Build Advice PC Build Compatibility/Suggestions?

[KremPaps]

I'm hoping to get some feedback and suggestions on this build. My primary use will be flight simulation in VR (X-Plane 12 with a Reverb G2). I'm hoping to keep things under $3k but if it goes a little over that's ok.

A few questions I have are:

1. Is the mobo sufficient for the CPU or should I consider upgrading it to the Z790-E? (Or for budget reasons consider lowering the CPU to the i7-13700K. X-Plane is heavily CPU dependent but my budget is heavily spouse dependent 😆)

2. Is the CPU cooler good enough? I plan to do moderate overclocking but nothing crazy.

3. Is the PSU good enough? 1000W should be plenty, but I've read a bit about the importance of PSU efficiency from quality. I don't know how to determine this other than picking a brand I'm familiar with.

I was initially thinking hey I can finally afford a really nice i9-13900K and RTX 4080, awesome let's get a great PC going! But it seems like if you wanna get that top of the line CPU/GPU then you need to really start paying attention to the other components like mobo, cooling, case, PSU, and you gotta get higher quality stuff there in support. I really tried to do as much research as I could but there are just so many rabbit holes that go far beyond my knowledge. I'd hate to spend all this money on something that ends up being a poor choice.

Any suggestions, better alternative components, or issues I might not have noticed would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Edit: Just noticed the new build template sticky post. Sorry! Looks like I answered most of it but here's the list:
-Purchase date: within the next 30 days.
-Budget range: ~$3000 USD.
-System usage by importance: VR flight simulation, general gaming, general use.
-Buying a monitor: No, I have a Reverb G2 and a 2k monitor.
-Parts to upgrade: New build.
-Need OS: Yes.
-Preferred website for parts: none.
-Location: Florida, USA.
-Parts preference: Intel/Nvidia and I've had very good luck with Asus stuff.
-Overclocking: Yes, moderate.
-SLI or Crossfire: No
-Monitor resolution: Reverb G2 = 2160x2160 per eye. Monitor = 2560x1440.
-Additional comments: listed above.
-Why are you upgrading: Current PC is unable to handle the Reverb G2 in flight simulation (i7-8700K and GTX 1080Ti). I use flight simulation for IRL training so smooth VR performance and quality are important. Thanks!

Clickable links: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/XJQqZw

 

[geofelt]

You look compatible to me.

Some food for thought:
For $120 more, you can buy the I9-13900KS:
https://www.newegg.com/intel-core-i9-13900ks-core-i9-13th-gen/p/N82E16819118446?quicklink=true
It is a binned 13900K that runs faster.

a360 aio is fine, but with 13900K, you may not be getting much value out of it.
Overclocking is probably not what you want.
Let the turbo mechanism do it's thing.
Here is an article on 13900K cooling effectiveness.
https://www.tomshardware.com/features/intel-core-13900k-cooling-tested

You may do about as well with a nice dual tower air cooler like this:
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/thermalright-peerless-assassin-120-se

DDR4 and DDR5 performance is comparable.
But DDR4 ram and components are cheaper.

Look at a MATX size motherboard. It will be cheaper.

Some might argue reasonably for a B660 or B760 motherboard, I think for a top end build I would stick with Z790.
Here is a asus MATX example:
https://www.newegg.com/asus-prime-z790m-plus-d4/p/N82E16813119610?Item=9SIBJ5HJHB8216&quicklink=true

 

[KremPaps]

I'll consider that CPU. I was hesitant at first because I was concerned about keeping just the 13900K cool enough, but I had no idea good air coolers were that effective compared to liquid cooling! I will definitely consider that air cooler.

Ok yeah I was a little unsure of turbo boost vs overclocking. That makes sense.

I didn't realize DDR4 and DDR5 were so comparable. I do hope to make this PC last hopefully 5 years before needing another new build. Does that effect choosing between DDR4 vs DDR5?

Interesting, I never considered a microATX. Other than reduced cost are there any other considerations with that? I suppose a smaller mobo would mean more room for airflow?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Why_Me]

Ideally you want a 420 AIO for the 13900K. These 13 gen cpu's are already pushed to their limits out of the box . Here's a few options to have a look at.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/u...-30m-cache-up-to-5-20-ghz/specifications.html
Processor Base Power: 65W
Maximum Turbo Power: 219W

Without integrated graphics.

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/xz8bt6/intel-core-i7-13700f-21-ghz-16-core-processor-bx8071513700f
Intel Core i7-13700F $379.98

With integrated graphics.

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/8VqPxr/intel-core-i7-13700-21-ghz-16-core-processor-bx8071513700
Intel Core i7-13700 $404.99

Better case. There's a non RGB version of this case for $10 less but it's sold out atm.

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/WggFf7/lian-li-lancool-iii-rgb-atx-mid-tower-case-lancool-3r-x
Lian Li LANCOOL III $159.99

LANCOOL III

<ul> <li aria-level="1">Mid-tower modular chassis for all kinds of configurations</li> <li aria-level="1">Equipped with 4 × 140 PWM fans (ARGB or non-RGB)</li> <li aria-level="1">Featured airflow optimized mesh structure and hinged side panels</li> <li aria-level="1">Supports up to 420...

lian-li.com

This board fits nicely with either of those i7's up above.

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/8m6p99/msi-pro-z790-a-wifi-atx-lga1700-motherboard-pro-z790-a-wifi
MSI PRO Z790-A WIFI $279.99

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-Z790-A-WIFI

Save a few dollars on the RAM.

https://www.newegg.com/g-skill-32gb/p/N82E16820374430
G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 Series DDR5 6000 32GB (2x16GB) CL36 $135.99

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/jR...-fully-modular-atx-power-supply-cp-9020201-na
Corsair RM1000x (2021) 1000W 80+ Gold Modular Power Supply $189.95

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...1313&_nkw=corsair+600w+12vhpwr+cable&_sacat=0
Corsair 600W PCIe 5.0 12VHPWR Type-4 PSU Power Cable $34.99

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Categories/Products/Accessories-|-Parts/PC-Components/Power-Supplies/600W-PCIe-5-0-12VHPWR-Type-4-PSU-Power-Cable/p/CP-8920284
Corsair 600W PCIe 5.0 12VHPWR Type-4 PSU Power Cable

 

[geofelt]

Nobody knows what will come in 5 years.
It is unlikely that any DDR4 ram you buy today would be useful then.
More likely, DDR5 would still be relevant.
That is one argument in favor of DDR5 today.

In 5 years, or even 2 or 3, a strong cpu upgrade will be requiring a new motherboard chipset and ram anyway.
The most likely upgrade until then would perhaps be a graphics card or a monitor.

MATX size will have only 4 expansion slots vs. 7 for ATX and EATX.
Most of us will use only a single x16 pcie slot for the graphics card.
But, I have seen images of graphics cards 4 slots wide!

The cpu working space on MATX is the same size as ATX so reasonable vrm cooling is possible.
The rear i/o panel is the same.
Most are going to m.2 devices and the space available for those is lessened.
Still, you will usually get 2 or 3 m.2 slots plus a handful of sata slots.
On the three remaining expansion slots one could add in a expansion card.

MATX allows a smaller case if that is important.
For a long time I used MATX because I had a case depth limitation of about 16 inches.
I used a Silverstone TJ08E MATX case with a single 180mm front intake.

When 12th gen was released, MATX was nowhere to be found
So I had to buy a new case as well as an ATX motherboard.
with 13th gen, it took only minor tweaking to produce the 13th gen motherboards from the 12th gen.

As in all buying, look at the details of a prospective motherboard.
How many and what types of usb ports are on the back?
Do you like RGB "bling"? (not for me)
Do you want wifi included?
How robust is the on board audio?