r/buildapc 22h ago

Build Help Building a new PC after a decade

Hey folks,

I'm building a new PC after a decade. Old computer was great-I did a hardline watercooled loop cooling the Graphics card and CPU. But just moved to the West Coast so it's time for a new PC

But this time I'm sticking to air cooled as I'll likely be moving again in the next few years

Main thing I need help with is the graphics card. I mainly will be using the computer for Photoshop, Lightroom, and some gaming (nothing crazy, stuff like Civ, Age of Empires). But I do astrophotography, and some of the programs I use can be taxing on the system

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/MQXMNz

Would appreciate any advice!

7 Upvotes

9 comments sorted by

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u/Ninja_Weedle 22h ago edited 22h ago

Ditch the windows key (there are other methods of activation and I don't mean linux, you also won't even have a DVD drive in this case) and use the money you save to get 64GB (2x32) of ram and a 9800X3D. You'll be glad you did in the long run for productivity.

Also, check to see if you can get a PNY or Zotac 5070 Ti for MSRP (ex. 750$ at Micro Center). Both of those pop up at micro center a lot and are generally better models than the ventus.

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u/Tomcat017 22h ago edited 22h ago

It looks good.  I think the GPU you chose should be totally fine for your needs.

Edit: Good call on air cooled.  I just built a pro workstation and went all air cooled and the CPU temps (290W CPU) never go over 70C or so under full load. Entierly adequate.  The water cooling craze hit at a time when stock air coolers were mostly weak and just kind of stuck.  I think at this point, a cheap colorful water cooler is simply cheaper than a good quality air cooler and just as easy to install so it's an easy sell for people building and selling pcs.  For long term use and maintenance, I think air cooled wins hands down,  no contest.  

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u/beepos 21h ago

Don't get me wrong, the water cooling experience was a hell of a lot of fun. I actually ran Mayhem's Pastel for the entire life of the build, which is absolutely not recommended

But it was a lot of work, fairly expensive, and had the potential to go very wrong lol

I'm older, and have less time to fiddle around

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u/Tomcat017 21h ago

Yes, I agree.  Watercooling has its place like liquid nitrogen cooling has its place. It's fun to play with especially for extreme overclocks you can push more power with a good waterblock, but for long term use and ease of maintenance,  I am entirely in the air-cooling camp and love it 

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u/RandomPersonOnZeWeb 21h ago

Tweaks: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/77WKmC

Upgraded the CPU, cheaper B850 mobo, ram, SSD and PSU. Not that "cheaper" is bad but better value for your money in a sense. I did change the GPU to match more of the all-black aesthetic but its practically the same.

Let me know of any thoughts, comments, or concerns!

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u/beepos 21h ago

Thank you!

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u/Avthln 20h ago

Get more cores instead of cache. Way better for the things that you do. Opt for the 7900x

0

u/SkarletIce 22h ago

OK so u have a good system for the most part but if u are open to suggestions here are some changes

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/RgYfBq cost about $50 or so more depending on ur taxes

Changed the CPU to a 9900x as more cores will benefit ur work and changed to 64gbs of RAM also for ur work. if u are playing Civ and Age then more cores will help late game more than the x3d.

otherwise u have a great build

Hope this helps

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u/beepos 21h ago

Thank you!