

hmm, didn't catch that, glad I asked... you think that will make a significant difference in gaming performance?

 

[helper800]

I'm actually really considering this:

Amazon.com

about $400 less and about 5% difference in performance... is this correct?

Benchmarks = https://www.gpucheck.com/gpu-benchmark-graphics-card-comparison-chart

No. The 4080 is significantly more performant in comparison than 5%. More like 20-30% depending on the resolution of the display.

 

[Vanz_000]

Usually not a big difference. I chose that 7000 mega transfer kit because it was very cheap from that link. Let me make you a parts list with all amazon links. It will probably be considerably more expensive though, particularly the videocard. I would just get that one from best buy. They have a very good returns service, i just hope you can get if for that weekend build.

can I buy you a beer?

 

[helper800]

hmm, didn't catch that, glad I asked... you think that will make a significant difference in gaming performance?

Better VRMs can allow better stability for the CPU and as an effect, better boosting behavior.

 

[helper800]

So here is a mostly Amazon parts list with a relatively fast kit of RAM that is a bit cheaper than the original I posted. I kept the 4080 from the best buy link. I have to add the motherboard as a custom link to the exact one on Amazon, but its the same price and model, so no worries.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-13700K 3.4 GHz 16-Core Processor ($345.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 72.8 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($130.41 @ Amazon)
Thermal Compound: ARCTIC MX-6 4 g Thermal Paste ($8.24 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Viper Venom 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6800 CL34 Memory ($104.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 990 Pro w/Heatsink 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($137.11 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial P3 Plus 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($212.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte AORUS MASTER GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB Video Card ($1239.99 @ Best Buy)
Case: Lian Li LANCOOL III RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair RM1000x SHIFT 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular Side Interface ATX Power Supply ($209.99 @ Amazon)
Custom: Z790 Aorous Elite X AX ($289.99)
Total: $2829.69
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-12-01 13:22 EST-0500

 

[Vanz_000]

excellent helper800, thanks again!

okay, will get the Z790 Aorous Elite X AX from somewhere else, can't see any on Amazon...

Amazon.com : Z790 Aorous Elite X AX

Are there no other brand names that have similar to this GIGABYTE mobo?

 

[Vanz_000]

hey helper800, can I send you some money on payal? seriously, you've really helped me and saved me a ton of time and got me to a really nice machine that will last me many years...

 

[helper800]

excellent helper800, thanks again!

okay, will get the Z790 Aorous Elite X AX from somewhere else, can't see any on Amazon...

Amazon.com : Z790 Aorous Elite X AX

Are there no other brand names that have similar to this GIGABYTE mobo?

The one I linked is the exact same one on amazon. I edited the link so that it works now!

 

[helper800]

hey helper800, can I send you some money on payal? seriously, you've really helped me and saved me a ton of time and got me to a really nice machine that will last me many years...

No, but thanks for the offer. I help here because it keeps me up to date, and as my name suggests, I enjoy doing it in my off time at work.

 

[Vanz_000]

So here is a mostly Amazon parts list with a relatively fast kit of RAM that is a bit cheaper than the original I posted. I kept the 4080 from the best buy link. I have to add the motherboard as a custom link to the exact one on Amazon, but its the same price and model, so no worries.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-13700K 3.4 GHz 16-Core Processor ($345.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 72.8 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($130.41 @ Amazon)
Thermal Compound: ARCTIC MX-6 4 g Thermal Paste ($8.24 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Viper Venom 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6800 CL34 Memory ($104.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 990 Pro w/Heatsink 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($137.11 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial P3 Plus 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($212.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte AORUS MASTER GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB Video Card ($1239.99 @ Best Buy)
Case: Lian Li LANCOOL III RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair RM1000x SHIFT 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular Side Interface ATX Power Supply ($209.99 @ Amazon)
Custom: Z790 Aorous Elite X AX ($289.99)
Total: $2829.69
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-12-01 13:22 EST-0500

Got everything in my Checkout Cart, but am considering this for $20 more:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BP88MYM4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Also added this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CKFKXD1/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A1TG24VCRPTZ06&psc=1