Question First time PC builder, please could people help evaluate my planned build?

[Nightstalker09]

Hi all,

As said I'm planning on building my first computer and would be very appreciative of some veteran eyes to look over if to make sure I'm not missing anything or making any unfortunate errors.
The primary use for the PC will be game development, spanning all areas of that field, from modeling and programming, to music and sound design, to rendering (hopefully) high quality cut scenes and more. To this end I believe I need a reasonably powerful machine and would like it to be future proofed for at least a while to come. As a gamer myself, I will also use it to play games, however I'm not fussed about squeezing out every last possible frame at outrageous resolutions, especially when the cost to do so skyrockets.
Here is my current plan for the build:

Intel Core I9-13900KF 3 GHz 24-Core Processor
Noctua NH-D15 G2 91.58 CFM CPU Cooler
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX ATX LGA 1700 Motherboard
Kingston FURY Beast RGB 128 GB (4 x 32 GB) DDR5-5200 CL40 Memory
Western Digital WD_Black SN850X 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
Corsair 5000D AIRFLOW ATX Mid Tower Case
Corsair RM1000e (2023) 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply

For the graphics card, I originally wanted a GeForce RTX 4080 Super 16 GB, however the prices seem to have gone up since I planned this and I'm now wondering if the 4070Ti Super would still be a reasonably powerful option at significantly less expense?

I have read that 5200 on my chosen RAM is not the best, but how much of a difference would it really make if i tried to improve it?
Also, I was probably planning on getting a couple extra 120mm fans, just to ensure my airflow is decent, however any advice in this regard would be welcome.

Any general tips for any components is also welcome to help get the best value for my money.

Also just as a small additional question, are there any monitors which are known to be very good value for money that anyone would recommend for a build like this?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Lutfij]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

I wouldn't get a 13th Gen Intel platform, not after what was divulged by Gamers Nexus and the community in general. 14th gen, maybe but your safest option would be to get 12th Gen, if you're adamant about getting something from Intel. I'd also avoid F SKU processors since the iGPU is invaluable to have when diagnosing discrete GPU related issues.

I have read that 5200 on my chosen RAM is not the best, but how much of a difference would it really make if i tried to improve it?
The sweet spot for Intel and AMD AM5 platforms is DDR5-6000MHz or slightly higher but with tight latencies in a dual channel ram kit.

The primary use for the PC will be game development, spanning all areas of that field, from modeling and programming, to music and sound design, to rendering (hopefully) high quality cut scenes and more.
You should look through the videos;

View: https://youtu.be/gTeubeCIwRw

View: https://youtu.be/OVdmK1UGzGs

View: https://youtu.be/b6vQlvefGxk


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 users can chime in with worthwhile suggestions.

I would look at an AM5 build but I would need info which is in the form of a questionnaire above, to move forward.

Moved thread from Components section to Systems section.

 

[Gururu]

Build it around your interests. Looks good for what it is but I wonder if you are settling for older components when newer equivalent or better components are comparably priced (CPU, GPU, memory).

I agree that an iGPU is nice to have onboard but not at too much extra cost and it mostly wont be. Faster memory is a plus. Reports of 13/14th malfunction appear to be nonexistent now, so if you get a new chip and run the latest BIOS, you're in good shape.

If you are all gaming though its hard not to look AMDs X3D way especially if you are getting a super GPU like a X080.

 

[geofelt]

You can build as is.

My thoughts:

On the processor, spend a few more bucks on a non F suffix processor.
The price delta is a nit on your high end build.
Integrated graphics makes the initial build easier and can save you if you should ever have discrete graphics card issues.
I9-13900K is fine. On newegg, the I9-14900K actually costs less.
I think it is because of the 13/14th gen fear from a year ago.
Intel has found the root cause and has delivered fixes.
You will have no problems so long as you update your motherboard bios to currency.
For your type of work, I might even consider the Ultra 265K.
There will be the typical new release issues and bios updates.
Windows will need updates for the thread director.

NH-D15 G2 is as good as it gets for an air cooler.
You will not be disappointed.
A less expensive version is the NH-D15s.

On ram, how much does your apps need?
Intel is a 2 channel architecture so having 4 sticks vs. 2 is not a plus.
Actually a minus because driving 4 sticks past 5200 is difficult.
Consider the alternative of a 2 x 48 stick kit of 6400 or 7000 ram. The cost will be comparable.

ssd, case, and psu are good.

FWIW,
MY build process:

Before anything, while waiting for your parts to be delivered, download
and read, cover to cover your case and motherboard manual.
Buy a long #2 magnetic tip philips screwdriver.
A small led flashlight is also useful.

I find it handy to buy a power switch like this for testing.
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E168121..._switch-_-12-119-009-_-Product&quicklink=true
1. I assemble the critical parts outside of the case.
That lets me test them for functionality easily.
A wood table or cardboard is fine.
2. Plug in only the necessary parts at first. Ram, cpu, cooler, psu.
Do not force anything. Parts fit only one way.
Attach a monitor to the integrated motherboard adapter if you have one, otherwise to the graphics card.
3. If your motherboard does not have a PWR button, momentarily touch the two pwr front panel pins with a flat blade screwdriver.
4. Repeatedly hit F2 or DEL, and that should get you into the bios display.
5. Boot from a cd or usb stick with memtest86 on it. memtest will exercise your ram and cpu functionality.
They boot from a usb stick and do not use windows.
You can download them here:

MemTest86 - Official Site of the x86 Memory Testing Tool

MemTest86 is the original self booting memory testing software for x86 and ARM computers. Supporting both BIOS and UEFI, with options to boot from USB.

www.memtest86.com

Memtest86+ | The Open-Source Memory Testing Tool

Memtest86+ is an advanced, free, open-source, stand-alone memory tester for 32- and 64-bit computers (UEFI & BIOS supported)

www.memtest.org

If you can run a full pass with NO errors, your ram should be ok.

Running several more passes will sometimes uncover an issue, but it takes more time.

Probably not worth it unless you really suspect a ram issue.
Opinions vary on updating the bios.
Normally, one does not update a bios unless there is a fix for something that is impacting you. I violate this rule on a new build and will update to currency up front.
Use the usb option, not the windows option.
If there is a severe problem, the impact is small.


6. Install windows.
7. Install the motherboard cd drivers. Particularly the lan drivers so you can access the internet.
Do not select the easy install option, or you will get a bunch of utilities and trialware that you don't want. Drivers only.
7. Connect to the internet and install an antivirus program. Microsoft defender is free, easy, and unobtrusive.
8. Install your graphics card and driver if you tested with integrated graphics.
You will need to remove the graphics card later to install your motherboard in the case.
As a tip when screwing the motherboard into the posts, give the screw a small counterclockwise turn until you feel a click.
That lets you know that the screw will engage properly.
Make a note of how the graphics card latches into the pcie slot.
The mechanism will be hidden under the card and may be difficult to work if you have not previously checked how.
9. Update windows to currency.
10. Only now do I take apart what I need to and install it in the case.
11. Now is the time to reinstall your graphics card.

 

[Why_Me]

Hi all,

As said I'm planning on building my first computer and would be very appreciative of some veteran eyes to look over if to make sure I'm not missing anything or making any unfortunate errors.
The primary use for the PC will be game development, spanning all areas of that field, from modeling and programming, to music and sound design, to rendering (hopefully) high quality cut scenes and more. To this end I believe I need a reasonably powerful machine and would like it to be future proofed for at least a while to come. As a gamer myself, I will also use it to play games, however I'm not fussed about squeezing out every last possible frame at outrageous resolutions, especially when the cost to do so skyrockets.
Here is my current plan for the build:

Intel Core I9-13900KF 3 GHz 24-Core Processor
Noctua NH-D15 G2 91.58 CFM CPU Cooler
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX ATX LGA 1700 Motherboard
Kingston FURY Beast RGB 128 GB (4 x 32 GB) DDR5-5200 CL40 Memory
Western Digital WD_Black SN850X 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
Corsair 5000D AIRFLOW ATX Mid Tower Case
Corsair RM1000e (2023) 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply

For the graphics card, I originally wanted a GeForce RTX 4080 Super 16 GB, however the prices seem to have gone up since I planned this and I'm now wondering if the 4070Ti Super would still be a reasonably powerful option at significantly less expense?

I have read that 5200 on my chosen RAM is not the best, but how much of a difference would it really make if i tried to improve it?
Also, I was probably planning on getting a couple extra 120mm fans, just to ensure my airflow is decent, however any advice in this regard would be welcome.

Any general tips for any components is also welcome to help get the best value for my money.

Also just as a small additional question, are there any monitors which are known to be very good value for money that anyone would recommend for a build like this?

Thank you in advance!

What country are you located, what is your budget and what is your resolution?

 

[punkncat]

I would not and will not be looking into any of the 13/14th gen K series CPU. It is a shame to say as I am not anti Intel, but feel like it is an inferior product rushed to market and have concerns about longevity plain and simple.

 

[Nightstalker09]

Thanks for the help so far everyone.
I know Intel have had issues recently and that it might be a slight risk, but I'd prefer to stay Intel as its what I'm more familiar with and I'm putting my faith in the fixes and that the issues have been resolved by this point.
Thus I've revised my CPU choice based on suggestions and have shifted to the i9 14900K for the integrated graphics and slightly better performance at basically the same price.

I'm also changing the RAM to Corsair Dominator Titanium 96 GB (2x 48GB) DDr5-6600 CL32. I'm not entirely sure how much RAM my apps will end up needing, but given I'll be using software like Unreal Engine, Blender etc, I figure I'm gonna need quite a bit.

I'm based in the UK and my estimated budget was around £2500, not including monitor or peripherals, tho obviously anywhere I can save I'd like to. My resolution is somewhat malleable, but I'd probably be happy with just 1440p. Again, while gaming will be a nice additional use of the pc, I primarily want to use it for work and game development purposes, so super high resolutions aren't so much of a priority.

Regarding the GPU, what are peoples opinions on the RTX 4070ti Super vs the 4080 Super, it seems there a £300-£400ish difference, is the performance worth it? I'm tempted to say no, but I don't wanna underpower such a crucial component.

Also thanks geofelt for the build breakdown, I've been trying to research as much as I can to learn everything I'll need to build the PC itself, but I figure you can never have enough resources so all your tips and advice are appreciated!

 

[Why_Me]

Add storage.

https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/products/video-card/#c=589
RTX 5070 Ti 16GB MSRP: 749 USD

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *Intel Core i7-14700 2.1 GHz 20-Core Processor (£324.99 @ CCL Computers)
CPU Cooler: *ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE 58 CFM CPU Cooler (£29.99 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: *MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard (£219.99 @ Amazon UK)
Memory: *Corsair Vengeance 96 GB (2 x 48 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory (£303.98 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Case: *Lian Li LANCOOL 216 ATX Mid Tower Case (£93.98 @ Overclockers.co.uk)
Power Supply: *NZXT C850 (2024) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (£134.99 @ Ebuyer)
Total: £1107.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-02-03 18:48 GMT+0000

 

[geofelt]

Why not defer your decision on the discrete graphics card until you better know what you need?
Intel graphics is quite good for displaying HDmovies at high resolution.