Build stuck for over 1 year

Daocommand · August 21, 2019

Man, I have a problem. I started trying to build a gaming PC for Destiny 2 a little over 1 year ago. I finally gave up completely with so much advice overload. Mostly people saying something new for gaming will come out soon. So I waited. Now I am needing some advice. I cannot keep waiting. Now its oh, Ryzen 9 is out and Intel isn't keeping up. So should we wait again for newer Intel CPUs?

I love the aesthetic of the Thermaltake Level 20 GT RGB. I really wanted a Phanteks Elite Lux but I just do not need such a huge case. I really like the higher-quality cases. I am drawn to them as I had a Coolermaster gifted to me as a lad that had these aircraft aluminum front plates that slowly opened with a click when opened. Then I found the Phanteks Shift X. Cooling is my only concern in the Shift X. But that is all based on my component choices. So now I am torn. Can one build an RTX 2080ti and i9-9900k with AIOs in the Shift X?

I want to build a gaming PC that I don't really have to spend more on later so I am okay spending the extra dough if there is a reason to go for the next upgrade. I just want to be able to run Destiny 2 in 1440p with maximum frames. BUT I will be playing Cyberpunk 2077 on the same PC.

So should I go straight for the i9-9900k or try and tone down my selection to an i7-9700k? Can AIOs cool either of these CPUs in the Shift X? I recall reading the i9-9900 is overkill if you are not overclocking. I don't plan on overclocking as I see no need for it and it shortens the lifespan of your gear. BUT if it doesn't really affect the longevity of the gear, I would go for it.

I am not really set on a specific motherboard but I am stuck on MSI Godlike, ASUS Formula, or the ASUS Hero. Since I won't be water cooling until later is it worth it to get the more expensive Motherboard now or just wait and build another PC for water cooling specifically?

Someone, please help point me in the right direction. I keep thinking it might be better to go for cheaper components like mid-tier for now and buy an entire new overkill PC later next year. If I could get away with spending less on components and still be able to play around 2k on ultra I am fine with it.

My current Gaming laptop only has a 970 in it and the cooling kicks on and I cannot hear myself think anymore...

Madster · August 21, 2019

I was kind of at a point you were about 2 years ago. Don't focus so much on whats coming out next, just build a system thats going to last 8+ years. I did a ryzen 7 2700x, a X470 Prime mobo, MSI 2070. 6 months after I build the new Ryzen series came out and I felt like a fool, but at the end of the day im playing my favorite games in max settings and have no issues. Later on i might upgrade.

As far as watercooling, just build the system you want, and add that later!

m777y · August 21, 2019

34 minutes ago, Daocommand said:

Man, I have a problem. I started trying to build a gaming PC for Destiny 2 a little over 1 year ago. I finally gave up completely with so much advice overload. Mostly people saying something new for gaming will come out soon. So I waited. Now I am needing some advice. I cannot keep waiting. Now its oh, Ryzen 9 is out and Intel isn't keeping up. So should we wait again for newer Intel CPUs?

I love the aesthetic of the Thermaltake Level 20 GT RGB. I really wanted a Phanteks Elite Lux but I just do not need such a huge case. I really like the higher-quality cases. I am drawn to them as I had a Coolermaster gifted to me as a lad that had these aircraft aluminum front plates that slowly opened with a click when opened. Then I found the Phanteks Shift X. Cooling is my only concern in the Shift X. But that is all based on my component choices. So now I am torn. Can one build an RTX 2080ti and i9-9900k with AIOs in the Shift X?

I want to build a gaming PC that I don't really have to spend more on later so I am okay spending the extra dough if there is a reason to go for the next upgrade. I just want to be able to run Destiny 2 in 1440p with maximum frames. BUT I will be playing Cyberpunk 2077 on the same PC.

So should I go straight for the i9-9900k or try and tone down my selection to an i7-9700k? Can AIOs cool either of these CPUs in the Shift X? I recall reading the i9-9900 is overkill if you are not overclocking. I don't plan on overclocking as I see no need for it and it shortens the lifespan of your gear. BUT if it doesn't really affect the longevity of the gear, I would go for it.

I am not really set on a specific motherboard but I am stuck on MSI Godlike, ASUS Formula, or the ASUS Hero. Since I won't be water cooling until later is it worth it to get the more expensive Motherboard now or just wait and build another PC for water cooling specifically?

Someone, please help point me in the right direction. I keep thinking it might be better to go for cheaper components like mid-tier for now and buy an entire new overkill PC later next year. If I could get away with spending less on components and still be able to play around 2k on ultra I am fine with it.

My current Gaming laptop only has a 970 in it and the cooling kicks on and I cannot hear myself think anymore...

ryzen 9 + rtx 2080 super it's all you need right now. just go for it.

Daocommand · September 8, 2019

Update. Hello you two, thank you for your help. I just wanted to update the build.

I went with the Phanteks Evolve X mid-tower, an ASUS ROG Maximus IX Code MB, Intel core i7-9700k current gen, an Nvidia RTX 2080 Super, an Intel 660p M2 2 gig for data, and Western Digital Black Gaming M2 1 gig for the OS and games. I got a NZXT Kraken 72 for the CPU for now.

Some things I didn't really account for are the fact that the ASUS ROG Maximus Xi Code mother board will automatically overclock your CPU. Also, my CMOS battery came dead in the box, at least ASUS thinks so. All the settings changes in the BIOS still wouldn't get the boot screen to come up. Even smashing F8 during boot wont load the Boot page. I'm crossing my fingers that there is nothing wrong with the MB. When I force load the M2 with windows after going into BIOS setup, it loads every time. On cold boots though after a full day of work or night of sleep, the motherboard wont even post into bios on the first start. So far it has only occurred the one time so...

Regarding the CPU idle temp; I am sure 38°C idle is okay though, it is running around 4700 mghz. Under load during gaming I usually get to around 40°C which I am sure is not bad. I am a little concerned about my Founders 2080 Super getting up to 70°C under load, but I am running Destiny 2 at 2k ultra so... Definitely going to water cool the GPU down the road. I am really happy with everything for now.

I went with Intel CPU as the Ryzen 9 was out of stock on purchase day. I feel super accomplished and I thank you both for your inspiration to go for it.