Question What do you think of this pairing?

[arkanine]

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  • Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 Desktop Processor 285K 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) up to 5.7 GHzIntel® Core™ Ultra 9 Desktop Processor 285K 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) up to 5.7 GHz​
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  • GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS Xtreme AI TOP Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) LGA 1851 Motherboard, E-ATX, DDR5, 4X M.2, PCIe 5.0, Thunderbolt 5, WIFI7, 10GbE LAN, EZ-LatchGIGABYTE Z890 AORUS Xtreme AI TOP Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) LGA 1851 Motherboard, E-ATX, DDR5, 4X M.2, PCIe 5.0, Thunderbolt 5, WIFI7, 10GbE LAN, EZ-…​
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[JeffreyP55]

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  • Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 Desktop Processor 285K 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) up to 5.7 GHzIntel® Core™ Ultra 9 Desktop Processor 285K 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) up to 5.7 GHz​
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  • GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS Xtreme AI TOP Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) LGA 1851 Motherboard, E-ATX, DDR5, 4X M.2, PCIe 5.0, Thunderbolt 5, WIFI7, 10GbE LAN, EZ-LatchGIGABYTE Z890 AORUS Xtreme AI TOP Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) LGA 1851 Motherboard, E-ATX, DDR5, 4X M.2, PCIe 5.0, Thunderbolt 5, WIFI7, 10GbE LAN, EZ-…​
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Have you done any research for yourself? Maybe start there.

 

[LordVile]

It depends what for

 

[dwd999]

Personally I use the ASUS ROG STRIX Z890-E with that cpu.

 

[arkanine]

I
have done a little this popped up...I used Grok for this
To build a high-end gaming system around the best Intel gaming chip in 2025, we need to select a CPU that delivers top-tier gaming performance, paired with complementary high-end components. Based on current information, Intel’s gaming performance has been outpaced by AMD’s 3D V-Cache CPUs like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D for gaming-specific workloads. However, since you’ve specified Intel, I’ll focus on the best Intel CPU for gaming, which is the Intel Core i9-14900K based on available data, as it offers strong gaming performance with high clock speeds and a hybrid architecture suitable for high-end systems. The newer Core Ultra 9 285K, while efficient, underperforms in gaming compared to the 14900K and AMD’s offerings, making the 14900K the preferred choice for Intel loyalists.tomshardware.comxda-developers.comtomshardware.com

Below is a high-end gaming PC build centered around the Intel Core i9-14900K, designed for 4K gaming, high refresh rates, and future-proofing, with premium components to avoid bottlenecks and maximize performance.

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High-End Gaming PC Build (July 2025)​

CPU: Intel Core i9-14900K ($550-$600)​

• Specs: 24 cores (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores), 32 threads, up to 6.0 GHz boost clock, 36MB L3 cache, 125W TDP (up to 253W peak).
• Why: The 14900K is Intel’s top gaming CPU, delivering excellent single-threaded performance for games and strong multi-threaded performance for streaming or content creation. It’s slightly better than the 13900K and competes well in games optimized for high clock speeds, though it trails AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D in cache-heavy gaming scenarios. It supports overclocking for enthusiasts.tomshardware.comign.comxda-developers.com
• Note: Requires robust cooling due to high power draw and heat output (up to 260W under load).reddit.com

Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi ($350-$400)​

• Specs: LGA 1700 socket, Z790 chipset, supports DDR5 (up to 7800+ MHz OC), 4x M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0, WiFi 6E, 18+1 power stages.
• Why: This high-end motherboard supports the 14900K’s overclocking potential, offers PCIe 5.0 for future GPUs and SSDs, and provides excellent connectivity with multiple M.2 slots and WiFi 6E. It’s a premium choice for stability and future-proofing, compatible with 13th/14th Gen Intel CPUs.pcgamer.comxda-developers.com
• Alternative: ASRock Z790 Taichi ($400) for similar overclocking and feature set, or ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus ($250) for a more budget-conscious option that still supports DDR4 if desired.pcgamer.comxda-developers.com

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 ($2,000-$2,900)​

• Specs: 21,760 CUDA cores, 32GB GDDR7, up to 90.2 FPS at 4K ultra settings with ray tracing, DLSS 4.0 support.
• Why: The RTX 5090 is the best gaming GPU available, ideal for 4K gaming with max settings and ray tracing. It pairs perfectly with the 14900K to avoid CPU bottlenecks at lower resolutions like 1080p or 1440p, ensuring high frame rates in demanding titles. Its high price reflects its premium performance, though availability may be limited due to stock issues.tomshardware.compcgamer.com
• Alternative: RTX 5080 ($1,200-$1,500) for a slightly more affordable high-end option, still capable of 4K gaming with excellent performance.gamesradar.com

RAM: G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5-6000 32GB (2x16GB) CL30 ($150-$180)​

• Specs: 6000 MHz, CL30, dual-channel, AMD EXPO/Intel XMP support.
• Why: DDR5-6000 is the sweet spot for high-end Intel builds, offering high bandwidth for gaming and multitasking. 32GB ensures no memory bottlenecks for modern games and background tasks like streaming. The 14900K benefits from DDR5’s performance edge over DDR4 (5-8% gaming uplift).pcgamer.comtomshardware.com
• Note: 48GB or 64GB kits are viable for future-proofing or heavy multitasking, but 32GB is sufficient for gaming.reddit.com
• Alternative: Corsair Vengeance DDR5-6000 32GB ($160) for similar performance.

Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 2TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD ($180-$200)​

• Specs: 7,450 MB/s read, 6,900 MB/s write, 2TB capacity, 5-year warranty.
• Why: A high-end PCIe Gen 4 SSD offers fast load times for games and Windows. 2TB provides ample space for large AAA titles. The 14900K supports PCIe 5.0, but Gen 5 SSDs are overkill for gaming in 2025 due to marginal real-world benefits.techbuyersguru.com
• Alternative: Add a secondary 4TB SSD ($300) for extensive game libraries or a budget 1TB Gen 4 SSD ($100) to save costs.

CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ($40-$50) or NZXT Kraken Elite 360mm AIO ($250)​

• Specs (Air): Dual 120mm fans, 7x 6mm heatpipes, high cooling performance for $40.
• Specs (AIO): 360mm radiator, RGB, excellent thermal performance for high TDP CPUs.
• Why: The 14900K runs hot (up to 260W), requiring robust cooling. The Peerless Assassin is a budget-friendly air cooler that rivals premium options like Noctua NH-D15. For a premium build, the NZXT Kraken Elite 360mm AIO ensures lower temperatures during overclocking and a sleek aesthetic.xda-developers.comanandtech.com
• Note: A 360mm AIO is recommended for overclocking or heavy loads; air cooling suffices for stock settings.

Power Supply: Corsair RM850e 850W 80+ Gold Fully Modular ($130-$150)​

• Specs: 850W, 80+ Gold efficiency, fully modular, 12V-2x6 connector for modern GPUs.
• Why: The RTX 5090 and 14900K demand high power (system load ~600-700W). This PSU provides headroom for overclocking and future upgrades, with Gold-rated efficiency and modular cables for clean builds.tomshardware.comtechbuyersguru.com
• Alternative: Seasonic Focus GX-1000 1000W ($180) for extra headroom if planning extreme overclocking.

Case: Lian Li Lancool 207 ($100-$120)​

• Specs: Mid-tower, high airflow, dual 140mm ARGB front fans, dual 120mm bottom fans, mesh panel.
• Why: Offers excellent airflow for the 14900K and RTX 5090, with a modern design and good cable management. Supports large AIO radiators and long GPUs.techbuyersguru.com
• Alternative: Corsair 4000D Airflow ($100) for a sleek, high-airflow alternative.pcgamer.com

Operating System: Windows 11 Home ($140)​

• Why: Windows 11 is optimized for modern games, supporting DirectStorage and the latest APIs for maximum performance.techbuyersguru.comtechbuyersguru.com

Optional Peripherals:​

• Monitor: Acer 27” 1440p 180Hz IPS ($200-$250) or LG 32” 4K 144Hz OLED ($800-$1,000) for high refresh rates and vibrant visuals to match the RTX 5090.techbuyersguru.com
• Keyboard: SteelSeries Apex 3 ($50) – responsive, RGB, budget-friendly.techbuyersguru.com
• Mouse: Razer Basilisk V3 ($70) – wireless, ergonomic, 18K sensor.techbuyersguru.com

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Estimated Total Cost: $3,800-$4,800​

• Breakdown: CPU ($550), Motherboard ($350), GPU ($2,500), RAM ($150), SSD ($180), Cooler ($50-$250), PSU ($130), Case ($100), OS ($140).
• Note: Prices vary due to GPU availability and regional differences. The RTX 5090’s high cost drives the budget; an RTX 5080 could lower it to ~$2,800-$3,300.tomshardware.com

Performance Expectations​

• Gaming: This build delivers 90+ FPS at 4K ultra settings with ray tracing in most AAA titles (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield), leveraging the RTX 5090’s DLSS 4.0 and the 14900K’s high clock speeds. At 1080p/1440p, it ensures no CPU bottlenecks for esports or high-refresh-rate gaming.tomshardware.comgamesradar.com
• Multitasking: The 14900K’s 24 cores/32 threads handle streaming, video editing, and multitasking without slowdowns.ign.com
• Future-Proofing: PCIe 5.0, DDR5, and high core counts ensure longevity for next-gen games and hardware.

Notes and Considerations​

• Cooling: The 14900K’s high heat output demands a strong cooler. Avoid stock coolers; a high-end air cooler or 360mm AIO is essential.tomshardware.com
• Intel vs. AMD: For pure gaming, AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D ($480) or Ryzen 9 9950X3D ($699) outperform the 14900K due to 3D V-Cache, offering up to 25% better performance in CPU-limited games. However, the 14900K is better for hybrid workloads (gaming + productivity) and Intel ecosystems.tomshardware.comeurogamer.netreddit.com
• Overclocking: The 14900K supports overclocking, but gains are minimal for gaming (5-10% FPS). Ensure a robust motherboard and cooling if pursuing.tomshardware.comintel.com
• Availability: GPU shortages may affect RTX 5090 pricing/availability. Check retailers like Newegg or Amazon frequently.pcgamer.com

Sources​

• Tom’s Hardware, PC Gamer, Tech Buyer’s Guru, Eurogamer, XDA Developers, AnandTech, GamesRadar+tomshardware.compcgamer.comtechbuyersguru.com
• X posts for community sentiment on Intel vs. AMD gaming performance

This build maximizes gaming performance with Intel’s best offering while ensuring compatibility and premium quality across all components. If you prefer AMD or have specific budget constraints, let me know, and I can adjust the build!

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[dwd999]

Personally I use the BeQuiet Silent Base 802 BG039 case with 8 Noctua NF-A14x25 G2 fans for ventilation (4 intake 4 exhaust) and a Noctua NH-D15 G2 cpu cooler.

If you are going to use air cooling lower profile ram would be preferred since you may have to locate a fan above the ram e.g. G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 Series.