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]

My old computer has only one 8-pin for the motherboard and the connection to the 1080Ti is using two cables instead of one. I could look in the box in the basement to see if there's another 8-pin but not sure about the graphics card cable. I was thinking this is kind of a pain anyway.

So maybe I just buy a new PSU and see what happens? If everything works with the new PSU, then I can just return the old one (to Amazon). I looked on Amazon and that same PSU is out of stock. Can you recommend a different 1000W+ Platinum PSU that's on Amazon? I can get it in a day or two that way and still be comfortably within my 30 day return policies.

Any updates?

 

[justinj]

Got the new PSU today. Plugged it in and BOOM, lit up like a Xmas tree… looks all good and will start working through the install in the case and windows and bios and testing over the next several days.

Hopefully the new PSU is good enough to keep, seems the same I guess.

Thank you to the TomsHardware forum badasses who helped me out. A HUGE thank you to Helper800 who walked me through the whole thing. I could not have done it without you. It’s amazing how much I’ve forgotten these past 7 years. I will let you know if I have any more issues and will share a final pic when done.

 

[helper800]

Got the new PSU today. Plugged it in and BOOM, lit up like a Xmas tree… looks all good and will start working through the install in the case and windows and bios and testing over the next several days.

Hopefully the new PSU is good enough to keep, seems the same I guess.

Thank you to the TomsHardware forum badasses who helped me out. A HUGE thank you to Helper800 who walked me through the whole thing. I could not have done it without you. It’s amazing how much I’ve forgotten these past 7 years. I will let you know if I have any more issues and will share a final pic when done.

I am glad it was just a DOA PSU, it happens to everyone at some point.