Build Advice Wanting to Step up from Midrange. In uncharted waters. Please advise

ss_56

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Hello!
When someone can make the time, i'd love some input on a new build. It will have to be built by 'someone' else as i am unable and unwilling to learn how to do it myself.

What I use my Desktop PC for - gaming, surfing and watching streaming video.
I'll want to play my old game rotation in ultra settings for a change and have better FPS. Games like fallout 4, Borderlands 1&2, Witcher 3, Skyrim and Halo MCC. i will be getting Starfield and Alan Wake 2 and who knows what newer games i may want in the future.

I do not overclock. I have a $3000 budget and tired of 'mid-range'. I'd love to build around the Ryzen 7 7800x3d CPU, paired with at least an RTX 4070 ti super. I want to step up to 1440p and have at least a 27" monitor for a change. (not the wide short ones but a big rectangle shape)
My biggest worry, in that regard, is that i'll still need to watch 720p movies and i need the text on webpages to be as clear as it is now on my 1080p 24" monitor. I sit about six feet from the screen in a small room, with no desire to sit any closer.
I'll add more once i land on a motherboard, psu and memory and such. For now, would you all advise and give me things to consider and maybe recommend a 1440p monitor and say something about my needing more screen real estate and watching 720p or lower video and having text on webpage be clear - basically what i can expect from going up to 1440p? I know the gaming will blow my mind but i don't want to compromise on the other.

Final note. If my tried and true friend can't build it for me, rather than rolling the dice on a SI or buying a prebuilt, I thought i may roll the dice on a local PC repair store to build it. I found one man that I also do not know - who says he would build it. My thinking is that he could keep it on the bench for a while to monitor and tweak the config and also, should something go wrong, at least i'll know where he lives!

Thank you all very much
 
No, I do not think Microcenter will ship.

You'll have to make the AMD versus Intel decision and the air cooled versus liquid cooling decision. Maybe even the 32 GB versus 64 GB RAM decision.

You should be able to do quite well for 3000 dollars.


You say you are 'tired of mid-range', so you may be prone to buyer's remorse......which might lead you to spend more than necessary. You'll have to deal with that as you see fit. We can't know exactly what you are thinking in the last 30 seconds before you poke the "buy now" button. Good luck.
 
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Something like this may be a good starting point. I chose a 32inch QD-OLED monitor considering you will be so far away from the screen but still need text clarity while simultaneously being able to see low detail videos Fullscreen. Remember that you can set scaling options in windows to make applications and their text look bigger.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor ($389.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit EVO 69 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock X670E Pro RS ATX AM5 Motherboard ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($104.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial T500 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($142.34 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus TUF GAMING GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER 16 GB Video Card ($999.99 @ Walmart)
Case: Fractal Design Pop Air RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ B&H)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 TT Premium 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($93.03 @ Amazon)
Monitor: MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED 31.5" 3840 x 2160 240 Hz Monitor ($949.99 @ B&H)
Total: $3010.21
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-08-24 22:31 EDT-0400
 

ss_56

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Thank you for that. I def want the Ryzen chip and yes, i am concerned about cooling it as i hear it's a hot chip. I've only ever had air cooled pcs but I'll do liquid cooling it that's what it will take...watching thermal videos now. I don't have my finger on that button yet but plan to invest soon. I think the only buyer's remorse i'd run into is if i were to buy a less than ideal thermal solution - i need to be clear on that bc i'd love not having to constantly watch temps if i game all day :) Thanks again!
 

ss_56

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Something like this may be a good starting point. I chose a 32inch QD-OLED monitor considering you will be so far away from the screen but still need text clarity while simultaneously being able to see low detail videos Fullscreen. Remember that you can set scaling options in windows to make applications and their text look bigger.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor ($389.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit EVO 69 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock X670E Pro RS ATX AM5 Motherboard ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($104.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial T500 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($142.34 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus TUF GAMING GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER 16 GB Video Card ($999.99 @ Walmart)
Case: Fractal Design Pop Air RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ B&H)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 TT Premium 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($93.03 @ Amazon)
Monitor: MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED 31.5" 3840 x 2160 240 Hz Monitor ($949.99 @ B&H)
Total: $3010.21
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-08-24 22:31 EDT-0400
Great parts! Very similar to what i'm looking for.
So, from your screen resolution, you have a 4K monitor i think, which would proly be too steep a price and why i'm aiming at 1440p. Thanks for reminding of the windows scaling settings; that may be all i'll need to do.

I really want that same cpu and i hear that - by it's nature - it runs hot and i've never ran a cpu like that.
Since you are strictly air cooling your rig, do you have to constantly be checking temps. I'd like to game all day and not have to worry about that. I've never even thought about liquid cooling before now.

So for the 7800x3d, adding a good cpu fan like yours and then plenty of case fans, we can just forgetaboutit? Thanks.

Okay, duh, that was not specs on your personal rig - you were giving me a suggested build path..forgive me, i'm a bit daft :)
 
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Okay, duh, that was not specs on your personal rig - you were giving me a suggested build path..forgive me, i'm a bit daft :)
All good, an easy mistake to make.

Great parts! Very similar to what i'm looking for.
So, from your screen resolution, you have a 4K monitor i think, which would proly be too steep a price and why i'm aiming at 1440p. Thanks for reminding of the windows scaling settings; that may be all i'll need to do.

I really want that same cpu and i hear that - by it's nature - it runs hot and i've never ran a cpu like that.
Since you are strictly air cooling your rig, do you have to constantly be checking temps. I'd like to game all day and not have to worry about that. I've never even thought about liquid cooling before now.

So for the 7800x3d, adding a good cpu fan like yours and then plenty of case fans, we can just forgetaboutit? Thanks.
The cooler I linked is one of, if not the, best air coolers on the market. It cools better than most 240mm liquid coolers and as good as some 360mm liquid coolers. I would not over fixate on the cooling aspect of these CPUs. They are meant to run hot to hit as high a boost clock as they can by design. It is impossible to damage a modern CPU with heat alone these days. Even then, you should be able to game all day long and never see 80 C, within reason. I recommended that 32 inch screen because it is as close to a perfect display as you can get. You can always run games at lower than native resolution and it would still look great. That monitor also fits in the budget. Its a monitor that is so good that you will be able to use it for years and not want for anything better. 4k, 240hz, QD-OLED which means near instantaneous response times, 32 inch, great warranty, et cetera... Its up to you. There are equivalent QD-OLED monitors at the 1440p resolution and 27 inch in size. I will link some below.

https://pcpartpicker.com/products/monitor/#r=256001440&D=240000,540000&P=7,9&sort=price&page=1
 

ss_56

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Awesome. Yes i'm feelin better about the temps. Seems a lot of folks are air cooling that CPU. Thank you

"You can always run games at lower than native resolution and it would still look great" Is a 4k monitor more versatile than a 1440p one? Like with a 4k, you've said no worries on watch videos in 720P? Won't the 4K take those way fewer pixels and 'upscale?' them out to fit the screen size and show a messed up image? I really need to do some digging. iow, i'd like games or videos and any resolution to still fill up that giant 32". Will all this put me in a place where I'd be constantly changing rez settings between activities? I'm not making too much sense am i :)

Still haven't looked into the features of that motherboard. Is there any huge benefit loss if a got a straight up B650 board?

On the GPU, i could save $200 by dropping down to an RTX 4070 Ti Super. I'm not seeing a whole lot more performance increase in the 4080 super? Depends on which game i'm playing i think. Ya think the 4070 Ti Super will rock and roll just fine or will that move slide me back into the mid-range world?
 

Zerk2012

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Awesome. Yes i'm feelin better about the temps. Seems a lot of folks are air cooling that CPU. Thank you

"You can always run games at lower than native resolution and it would still look great" Is a 4k monitor more versatile than a 1440p one? Like with a 4k, you've said no worries on watch videos in 720P? Won't the 4K take those way fewer pixels and 'upscale?' them out to fit the screen size and show a messed up image? I really need to do some digging. iow, i'd like games or videos and any resolution to still fill up that giant 32". Will all this put me in a place where I'd be constantly changing rez settings between activities? I'm not making too much sense am i :)

Still haven't looked into the features of that motherboard. Is there any huge benefit loss if a got a straight up B650 board?

On the GPU, i could save $200 by dropping down to an RTX 4070 Ti Super. I'm not seeing a whole lot more performance increase in the 4080 super? Depends on which game i'm playing i think. Ya think the 4070 Ti Super will rock and roll just fine or will that move slide me back into the mid-range world?
You can go into display settings and set the size of text to 150% and it's about the size of a 1080p monitor it's what I do.

EDIT for the video it will be a bit more blurry than a 1080p monitor but should still be fine.
For what to buy it depends on your target FPS when gaming 60 is easy 144 takes more depending on the game and desired settings.
 
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ss_56

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You can go into display settings and set the size of text to 150% and it's about the size of a 1080p monitor it's what I do.

EDIT for the video it will be a bit more blurry than a 1080p monitor but should still be fine.
For what to buy it depends on your target FPS when gaming 60 is easy 144 takes more depending on the game and desired settings.
Switch to 150%. got it, thanks.
As for gaming and the GPU's i've owned - i've never played with more than 30-40 fps :) 60 would be bliss :) Thanks again!
 

Zerk2012

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Switch to 150%. got it, thanks.
As for gaming and the GPU's i've owned - i've never played with more than 30-40 fps :) 60 would be bliss :) Thanks again!
More than 60 and just like 2300 bucks. Windows and programs on the 1TB drive and games on the 2TB drive good bit of storage. Might check the monitor not sure if you wish for it to be longer looking or more square.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X 4.5 GHz 8-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit EVO 69 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard ($169.99 @ MSI)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($93.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital WD_Black SN850X 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital WD_Black SN850X w/Heatsink 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GAMING X SLIM GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER 16 GB Video Card ($849.99 @ B&H)
Case: Lian Li LANCOOL 216 RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Adorama)
Power Supply: MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - USB 64-bit ($138.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: LG UltraGear 27GR75Q-B 27.0" 2560 x 1440 165 Hz Monitor ($243.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $2295.81
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-08-27 19:57 EDT-0400
 
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ss_56

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More than 60 and just like 2300 bucks. Windows and programs on the 1TB drive and games on the 2TB drive good bit of storage. Might check the monitor not sure if you wish for it to be longer looking or more square.
PCPartPicker Part List
There is a chance that I actually will not have that $3000 to spend, in which case i'll keep these specs on hand. and yes, i do like a flat rectangle shaped monitor - the super wide ones are just too short in height, from what i can remember. Thanks for looking all that up. In fact, thank you all for walking me around on this - i've aged quite a bit the past 5 years!
 
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https://www.msi.com/Monitor/G272QPF-E2

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor ($413.00 @ B&H)
CPU Cooler: *ID-COOLING FROZN A720 BLACK 98.6 CFM CPU Cooler ($64.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: *MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: *TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($93.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: *TEAMGROUP MP44L 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($105.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: *Gigabyte WINDFORCE V2 GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER 16 GB Video Card ($999.99 @ Best Buy)
Case: *Montech AIR 903 BASE ATX Mid Tower Case ($65.00 @ B&H)
Power Supply: *be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.90 @ Amazon)
Operating System: *Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM - DVD 64-bit ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: *MSI G272QPF E2 27.0" 2560 x 1440 180 Hz Monitor ($213.46 @ Walmart)
Total: $2386.29
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-08-27 23:19 EDT-0400
 
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ss_56

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"Color" me intrigued :) i love that monitor and it's price!
Since I'm all but certain i'll be going with Nvidia for the first time ever, i'll need the G-sync version - same price.
Are you possibly recommending a 27" and a 1440P monitor bc of my wanting to play old games, watch 720P movies - and still be good for new demanding titles? Thanks
 

logainofhades

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An all AMD build to consider.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor ($419.00 @ Best Buy)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($36.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B650E PG RIPTIDE WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard ($189.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: SK Hynix Platinum P41 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($140.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: ASRock Phantom Gaming OC Radeon RX 7900 XTX 24 GB Video Card ($899.97 @ Newegg)
Case: Montech AIR 903 MAX ATX Mid Tower Case ($74.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 TT Premium 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($93.03 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - USB 64-bit ($138.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Acer Nitro XV1 XV271U M3bmiiprx 27.0" 2560 x 1440 180 Hz Monitor ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2292.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-08-30 14:02 EDT-0400



1440p-p.webp
 
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ss_56

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I've never before had an Nvidia GPU so you got me looking closer at that AMD card. The guy i'm hiring to build this rig likes NZXT cases and 'noctura?' air coolers, so there's that - and why do a lot of folks get a 1000watt PSU? That 850 should still give us plenty of headroom right?
There are so many considerations these days so i'm being super extra careful and don't end up with "buyers remorse" like Lafong mentioned :) Thanks again
 
I'll keep that in mind and hope my pc builder can work with it :) Thanks
If you need to drop about 1k from the budget this is what I would do to maximize GPU power and still have a decent enough CPU. If you feel the CPU is lacking the 9800X3D will be coming out soonish.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600 3.8 GHz 6-Core Processor ($182.16 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.90 @ Newegg Sellers)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B650 GAMING X AX V2 ATX AM5 Motherboard ($169.88 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 980 Pro 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Blue SN580 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($108.80 @ Amazon)
Video Card: ASRock Phantom Gaming OC Radeon RX 7900 XTX 24 GB Video Card ($899.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Focus 2 ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ B&H)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 TT Premium 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($93.03 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail - USB 64-bit ($143.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Acer VG271U M3bmiipx 27.0" 2560 x 1440 180 Hz Monitor ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2052.71
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-08-31 23:45 EDT-0400
 
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ss_56

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An all AMD build to consider.
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor ($419.00 @ Best Buy)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($36.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B650E PG RIPTIDE WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard ($189.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: SK Hynix Platinum P41 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($140.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: ASRock Phantom Gaming OC Radeon RX 7900 XTX 24 GB Video Card ($899.97 @ Newegg)
Case: Montech AIR 903 MAX ATX Mid Tower Case ($74.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 TT Premium 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($93.03 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - USB 64-bit ($138.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Acer Nitro XV1 XV271U M3bmiiprx 27.0" 2560 x 1440 180 Hz Monitor ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2292.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-08-30 14:02 EDT-0400



1440p-p.webp
Hello!
When someone can make the time, i'd love some input on a new build. It will have to be built by 'someone' else as i am unable and unwilling to learn how to do it myself.

What I use my Desktop PC for - gaming, surfing and watching streaming video.
I'll want to play my old game rotation in ultra settings for a change and have better FPS. Games like fallout 4, Borderlands 1&2, Witcher 3, Skyrim and Halo MCC. i will be getting Starfield and Alan Wake 2 and who knows what newer games i may want in the future.

I do not overclock. I have a $3000 budget and tired of 'mid-range'. I'd love to build around the Ryzen 7 7800x3d CPU, paired with at least an RTX 4070 ti super. I want to step up to 1440p and have at least a 27" monitor for a change. (not the wide short ones but a big rectangle shape)
My biggest worry, in that regard, is that i'll still need to watch 720p movies and i need the text on webpages to be as clear as it is now on my 1080p 24" monitor. I sit about six feet from the screen in a small room, with no desire to sit any closer.
I'll add more once i land on a motherboard, psu and memory and such. For now, would you all advise and give me things to consider and maybe recommend a 1440p monitor and say something about my needing more screen real estate and watching 720p or lower video and having text on webpage be clear - basically what i can expect from going up to 1440p? I know the gaming will blow my mind but i don't want to compromise on the other.

Final note. If my tried and true friend can't build it for me, rather than rolling the dice on a SI or buying a prebuilt, I thought i may roll the dice on a local PC repair store to build it. I found one man that I also do not know - who says he would build it. My thinking is that he could keep it on the bench for a while to monitor and tweak the config and also, should something go wrong, at least i'll know where he lives!

Thank you all very much

.

.
I spoke yesterday with this local shop where I was told they would build this rig for me. I was promised a call back today and no word yet, aargh

I am sorely tempted right now to just let NZXT do a custom build for me. Don't like their pre-builts. But critical parts seem to be unavailable at the moment.
If i did go that route, i could let my local guy give it a once over before i take it home. I'm stressed and this would greatly simplify things for me and I could move on with my life.
There surely are mixed feelings about NZXT. All in all, are they at least a decent SI ya think? Could I do better?
After all y'all taking the time to work with me here i feel kinda bad now......and my local guy still may call!

.
 
If you have a motherboard with a Gen 5 M.2 slot - you want to install Windows 11 home onto that right? Or is there no real noticeable difference between Gen 4 and Gen 5? Thanks
With what drive?

Pointless unless you are using a gen 5 drive.

Very little difference even if you are.

How many NVMe ports do you have?

What gen are each of them?

What other drives might you want to put in an NVMe port?
 
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