Question New Windows build for VR gaming (Budget)

[rhsnipes]

Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: January 2025

Budget Range: $1,000 - $1,500

System Usage from Most to Least Important: VR gaming, HTPC, modern gaming

Are you buying a monitor: No



Parts to Upgrade: ALL

Do you need to buy OS: No


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.com

Location: Seattle, WA -- USA

Parts Preferences: Mini-ITX

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 1080p and VR

Additional Comments: Looking for compact, quiet, cool, and budget minded build for a VR game like Half Life: Alyx

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I built my pc in 2010

I like the Phanteks Evolv Shift 2 mini-itx case but I have no real parts preferences.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P2C3TN...are-us-9926801167009090161-20&geniuslink=true

Thank you to Toms Hardware. You helped me build my PC 15 years ago. I know I'm not listing a whole lot of parts but I don't even know what is around anymore. I like Gigabyte GPU and Microstar Mobo. I don't really have a preference between AMD and Intel but I used AMD in the past. I like Corsair PSU but I don't know much about what specs I need. Thanks for your help on this. I appreciate it.

 

[Lutfij]

I personally love the aesthetics of the Shift case series but sadly the case internal layouts are incredibly horrible, thermal wise.

Here is my suggestion;
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X 4.5 GHz 8-Core Processor ($265.20 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 90 SE 32.77 CFM CPU Cooler ($24.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI MAG B650M MORTAR WIFI Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: TEAMGROUP MP44L 500 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($37.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: TEAMGROUP MP44 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($115.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GAMING X SLIM GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER 12 GB Video Card ($629.99 @ Amazon)
Case: DARKROCK A8-M MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.98 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - USB 64-bit ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1614.01
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-12-03 00:20 EST-0500
Two SSD's, the smaller capacity for the OS, app's and launchers while the larger drive is for your game drive. The build does show a majority of Amazon listings, though.

Here's one with Newegg listings;
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($263.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Pure Rock 2 Black CPU Cooler ($44.90 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B650M GAMING PLUS WF Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial P3 Plus 500 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($40.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial P310 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($144.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GAMING OC GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER 12 GB Video Card ($629.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Pop Mini Air MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($75.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - USB 64-bit ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1635.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-12-03 00:38 EST-0500
Some listings are either missing on Newegg or out of stock.

 

[rhsnipes]

I personally love the aesthetics of the Shift case series but sadly the case internal layouts are incredibly horrible, thermal wise.

Here is my suggestion;
PCPartPicker Part List

Thanks for helping me get started!

I have some thoughts and questions, I'd like to see what you suggest.

CPU
Is there any reason to choose the the first CPU over the second one (7700 vs 7700X)?

CPU Cooler
Any suggestions for a CPU Cooler that will be aesthetically pleasing? (Light in sync with case or metallic design) (Also simple and quiet)

Case
Thanks for the heads up about the thermal trap on the Shift 2. I really like this case... I know the PSU exhaust is poorly placed. Would it be an issue, or is this case alright?
https://www.newegg.com/jonsbo-d31-micro-atx-mid-tower/p/2AM-006A-000B9?Item=9SIAY3SJNH9665