First PC Build

[Meliora99]

Budget (including currency): I'm willing to spend around $2,000 (Currently my selection is at right around $1700)

Country: United States

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: I really like MMORPGS/Looters and this PC will most likely be used for games like FFXIV, Lost Ark, WoW, Diablo, and games like that. I have an Xbox Series X to play Starfield and FPS games as I prefer a controller for those and might as well use the Xbox I got gifted for them as well as most of my friends being on the platform.

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 mostly have all my parts picked out and I feel pretty confident about them. I've done quite a lot of research and spent literally the entire day up to this point trying to figure out what parts are right for me, what parts will run the games I like, and what parts won't break my bank. I don't feel confident buying anything from Amazon unless it's the actual manufacturer selling the product as I have seen one may get a bad part, and can only have it warrantied for 30 days. I have been looking around on Part Picker to find the cheapest parts, and have seen there is going to be a sale on Newegg within two weeks. I see that the CPU and GPU I have chosen are pretty low in price and I wouldn't mind just buying those now, though I'm not sure if the sale on Newegg will apply to these. I will most likely wait to purchase anything to see what this sale encompasses.

 

Aim, current system, and upgrading:

I'm mostly just looking for some last minute suggestions or feedback from people who know what they are doing. I plan to keep this PC for at least 5 years as I don't need the most cutting edge system, I just need an upgrade from 14 FPS on FFXIV. Yes, 14 FPS. I currently am running an AMD FX(tm)-6300 Six-Core Processor 350 GHz with an AMD Radeon R7 250 Series. I haven't taken good care of my PC over the past 6-8 years as I was young, and just simply didn't care or know computers needed regular cleaning and maintenance to be in top shape. I have updated my drivers to the latest version and have cleaned the dust out before, but really it's too late to salvage this machine in my opinion as it's just so old but I am not completely sure as I am just a beginner. I do plan to keep it with me for maybe a later build to reuse the case or something for memories but I honestly would just rather build a new system then try and mess around with what I have for my first build. I do want and plan to learn more about computers and this build is my gateway into it. I am fine playing on 1080p resolution with 120hz, as I have no idea how much better a 1440p is, compared to a 1080p. When I upgraded from 1080p 60hz ASUS monitor to a 1080p 120hz Sceptre...I saw an instant, noticeable, and BIG increase in the quality. If going up to a 1440p 144hz is like that, then I will consider it heavily.

 

Current part list: 

 

CPU: Ryzen 7 5800X3D

GPU: ASRock Phantom Gaming RX 6800 XT

Motherboard: MAG B550 Tomahawk

Power Supply: Seasonic FOCUS GX-750 750W 80+ Gold

SSD: SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2 2280 2TB PCIe Gen 4.0 x4

RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 3600

Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 SE-AM4, Premium Dual-Tower CPU Cooler (I have seen a video showing that the Lian Li Dynamic EVO just barely doesn't fit the NH-D15, not sure whether I should trust myself as the specs say it SHOULD fit, or to trust the video showing that it clearly does not and go with the single tower although I will only be using two sticks of RAM so there might be space for the dual, just not sure.)

Case: LIAN LI O11 Dynamic EVO O11DEX (Planning on getting the GPU support from Lian Li so the card doesn't sag)

Fans: I do not have fans selected yet, but I am thinking of going with the UNI FAN SL120 V2 from Lian Li, planning on getting 7 of them for 3 side intakes, 3 top exhaust, and 1 rear exhaust as I have seen that is the best fan setup from research.

Monitor: My best monitor currently is a Sceptre 24in, 1080p 120hz. Not sure if I want to upgrade to a 27In 1440p, I believe what I currently have will more than meet my needs. I have a second generic ASUS monitor 1080p 60hz, this is the monitor I would be replacing for a better 1440p monitor if I feel the upgrade is truly worth it over the 1080p 120hz.

Building Tools: Still have yet to search for a tool kit, static band, thermal paste, and ties for cable management though I don't believe those will be an issue to find, just getting the core of the build out of the way first and making sure what I have is all compatible and quality which I'm *pretty* sure it all is.

 

Peripherals:

I do not need a mouse or a keyboard. Though I have been interested in building my own keyboard for a while now and wouldn't mind thinking about that for the future.

 

Conclusion:

Just searching for some closure on the system I plan to build. I have confidence that my selection is sound and the build process will go smoothly, but I still am still a tiny bit nervous about spending all this money for the build to turn sour as I don't know fully what I'm doing. I believe if I continue to do my research and plan and prepare accordingly, everything should go fine. I am just looking for some feedback, mostly to make me feel even more confident and lose a lot of my worries...as this IS a lot of money to be spending on something I am not fully confident or informed about yet. I appreciate the time it took to read this post and any feedback you may provide.

 

[Hinjima]

43 minutes ago, Meliora99 said:

Budget (including currency): I'm willing to spend around $2,000 (Currently my selection is at right around $1700)

Country: United States

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: I really like MMORPGS/Looters and this PC will most likely be used for games like FFXIV, Lost Ark, WoW, Diablo, and games like that. I have an Xbox Series X to play Starfield and FPS games as I prefer a controller for those and might as well use the Xbox I got gifted for them as well as most of my friends being on the platform.

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 mostly have all my parts picked out and I feel pretty confident about them. I've done quite a lot of research and spent literally the entire day up to this point trying to figure out what parts are right for me, what parts will run the games I like, and what parts won't break my bank. I don't feel confident buying anything from Amazon unless it's the actual manufacturer selling the product as I have seen one may get a bad part, and can only have it warrantied for 30 days. I have been looking around on Part Picker to find the cheapest parts, and have seen there is going to be a sale on Newegg within two weeks. I see that the CPU and GPU I have chosen are pretty low in price and I wouldn't mind just buying those now, though I'm not sure if the sale on Newegg will apply to these. I will most likely wait to purchase anything to see what this sale encompasses.

 

Aim, current system, and upgrading:

I'm mostly just looking for some last minute suggestions or feedback from people who know what they are doing. I plan to keep this PC for at least 5 years as I don't need the most cutting edge system, I just need an upgrade from 14 FPS on FFXIV. Yes, 14 FPS. I currently am running an AMD FX(tm)-6300 Six-Core Processor 350 GHz with an AMD Radeon R7 250 Series. I haven't taken good care of my PC over the past 6-8 years as I was young, and just simply didn't care or know computers needed regular cleaning and maintenance to be in top shape. I have updated my drivers to the latest version and have cleaned the dust out before, but really it's too late to salvage this machine in my opinion as it's just so old but I am not completely sure as I am just a beginner. I do plan to keep it with me for maybe a later build to reuse the case or something for memories but I honestly would just rather build a new system then try and mess around with what I have for my first build. I do want and plan to learn more about computers and this build is my gateway into it. I am fine playing on 1080p resolution with 120hz, as I have no idea how much better a 1440p is, compared to a 1080p. When I upgraded from 1080p 60hz ASUS monitor to a 1080p 120hz Sceptre...I saw an instant, noticeable, and BIG increase in the quality. If going up to a 1440p 144hz is like that, then I will consider it heavily.

 

Current part list: 

 

CPU: Ryzen 7 5800X3D

GPU: ASRock Phantom Gaming RX 6800 XT

Motherboard: MAG B550 Tomahawk

Power Supply: Seasonic FOCUS GX-750 750W 80+ Gold

SSD: SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2 2280 2TB PCIe Gen 4.0 x4

RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin PC RAM DDR4 3600

Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 SE-AM4, Premium Dual-Tower CPU Cooler (I have seen a video showing that the Lian Li Dynamic EVO just barely doesn't fit the NH-D15, not sure whether I should trust myself as the specs say it SHOULD fit, or to trust the video showing that it clearly does not and go with the single tower although I will only be using two sticks of RAM so there might be space for the dual, just not sure.)

Case: LIAN LI O11 Dynamic EVO O11DEX (Planning on getting the GPU support from Lian Li so the card doesn't sag)

Fans: I do not have fans selected yet, but I am thinking of going with the UNI FAN SL120 V2 from Lian Li, planning on getting 7 of them for 3 side intakes, 3 top exhaust, and 1 rear exhaust as I have seen that is the best fan setup from research.

Monitor: My best monitor currently is a Sceptre 24in, 1080p 120hz. Not sure if I want to upgrade to a 27In 1440p, I believe what I currently have will more than meet my needs. I have a second generic ASUS monitor 1080p 60hz, this is the monitor I would be replacing for a better 1440p monitor if I feel the upgrade is truly worth it over the 1080p 120hz.

Building Tools: Still have yet to search for a tool kit, static band, thermal paste, and ties for cable management though I don't believe those will be an issue to find, just getting the core of the build out of the way first and making sure what I have is all compatible and quality which I'm *pretty* sure it all is.

 

Peripherals:

I do not need a mouse or a keyboard. Though I have been interested in building my own keyboard for a while now and wouldn't mind thinking about that for the future.

 

Conclusion:

Just searching for some closure on the system I plan to build. I have confidence that my selection is sound and the build process will go smoothly, but I still am still a tiny bit nervous about spending all this money for the build to turn sour as I don't know fully what I'm doing. I believe if I continue to do my research and plan and prepare accordingly, everything should go fine. I am just looking for some feedback, mostly to make me feel even more confident and lose a lot of my worries...as this IS a lot of money to be spending on something I am not fully confident or informed about yet. I appreciate the time it took to read this post and any feedback you may provide.

 

I just can't recommend going AM4 at that price range even if the 5800X3D is a crazy good CPU for gaming. You are locking yourself to the latest CPU for an old platform with absolutely no upgrade path at all.  I would go with something like this instead, AM5!  The 7800X3D is top tier and they will support the platform for a few more years so being able to perhaps put a 9800X3D in the system and a new GPU in 4-5 years and get a 'brand new system' really speaks to me and that is what I have done.  I would even get a 7600x or 7700x that is on par if not a few % slower than the 5800X3D right away, and having that upgrade path later instead of building a new system for a lot more.
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/3NmYyK

[Meliora99]

36 minutes ago, Hinjima said:

I just can't recommend going AM4 at that price range even if the 5800X3D is a crazy good CPU for gaming. You are locking yourself to the latest CPU for an old platform with absolutely no upgrade path at all.  I would go with something like this instead, AM5!  The 7800X3D is top tier and they will support the platform for a few more years so being able to perhaps put a 9800X3D in the system and a new GPU in 4-5 years and get a 'brand new system' really speaks to me and that is what I have done.  I would even get a 7600x or 7700x that is on par if not a few % slower than the 5800X3D right away, and having that upgrade path later instead of building a new system for a lot more.
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/3NmYyK

That makes a lot of sense and I never really considered this option. I agree that it would be better to go with AM5 and it didn't hurt my price point really at all. It definitely seems like a smarter idea to be able to upgrade in a few years when prices drop for the more recent CPU and GPUs instead of buying everything new once again. I changed my build around what you recommended and am going to definitely do further research before I start purchasing in a couple weeks...thanks for the feedback and I'm pretty stoked to start building this machine!

[Hinjima]

2 minutes ago, Meliora99 said:

That makes a lot of sense and I never really considered this option. I agree that it would be better to go with AM5 and it didn't hurt my price point really at all. It definitely seems like a smarter idea to be able to upgrade in a few years when prices drop for the more recent CPU and GPUs instead of buying everything new once again. I changed my build around what you recommended and am going to definitely do further research before I start purchasing in a couple weeks...thanks for the feedback and I'm pretty stoked to start building this machine!

No Problem!  Here is a video with the 7800X3D vs 5800X3D.  As you can see the 5800X3D is an absolute monster and keeps up quite well  at 1440p and 4k... However, with a faster GPU than the 4090 the 7800X3D will surely pull ahead, I cant believe I am saying this but with those 2 CPU's we are GPU limited with an RTX 4090!.    The upgrade path and being able to take advantage of a faster GPU later is my reasoning for going AM5. And as you said yourself, the price didn't change too much.

 

[Why_Me]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *Intel Core i7-13700 2.1 GHz 16-Core Processor  ($349.99 @ Amazon) 
CPU Cooler: *Deepcool AG620 67.88 CFM CPU Cooler  ($49.99 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: *MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard  ($164.99 @ Amazon) 
Memory: *G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6400 CL32 Memory  ($102.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: *Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($99.99 @ Adorama) 
Video Card: *Asus TUF GAMING GeForce RTX 4070 Ti 12 GB Video Card  ($799.99 @ B&H) 
Case: *Lian Li LANCOOL 216 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($96.99 @ Newegg) 
Power Supply: *MSI MPG A850G PCIE5 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($139.99 @ Amazon) 
Operating System: *Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM - DVD 64-bit  ($99.99 @ Newegg) 
Total: $1904.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-06-26 20:58 EDT-0400

 

A better look at those components.

 

https://lian-li.com/product/lancool-216/ 

 

https://www.msi.com/Power-Supply/MPG-A850G-PCIE5  

 

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/B760-GAMING-PLUS-WIFI 

 

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/230490/intel-core-i713700-processor-30m-cache-up-to-5-20-ghz/specifications.html  

 

https://www.deepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/GAMMAXX-AG620-Dual-Tower-CPU-Cooler-1700-AM5/2022/15900.shtml  

 

https://www.asus.com/us/motherboards-components/graphics-cards/tuf-gaming/tuf-rtx4070ti-o12g-gaming/

[SorryBella]

5 hours ago, Meliora99 said:

If going up to a 1440p 144hz is like that

Depends on the size but in 27 inch and up its a really good jump. Hell, if you sit pretty darn close even 24-25 inch 1440p is a huge clarity change and would put less strain on GPU thanks to being able to turn off MSAA without getting massive stair stepping effect. And at your budget, we can make the hop NOW.

 

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600 3.8 GHz 6-Core Processor  ($219.99 @ Amazon) 
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler  ($34.90 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: ASRock B650M-HDV/M.2 Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard  ($124.99 @ Newegg) 
Memory: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory  ($108.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: TEAMGROUP MP33 PRO 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($72.98 @ Amazon) 
Video Card: ASRock Phantom Gaming OC Radeon RX 7900 XTX 24 GB Video Card  ($949.99 @ Newegg) 
Case: Fractal Design Pop Air ATX Mid Tower Case  ($79.99 @ B&H) 
Power Supply: Deepcool PM850D 850 W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply  ($107.18 @ Amazon) 
Monitor: Gigabyte G27Q 27.0" 2560 x 1440 144 Hz Monitor  ($229.99 @ Newegg) 
Total: $1929.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-06-26 23:31 EDT-0400