Build Advice Please review my high-end PC build

[ben64]

Greetings all,

I have picked these parts for my new PC, please let me know if there are any compatibility issues, any recommendations/changes that I should make. I am mostly unsure about my RAM, PSU, and storage choices.

• I'm from Ontario, Canada in the greater Toronto area
• This PC will be used for 50/50% for gaming and productivity. (Will be using VM's a lot)
• Dual booting with Windows for games, Linux for everything else (both on separate nvme drives) Already have Windows.

Few questions:

• I have the ARCTIC MX-5 thermal paste from May 2022, I can still use this right?
• Should I buy another 3-pack Lian Li Infinity fans to replace the ones on the AIO Cooler? Will they be compatible if I do?
• Do I need a fan controller?

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i9-13900K 3 GHz 24-Core Processor (Purchased For $760.04)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 A-RGB 48.8 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler (Purchased For $204.99)
Motherboard: Asus ROG STRIX Z790-H GAMING WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($410.94 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL32 Memory (Purchased For $339.99)
Storage: Kingston KC3000 2.048 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (Purchased For $201.59)
Storage: Kingston KC3000 2.048 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (Purchased For $209.99)
Video Card: MSI SUPRIM LIQUID X GeForce RTX 4090 24 GB Video Card (Purchased For $2224.99)
Case: Corsair 7000D AIRFLOW ATX Full Tower Case (Purchased For $299.99)
Power Supply: Gigabyte AORUS P1200W 1200 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (Purchased For $379.99)
Case Fan: Lian Li Uni Fan SL-Infinity 61.3 CFM 120 mm Fan (Purchased For $39.99)
Case Fan: Lian Li Uni Fan SL-Infinity 61.3 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack (Purchased For $139.99)
Case Fan: Lian Li Uni Fan SL-Infinity 61.3 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack (Purchased For $139.99)
Monitor: Alienware AW3423DWF 34.2" 3440 x 1440 165 Hz Curved Monitor (Purchased For $1299.99)
Total: $6652.47
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-04-17 22:49 EDT-0400

 

[Lutfij]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

Yes you can use the thermal paste, provided it's still in the applicator/tube.

If you need a lot of ram on your platform, cut down the frequency to below 6000MHz and look into a 2x32GB ram kit. I'd up the PSU to a reliably built 1.5KW unit for the sake of having headroom but you're going to be fine as is...I'd like to hold onto my PSU for as long as possible which is why I'd look at a higher wattage unit.

 

[ben64]

Thanks for the welcome. I was initially debating going with 32 or 64gb memory and read a lot of people saying it's overkill. But I agree with you, I think 64gb makes sense since I'll be running VM's, and it future proofs it a bit more as well. Also other 4090+13900k builds on pcpartpicker usually go with 64 gb as well.

Updating the above list to include the new memory.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

U might be spending more than u need to...

comments on the parts selection:

cheaper ssd with almost the same random read/write performance
cheaper mobo which can do the same job as the strix
better/higher end gpu model
high quality psu with digital readouts, matched with a case that has a psu cutout
cheaper 550nits IPS monitor

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i9-13900K 3 GHz 24-Core Processor ($766.95 @ shopRBC)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 A-RGB 68.9 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($199.99 @ Memory Express)
Motherboard: Asus PRIME Z790-A WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($388.50 @ Vuugo)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-5600 CL36 Memory ($329.99 @ Memory Express)
Storage: Kingston KC3000 2.048 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($208.99 @ PC-Canada)
Storage: Kingston KC3000 2.048 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($208.99 @ PC-Canada)
Video Card: MSI SUPRIM X GeForce RTX 4090 24 GB Video Card ($2299.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Corsair 7000D AIRFLOW ATX Full Tower Case ($299.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Power Supply: Gigabyte AORUS P1200W 1200 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($379.99 @ Canada Computers)
Case Fan: Lian Li Uni Fan SL-Infinity 61.3 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack ($139.99 @ Memory Express)
Monitor: MSI Optix MPG341QR 34.0" 3440 x 1440 144 Hz Monitor ($678.55 @ Amazon Canada)
Total: $5901.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-04-12 06:37 EDT-0400


if you want the HDR1000, i would suggest this instead - Samsung Odyssey G9 49.0" 5120 x 1440 240 Hz Curved Monitor (LC49G95TSSNXZA) - PCPartPicker


the 13900k has 8 P cores and 16 E cores. If you want more performance cores, try the 7950X instead:

just replace the cpu and mobo with these:
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 4.5 GHz 16-Core Processor (100-100000514WOF) - PCPartPicker
ASRock B650E STEEL LEGEND WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard (B650E STEEL LEGEND WIFI) - PCPartPicker

More performance core count options would put you in the intel sapphire rapids HEDT category which is not worth the price premium. I would rather stick with zen 3 threadripper. Again, change CPU, MOBO and RAM:
ASUS PRIME TRX40-PRO sTRX4 ATX AMD Motherboard - Newegg.ca
AMD Threadripper 3960X 3.8 GHz 24-Core Processor (100-100000010WOF) - PCPartPicker
Silverstone IceGem 360, 360mm ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler with 3 x 120mm ARGB Fans, AM5 & Threadripper TR4, SST-IG360-ARGB : Amazon.ca: Electronics
G.Skill Trident Z Neo 64 GB (4 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16 Memory (F4-3600C16Q-64GTZNC) - PCPartPicker

 

[tennis2]

https://www.msi.com/Monitor/MEG-342C-QD-OLED

 

[Phaaze88]

comments on the parts selection:

...
better/higher end gpu model
...

What makes the Suprim X 4090 better/higher end over the Gaming OC?

 

[Lucky_SLS]

^ the higher binned 4090 chips go to the aorus branded models.

The Suprim is the top range card from MSI, you can expect clocks compared to gaming OC...

 

[ben64]

U might be spending more than u need to...

comments on the parts selection:

cheaper ssd with almost the same random read/write performance
cheaper mobo which can do the same job as the strix
better/higher end gpu model
high quality psu with digital readouts, matched with a case that has a psu cutout
cheaper 550nits IPS monitor

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i9-13900K 3 GHz 24-Core Processor ($766.95 @ shopRBC)
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 A-RGB 68.9 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($199.99 @ Memory Express)
Motherboard: Asus PRIME Z790-A WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($388.50 @ Vuugo)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-5600 CL36 Memory ($329.99 @ Memory Express)
Storage: Kingston KC3000 2.048 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($208.99 @ PC-Canada)
Storage: Kingston KC3000 2.048 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($208.99 @ PC-Canada)
Video Card: MSI SUPRIM X GeForce RTX 4090 24 GB Video Card ($2299.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Corsair 7000D AIRFLOW ATX Full Tower Case ($299.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Power Supply: Gigabyte AORUS P1200W 1200 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($379.99 @ Canada Computers)
Case Fan: Lian Li Uni Fan SL-Infinity 61.3 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack ($139.99 @ Memory Express)
Monitor: MSI Optix MPG341QR 34.0" 3440 x 1440 144 Hz Monitor ($678.55 @ Amazon Canada)
Total: $5901.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-04-12 06:37 EDT-0400


if you want the HDR1000, i would suggest this instead - Samsung Odyssey G9 49.0" 5120 x 1440 240 Hz Curved Monitor (LC49G95TSSNXZA) - PCPartPicker


the 13900k has 8 P cores and 16 E cores. If you want more performance cores, try the 7950X instead:

just replace the cpu and mobo with these:
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 4.5 GHz 16-Core Processor (100-100000514WOF) - PCPartPicker
ASRock B650E STEEL LEGEND WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard (B650E STEEL LEGEND WIFI) - PCPartPicker

More performance core count options would put you in the intel sapphire rapids HEDT category which is not worth the price premium. I would rather stick with zen 3 threadripper. Again, change CPU, MOBO and RAM:
ASUS PRIME TRX40-PRO sTRX4 ATX AMD Motherboard - Newegg.ca
AMD Threadripper 3960X 3.8 GHz 24-Core Processor (100-100000010WOF) - PCPartPicker
Silverstone IceGem 360, 360mm ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler with 3 x 120mm ARGB Fans, AM5 & Threadripper TR4, SST-IG360-ARGB : Amazon.ca: Electronics
G.Skill Trident Z Neo 64 GB (4 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16 Memory (F4-3600C16Q-64GTZNC) - PCPartPicker

Thanks a lot for your informative post. Much appreciated. I looked into your suggestions and have decided to make the following changes:

Motherboard: Asus PRIME Z790-A
- Think I agree with your choice here. I don't think the improvements justify the price premium of the ROG Strix z790e. But I'm on the fence.
- So I'm only missing the 1x m.2 slot (4 slots is enough), slightly fewer USB ports (which should be a non issue, since there will be more ports on the Case + monitor), BIOS Reset & Clear CMOS button, which I can live without.
Are these the main differences?
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 420 A-RGB 68.9 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($199.99 @ Memory Express)
- Need to find out if this cooler will fit in the O11 dynamic evo.
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-5600 CL36 Memory ($329.99 @ Memory Express)
- Why should I go with this over the one in my list? Isn't this one slower and only slightly cheaper?

Storage: Kingston KC3000 2.048 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($208.99 @ PC-Canada)
Video Card: MSI SUPRIM X GeForce RTX 4090 24 GB Video Card ($2299.99 @ Newegg Canada)
- I like these new additions. I originally chose the Gaming OC since people reported less coil whine, but re reading reviews seems to suggest the Suprim X is a popular choice with not bad whine either.
Case: Corsair 7000D AIRFLOW ATX Full Tower Case ($299.99 @ Amazon Canada)
- I prefer the design of the Lian Li o11 dynamic evo instead. Will probably stick to that unless there is a good reason for this over that one?
Power Supply: Gigabyte AORUS P1200W 1200 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($379.99 @ Canada Computers)
- Changed
Monitor: MSI Optix MPG341QR 34.0" 3440 x 1440 144 Hz Monitor ($678.55 @ Amazon Canada)
- I really want the QD-OLED panel so I will stick to that one. I know it sucks for productivity work, but I wanna experience gaming on it and see what the OLED fuss is about

I'll also stick with 13900K over 7950X since it's overall better for gaming.

Updating my initial post after this post to reflect changes.

https://www.msi.com/Monitor/MEG-342C-QD-OLED

Thanks for this message. It made me look at the 4 variants again and I think the MSI MEG 342C is actually the better option due to it's superior I/O, logo dimming, and should have 3-year warranty as well. Gotta wait for availability though, can't find it anywhere. Hopefully soon.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

The main things I check in a mobo:

M.2 Slots, front panel header connections, USB headers and rgb headers (a controller hub with USB header can also do the same, in most cases cheaper than the delta of higher priced mobo). VRM config - The prime a is sufficient for 250w loads.

The arctic 420 won't fit in the o11 Evo. Have to downgrade to 360.

Intel benefits less from fast rams compared to ryzen. So the 5600 vs 6000 speed ram choice is upto you.

 

[Why_Me]

The 13900K is a heat producing power hog so if you're dead set on that cpu then I suggest you do it right the first time.

Start with a board that can handle that cpu. 80A vs 60A for the Prime A.

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/8ybTwP/asus-rog-strix-z790-h-gaming-wifi-atx-lga1700-motherboard-rog-strix-z790-h-gaming-wifi

ROG STRIX Z790-H GAMING WIFI | Gaming motherboards｜ROG - Republic of Gamers｜ROG Global

The ROG Strix Z790-H is the perfect complement to Intel 13th Gen processors with its 16-stage power solution and intuitive AI Overclocking utility.

rog.asus.com

Not as trendy looking at the 011 but far more practical as in a 420 AIO, better cooling and easier to build with.

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/WggFf7/lian-li-lancool-iii-rgb-atx-mid-tower-case-lancool-3r-x

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

 

[ben64]

The 13900K is a heat producing power hog so if you're dead set on that cpu then I suggest you do it right the first time.

Start with a board that can handle that cpu. 80A vs 60A for the Prime A.

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/8ybTwP/asus-rog-strix-z790-h-gaming-wifi-atx-lga1700-motherboard-rog-strix-z790-h-gaming-wifi

ROG STRIX Z790-H GAMING WIFI | Gaming motherboards｜ROG - Republic of Gamers｜ROG Global

The ROG Strix Z790-H is the perfect complement to Intel 13th Gen processors with its 16-stage power solution and intuitive AI Overclocking utility.

rog.asus.com

Not as trendy looking at the 011 but far more practical as in a 420 AIO, better cooling and easier to build with.

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product/WggFf7/lian-li-lancool-iii-rgb-atx-mid-tower-case-lancool-3r-x

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

I'm not that knowledgeable about mobo+CPU combos so thanks for pointing that out. I think the Rog Strix z790-H is probably a good middle ground between my initial Rog Strix z790e choice and the current Prime z790-a model in my list. I think I will go with this.

 

[klavs]

What makes the Suprim X 4090 better/higher end over the Gaming OC?

Video Card: MSI SUPRIM X GeForce RTX 4090 24 GB Video Card ($2299.98 @ Amazon Canada)

The top 4090 cards are (there may be some I am unaware of and this is assuming that the supplier doesn't swap in cheaper components on subsequent batches):

Asus Strix
Colorful Neptune OC
Galax HOF OC Lab Plus
Gigabyte Aurus Master
Gagabyte Aurus Waterforoce
MSI Suprim X
MSI Suprim X Liquid

You should buy whichever card is cheapest on the list above. When I below write the "other cards" I mean from this list.

The Suprim, the HOF and the Strix cards can tolerate the highest VRM Current (Suprim 1820, HOF 1960 and Strix 1680) and they've got the highest mem current, of all the cards. The rest of the cards have got a max VRM of 1400 or lower. The three cards have identical mem current of 280, where the other cards have 220 or lower. If you want to overclock to the max, these three cards are the ones to buy.

Of the top cards, the non water cooled Suprim has the lowest max power limit of 520 watts, but that should be more than enough even for overclocking. The rest have a max power limit of 600, except Neptune has 630 and HOF has 666 - the Suprim Liquid has 600.

I wouldn't pick a water cooled 4090 because it is already very efficient, and air cooling is more reliable long term.

Personally I would ignore Gigabyte because they have the worst support, but I am only familiar with the support of Asus, Gigabyte and MSI.

I've also looked at the 4080 and 4070 ti, and here the Suprim X and the Strix are also among the best cards. Some of the Gigabyte 4070ti cards have a vapor chamber in their cooling solution, which I haven't found in any other 4070ti cards, but again, their support and RMA is really bad, so I would avoid them. I'd even look for another motherboard because of that.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

BTW, if it's for pure gaming performance and some vm tasks, the 7950X3D still beats the 13900k...

 

[ben64]

BTW, if it's for pure gaming performance and some vm tasks, the 7950X3D still beats the 13900k...

Decided to just stick with 13900K because feel like it does pretty well against the 7950x3d while being significantly cheaper.

GPU update:

I picked up a few parts today and when I got home I realized the staff member picked out the Liquid Suprim X instead of the non-liquid version lol. And I actually got it for $2224.99, which is cheaper than the non liquid version. My only concern is if I'll have any issues installing it in the O11 Dynamic Evo case? I think I will need to place it in the bottom intake area, and use a single Uni SL-Infinity fan instead of the 3-pack right?

I also got this RAM version since the one on my list wasn't in stock: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product...ddr5-6000-cl32-memory-f5-6000j3238g32gx2-tz5k
Which is ok right?

Still need:
- Mobo (ordering from Newegg, which is the only place where it's available. I want to build this ASAP because I have 15 days to check if all the parts I bought work, so maybe I will look for another motherboard that I can pick up from somewhere tomorrow)
- PSU
- Case
- 1 more NVME
- Monitor

I hope to pick up all but monitor + mobo from Canada Computers tomorrow or Tuesday.

 

[klavs]

For PSU I would get the new Seasonic Vertex GX or PX.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

Going 7900X3D with a X670E mobo like the https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/product...legend-atx-am5-motherboard-x670e-steel-legend would be potentially the same price as the 13900k and Prime A Z790...

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D 4.4 GHz 12-Core Processor ($789.98 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: ASRock X670E Steel Legend ATX AM5 Motherboard ($358.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Total: $1148.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-04-17 02:14 EDT-0400

Both the i9 and i7 have 8 P cores. The E cores in 13900k are not hyperthreaded and doesnt offer the same performance. so its 16+16 threads.

The 7900X3D is 24 threads of all core performance. You can even use the 3D CCX cores for gaming and the rest for VM tasks.

Regarding the airflow setup,

I would suggest you to have the GPU in the side and CPU in the top with bottom intakes if possible.

 

[ben64]

Hi @Lucky_SLS , I have already purchased the 13900K so I'm gonna just build with that. It seems to be a really good all rounder that performs consistently well in all tasks, even though it may not be the very best at gaming.

Update on my current situation. I'm trying to gather all the parts quickly because I have 14 days to test them out and return if required. So I needed to make some changes to my above list:

- The Lian Li O11D Evo wasn't in stock anywhere, so I picked up the Corsair 7000D Airflow instead as it was recommended above.

I have a few questions regarding this new case:

1. I already purchased the 360 AIO CPU cooler. So tomorrow I will go and exchange it for a 420 model. Is this a good idea?

2. Does anyone have any recommendations on where to put the GPU radiator? I don't have the vertical mounting kit for the GPU so if possible I'd like to fit it in horizontally.

3. I have 2x 3-pack UNI SL-Infinity 120mm fans, and a single one as well (total 7). The Corsair 7000D comes with 3 140mm fans. If anyone has recommendations on the fan setup please let me know. I can buy more fans tomorrow if required.

- I also picked up the Alienware AW3423DWF monitor since I have no idea when the MSI MEG 342C is gonna release here. I have 30 days to return the Alienware if MSI gets released here in Canada within that time.

- Now just waiting on the Motherboard, which I ordered yesterday from Newegg and paid extra for faster shipping, but the status is still in "Processing" (hasn't shipped yet). Estimated delivery was April 18 - 19. If they don't ship by tomorrow afternoon, I think I'm just going to cancel and pick up the Asus ROG Strix Z790E so I can start building.


Updated my original parts list above.

 

[ben64]

Did some reading on this case and fan setup, think I will go with something like this:

4x 120mm Uni Infinity fans on the front as intake

2x 120mm Uni Infinity fans on the side as intake

240mm AIO GPU radiator on the side as intake

420mm AIO CPU radiator mounted on top as exhaust

1x 120mm Uni Infinity fan on the back as exhaust

they should all be able to connect to the Lian Li fan hub, except for the AIO fans.

 

[Deleted member 2838871]

Decided to just stick with 13900K because feel like it does pretty well against the 7950x3d while being significantly cheaper.

I‘m doing the opposite. I upgraded to the 4090 a couple weeks ago and have now decided I’m swapping my 11th Gen cpu, mobo, ram for AM5 and the Ryzen 7950x3D for my mix of gaming and video editing/encoding.

I went with AMD for the first time since 2001 because the AM5 platform is new and will have support for the next few years while the LGA 1700 is at Intel’s 2 year EOL cycle. If you are gonna jump ship to AMD… now is the time.

That and the Ryzen is much more efficient with better thermals which to me was worth the extra $100.

Good luck with the build.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

If you can get the 420 AIO and mount it in the top as exhaust, that would be the best case scenario.

The GPU AIO in the side as intake is a good idea.

And please get the infinity version of the unifan as they have good static pressure for radiators.

The 7000D would be a great fit as the gigabyte PSU has a digital readout screen and you can view it.

The included controller in the 3 pack would come in handy.

You might not need a rear fan imho.

 

[ben64]

Thank you. Quick question, I'm thinking about replacing the GPU radiator fans with 2 120mm SL-Infinity fans. Is this a good idea? Can I still plug in those 2 fans to the Lian Li fan hub?

 

[Lucky_SLS]

^ you could do it, but i dont know about how to configure the fan curve in L Connect software.

Or you could try to tinker with this versatile software: https://getfancontrol.com/

If you would like to keep things simple, i guess you can group the front intake fans into 1 set, side intake into set 2 and top exhaust into set 3...

 

[ben64]

Just finished building the PC, loving every bit of it. Have some flickering issues on a 13 year old game I play regularly that I need to figure out but other than that it's a beauty. Amazed at nvme speeds compared to my old SSD.

Ended up buying the z790-e motherboard since Newegg was taking forever to process the order. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to drop some advice on my build. Here are a couple pics of the build.

 

[Lucky_SLS]

^ glad you liked it!

 

[Lucky_SLS]

You might wish to join the club officially XD

Tom's Hardware Member System Gallery

I bet that was a real pain to work in with so little room. I understand the appeal of SFF systems, but give me a big case with plenty of room, any day. LOL.

forums.tomshardware.com