Build Advice Desktop configuration to complete (GPU, case) + feedbacks

[metropolis.jd]

Hello,

I put together a draft for a Windows 11-based desktop pc on which I would like your advice. My goals are:

• Have a future-proof computer which can last up to a decade with small upgrades (reason to opt for a brand new CPU model)
• Silent and sober aesthetics, privileging low energy consumption
• Photo editing (Capture One)
• CD/DVD ripping, audio recording with Audacity, music streaming
• Occasional gaming on strategic, turn/based video games like Age of Wonders 4

This is the draft configuration I would need to complete:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
• Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
• Motherboard: Gigabyte B650E Aorus Elite X AX Ice
• RAM: 2x16GB Crucial Pro DDR5-6000 MHz
• Power supply: Corsair RM750x
• Graphic card: ?
• Case: ?
• DVD reader
• WD Blue 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
• 2 HDD I already own

Questions now are:

1. What type of graphic card can I use with it? Something budget friendly (sub 300 EUR) with 6 to 8GB VRAM to use mid to high level settings on games
2. I checked out the Fractal Define R5 as case, or the Be Quiet! Silent Base 802. Are those good candidates, or can you suggest something else?
3. Would you change the Gigabyte B650E Aorus Elite X AX Ice with a different motherboard?
4. Any compatibility issue I missed, or tweaks you would make to the configuration?

Thank you in advance

 

[Lutfij]

Silent and sober aesthetics, privileging low energy consumption
Noise and design are subjective topics. Some people can hear the ticking in the fans motor even at the lowest RPM while one case might look nice when it might look horrible to someone else.

You're advised to stylize your thread with info asked of in this thread;

*How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice*

How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice First off, respect where respect is due - this is an adaptation of the Animal's *How To Ask For New Build Advice* Sticky. I created this because there's a lot of posts nowadays asking for upgrade advice both on here and on the CPU forums, and I feel...

forums.tomshardware.com

and the community can chime in with worthwhile suggestions.

What sort of a budget have you allocated towards the 3 parts pending in your build? Where are you located and what is your preferred site for purchase?

 

[metropolis.jd]

My apologies for the incorrect styling. Let me try again then:

Approximate Purchase Date: by end of January, no rush

Budget Range: roughly 1000 to 1400 EUR

System Usage from Most to Least Important:

• Photo editing (Capture One, Easy HDR)
• CD/DVD ripping, audio recording with Audacity, music streaming via MediaMonkey
• Occasional gaming on strategic, turn/based video games like Age of Wonders 4

Are you buying a monitor: Not for now, I will replace one of two I have in 2025

Parts to Upgrade: New build, for now this is the draft configuration I put together:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
• Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE
• Motherboard: Gigabyte B650E Aorus Elite X AX Ice (budget sub 250 EUR)
• RAM: 2x16GB Crucial Pro DDR5-6000 MHz
• Power supply: Corsair RM750x
• Graphic card: ? (budget not more than 250 EUR)
• Case: ? (budget up to 150/200 EUR)
• DVD reader
• WD Blue 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD
• 2 HDD I already own

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Amazon.it

Location: Italy

Parts Preferences: AMD CPU, no other preference

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 2 monitors with 1920x1200

Additional Comments:

• No RGB lights
• What type of graphic card can I use with it? The goal would be to have something with 6 to 8GB VRAM to use mid to high level settings on games
• I checked out the Fractal Define R5 as case, or the Be Quiet! Silent Base 802. Are those good candidates, or can you suggest something else?
• Would you change the Gigabyte B650E Aorus Elite X AX Ice with a different motherboard?
• Any compatibility issue I missed, or tweaks you would make to the configuration?

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Have a future-proof computer which can last up to a decade with small upgrades (reason to opt for a brand new CPU model)

Thank you in advance

 

[faalin]

Ive come to really like the NZXT H5 Flow $70 (not the 2024 version) Link Ive built 5 computers at work with it.

 

[metropolis.jd]

Thank you for your answer, looks interesting. Does it have a slot to house a DVD reader as well?

It is also a newer product compared to the Fractal Define R5 or the Be Quiet! Silent Base 802 which I considered before. In general, is there any specific drawback to buying a case which was initially released in 2020 or earlier, apart from not having a USB-C port on the front or so?

 

[faalin]

Thank you for your answer, looks interesting. Does it have a slot to house a DVD reader as well?

It is also a newer product compared to the Fractal Define R5 or the Be Quiet! Silent Base 802 which I considered before. In general, is there any specific drawback to buying a case which was initially released in 2020 or earlier, apart from not having a USB-C port on the front or so?

No it does not have any internal 5.25 drive bays. Most things now a days are digital downloads so cases have been lacking 5.25" bays.

Im going back and ripping all my DVD's to local storage and have been using a couple of external LG dvd drives, its also convenient because i can use it for my laptop as well.