Question Is this potential build likely be compatible with Windows 11, In general, will it work ?

[PCisverygood]

Hi all,

Disclaimer: my first ever custom build/extremely novice PC user.

I'm wondering if anyone on here could advise me regarding a potential new gaming PC build. This will be my first custom PC and I truthfully have no idea what I’m doing. I’ve always used Intel boards so I have no idea how to navigate an AMD BIOS.

Here are the projected specs (updates may follow later):

Case: Montech Air 100 ARGB mATX

MB: Gigabyte B650M D3HP AX AM5 DDR5

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

CPU cooler: Cooler Master 240mm AIO ARGB

RAM: Kingston Fury Beast 32GB DDR5

GPU: Gigabyte RTX 4070 Windforce OC V2

Storage:
Patriot P300 256GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 (Boot Drive)
Kingston NV2 2TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD (Game Drive)

PSU: 750W Corsair RMe 80+ Gold Fully Modular

OS: Windows 11 Home (I plan to buy a USB copy from the MS store).

Questions/other notes:
I've seen reports that it is quite difficult to install W11 to the motherboard I plan to use (especially if it's an MS Store copy). In particular, it says that by disabling the CSM setting, the system would prevent the USB from being able to boot.

What drivers would I need to install?

What kind of BIOS protections are there to help recover from misconfiguration?

Would I need to update the BIOS to be able to use the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X or not?

 

[COLGeek]

Installing Windows 11 on this system will NOT be an issue. Upon successfully installing Windows, install the chipset drivers directly from AMD, and the video drivers directly from Nvidia.

Leave the BIOS in its default settings and Windows 11 should install easily.

You can download Win 11 directly from MS and put on your own USB drive. You still need a valid license that you can purchase from a reliable source, like MS.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

You shouldn't have to update the BIOS on the motherboard to use that CPU. You may choose to afterward, but that is easy as well.

https://www.amd.com/en/support/downloads/drivers.html/chipsets/am5/b650.html

Driver Details | NVIDIA

Download the <dd~LanguageName> <dd~Name> for <dd~OSName> systems. Released <dd~ReleaseDateTime>

www.nvidia.com

 

[PCisverygood]

Installing Windows 11 on this system will NOT be an issue. Upon successfully installing Windows, install the chipset drivers directly from AMD, and the video drivers directly from Nvidia.

Leave the BIOS in its default settings and Windows 11 should install easily.

You can download Win 11 directly from MS and put on your own USB drive. You still need a valid license that you can purchase from a reliable source, like MS.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

You shouldn't have to update the BIOS on the motherboard to use that CPU. You may choose to afterward, but that is easy as well.

https://www.amd.com/en/support/downloads/drivers.html/chipsets/am5/b650.html

Driver Details | NVIDIA

Download the <dd~LanguageName> <dd~Name> for <dd~OSName> systems. Released <dd~ReleaseDateTime>

www.nvidia.com

Thanks, could you possibly also confirm whether the USB copy of windows from the MS store will work/boot without any problems as due to my internet speed, downloading will not be an option.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/p/windows-11-home/dg7gmgf0krt0)

Also, when will I need to enable Secure Boot/TPM 2.0? Does this need to happen before I even try to install Windows?

 

[COLGeek]

Yes, the MS store version should work just fine. I know of no issues in that regard.

Those settings should already be enabled in the default BIOS settings. You shouldn't need to do anything.

 

[PCisverygood]

Installing Windows 11 on this system will NOT be an issue. Upon successfully installing Windows, install the chipset drivers directly from AMD, and the video drivers directly from Nvidia.

Leave the BIOS in its default settings and Windows 11 should install easily.

You can download Win 11 directly from MS and put on your own USB drive. You still need a valid license that you can purchase from a reliable source, like MS.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

You shouldn't have to update the BIOS on the motherboard to use that CPU. You may choose to afterward, but that is easy as well.

https://www.amd.com/en/support/downloads/drivers.html/chipsets/am5/b650.html

Driver Details | NVIDIA

Download the <dd~LanguageName> <dd~Name> for <dd~OSName> systems. Released <dd~ReleaseDateTime>

www.nvidia.com

How much upgradability would you say the motherboard enables?

 

[COLGeek]

How much upgradability would you say the motherboard enables?

It supports all the current AM5 CPUs (7000, 8000, and 9000 series).

Same for current and expected future generation GPUs.

What other concerns do you have?

 

[PCisverygood]

It supports all the current AM5 CPUs (7000, 8000, and 9000 series).

Same for current and expected future generation GPUs.

What other concerns do you have?

Apparently the motherboard’s VRM would mean that its upgradability to higher end CPUs could be limited. I’m not sure what the function of a VRM is but could this potentially have an impact?

 

[COLGeek]

Apparently the motherboard’s VRM would mean that its upgradability to higher end CPUs could be limited. I’m not sure what the function of a VRM is but could this potentially have an impact?

Do you plan to overclock? If not, that is largely irrelevant for most users.

 

[CountMike]

Apparently the motherboard’s VRM would mean that its upgradability to higher end CPUs could be limited. I’m not sure what the function of a VRM is but could this potentially have an impact?

5+2+2 VRM, that's about 160W and should standup to all but 16 core Ryzen. 7600x/7700x draw about 65W and 7900x up to 160.

 

[PCisverygood]

Update:

I just bought the following components (GPU and case will follow later):

Motherboard: Gigabyte B650M D3HP AX

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

RAM: Kingston Fury Beast 32GB RGB (6000MHz)

Storage: Patriot P300 256GB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe SSD (Boot Drive) and Kingston NV3 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD (Game Drive)

Cooler: Cooler Master MasterLiquid 240L Core ARGB CPU Cooler

PSU: Corsair RMe Series 750W 80+ Gold Modular PSU

The components I still have yet to buy are as follows:

Case: Montech Air 100 ARGB mATX

GPU: Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Windforce OC V2

If anyone can update me on potential issues with this build then that would be great.

 

[Misgar]

I’m not sure what the function of a VRM is

VRM is short for Voltage Regulator Module. If you look at a typical motherboard, you should see a number of VRMs, located on two (possibly three) sides of the CPU socket.

VRMs convert the +12V supply from the ATX PSU into much lower voltages (around 1V) required to power the CPU. VRMs are a type of DC-to-DC "buck" converter.

More capable boards designed for high power CPUs (170W+) and overclocking have more VRM stages and large heatsinks. Less capable boards have fewer VRM stages and no heatsinks.

For low to mid power CPUs, you can "get away with" a cheaper motherboard with fewer VRM stages and no heatsinks.

If you decide to upgrade to a really power-hungry CPU or run a heavy overclock, you may regret buying a cheaper mobo with inadequate VRMs and cooling.

The image below shows the location of the VRM stages on a typical mobo. The VRM heatsinks were probably removed to take this photo.
https://www.cgdirector.com/motherboard-vrm-guide/

The image below shows typical VRM heatsinks, which cool the MOSFET power transistors.

 

[COLGeek]

Update:

I just bought the following components (GPU and case will follow later):

Motherboard: Gigabyte B650M D3HP AX

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

RAM: Kingston Fury Beast 32GB RGB (6000MHz)

Storage: Patriot P300 256GB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe SSD (Boot Drive) and Kingston NV3 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD (Game Drive)

Cooler: Cooler Master MasterLiquid 240L Core ARGB CPU Cooler

PSU: Corsair RMe Series 750W 80+ Gold Modular PSU

The components I still have yet to buy are as follows:

Case: Montech Air 100 ARGB mATX

GPU: Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Windforce OC V2

If anyone can update me on potential issues with this build then that would be great.

It should perform well. I see no significant issues or areas of concern.

 

[PCisverygood]

It should perform well. I see no significant issues or areas of concern.

Thanks. I have ordered all parts except the graphics card, which should be the RTX 4070 Super. I do have one question though: could I theoretically use (on a temporary basis) my GTX 1650 that I have in my old system currently, while suffering no further repercussions when I do eventually get the 4070? I’ve heard that any hardware change would require a windows reactivation.

 

[COLGeek]

Thanks. I have ordered all parts except the graphics card, which should be the RTX 4070 Super. I do have one question though: could I theoretically use (on a temporary basis) my GTX 1650 that I have in my old system currently, while suffering no further repercussions when I do eventually get the 4070? I’ve heard that any hardware change would require a windows reactivation.

Sure, you can use your old GPU. No worries.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

Should be fine. Usually the main time you have to worry about activation changing is if you swap out the board and cpu. Basically to many things at once. On the 4070 since your having to wait, you may consider keeping an eye on CES announcements in a week or so. Nvidia is rumored to be getting ready to release new gpus, and AMD is likely to announce new ones as well. They are rumored to be releasing a 9070 xt that may perform around an rtx 4080. If those rumors are true and the price is right, that may be a good card to look at.

 

[PCisverygood]

Sure, you can use your old GPU. No worries.

Thanks for this info, what will happen when I switch it over? (will the BIOS/Windows potentially have issues e.g driver changes etc.)

 

[COLGeek]

Thanks for this info, what will happen when I switch it over? (will the BIOS/Windows potentially have issues e.g driver changes etc.)

Aside from updating to the latest Nvidia drivers at the time you install the new GPU, nothing would happen. No BIOS implications at all. Just updating Windows drivers.

 

[PCisverygood]

Aside from updating to the latest Nvidia drivers at the time you install the new GPU, nothing would happen. No BIOS implications at all. Just updating Windows drivers.

Would I need to manually uninstall old drivers? Or will it do it automatically

 

[COLGeek]

Would I need to manually uninstall old drivers? Or will it do it automatically

Nope. Just install the newer drivers. The installer will take care of it.

Some would say to use DDU to remove the old drivers. Really not necessary in this case.

 

[PCisverygood]

Nope. Just install the newer drivers. The installer will take care of it.

Some would say to use DDU to remove the old drivers. Really not necessary in this case.

Nice, so at the moment my intention is to build the PC once the parts arrive, but have the 1650 installed until I can get the 4070 Super.

Final parts list is below:

Case: Montech Air 100 ARGB mATX

Motherboard: Gigabyte B650M D3HP AX

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

RAM: Kingston Fury Beast 32GB RGB (6000MHz)

Storage: Patriot P300 256GB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe SSD (Boot Drive) and Kingston NV3 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD (Game Drive)

Cooler: Cooler Master MasterLiquid 240L Core ARGB CPU Cooler

PSU: Corsair RMe Series 750W 80+ Gold Modular PSU

GPU: My old GTX 1650 (temporary until I can get 4070 Super or something else depending on CES 2025 announcements)

 

[COLGeek]

Nice, so at the moment my intention is to build the PC once the parts arrive, but have the 1650 installed until I can get the 4070 Super.

Final parts list is below:

Case: Montech Air 100 ARGB mATX

Motherboard: Gigabyte B650M D3HP AX

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

RAM: Kingston Fury Beast 32GB RGB (6000MHz)

Storage: Patriot P300 256GB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe SSD (Boot Drive) and Kingston NV3 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSD (Game Drive)

Cooler: Cooler Master MasterLiquid 240L Core ARGB CPU Cooler

PSU: Corsair RMe Series 750W 80+ Gold Modular PSU

GPU: My old GTX 1650 (temporary until I can get 4070 Super or something else depending on CES 2025 announcements)

Sounds like a plan. Good luck.

 

[PCisverygood]

Sounds like a plan. Good luck.

Thanks, I’ll update this post in the future if I run into any issues.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

Keep in mind your 7600x should have an igpu so you don’t have to install the 1650 if you don’t want to.

But again in a week or two, AMD and nvidia may be releasing new cards so before you settle on the 4070 you might see what both of them have to offer since you’re waiting anyway.

 

[COLGeek]

Keep in mind your 7600x should have an igpu so you don’t have to install the 1650 if you don’t want to.

But again in a week or two, AMD and nvidia may be releasing new cards so before you settle on the 4070 you might see what both of them have to offer since you’re waiting anyway.

This is a good point. The integrated GPU is quite good for many tasks. Not high-end gaming, but more than enough for short term use and even long-term for many non-gaming users.

 

[PCisverygood]

Keep in mind your 7600x should have an igpu so you don’t have to install the 1650 if you don’t want to.

But again in a week or two, AMD and nvidia may be releasing new cards so before you settle on the 4070 you might see what both of them have to offer since you’re waiting anyway.

Yeah I’m aware the CPU has an iGPU. How good is it and will there potentially be any problems when I do install the newer GPU (e.g in the BIOS)