First Build! for Code Compilations, Gaming, Audio Mixing

[E4tHam]

This is my first build ever, so I'm just not sure if I'm missing anything. I'm feeling pretty confident, but I would appreciate any feedback. :)

 

Motivations:

• I'm hoping this machine will last ~10 years, and can be upgraded as needed.
• I already have an Intel Core i9-12900K and an AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT, so I'm trying to build around those parts.
• I'm hoping to upgrade to a 4070, so I want to leave room for that (airflow/power).

 

Budget (including currency): Not including CPU and GPU ~$900 USD

Country: USA

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for:

• Code compilations/software development (single-threaded CPU and RAM)
• Games (mainly CPU intensive games)
  • Kerbal Space Program 1/2
  • Slippi Melee
  • Switch Emulation
  • Misc AAA Games (Elden Ring, God of War, Spiderman)
• Large project audio mixing (RAM and CPU intensive)

 

Details: 

 

Parts List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/dH4LyK

 

Questions:

 

Does this look like a good airflow configuration? I'm hoping to overclock my CPU.

• 3 Noctua A14 Fans
  • 2 in front
  • 1 in back
• 2 Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 (120mm) (included in case)
  • 2 on top

 

Is my RAM/CPU/Case Clearance okay? I was hoping to use my NH-D15 with 2 fans, but I don't know how to check if it will fit in my case if I have to move the second fan up to fit the RAM.

 

I already have a 1TB SSD, and I was considering also getting a 2TB HDD (WD Black 7200RPM) for game/video/audio storage. Is it possible to use a partition of my SSD as a cache for it? Will that also work while dual booting Windows/Linux? Is it more worth it to just buy a 2TB+ SSD?

 

My motherboard (Asus PRIME Z690-P WIFI) seems pretty expensive. I want DDR5, overclocking, and WIFI. Assuming I still want good WIFI latency and bandwidth, would it be cheaper to go with a non-WIFI motherboard (like the ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4/D5) and just get a separate WIFI+Bluetooth module? I'm not familiar with this, so it's hard to know what to look for.

[Ryuikko]

I think that this build looks fine. I still wouldn't recommend ddr5 and instead just to go a low profile 3600 32 gigs of ram. Usually it's less expensive to have a board with integrated wifi and Bluetooth since wifi cards themselves Can cost 30-40 dollars plus I think it looks tacky in my opinion. You can have a 4tb hdd from someone like seagate but it'll be slower because it will be 5400rpm instead of 7200rpm but if you're using it for mass storage than I would get more space.

[CyberneticTitan]

I used to run a HDD in my PC for game and media storage for a few years before I moved to a pure SSD system and a NAS in another place. Main benefits was less noise and higher SLC cache for my NVMe. If you must go HDD storage I wouldn't personally spend the premium for a WD Black, just go with a cheaper CMR drive like this 3TB WD Red Plus: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/NYrRsY/western-digital-wd-red-plus-3-tb-35-5400rpm-internal-hard-drive-wd30efzx

 

You get 1TB more space and double the cache for $15 less. Can also go with SMR storage for even cheaper.

 

>  Is it possible to use a partition of my SSD as a cache for it? Will that also work while dual booting Windows/Linux?

 

You'll probably want to look into using software like PrimoCache for this. It seems possible but honestly a huge headache to manage.

 

> Is it more worth it to just buy a 2TB+ SSD?

 

I have fast enough internet that it's fine for me to delete and reinstall games without too much of a hassle. I also promise you'll enjoy the silence that comes with a HDD-less system.

[brob]

I'd suggest a Meshify 2 or 4000D Airflow case with just the stock fans. The Meshify 2 and 4000D Airflow have front panel USB-C ports, the Meshify C does not. https://pcpartpicker.com/product/bCYQzy/corsair-4000d-airflow-atx-mid-tower-case-cc-9011200-ww

 

Consider a better PSU. https://pcpartpicker.com/product/FPYmP6/corsair-rm-2021-850-w-80-gold-certified-fully-modular-atx-power-supply-cp-9020235-na

 

All SSD storage is a good idea. Prices these days are such that all NVMe storage is possible.

 

 

[E4tHam]

2 hours ago, brob said:

Consider a better PSU. https://pcpartpicker.com/product/FPYmP6/corsair-rm-2021-850-w-80-gold-certified-fully-modular-atx-power-supply-cp-9020235-na

What makes this one better?

[brob]

52 minutes ago, E4tHam said:

What makes this one better?

 

Quieter, doesn't have a tripping issue with GPU transient power spikes.