[SOLVED] New 3700X/2070Super WHITE RGB build advice

hawkgoalie

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Jun 13, 2016
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Hey guys,

So I am currently planning on putting together a new build, and I think I have it mostly worked out but wanted to see if there were any opinions for possible better options.

The Idea for the build is a white build with RGB throughout. Willing to spend/pay more to achieve the aesthetic I'm looking for as you will see in the parts list.

The budget for the project is around the $2,000 range, with decent flexibility up to about $2,500. And would be targeted at 1440 high(er) refresh rate gaming.

Anyway, if anyone has any opinions on anything that can be swapped out either for better performance, better pricing, or even parts that may just look better!

-main areas I feel could be improved upon, ALTHOUGH looking for advice in any area of the build.
-MOBO from a visual standpoint, I haven't been able to find much in this department
-PSU: Honestly just not sure about how much headroom I should have etc for efficiency purposes.

Build list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/bFdnjp

Thanks in advance guys!

EDIT: added what the target use of build is.
 
Last edited:

Bob Bobson

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Apr 19, 2019
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How set are you on that case? this PC-O11 can´t with large air coolers. And I have an idea for an awesome white build, but it won't fit in this case.

It would feature Noctua NH d15 chromax with white covers as its main attraction. If you are wondering how does it look like with the white covers. See: this link.

It is a clean white build. I would only add pure white LED strips. I have also opted for 2080 super, since this budget warrants it.
This will give you an extremely quiet build. With plenty of white. If you still insist on water cooling, I would go for custom loop with a pump.

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor | $298.99 @ B&H
CPU Cooler | Noctua NH-D15 CHROMAX.BLACK 82.52 CFM CPU Cooler | $90.00
Motherboard | ASRock X570 Steel Legend ATX AM4 Motherboard | $179.99 @ Newegg
Memory | Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory | $172.99 @ Newegg
Storage | Samsung 970 Evo 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $169.99 @ Amazon
Storage | Seagate Barracuda Compute 2 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $54.98 @ Newegg
Video Card | Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER 8 GB GAMING OC Video Card | $739.99 @ Newegg
Case | Fractal Design Meshify C ATX Mid Tower Case | $99.98 @ Newegg
Power Supply | SeaSonic FOCUS Plus Platinum 750 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply | $134.99 @ B&H
Case Fan | Noctua NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap 82.52 CFM 140 mm Fan | $24.90 @ Amazon
Case Fan | Noctua NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap 82.52 CFM 140 mm Fan | $24.90 @ Amazon
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $1991.70
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-22 05:41 EDT-0400 |
 
Last edited:

Phaaze88

Titan
Ambassador
Might as well go all the way...
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($298.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO CPU Cooler ($54.27)
Motherboard: Asus PRIME X570-PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard ($241.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($174.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sabrent Rocket Q 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER 8 GB GAMING OC Video Card ($739.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Lian Li O11D XL-W ATX Full Tower Case ($229.00 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair RMx White (2018) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($139.99 @ Corsair)
Case Fan: Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB 41.8 CFM 120 mm Fans ($137.55 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB 41.8 CFM 120 mm Fans ($137.55 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB 41.8 CFM 120 mm Fans ($137.55 @ Amazon)
Total: $2421.86
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-22 05:45 EDT-0400

-The cpu cooler doesn't have a store listed, but some are actually available through Newegg at the time of this post: https://www.newegg.com/arctic-acfre00074a-case-fan/p/1YF-000P-00178
-If the cost is cutting too close for comfort, change the 3700X to a 3600 or 3600X(if it's on sale).
 

hawkgoalie

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Jun 13, 2016
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Might as well go all the way...
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($298.99 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Freezer 34 eSports DUO CPU Cooler ($54.27)
Motherboard: Asus PRIME X570-PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard ($241.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($174.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sabrent Rocket Q 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER 8 GB GAMING OC Video Card ($739.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Lian Li O11D XL-W ATX Full Tower Case ($229.00 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair RMx White (2018) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($139.99 @ Corsair)
Case Fan: Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB 41.8 CFM 120 mm Fans ($137.55 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB 41.8 CFM 120 mm Fans ($137.55 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB 41.8 CFM 120 mm Fans ($137.55 @ Amazon)
Total: $2421.86
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-22 05:45 EDT-0400

-The cpu cooler doesn't have a store listed, but some are actually available through Newegg at the time of this post: https://www.newegg.com/arctic-acfre00074a-case-fan/p/1YF-000P-00178
-If the cost is cutting too close for comfort, change the 3700X to a 3600 or 3600X(if it's on sale).


So a few questions here, first the X570 MOBO choice seems silly as I'm not going to be utilizing the PCI E gen 4 anyway right?

Also, I settled on the 2070 super because the jump up to the 2080 super is like a 40% price increase for less than ~15% performance. The 2070 super just seems like it was a much better value vs an $800 card that isnt that much better performance wise.

As for the other changes, air cooling is not a good idea in the PC-O11D So i think it would be a better idea to stay with the AIO, planning on painting the rad white and getting cable sleeves for the tubing.
 

hawkgoalie

Reputable
Jun 13, 2016
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How set are you on that case? this PC-O11 can´t with large air coolers. And I have an idea for an awesome white build, but it won't fit in this case.

It would feature Noctua NH d15 chromax with white covers as its main attraction. If you are wondering how does it look like with the white covers. See: this link.

It is a clean white build. I would only add pure white LED strips. I have also opted for 2080 super, since this budget warrants it.
This will give you an extremely quiet build. With plenty of white. If you still insist on water cooling, I would go for custom loop with a pump.

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor | $298.99 @ B&H
CPU Cooler | Noctua NH-D15 CHROMAX.BLACK 82.52 CFM CPU Cooler | $90.00
Motherboard | ASRock X570 Steel Legend ATX AM4 Motherboard | $179.99 @ Newegg
Memory | Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory | $172.99 @ Newegg
Storage | Samsung 970 Evo 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $169.99 @ Amazon
Storage | Seagate Barracuda Compute 2 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $54.98 @ Newegg
Video Card | Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER 8 GB GAMING OC Video Card | $739.99 @ Newegg
Case | Fractal Design Meshify C ATX Mid Tower Case | $99.98 @ Newegg
Power Supply | SeaSonic FOCUS Plus Platinum 750 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply | $134.99 @ B&H
Case Fan | Noctua NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap 82.52 CFM 140 mm Fan | $24.90 @ Amazon
Case Fan | Noctua NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap 82.52 CFM 140 mm Fan | $24.90 @ Amazon
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $1991.70
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-22 05:41 EDT-0400 |


I'm fairly set on the case, I want this to be a "showcase" build if that makes sense. The PC-O11D is perfect for that use.

As for cooling, as you said the PC-011D isn't a case for air cooling, and I don't want to take the dive/expense into a full custom loop when I would only be cooling the CPU anyway, so an AIO made the most sense.

Same question to you about the 2080 Super, It is $200 more for a slight performance increase in most titles. Seems like the 2080 super is just a HORRIBLE value.
 

Phaaze88

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So a few questions here, first the X570 MOBO choice seems silly as I'm not going to be utilizing the PCI E gen 4 anyway right?
You are correct.
The mobo you have on your list is fairly pricey though. You'd save quite a bit with a B450 Tomahawk MAX.

Also, I settled on the 2070 super because the jump up to the 2080 super is like a 40% price increase for less than ~15% performance. The 2070 super just seems like it was a much better value vs an $800 card that isnt that much better performance wise.
Correct again.
See, I didn't know how far you wanted to go with your desired theme. I wasn't aware there was a desire for value as well, because a number of the parts in your current list don't indicate that at all:
-the AIO
-the motherboard
-the memory
-the M.2 storage
-the case fans and the number of them
None of the above screamed value...

As for the other changes, air cooling is not a good idea in the PC-O11D So i think it would be a better idea to stay with the AIO, planning on painting the rad white and getting cable sleeves for the tubing.
Ok, who fed you that BS?
 

hawkgoalie

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Jun 13, 2016
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You are correct.
The mobo you have on your list is fairly pricey though. You'd save quite a bit with a B450 Tomahawk MAX.


Correct again.
See, I didn't know how far you wanted to go with your desired theme. I wasn't aware there was a desire for value as well, because a number of the parts in your current list don't indicate that at all:
-the AIO
-the motherboard
-the memory
-the M.2 storage
-the case fans and the number of them
None of the above screamed value...


Ok, who fed you that BS?

The MSI tomahawk doesn't fit into the white theme though, I'm willing to pay the extra ~$30 for a part to fit the theme of the build.

As for the parts that don't scream value...
-the AIO, this is an area where I went for the appearance as a 240 would be a better value, but then you have off set fans and I personally think that looks like uhhhhh "poop."
-again mobo is a $30 difference lol
-memory, none of the other memory on the market is full white with decent RGB, so sadly didn't have much choice here. Crucial Ballistix is the other other stick I like, and its more expensive.
-M.2 drive is an area where I actually made a change already to a much cheaper M.2 after looking up more on random read/writes etc.
-Case fans are 100% visual

The difference between those parts and the GPU in terms of the value argument, is that those parts add a visual value to the build. I WILL notice the visual appearance of the case far more that a 10-20 FPS boost in frame rates.

Not going to lie on the case I just kind of assumed that air cooling would be <Mod Edit> because of the full glass front/side, but upon looking further it seems like it does pretty good. BUT that said, we circle back to visual and I'm not a massive fan of the large tower cooler.
 
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Phaaze88

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Ambassador
Ah well, not much to be done about it then...
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($298.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool GAMERSTORM CAPTAIN 360X WHITE 64.4 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($140.00 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus PRIME X570-P ATX AM4 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($174.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Blue 1 TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8 GB Gaming OC 3X Video Card ($539.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic ATX Full Tower Case ($139.00 @ Adorama)
Power Supply: Corsair RMx White (2018) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($139.99 @ Corsair)
Case Fan: Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB 41.8 CFM 120 mm Fans ($137.55 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB 41.8 CFM 120 mm Fans ($137.55 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB 41.8 CFM 120 mm Fans ($137.55 @ Amazon)
Total: $2100.59
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-22 16:14 EDT-0400


By the way, those random read/writes aren't even practical on a gaming setup. You won't even see that level of performance in a gaming PC, but in benchmarks, video + photo editing, and X-ferring large files from one SSD to another.
You're still overpaying in that area by quite a bit.

The Asus X470 board on your list MIGHT not come with the necessary bios needed to recognize Ryzen 3000. If you happen to draw the short straw and it doesn't:
-return it for one that does.
-take it to a PC shop that can update the bios for you.

I guess you intend to replace the AIOs fans with the 3rd set of QL120s, even though that will cut into the cooler's performance. But it's a 360mm rad; that is more than enough for a 3700X, so who cares.
 
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hawkgoalie

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Jun 13, 2016
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Ah well, not much to be done about it then...
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($298.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool GAMERSTORM CAPTAIN 360X WHITE 64.4 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($140.00 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus PRIME X570-P ATX AM4 Motherboard ($144.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($174.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Blue 1 TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8 GB Gaming OC 3X Video Card ($539.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic ATX Full Tower Case ($139.00 @ Adorama)
Power Supply: Corsair RMx White (2018) 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($139.99 @ Corsair)
Case Fan: Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB 41.8 CFM 120 mm Fans ($137.55 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB 41.8 CFM 120 mm Fans ($137.55 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Corsair iCUE QL120 RGB 41.8 CFM 120 mm Fans ($137.55 @ Amazon)
Total: $2100.59
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-22 16:14 EDT-0400


By the way, those random read/writes aren't even practical on a gaming setup. You won't even see that level of performance in a gaming PC, but in benchmarks, video + photo editing, and X-ferring large files from one SSD to another.
You're still overpaying in that area by quite a bit.

The Asus X470 board on your list MIGHT not come with the necessary bios needed to recognize Ryzen 3000. If you happen to draw the short straw and it doesn't:
-return it for one that does.
-take it to a PC shop that can update the bios for you.

I guess you intend to replace the AIOs fans with the 3rd set of QL120s, even though that will cut into the cooler's performance. But it's a 360mm rad; that is more than enough for a 3700X, so who cares.


Currently have a Ryzen 5 1600 build so if it doesn't come preflashed I can handle that easily. Again, I have already swapped out the samsung M.2 for a different M.2. Considered doing a small M.2 boot drive for OS etc, but the price difference was minimal so I went all M.2 storage.

Currently the plan is to only get 2 sets of fans, and paint the ML120s that come with it, yes I know this may impact performance etc but I know it can be done. If I hate the way it looks then I will get another set of the QL120s in the future.
 

hawkgoalie

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You've got everything under control then. There are no problems with your build.
Also, you have yet to give a reason as to why to go with the 2080 super other than the "you're spending 2k so why not spend another 200 on GPU" The performance gained is laughable from what I have seen. If you know otherwise please explain.
 

Phaaze88

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Ambassador
Better 1440p performance over the 2070 Super, so if you're trying to get as much fps as you can... of course, the value isn't as good as the former.
Again, I didn't have that impression due to your Partpicker list. Plus, 'themed builds' are going to cost more overall than ones of a more value oriented perspective.
The difference between your current proposed build and someone looking to get the most bang for buck is almost 500USD - around 300USD if the gpu is replaced with a 2080 Super.
That's significant - the reason I got the impression I did.
 

Bob Bobson

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Apr 19, 2019
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Okay, Lian Li it is. Then you should stick with your AIO.

You are correct, 2070 Super is a better value, but given your list, I did not get an impression that this build will be value oriented. Stick with that 2070 Super, as it is a very good card for 1440p and definitely more on the value for buck side.

About the SSD. If you want a budget boot drive NVMe, I can recommend Crucial P1. Sadly SSDs went up in the past 6 months. So I would go for 500GB Crucial P1 with couple of TB HDD storage.
 
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hawkgoalie

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Okay, Lian Li it is. Then you should stick with your AIO.

You are correct, 2070 Super is a better value, but given your list, I did not get an impression that this build will be value oriented. Stick with that 2070 Super, as it is a very good card for 1440p and definitely more on the value for buck side.

About the SSD. If you want a budget boot drive NVMe, I can recommend Crucial P1. Sadly SSDs went up in the past 6 months. So I would go for 500GB Crucial P1 with couple of TB HDD storage.

Crucial P1 1TB is the exact drive I have swapped in actually :)

And it's not a "value" build, but to me, what is gained is outweighed by the cost.