Question New AMD AM5 build purchased!

[nOOky]

I am building a new gaming PC. Wanting to go white this time and use some RGB lighting. The box will sit under my desk and I have a full tower there now. Must haves are a case with room, and a useful front panel i/o setup. Thinking of 64gb of system memory and future upgrade potential.

Currently I have an AMD 7800XT XFX MERC-19, a Samsung 990 Pro 2tb boot drive, a 4 tb 990 Pro storage drive, and a new 34" monitor I am using from my current setup. Going Windows 11 and using my old mouse and keyboard.

Kind of hoping there will be Black Friday Ryzen 9 7950X deal but I'm okay without. Budget is under $2,000 American dollars. What sayest thou opinionators?

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/QwBfmD

 

[nOOky]

 

[In2Photos]

Choices look good. For strictly gaming there is no reason to go 7950X over the 7800X3D. The 7950X will only help with CPU intensive applications that will make use of the extra cores. Otherwise the 7800X3D is the best gaming CPU. With the case being under your desk have you considered using something like the Lian Li O11 Dynamic Vision that just came out? It has glass on the front, side and top so you would be able to see your components better. The front panel I/O is on the bottom of the case though so that may be a deterrent. That case has plenty of room and the PSU is on the back side so you have more options for the PSU since it doesn't have to be white.

 

[igor_kavinski]

Why such an expensive mobo? For better DDR5 support, I would suggest Gigabyte. Heck, with the 7800X3D, you could get the Gigabyte A620 mobo and still be served well.

https://www.newegg.com/gigabyte-a620m-c/p/N82E16813145470

Windows 11 keys can be had for $25.

That RAM isn't EXPO so might not work well with AM5. This is EXPO: https://www.amazon.com/G-SKILL-Trident-CL32-39-39-102-Desktop-Computer/dp/B0CHDBYRLM/

For 64GB, unfortunately, you will need to drop to EXPO 6000 MT/s.

 

[nOOky]

I want the added features of the X670 chipset, the Asus specifically comes up as being one of the better boards and it's not black. I was considering the -E version which is black and actually more expensive. The memory I picked is wrong, thanks for catching that I have been changing things all the time as I reconsider lol. The Gigabyte X670E AORUS PRO X looks like an option also. It takes a lot of time to research all of this stuff and try to catch every nuance, exactly why I posted here thank you!

 

[manly]

I haven't bought it yet, but Win11 key for under $4:

Cheap Operating System Keys - Get Windows 10 and More!

We know that having a Windows 10 for free is difficult, but here you can get cheap operating system keys. RoyalCDKeys is the place where you do it!

royalcdkeys.com

You're welcome.

 

[igor_kavinski]

I haven't bought it yet, but Win11 key for under $4:

Cheap Operating System Keys - Get Windows 10 and More!

We know that having a Windows 10 for free is difficult, but here you can get cheap operating system keys. RoyalCDKeys is the place where you do it!

royalcdkeys.com

You're welcome.

Sounds like a nice way to get royally screwed

Of course, an optimist would say, Just $4 to get royally screwed??? Count me in!

 

[Ken g6]

Windows 11 keys can be had for $25.

I didn't know that. Then I looked at our sister site:

How to Get Windows 10 for Free (or Under $30)

If you need Windows for a PC build, Microsoft charges a whopping $139. But there are ways to get the OS for a lot less or even for free.

www.tomshardware.com

Though I'd still rather use Linux than pay for a spyware OS.

 

[nOOky]

Choices look good. For strictly gaming there is no reason to go 7950X over the 7800X3D. The 7950X will only help with CPU intensive applications that will make use of the extra cores. Otherwise the 7800X3D is the best gaming CPU. With the case being under your desk have you considered using something like the Lian Li O11 Dynamic Vision that just came out? It has glass on the front, side and top so you would be able to see your components better. The front panel I/O is on the bottom of the case though so that may be a deterrent. That case has plenty of room and the PSU is on the back side so you have more options for the PSU since it doesn't have to be white.

I checked out that case, it's not widely available right now, and the bottom i/o panel would likely get tweaked by a foot or my chair. I did change from the case in that build to one with a tempered glass front as it just looked a bit better. I also removed the air cooler and went with an AIO, and am not going with the 3 extra case fans until I see how it does. The memory is on the Asus QVL list and some reviewers installed it in an AM5 system so I'm giving it a try. If I have issues I guess I'll get something else I'm not in a huge hurry as I'll have my current box sitting there. I ended up ordering everything last night so I can assemble it over the holiday weekend.

I just have to download Windows 11 Home and buy a key from a reputable site, it's been so long since I bought an OS I forgot about just buying a key heh.

 

[Brainonska511]

A few thoughts: if you're going to have it on the floor, I believe the 4000/5000 series Corsair cases have a bottom intake vent for the PSU, if you mount it fan-down, so something to consider if you have carpet (you could always mount it fan-up so it pulls air in from the case). Consider just getting an air cooler to save a ton of money, given its TDP ~120W. Plus, with a case that large, with as many fan mounting points, it's easy to have a bunch of fans mounted, and just run them at lower speeds to keep the system cool and quiet (this is how I've set up my Corsair 4000D). You could also shave a bit of money off the top going with a different board, like the MSI X670E Tomahawk, or even stepping to a B650/B650E board, depending on your uses.

I didn't know that. Then I looked at our sister site:

How to Get Windows 10 for Free (or Under $30)

If you need Windows for a PC build, Microsoft charges a whopping $139. But there are ways to get the OS for a lot less or even for free.

www.tomshardware.com

Though I'd still rather use Linux than pay for a spyware OS.

I'd rather just pay for a key from a legit retailer to a) avoid a future where MS cracks down on these gray market keys that are likely being sold in violation of whatever licenses they were acquired under by the sellers, and b) not support such gray market industries that might also be acquiring keys through fraudulent means, like credit card fraud. The price of a retail W11 is just a fraction of the cost of a new system, it basically functions as the entire backbone to make it use operable (if you're not going with Linux), you can use it for years for the one-time price, and as a retail license, it's transferable, so feel free to move it over to another machine in 3 or 4 years.

 

[nOOky]

Thanks for your thoughts. One of the reasons I went with an AIO is that accessing the memory and memory clearance should be much easier without a big air cooler hanging out in the middle of the board. My current system it's a pain in the butt to get at the GPU tab and to change one of the nvme spots. This leaves it more wide open, and I will be overclocking a bit to boot.

 

[Brainonska511]

Thanks for your thoughts. One of the reasons I went with an AIO is that accessing the memory and memory clearance should be much easier without a big air cooler hanging out in the middle of the board. My current system it's a pain in the butt to get at the GPU tab and to change one of the nvme spots. This leaves it more wide open, and I will be overclocking a bit to boot.

That's fair.

I have a single tower cooler in my build, and getting that GPU clip is a bit of a pain. Last time I had to access it, I had to use a screw driver to push the tab down. I think if I had to access my primary NVME, that is CPU socket adjacent, I'd probably have to at minimum remove either the GPU or the cooler. Hoping to never have to touch that one, lol.

 

[nOOky]

I currently have the monster Noctua air cooler on and I had to reseat my memory and cpu so it's fresh in my mind too. I also ordered the white Corsair RM850 as I am on the fence about the Asus I ordered, I can always send one back free return shipping. Probably putting the AIO in the front of the case in case it leaks lol and so I can see the pretty lights.

 

[manly]

Sounds like a nice way to get royally screwed

Of course, an optimist would say, Just $4 to get royally screwed??? Count me in!

For the cost of a cheeseburger, I'm taking my chances.

Use coupon code UNDISCOVERYCH for 10% off. I think they'll charge me in euros, so my credit card company will add a forex surcharge.

I'd wanted to order the Win11/Office licenses bundle, but it's been out of stock for months.

 

[nOOky]

That's fair.

I have a single tower cooler in my build, and getting that GPU clip is a bit of a pain. Last time I had to access it, I had to use a screw driver to push the tab down. I think if I had to access my primary NVME, that is CPU socket adjacent, I'd probably have to at minimum remove either the GPU or the cooler. Hoping to never have to touch that one, lol.

lol so after building it yesterday turns out the AIO on top is in the way of some cable routing. It would take some effort to move it to the front of the case and put the three other fans on top. I may or may not. But it did boot up immediately and is running fine. The AIO was a bit of a pain. Basically I did everything wrong. Turns out I should install the fans on it first, then mount it. but I had a few beers so...

 

[manly]

lol so after building it yesterday turns out the AIO on top is in the way of some cable routing. It would take some effort to move it to the front of the case and put the three other fans on top. I may or may not. But it did boot up immediately and is running fine. The AIO was a bit of a pain. Basically I did everything wrong. Turns out I should install the fans on it first, then mount it. but I had a few beers so...

I'm gonna assemble my new AM5 build soon, so any tips are appreciated. Including beer recs!

 

[igor_kavinski]

I'm gonna assemble my new AM5 build soon

DON'T make the mistake of trying to do it at the end of the day, thinking it will take an hour at most. I did that with my ADL build. Ended up being more than 4 hours (the case was a pain to work in). Got pretty bad backpain that took a few days to subside.

If something isn't working and you are getting angrier and angrier, take a break or sleep. Come back with a fresh and rested mind. Otherwise, mistakes WILL happen (depending on your luck, smoke and fireworks not guaranteed).

 

[nOOky]

I'm gonna assemble my new AM5 build soon, so any tips are appreciated. Including beer recs!

Someone turned me on to the pc parts picker website where people post pictures of their finished builds. There were plenty that used the same case I did and looking at a few of them helped with ideas.

 

[manly]

Thanks for the tips! I don't think I need to create a separate build thread, so I'll just leave my config here. This isn't the actual case, but the Thermaltake H700 TG isn't in their system. I sorta wish I'd stuck with air cooling, but I got a great deal on an AIO cooler and modern tower coolers look freakishly large.

Besides the listed 980 PRO 2TB, I was lucky enough to get the 990 PRO 4TB EPP deal from Samsung. I'll probably keep both, but not sure yet why I need so much capacity. 🤷‍♂️

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/HMszkJ

 

[nOOky]

I actually like that Corsair case better for airflow and for showing off the RGB fans. In the Corsair you can mount the AIO fans on the top and the radiator below to leave a bit more room in the case above the mobo and to show the fans off better than if they were mounted under the AIO inside the case. My case has tempered glass top so I couldn't do that.

 

[Brainonska511]

Thanks for the tips! I don't think I need to create a separate build thread, so I'll just leave my config here. This isn't the actual case, but the Thermaltake H700 TG isn't in their system. I sorta wish I'd stuck with air cooling, but I got a great deal on an AIO cooler and modern tower coolers look freakishly large.

Besides the listed 980 PRO 2TB, I was lucky enough to get the 990 PRO 4TB EPP deal from Samsung. I'll probably keep both, but not sure yet why I need so much capacity. 🤷‍♂️

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/HMszkJ

I put together a similar part list for my younger brother the other day, except he went with a 7800 XT instead of the 6800. He did stick with air cooling; I believe he was going to use a Thermalright Peerless Assassin. Crazy to see how cool the 7800x3D runs that you can use an air cooler.

 

[manly]

I put together a similar part list for my younger brother the other day, except he went with a 7800 XT instead of the 6800. He did stick with air cooling; I believe he was going to use a Thermalright Peerless Assassin. Crazy to see how cool the 7800x3D runs that you can use an air cooler.

Considering how long I go in between builds (technically I haven't started yet, although all the parts are indeed here), I did want to get the 7800 XT for future proofing. But I couldn't justify the price jump from $370 to $490 (before tax). The only reason I got the AIO is because it was heavily discounted during Prime Big Deals. But I do agree I should have saved $50 by going with an air cooler. If only tower coolers weren't so big and ugly.

The prices in PCPartPicker are all wrong. I think I ultimately splurged a bit and landed at around $1300 all-in (after tax). A touch over budget, but I can live with that. #YOLO

 

[Brainonska511]

Considering how long I go in between builds (technically I haven't started yet, although all the parts are indeed here), I did want to get the 7800 XT for future proofing. But I couldn't justify the price jump from $370 to $490 (before tax). The only reason I got the AIO is because it was heavily discounted during Prime Big Deals. But I do agree I should have saved $50 by going with an air cooler. If only tower coolers weren't so big and ugly.

The prices in PCPartPicker are all wrong. I think I ultimately splurged a bit and landed at around $1300 all-in (after tax). A touch over budget, but I can live with that. #YOLO

Maybe I'm weird, but I kind of like the tower cooler look. Perhaps it's influenced by my current build using a simple black Pure Rock 2. I also like how reliable and flexible they can be: I don't have to worry about pumps breaking or fluid leaking/evaporating, or how/where to mount some huge radiator and route the tubing.

That's fair in the 6800/7800 XT front. For my brother, the main task was saving him from listening to his friends that were telling him to get a Nvidia card, knowing that the cards in that price range are just worse for rasterization performance, and he isn't using RT.

 

[nOOky]

Yea the 7800XT is awesome and probably more future-proof. If you went with the Peerless Assassin you'd be real close to your budget. You could also save a few bucks by going with a 750 watt PSU which would be just fine for your build. I almost got the big air cooler myself, I waffled a bit but went with an AIO just because it's basically cooler looking, not that much better at actual cooling lol. And that CPU is so energy efficient and easy to cool.

You could always lose the 980 Pro and use an older drive for storage until you decide to add more storage again, just my 2 cents.

 

[manly]

Yea the 7800XT is awesome and probably more future-proof. If you went with the Peerless Assassin you'd be real close to your budget. You could also save a few bucks by going with a 750 watt PSU which would be just fine for your build. I almost got the big air cooler myself, I waffled a bit but went with an AIO just because it's basically cooler looking, not that much better at actual cooling lol. And that CPU is so energy efficient and easy to cool.

You could always lose the 980 Pro and use an older drive for storage until you decide to add more storage again, just my 2 cents.

Actually got a great price on a 750W PSU, but just returned it yesterday. On Black Friday, the 850W unit went on sale and I went for the long-term headroom. Newegg made it easy by throwing in a prepaid return label. The net difference was only about $15ish.

Although nothing is final until you build it, I'd picked up the case and AIO in October so I'm not going to go in a different direction as I can't return them. And it's way too much trouble to resell components. Everything is still new in box as of now. Crazy thing about the case is that Thermaltake shipped it from SoCal to Amazon's New Jersey warehouse, which then shipped it to me in SoCal.

Along the same lines, I got really great deals on storage so short of reselling, I don't see myself returning the NVMe drives I picked up:
$71 - 980 PRO 2TB, open box
$170 - 990 PRO 4TB (Samsung EPP less Chase Offers cashback)

If I was penny pinching, I could just send the 4TB drive back to Samsung but I'm just a sucker for deals.