Build Advice New mid-level gaming build, please critique

[michael103]

Hi;
System builder since 1998 but haven't built in 9 years!!
Present system 2500k @ 4.5-on last legs
buying everything at amazon USA

new build:

*Intel Core i5-13600K Desktop Processor​

Amazon.com

Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black, Premium Dual-Tower CPU Cooler​

ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi LGA 1700​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQD58D96?tag=pcpapi-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1

Antec Performance Series P20CE​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRVJHM6R?tag=pcpapi-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1

Corsair RM850e (2023) Fully Modular Low-Noise ATX Power Supply - ATX 3.0 & PCIe 5.0 Compliant​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYQPH5J3?tag=pcpapi-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1

Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD 2TB NVMe M.2 Internal Solid State Hard Drive​

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-970-EVO-Plus-MZ-V7S2T0B/dp/B07MFZXR1B/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1A5CK66SF9C6O&keywords=samsung%2B970%2Bevo%2Bplus%2B2tb&qid=1683975426&sprefix=samsung%2B970%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840&th=1

need help picking video card:

XFX Speedster SWFT309 AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT CORE Gaming Graphics Card with 12GB GDDR6 HDMI 3xDP, AMD RDNA 2 RX-67XTYJFDV​

Amazon.com

OR for $30 dollars more:

XFX Speedster QICK319 Radeon RX 6750XT CORE Gaming Graphics Card with 12GB GDDR6 HDMI 3xDP, AMD RDNA 2 RX-675XYJFDP​

https://www.amazon.com/XFX-Speedster-QICK319-Graphics-RX-675XYJFDP/dp/B0B34M1YLW/ref=psdc_284822_t3_B08YKCC8XD

So which of these video cards?
And which SSD
Everything else ok??
Will be using 1440 monitor

Thanks for looking!!

 

[Aeacus]

Are these exactly the same but one is all black??

Yes.

And which SSD

970 Evo Plus is solid consumer SSD. Even i have it as my OS drive. Though, do note that 970 Evo Plus is PCI-E 3.0 drive. 980 Pro and 990 Pro are PCI-E 4.0 drives (faster read/write speeds but 0 real world difference). 990 Pro is the latest/fastest/best offered by Samsung, so, might as well go with 990 Pro.

So which of these video cards?

6750 XT is equal to RTX 3060 Ti.
However;

Whilst the drought in the GPU market continues, street prices for AMD cards are around 50% lower than comparable (based on headline average fps figures) Nvidia cards. Many experienced users simply have no interest in buying AMD cards, regardless of price. The combined market share for all of AMD’s RX 5000 and 6000 GPUs amongst PC gamers (Steam stats) is just 2.12% whilst Nvidia’s RTX 2060 alone accounts for 5.03%. AMD’s Neanderthal marketing tactics seem to have come back to haunt them. Their brazen domination of social media platforms including youtube and reddit resulted in millions of users purchasing sub standard products. Be wary of sponsored reviews with cherry picked games that showcase the wins and ignore the losses. Experienced gamers know all too well that headline average fps are worthless when they are accompanied with stutters, random crashes, excessive noise and a limited feature set.

Source: https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/AMD-RX-6750-XT-vs-Nvidia-RTX-3060-Ti/m1845738vs4090

So, why not go with Nvidia GPU instead?

Everything else ok??
Will be using 1440 monitor

Build does fine on 1440p, regardless if you go with 6700XT / 6750XT / 3060 Ti.

CPU cooler seems a tad bit small, but as long as you don't OC your CPU, it would be fine.

Oh, pcpp link to your build as well (because why not): https://pcpartpicker.com/list/WvQqcb

 

[IDProG]

You're going to need a 16GB VRAM card if you want to comfortably play games at 1440p for at least 5 years. Save some money and buy an RX 6800. Trust me, it's worth it.

Other than that, fine build.

 

[IDProG]

So, why not go with Nvidia GPU instead?

Because it has 8GB VRAM.

 

[Why_Me]

@michael103 what is your budget?

 

[michael103]

@michael103 what is your budget?

As little as Possible!!
Looking for best bang for the buck!!

 

[geofelt]

Noctua maintains a list of suitable coolers.
Here is the list for the 13600K:

INTEL Core i5-13600K | CPU Compatibility | Noctua Compatibility Centre

Series: Raptor Lake-S, Socket: LGA 1700

ncc.noctua.at

NH-U12S and NH-U12s redux are on the list as just OK;
But, I think you should go better.
A better cooler will allow the 13600K to reach higher turbo levels.

FWIW, there IS a difference; the redux is designed as a budget version.
It comes with pre-applied paste, not with a full tube of excellent paste.
Also, the fan is a noisier 120mm fan compared to the normal NH-U12S.
The case looks to be a good one, capable of installing any air cooler.
Looks like no fans come with it.
I would put two or three front 140mm intakes.
140mm moves more air quietly.

I would recommend the NH-D15s.
NH-D15 should work also.
The 140mm fans will be quieter.

On the m.2 ssd, take your pick.
You will not be able to tell the difference in performance among the three.
The 970 EVO plus is fine.
If you pick the 980 2tb m.2, take the time to verify that the firmware is current. Earlier there were issues of premature wear on the 2tb models.
That has been fixed, and you can do the fix yourself if need be via samsung magician.

Excellent psu.
I have no opinion on the graphics card.
You will get what you pay for at any price point.
There are differences between nvidia and amd cards.
But, be aware of owners bias.
Posters here will usually recommend what they have.
Tom's gpu hierarchy chart is a useful way to assess typical gpu capability:

GPU Benchmarks and Hierarchy 2023: Graphics Cards Ranked

We've run hundreds of GPU benchmarks on Nvidia, AMD, and Intel graphics cards and ranked them in our comprehensive hierarchy.

www.tomshardware.com

 

[Why_Me]

Add a graphics card to this build.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *Intel Core i5-13600KF 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor ($286.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: *Deepcool AG620 67.88 CFM CPU Cooler ($48.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: *MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: *G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: *Western Digital Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Case: *Fractal Design Focus 2 ATX Mid Tower Case ($60.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: *Super Flower Leadex III Gold 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ Newegg Sellers)
Operating System: *Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM - DVD 64-bit ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: *ARCTIC P12 56.3 CFM 120 mm Fan ($9.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1036.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-05-13 13:09 EDT-0400

A better look at those components.

Focus 2

Focus 2 offers a precise straight-forward design which has been carefully engineered to leverage its airflow potential. Its innovative approach to the internal layout creates flow throughout the case, making it enjoyable to build and upgrade in, while optimizing direct cooling to components.

www.fractal-design.com

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/B760-GAMING-PLUS-WIFI

https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...-24m-cache-up-to-5-10-ghz/specifications.html

AG620 - DeepCool

The DeepCool AG620 is a dual-tower 120mm CPU cooler that boasts impressive 260W cooling power performance that's been stripped down and optimized for terrific efficiency throughout. - DeepCool was founded with the mission of providing professional, innovative, high-performance PC hardware and...

www.deepcool.com

 

[michael103]

Noctua maintains a list of suitable coolers.
Here is the list for the 13600K:

INTEL Core i5-13600K | CPU Compatibility | Noctua Compatibility Centre

Series: Raptor Lake-S, Socket: LGA 1700

ncc.noctua.at

NH-U12S and NH-U12s redux are on the list as just OK;
But, I think you should go better.
A better cooler will allow the 13600K to reach higher turbo levels.

FWIW, there IS a difference; the redux is designed as a budget version.
It comes with pre-applied paste, not with a full tube of excellent paste.
Also, the fan is a noisier 120mm fan compared to the normal NH-U12S.
The case looks to be a good one, capable of installing any air cooler.
Looks like no fans come with it.
I would put two or three front 140mm intakes.
140mm moves more air quietly.

I would recommend the NH-D15s.
NH-D15 should work also.
The 140mm fans will be quieter.

On the m.2 ssd, take your pick.
You will not be able to tell the difference in performance among the three.
The 970 EVO plus is fine.
If you pick the 980 2tb m.2, take the time to verify that the firmware is current. Earlier there were issues of premature wear on the 2tb models.
That has been fixed, and you can do the fix yourself if need be via samsung magician.

Excellent psu.
I have no opinion on the graphics card.
You will get what you pay for at any price point.
There are differences between nvidia and amd cards.
But, be aware of owners bias.
Posters here will usually recommend what they have.
Tom's gpu hierarchy chart is a useful way to assess typical gpu capability:

GPU Benchmarks and Hierarchy 2023: Graphics Cards Ranked

We've run hundreds of GPU benchmarks on Nvidia, AMD, and Intel graphics cards and ranked them in our comprehensive hierarchy.

www.tomshardware.com

Hi
Thanks for input :

I'll use the

Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black, Premium Dual-Tower CPU Cooler​

That thing is HUGE!! Hope I can install by myself!!??

 

[geofelt]

Yes, it is large. The large cooling fin volume is what allows it to cool well.
The installation method is exactly the same for all of the coolers.
It is probably the easiest and most secure mount of all of the coolers.

 

[Aeacus]

Noctua NH-D15S chromax.Black, Premium Dual-Tower CPU Cooler​

That thing is HUGE!! Hope I can install by myself!!??

King of air coolers. You won't get anything better than NH-D15S.

Like said above, it isn't hard to install. Noctua also includes installation manual. Just take your time and follow the manual.

 

[waynewal]

Add a graphics card to this build.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *Intel Core i5-13600KF 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor ($286.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: *Deepcool AG620 67.88 CFM CPU Cooler ($48.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: *MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: *G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: *Western Digital Black SN770 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Case: *Fractal Design Focus 2 ATX Mid Tower Case ($60.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: *Super Flower Leadex III Gold 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ Newegg Sellers)
Operating System: *Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM - DVD 64-bit ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Case Fan: *ARCTIC P12 56.3 CFM 120 mm Fan ($9.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1036.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-05-13 13:09 EDT-0400

A better look at those components.

Focus 2

Focus 2 offers a precise straight-forward design which has been carefully engineered to leverage its airflow potential. Its innovative approach to the internal layout creates flow throughout the case, making it enjoyable to build and upgrade in, while optimizing direct cooling to components.

www.fractal-design.com

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/B760-GAMING-PLUS-WIFI

https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...-24m-cache-up-to-5-10-ghz/specifications.html

AG620 - DeepCool

The DeepCool AG620 is a dual-tower 120mm CPU cooler that boasts impressive 260W cooling power performance that's been stripped down and optimized for terrific efficiency throughout. - DeepCool was founded with the mission of providing professional, innovative, high-performance PC hardware and...

www.deepcool.com

Looks like a solid system, thanks for posting this!

 

[Kona45primo]

I'd go AMD AM5. (My opinion only, if you want Intel they could use the help)AM5 Will allow for another 2 gens worth of cpu upgrade viability. Outside of that, good on you for building again!