Build Advice I'm building a new PC 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?

 

[helper800]

Ok I think it got it… except I have to change the direction of the radiator or the case gets in the way of the tubes. Does the direction of the radiator itself matter or is it totally symmetrical? I’m not asking about the fan direction but the radiator itself.

This should not be an issue. install it tubes coming out of the radiator at the top going into the case. Fans can be on either side, however, you will want them in the front of the radiator to "pull" air into the radiator.

 

[justinj]

I think the case is just too small unless I'm doing something wrong. Here are a couple pictures. If I install the AIO, it only fits on the inside of the case if I want the tubes facing down (which would be a push config anyway). But then it's only 1-2mm from the GPU (and would not fit at all with a larger GPU I bet). It can't fit on the outside of the case where the fans are normally slotted. Do I just need a bigger case?

https://imgur.com/81fQF3o

View: https://imgur.com/81fQF3o

https://imgur.com/a/koNCr4j

View: https://imgur.com/a/koNCr4j

 

[helper800]

I think the case is just too small unless I'm doing something wrong. Here are a couple pictures. If I install the AIO, it only fits on the inside of the case if I want the tubes facing down (which would be a push config anyway). But then it's only 1-2mm from the GPU (and would not fit at all with a larger GPU I bet). It can't fit on the outside of the case where the fans are normally slotted. Do I just need a bigger case?

https://imgur.com/81fQF3o

View: https://imgur.com/81fQF3o

https://imgur.com/a/koNCr4j

View: https://imgur.com/a/koNCr4j

So you have three options:

1. Install the AIO as you have it in the second picture by putting the fans in the front for a push configuration. This should be completely fine. You may have to take off one or both of the tube holding brackets to reach to the CPU socket.
2. Get a 280mm AIO and top mount fans in a push config exhausting air. An air cooler like the Thermalright Phantom Spirit will definitely fit.
3. Get a case with larger GPU clearances. That case has clearance for 368mm graphics cards.

Which Zotac 5070 TI were you able to get from this list? That case can accommodate very long graphics cards even with an AIO, that just goes to show how massive that cooler is. you can put most 5090s, 5080s, 9070 XTs, et cetera in there. The 9070 XT I linked has a length of 320mm + 30mm for the radiator and there is still 18mm of clearance for that case. Regardless of the solution you choose, I am sorry you are having a bit of a tough time installing the cooler in the case with the graphics card of which were my recommendation.

 

[justinj]

I think it’s the first one solid OC 330mm. Option 1 is super tight and I want to upgrade to a bigger GPU later. Option 3 maybe? Can return the case to Amazon. I’d just need to unscrew the mobo and power supply. Any suggestions for a new case (white) that fits the giant AIO?

 

[helper800]

I think it’s the first one solid OC 330mm. Option 1 is super tight and I want to upgrade to a bigger GPU later. Option 3 maybe? Can return the case to Amazon. I’d just need to unscrew the mobo and power supply. Any suggestions for a new case (white) that fits the giant AIO?

That is one of the longest graphics cards one can buy. The longest I have seen is 360mm. What graphics card do you suspect you will upgrade to? For option 3 without getting a gargantuan case this one should do nicely. It has 410mm of GPU clearance and can mount your AIO top or front, tubes up or down, left or right.

 

[justinj]

I think I’ll get the 5090 eventually but it could be several years and lots of uncertainty there anyway.

That is one of the longest graphics cards one can buy. The longest I have seen is 360mm. What graphics card do you suspect you will upgrade to? For option 3 without getting a gargantuan case this one should do nicely. It has 410mm of GPU clearance and can mount your AIO top or front, tubes up or down, left or right.

OK, thanks. I bought that one and will try it when I get it. For now, I can still test my computer outside the case which I probably should’ve done in the first place. Hopefully the AIO comes with enough thermal paste to do it twice? Or if I need to buy a better thermal plate paste, please let me know.

 

[helper800]

I think I’ll get the 5090 eventually but it could be several years and lots of uncertainty there anyway.

OK, thanks. I bought that one and will try it when I get it. For now, I can still test my computer outside the case which I probably should’ve done in the first place. Hopefully the AIO comes with enough thermal paste to do it twice? Or if I need to buy a better thermal plate paste, please let me know.

If you have enough paste it should be fine. If you end up wanting/needing more paste get this one. If you want to try a phase change thermal pad that never needs to be maintained and is a little better performance, try this one.