New build for AM5

[halambique]

Budget (including currency): $1200

Country: Norway

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: Cybersecurity, Virtual Machines, Lab Environment, OSCP

 

I'm studying computer science, specifically cybersec and networking, and want to upgrade my hardware quite drastically, but I have a few things I'm pondering, and would appreciate input from people with more hw-know-how than I have. I'm currenty on an AM4 mobo, and to "future-proof" the new build for at least a few years I'm considering the following:

 

OS: Linux. Windows in VM.

Mobo: MSI Pro B650-P Wifi (the wifi bit isn't critical, but it's a nice-to-have, since I'm already cluttering my PCIs a bit with a potentially chunky GPU and a soundcard, see below)

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X  ($320) / AMD Ryzen 7 7700X ($440)

GPU: Radeon RX 6600 8GB ($290) / Radeon RX 6700 12GB ($550)

RAM: 32GB DDR5 RAM, whatever's cheap and not shitty (open for suggestions and tips!)

CASE: Either a pretty one or one that's so ugly it's a statement.

 

WHAT I HAVE:

Fans: 3 Noctua cabinet fans and Noctua NH-L9x65 (which I hope is compatible with the AM5-CPUs?)

SSD: WD Blue SN550 NVMe SSD - 1TB

PSU: Gigabyte P750GM (should be good for this build according to OuterVisions PSU calculator with extreme exaggerations)

Soundcard: Asus Xonar SE soundcard

 

What I'm asking

I can't go for the expensive version of both GPU and CPU, what should I prioritize?

Is another $180 for 64GB RAM worth anything to me?

Are there any red flags in this build?

Thanks for taking your time to read!

Halambique

 

[PlayerLorenzo]

Prioritize the GPU, the AM5 CPUs, even the Ryzen 5 ones, are fairly strong and feature 12 threads. But if you don't use GPU-intensive workloads or gaming, focus on the Ryzen 7 CPUs

For the RAM, what amount of VMs will you run alongside other programs?

For the topic of red flags... 

About cases, do you care about airflow? Keep in mind you will be running a discrete GPU, so focus on getting a case with good clearance for front fans.

And with the topic of GPUs, are you going to use it for gaming or GPU-intensive workloads? 

 

Edited November 24, 2022 by PlayerLorenzo

[halambique]

1 hour ago, PlayerLorenzo said:

Prioritize the GPU, the AM5 CPUs, even the Ryzen 5 ones, are fairly strong and feature 12 threads. But if you don't use GPU-intensive workloads or gaming, focus on the Ryzen 7 CPUs

For the RAM, what amount of VMs will you run alongside other programs?

For the topic of red flags... 

About cases, do you care about airflow? Keep in mind you will be running a discrete GPU, so focus on getting a case with good clearance for front fans.

And with the topic of GPUs, are you going to use it for gaming or GPU-intensive workloads? 

 

Thanks! A lot of penetration testing tasks tend to be quite GPU heavy, which is why I'm leaning towards prioritizing that. I care a lot about airflow, hence all the Noctuas. Will keep in mind to find a case that may fit one or two more fans for good measure.

I don't see myself ever running more than 3-4 VMs, so I suppose 32GB should be enough RAM?

[PDifolco]

2 hours ago, halambique said:

Budget (including currency): $1200

Country: Norway

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: Cybersecurity, Virtual Machines, Lab Environment, OSCP

 

I'm studying computer science, specifically cybersec and networking, and want to upgrade my hardware quite drastically, but I have a few things I'm pondering, and would appreciate input from people with more hw-know-how than I have. I'm currenty on an AM4 mobo, and to "future-proof" the new build for at least a few years I'm considering the following:

 

OS: Linux. Windows in VM.

Mobo: MSI Pro B650-P Wifi (the wifi bit isn't critical, but it's a nice-to-have, since I'm already cluttering my PCIs a bit with a potentially chunky GPU and a soundcard, see below)

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X  ($320) / AMD Ryzen 7 7700X ($440)

GPU: Radeon RX 6600 8GB ($290) / Radeon RX 6700 12GB ($550)

RAM: 32GB DDR5 RAM, whatever's cheap and not shitty (open for suggestions and tips!)

CASE: Either a pretty one or one that's so ugly it's a statement.

 

WHAT I HAVE:

Fans: 3 Noctua cabinet fans and Noctua NH-L9x65 (which I hope is compatible with the AM5-CPUs?)

SSD: WD Blue SN550 NVMe SSD - 1TB

PSU: Gigabyte P750GM (should be good for this build according to OuterVisions PSU calculator with extreme exaggerations)

Soundcard: Asus Xonar SE soundcard

 

What I'm asking

I can't go for the expensive version of both GPU and CPU, what should I prioritize?

Is another $180 for 64GB RAM worth anything to me?

Are there any red flags in this build?

Thanks for taking your time to read!

Halambique

 

You got no real reason to spend on DDR5..

Why don't you get a cheaper 5900X or 5800X, with 64GB cheap DDR4 and a better GPU ?

[halambique]

9 minutes ago, PDifolco said:

You got no real reason to spend on DDR5..

Why don't you get a cheaper 5900X or 5800X, with 64GB cheap DDR4 and a better GPU ?

Sadly, the 5900X is more expensive than even the 7700X, Norway is a strange place..

[PDifolco]

15 minutes ago, halambique said:

Sadly, the 5900X is more expensive than even the 7700X, Norway is a strange place..

Yeah weird, but even then the full platform with board and RAM will end up cheaper, the AM5 boards have insane price all over the world, the cheapest is close to the price of a very good B550 board like the Unify...

 

Edit : here it is, not even close, 9.7K to 12.2K...

 

AM5

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X 4.5 GHz 8-Core Processor  (kr4390.00 @ Proshop) 
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AK620 68.99 CFM CPU Cooler  (kr963.00 @ Proshop) 
Motherboard: MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard  (kr3228.00 @ Proshop) 
Memory: Kingston FURY Beast 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-5200 CL40 Memory  (kr3665.00 @ Proshop) 
Total: kr12246.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-11-24 20:14 CET+0100

 

AM4

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 3.7 GHz 12-Core Processor  (kr4490.00 @ NetOnNet) 
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AK620 68.99 CFM CPU Cooler  (kr963.00 @ Proshop) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte B550 AORUS PRO AC ATX AM4 Motherboard  (kr1909.00 @ Proshop) 
Memory: Patriot Viper Steel 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory  (kr2359.00 @ Proshop) 
Total: kr9721.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-11-24 20:14 CET+0100[

[halambique]

31 minutes ago, PDifolco said:

Yeah weird, but even then the full platform with board and RAM will end up cheaper, the AM5 boards have insane price all over the world, the cheapest is close to the price of a very good B550 board like the Unify...

 

Edit : here it is, not even close, 9.7K to 12.2K...

 

AM5

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X 4.5 GHz 8-Core Processor  (kr4390.00 @ Proshop) 
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AK620 68.99 CFM CPU Cooler  (kr963.00 @ Proshop) 
Motherboard: MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard  (kr3228.00 @ Proshop) 
Memory: Kingston FURY Beast 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-5200 CL40 Memory  (kr3665.00 @ Proshop) 
Total: kr12246.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-11-24 20:14 CET+0100

 

AM4

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 3.7 GHz 12-Core Processor  (kr4490.00 @ NetOnNet) 
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AK620 68.99 CFM CPU Cooler  (kr963.00 @ Proshop) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte B550 AORUS PRO AC ATX AM4 Motherboard  (kr1909.00 @ Proshop) 
Memory: Patriot Viper Steel 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory  (kr2359.00 @ Proshop) 
Total: kr9721.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-11-24 20:14 CET+0100[

Holy smokes, this is beyond anything anyone's ever done for me on a forum. I tip my hat, and thank you kindly!  I can even knock a few bucks off of it, since I already have a Noctua CPU cooler! I'm not really that well versed in the technicalities of a motherboard, so you you elaborate on what makes one good, or maybe provide a trustworthy link?

This would mean I need a good networking adapter, though, since I'm installing my Cisco router and taking control of my network and implementing WiFi 6 after my exams.

 

Edit: I see that PCPartPicker doesn't have all sources. Actual price where it differs:
Mobo: MSI Pro B650-P WiFi - NOK2662

RAM: 32GB DDR5 - NOK 1945

 

Price difference between RX 6600 and 6700 XT is NOK1800

[PDifolco]

15 minutes ago, halambique said:

Holy smokes, this is beyond anything anyone's ever done for me on a forum. I tip my hat, and thank you kindly!  I can even knock a few bucks off of it, since I already have a Noctua CPU cooler! I'm not really that well versed in the technicalities of a motherboard, so you you elaborate on what makes one good, or maybe provide a trustworthy link?

This would mean I need a good networking adapter, though, since I'm installing my Cisco router and taking control of my network and implementing WiFi 6 after my exams.

 

Edit: I see that PCPartPicker doesn't have all sources. Actual price where it differs:
Mobo: MSI Pro B650-P WiFi - NOK2662

RAM: 32GB DDR5 - NOK 1945

 

Price difference between RX 6600 and 6700 XT is NOK1800

Thank you, I know I'm too kind  

MSI Pro B650 is an ok board, but entry level, not many features, and don't get the P version but the A version, because the P is PCie Gen3 only, the A has Gen4 on a M2 slot...

The tier above is MPG B550 GAMING PLUS, nicer but MSI have meh audio codec, Aorus have a better one

 

But yeah mobo choice is a nightmare, if you have some days to spend you can look at Buildzoid vids on Actually Hardcore Overclocking, the guy is a beast but has no idea on making anything concise, short and summarized

 

6700XT is like +35% perf to a 6600, so it's kinda worth the +1800 Norse bucks ($180), the 6600 is overpriced in Norway ...but you should push to a 6800XT which is real good (but 3000Kr more...badly priced as well)

 

 

[halambique]

19 minutes ago, PDifolco said:

Thank you, I know I'm too kind  

MSI Pro B650 is an ok board, but entry level, not many features, and don't get the P version but the A version, because the P is PCie Gen3 only, the A has Gen4 on a M2 slot...

The tier above is MPG B550 GAMING PLUS, nicer but MSI have meh audio codec, Aorus have a better one

 

But yeah mobo choice is a nightmare, if you have some days to spend you can look at Buildzoid vids on Actually Hardcore Overclocking, the guy is a beast but has no idea on making anything concise, short and summarized

 

6700XT is like +35% perf to a 6600, so it's kinda worth the +1800 Norse bucks ($180), the 6600 is overpriced in Norway ...but you should push to a 6800XT which is real good (but 3000Kr more...badly priced as well)

 

 

Oh dear me, I figured everything was PCie 4 now, didn't even think to check. Audio codec isn't a big issue for me since I'm using a dedicated sound card with my BeyerDynamics. I might have to bomb the budget here..

 

If I'm going with AM5, this could be an option, no?

https://www.asus.com/motherboards-components/motherboards/prime/prime-x670-p-wifi/techspec/

[PDifolco]

12 minutes ago, halambique said:

Oh dear me, I figured everything was PCie 4 now, didn't even think to check. Audio codec isn't a big issue for me since I'm using a dedicated sound card with my BeyerDynamics. I might have to bomb the budget here..

 

If I'm going with AM5, this could be an option, no?

https://www.asus.com/motherboards-components/motherboards/prime/prime-x670-p-wifi/techspec/

I don't really know well the Asus boards, for AM5 the best price/perf board is the Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX

https://no.pcpartpicker.com/product/WBwypg/gigabyte-b650-aorus-elite-ax-atx-am5-motherboard-b650-aorus-elite-ax