Building a high end gaming Pc in 2020

[Dolstein]

Budget (including currency): 40,000 NOK 4000 usd

Country: Norway

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: Mainly games, Total War franchise, RPGs, FPS, etc. Used on a Samsung 27" G7 Odessey 2560x1440p 240hz monitor. 

Other details (existing parts lists, whether any peripherals are needed, what you're upgrading from, when you're going to buy, what resolution and refresh rate you want to play at, etc): 

 

I'm starting from scratch, and I'm wondering what parts I can already buy now considering the release later this fall with new GPUs and CPUs gen. 

Will these components be suited to the new gen 4 CPU from AMD Ryzen 4000 and the newest GPUs from both Nvidia and AMD. Are these safe to buy now?

 

MSI MPG X570 GAMING PRO CARBON WIFI 

Fractal Design Define 7 

Corsair H115i RGB PLATINUM 97 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler

Corsair MP600 Force Series Gen4 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive

Corsair RMx 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply

Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory

 

PCpartpicker.com had two notes considering this build:

 

(1): Fractal Design Define 7 ATX Mid Tower Case has a front panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C port that can connect to the MSI MPG X570 GAMING PRO CARBON WIFI ATX AM4 Motherboard USB 3.2 Gen 1 header. A separate USB 3.2 Gen 1 to USB 3.2 Gen 2 header adapter will be required.

(2): Some physical dimension restrictions cannot (yet) be automatically checked, such as cpu cooler / RAM clearance with modules using tall heat spreaders.

 

Will they be a problem? 

 

I will be looking to buy one of the newer GPUs and CPUs (pref AMD if good), and want to start looking for the individual components and finish the build so that when the CPU and GPU come out I already have the rest of the parts. 

I hugely appreciate feedback! 

[DailyProcrastinator]

The Arctic LF II is a superior AIO.

Motherboard is fine but you could get a board with a USB Type C header if you wanted. 

Get a 3600MHz CL16 kit of memory.

Personally I recommend a better airflow case like a Meshify or Meshify S2.

850W PSU is more than enough, unless the 1000W unit cost less than this makes more sense.

 

I mean this is still overkill but gives you a good idea:

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU	AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 3.8 GHz 12-Core Processor	kr5174.00 @ CDON NO
CPU Cooler	ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280 72.8 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler	kr1146.08 @ CDON NO
Motherboard	Asus ROG Strix X570-E Gaming ATX AM4 Motherboard	kr3619.00 @ kl.ink
Memory	G.Skill Trident Z Neo 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16 Memory	kr2262.00 @ kl.ink
Storage	Corsair MP600 Force Series Gen4 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive	kr2314.00 @ CDON NO
Video Card	Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2080 Ti 11 GB AORUS Video Card	kr15029.00 @ kl.ink
Case	Fractal Design Meshify S2 ATX Mid Tower Case	kr1728.00 @ kl.ink
Power Supply	Corsair RMx (2018) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply	kr1874.00 @ kl.ink
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	kr33146.08
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-08-27 20:20 CEST+0200

*3900x and 2080Ti are stand-in parts for pricing only*

[marmour]

25 minutes ago, Dolstein said:

MPG X570 GAMING PRO CARBON WIFI ATX AM4

Would avoid the Pro Carbon. Runs very hot iirc. Look for the excellent X570 Tomahawk, or if it's not available the X570 Tuf gaming. Also could consider some of the $180+ B550 boards.

 

27 minutes ago, Dolstein said:

2): Some physical dimension restrictions cannot (yet) be automatically checked, such as cpu cooler / RAM clearance with modules using tall heat spreaders.

Shouldn't have any clearance issues with an aio.

 

As you say, existing for the new releases is the way to go. I wouldn't buy anything yet, as its generally easier to wait and see. Motherboard and case are the only things I would look at now, as they are often out of stock at the moment, and pricing is pretty bad.

I would wait on ram and storage as pricing is more likely to decrease than increase over the next few months

PSU pricing probably won't improve, but I would still wait and see what the requirements are for the new hardware (1000W will probably still be overkill)

[Dolstein]

2 hours ago, TheDailyProcrastinator said:

The Arctic LF II is a superior AIO.

Motherboard is fine but you could get a board with a USB Type C header if you wanted. 

Get a 3600MHz CL16 kit of memory.

Personally I recommend a better airflow case like a Meshify or Meshify S2.

850W PSU is more than enough, unless the 1000W unit cost less than this makes more sense.

 

I mean this is still overkill but gives you a good idea:

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU	AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 3.8 GHz 12-Core Processor	kr5174.00 @ CDON NO
CPU Cooler	ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280 72.8 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler	kr1146.08 @ CDON NO
Motherboard	Asus ROG Strix X570-E Gaming ATX AM4 Motherboard	kr3619.00 @ kl.ink
Memory	G.Skill Trident Z Neo 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16 Memory	kr2262.00 @ kl.ink
Storage	Corsair MP600 Force Series Gen4 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive	kr2314.00 @ CDON NO
Video Card	Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2080 Ti 11 GB AORUS Video Card	kr15029.00 @ kl.ink
Case	Fractal Design Meshify S2 ATX Mid Tower Case	kr1728.00 @ kl.ink
Power Supply	Corsair RMx (2018) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply	kr1874.00 @ kl.ink
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	kr33146.08
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-08-27 20:20 CEST+0200

*3900x and 2080Ti are stand-in parts for pricing only*

Ive read that the Fractal Design Define 7 is supposed to be one of the best Mid Tower cases but I will look into the Meshify S2. 

So I should be safe to buy case, motherboard, and PSU now. Storage and memory later, and GPU and CPU when they release? 

The build you have made above looks very nice! Do you know if its only CPUs and GPUs that will se a upgrade this fall? or is there more to wait for than just those ? 

 

Thanks for amazing feedback! 

 

 

[DailyProcrastinator]

51 minutes ago, Dolstein said:

Ive read that the Fractal Design Define 7 is supposed to be one of the best Mid Tower cases but I will look into the Meshify S2. 

It's pretty dated as of 2020, the resent iteration added USB C support but otherwise there is nothing it has over the Meshify which is a more updated Define C series with better airflow to complement. The S2 is the large version that would compare more directly to the Define 7, since you don't need the space for hard drives the Define 7 wouldn't be even close to my top choice right now.

 

Fractal Design Meshify

Phanteks P400A and P500A

Corsair 220T Airflow and 275R Airflow

Cooler Master TD500 Mesh

 

These are some of the best airflow cases with very good hardware support and reflect more recent implementations of case design.

 

51 minutes ago, Dolstein said:

So I should be safe to buy case, motherboard, and PSU now. Storage and memory later, and GPU and CPU when they release? 

The build you have made above looks very nice! Do you know if its only CPUs and GPUs that will se a upgrade this fall? or is there more to wait for than just those ?

Yeah it wouldn't be any issue to buy some stuff now, maybe look at historical pricing and set some price alerts with PCpartpciker, since you have the time might as well see if you can get some stuff cheaper. 

 

TBH the one thing worth waiting to buy would be the motherboard, if you have an issue with it you won't know until you first post. And if you buy now you will be well outside of a retailers 15-30 day in-store warranty and you would then need to go through the lengthy process of an RMA. In my experience other parts are relativity low risk for issues. 

 

Yeah new AMD CPU's before the end of the year. AMD and Nvidia GPU's likely in the next few months. That's it really!

 

51 minutes ago, Dolstein said:

Thanks for amazing feedback! 

You're welcome!

[Dolstein]

8 hours ago, TheDailyProcrastinator said:

It's pretty dated as of 2020, the resent iteration added USB C support but otherwise there is nothing it has over the Meshify which is a more updated Define C series with better airflow to complement. The S2 is the large version that would compare more directly to the Define 7, since you don't need the space for hard drives the Define 7 wouldn't be even close to my top choice right now.

 

Fractal Design Meshify

Phanteks P400A and P500A

Corsair 220T Airflow and 275R Airflow

Cooler Master TD500 Mesh

 

These are some of the best airflow cases with very good hardware support and reflect more recent implementations of case design.

 

Yeah it wouldn't be any issue to buy some stuff now, maybe look at historical pricing and set some price alerts with PCpartpciker, since you have the time might as well see if you can get some stuff cheaper. 

 

TBH the one thing worth waiting to buy would be the motherboard, if you have an issue with it you won't know until you first post. And if you buy now you will be well outside of a retailers 15-30 day in-store warranty and you would then need to go through the lengthy process of an RMA. In my experience other parts are relativity low risk for issues. 

 

Yeah new AMD CPU's before the end of the year. AMD and Nvidia GPU's likely in the next few months. That's it really!

 

You're welcome!

I will do as you say, put price warnings on the stuff I need. Thanks again, amazing help! 

[Dolstein]

9 hours ago, TheDailyProcrastinator said:

It's pretty dated as of 2020, the resent iteration added USB C support but otherwise there is nothing it has over the Meshify which is a more updated Define C series with better airflow to complement. The S2 is the large version that would compare more directly to the Define 7, since you don't need the space for hard drives the Define 7 wouldn't be even close to my top choice right now.

 

Fractal Design Meshify

Phanteks P400A and P500A

Corsair 220T Airflow and 275R Airflow

Cooler Master TD500 Mesh

 

These are some of the best airflow cases with very good hardware support and reflect more recent implementations of case design.

 

Yeah it wouldn't be any issue to buy some stuff now, maybe look at historical pricing and set some price alerts with PCpartpciker, since you have the time might as well see if you can get some stuff cheaper. 

 

TBH the one thing worth waiting to buy would be the motherboard, if you have an issue with it you won't know until you first post. And if you buy now you will be well outside of a retailers 15-30 day in-store warranty and you would then need to go through the lengthy process of an RMA. In my experience other parts are relativity low risk for issues. 

 

Yeah new AMD CPU's before the end of the year. AMD and Nvidia GPU's likely in the next few months. That's it really!

 

You're welcome!

What is your opinion of the Lian Li lancool 2 mesh? I've narrowed it down to Meshify S2, Phanteks P500A and the Lancool 2 mesh. I dont mind spending, as long as I get the best available. Airflow, build quality, noise and thermals are important. Should also be easy to build in. It also has to be compatible with the newer gen gpu and cpu from AMD and Nvidia. 

[DailyProcrastinator]

8 hours ago, Dolstein said:

What is your opinion of the Lian Li lancool 2 mesh? I've narrowed it down to Meshify S2, Phanteks P500A and the Lancool 2 mesh. I dont mind spending, as long as I get the best available. Airflow, build quality, noise and thermals are important. Should also be easy to build in. It also has to be compatible with the newer gen gpu and cpu from AMD and Nvidia. 

Lancool 2 Mesh would be  solid option as well. I have not owned a Lian Li case so I have no hands on experience with their products, but I've owned 2 Fractal cases including the Meshify C which I have now (little brother to the S2), and I have owned 3+ Phanteks cases, all of which were very good. I recommend watching the Hardware Canucks review on these cases. I really like the new P500A as an option as well. You can't go wrong with any of these.

 

Personally the Meshify C is the best case I have used to date. It is very well made and the cable management is A++. I moved my hardware from a larger case into the the Meshify and yet with all my SDD and HDD bays taken up cable management was still easier. I personally also like that is is a more compact ATX mid tower, it fits all my hardware without issues but there is no wasted space. Case size is obvisuly a personal preference though. 

 

If you're interested to see that build in the Meshify:

 

[Dolstein]

4 hours ago, TheDailyProcrastinator said:

Lancool 2 Mesh would be  solid option as well. I have not owned a Lian Li case so I have no hands on experience with their products, but I've owned 2 Fractal cases including the Meshify C which I have now (little brother to the S2), and I have owned 3+ Phanteks cases, all of which were very good. I recommend watching the Hardware Canucks review on these cases. I really like the new P500A as an option as well. You can't go wrong with any of these.

 

Personally the Meshify C is the best case I have used to date. It is very well made and the cable management is A++. I moved my hardware from a larger case into the the Meshify and yet with all my SDD and HDD bays taken up cable management was still easier. I personally also like that is is a more compact ATX mid tower, it fits all my hardware without issues but there is no wasted space. Case size is obvisuly a personal preference though. 

 

If you're interested to see that build in the Meshify:

 

That looks amazing! I have been tinkering on pcpartpicker, and this is what I have come up with. Apart from CPU and GPU, which will be bought later when New Ryzen 4000 series and the RTX 3900 series come out later this fall. 

 

 

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU Cooler	ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280 72.8 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler	$134.99 @ Amazon
Motherboard	Gigabyte X570 AORUS ULTRA ATX AM4 Motherboard	$299.99 @ Amazon
Memory	G.Skill Trident Z Neo 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16 Memory	$168.98 @ Newegg
Storage	Corsair MP600 Force Series Gen4 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive	$194.99 @ Amazon
Case	Lian Li Lancool II Mesh ATX Mid Tower Case	$109.99 @ B&H
Power Supply	Corsair RMx 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply	$289.99 @ Amazon
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$1198.93
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-08-28 16:57 EDT-0400

 

What do you think? will the Lian Li lancool 2 mesh be compatible with the new RTX 3900 series ? I read that the new GPUs will require more Watts, so Im saving with the 1000W PSU.