Personal gaming build advice

This build will cost way more than $3000. You know that right? You're already over $2500 without the 3080 Ti which is another $1.6k+. You're looking at $4100+ for this build.

What are your goals for the new PC? What games do you want to play? What's your target graphics settings?

Really though the Geforce 3080 Ti will let you play any game without issue that you throw at it.
I didn't realize the Asus ROG STRIX Z690-A doesn't support DDR5 RAM. If you're spending $3k for top of the line then why not go for DDR5 RAM support as well?
Where's your monitor? Might as well get a 144hz or 165hz monitor to go with the new PC.
Where's your keyboard and mouse?

heyyyyy buddy. Tell us where you purchased a 3080 for $0.00 and friend for life!

This is a crazy build the type I'd fantasize about building, but would never do in real life.
Are you actually going to buy all these parts from different vendors? After shipping it might be better to get from 1 or 2 sources


Spending 380$ on that AIO is silly.
You're paying a huge markup for "bling".
Get a D15 or stretch your budget out a bit and go full custom watercooling with a full cover block for your 3080ti.

What's the point of a silent CPU if you GPU is going to loud AF.

You chose some super slow memory too. 3200CL16?
That's 2019 speeds

Some comments:

1) 9 fans? + a watercooler for the CPU... I think that's overkill.
2) if you are getting 4x8 memory, there are alot better deals out there. Buying 2 sets of 16gb will be cheaper
3) For your build, why wouldn't you want to get 2TB?
4) Do you really need 1000W PSU?

NOTE TO OTHERS: he is reusing his 3080 based on his post.

Mulder and Scully wrote: ↑ I didn't realize the Asus ROG STRIX Z690-A doesn't support DDR5 RAM.

There are two versions of that board. One version is DDR4 and the other is DDR5

Thanks for the responses all, it's exactly what I am looking for

bobohobo2kx wrote: ↑This build will cost way more than $3000. You know that right? You're already over $2500 without the 3080 Ti which is another $1.6k+. You're looking at $4100+ for this build.

As stated in my original post, I already have the card and using it now. I will transfer it to my new PC once built.

Mulder and Scully wrote: ↑What are your goals for the new PC? What games do you want to play? What's your target graphics settings?

Really though the Geforce 3080 Ti will let you play any game without issue that you throw at it.
I didn't realize the Asus ROG STRIX Z690-A doesn't support DDR5 RAM. If you're spending $3k for top of the line then why not go for DDR5 RAM support as well?
Where's your monitor? Might as well get a 144hz or 165hz monitor to go with the new PC.
Where's your keyboard and mouse?

Good questions, thanks. I generally try to push for high framerates, I play on an ultrawide 3440X1440 monitor (alienware AW3420DW, 120hz), and will upgrade to that new Dell/Alienware OLED monitor this year, I think it's 175 hz. I have a keyboard and mouse already that I will transfer over to the new build.

I went DDR4 because of a few reasons. Everywhere I have read said that DDR5 isn't that mature yet, and that good DDR4 sticks come close. Plus DDR5 is really hard to find, and when I do find it it's like 500 bucks. I don't have that kind of money lol.

PerformingAzura wrote: ↑This is a crazy build the type I'd fantasize about building, but would never do in real life.
Are you actually going to buy all these parts from different vendors? After shipping it might be better to get from 1 or 2 sources


Spending 380$ on that AIO is silly.
You're paying a huge markup for "bling".
Get a D15 or stretch your budget out a bit and go full custom watercooling with a full cover block for your 3080ti.

What's the point of a silent CPU if you GPU is going to loud AF.

You chose some super slow memory too. 3200CL16?
That's 2019 speeds

Honestly will try a custom loop in my next build, but not this one. This will be my first with an AIO, I went with fans in everything else prior, so I just want to see how I like it or not.

TBH, I chose that AIO for the bling, but I actually like the EK-AIO 360 D-RGB, and it's like 150 bucks cheaper. I might go with that instead to save some money and get a better cooler while doing so.

What RAM should I be aiming for? CL18 3600?

ChibaK wrote: ↑Some comments:

1) 9 fans? + a watercooler for the CPU... I think that's overkill.
2) if you are getting 4x8 memory, there are alot better deals out there. Buying 2 sets of 16gb will be cheaper
3) For your build, why wouldn't you want to get 2TB?
4) Do you really need 1000W PSU?

NOTE TO OTHERS: he is reusing his 3080 based on his post.

1) 9 fans? + a watercooler for the CPU... I think that's overkill.
Yes it is, but the case I want doesn't seem to have the best cooling setup, it's surrounded by glass. The fans are mostly for the RGB, but I can cut down to 6. I kinda want to have the air pushed in through the bottom of the case and through the top, like a chimney. Dunno if it that makes sense.

2) if you are getting 4x8 memory, there are alot better deals out there. Buying 2 sets of 16gb will be cheaper
Yeah, I don't know what ram to get yet, but I will do that instead, thank you

3) For your build, why wouldn't you want to get 2TB?
That will be a windows+programs only nvme, I have 3 other NVME drives that I will be bringing over from my other system. I'm then giving that system to my sister for her schoolwork

4) Do you really need 1000W PSU?
No, from what I seen and have calculated, I can get away with 800. But the new GPUs are rumoured to have stupid power requirements, which I fully believe are not true, but might as well get some headroom while I have the chance.

Nyl wrote: ↑ Honestly will try a custom loop in my next build, but not this one. This will be my first with an AIO, I went with fans in everything else prior, so I just want to see how I like it or not.

TBH, I chose that AIO for the bling, but I actually like the EK-AIO 360 D-RGB, and it's like 150 bucks cheaper. I might go with that instead to save some money and get a better cooler while doing so.

What RAM should I be aiming for? CL18 3600?

CL16 3600Mhz and
CL14 3200
are the new standards for budget fast ram.

CL18 3600Mhz and
CL16 3200MHz are old stock.

(The older RAM isn't bad, but given your budget, I don't see why you wouldn't spend a bit more)


Deals in the past: amazon-ca-32gb-ddr4-3600mhz-cl16-ram-me ... 9-2466419/
amazon-ca-crucial-ballistix-3600-mhz-dd ... 9-2526613/

Nyl wrote: ↑ As usual, when I build a new PC I get advice from everywhere to see if there are things I can do better, or things I am missing. I am soliciting advice from anyone here in regards to the below build.

I have $3000 budget, and I already have a video card so it is not counted into the budget. Here are the parts I have settled on so far (plus RGB, gonna try it this time and I know a lot of money is sunk ito it):

CPU: Intel Core i7-12700KF 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor ($520.65 @ iSanek)
CPU Cooler: Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE LCD 58.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($379.99 @ Corsair)
Motherboard: Asus ROG STRIX Z690-A GAMING WIFI D4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($473.53 @ Vuugo)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32 GB (4 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($242.95 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($159.99 @ Best Buy Canada)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti 12 GB FTW3 ULTRA GAMING Video Card (Purchased For $0.00)
Case: Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: Corsair HX Platinum 1000 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($263.80 @ iSanek)
Case Fan: Corsair iCUE QL120 41.8 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack ($133.98 @ Best Buy Canada)
Case Fan: Corsair iCUE QL120 41.8 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack ($133.98 @ Best Buy Canada)
Case Fan: Corsair iCUE QL120 41.8 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack ($133.98 @ Best Buy Canada)
Custom: NZXT Internal USB Port Expansion Kit, Black (AC-IUSBH-M1)
Custom: Corsair Fan Controller Commander Pro (CL-9011110-WW) ($79.99 @ Corsair)
Total: $2648.67
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-03-01 08:58 EST-0500

Looking for any suggestions/advice.

I know DDR5 is expensive and hard to get, but you can get it in a bundle. If you add up the price of that DDR4 motherboard ($473.53) and 32GB of DDR4 memory ($242.95) you get a pre-tax total of $716.48

For that price, you're better off getting a DDR5 motherboard + DDR5 RAM bundle for literally $100-200 more on your budget and you're not even breaking the bank. Literally $100-200 to go high end and skip DDR4 altogether.

(ME) Asus PRIME Z690-A Motherboard Bundle w/ Corsair Vengeance 32GB DDR5 5600MHz CL36 Dual Channel RAM Kit - $790
https://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/BDL_MM00002064

(ME) Asus ROG STRIX Z690-F GAMING WI-FI Motherboard Bundle w/ Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB DDR5-5600 Dual Channel RAM Kit - $949
https://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/BDL_MM00002062

(CC) ASUS ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming WiFi Motherboard + XPG Lancer 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 5200MHz C38 Black 1.25V Desktop Memory - $740
https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=&item_id=215089

(CC) ASUS ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming WiFi Motherboard + XPG Lancer RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 6000MHz C40 Black Desktop Memory - $830
https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=&item_id=215088

You can also shave some money buy going with a NZXT Kraken X73 RGB 360mm $200
https://www.amazon.ca/NZXT-Kraken-X73-Liquid-Cooler/dp/B082DYKB1F

Or if you really really want RGB NZXT Kraken X73 RGB 360mm - RL-KRX73-R1 - AIO RG -$240
https://www.amazon.ca/NZXT-Kraken-X73-R ... WQW9&psc=1

Or the Corsair iCUE H150i RGB PRO XT, 360mm Radiator is $220
https://www.amazon.ca/Corsair-Radiator-Advanced-Lighting-Software/dp/B0829S536D/ref=pd_lpo_3?pd_rd_i=B0829S536D&psc=1

Get a Corsair case.

heyyahblah wrote: ↑ I know DDR5 is expensive and hard to get, but you can get it in a bundle. If you add up the price of that DDR4 motherboard ($473.53) and 32GB of DDR4 memory ($242.95) you get a pre-tax total of $716.48

For that price, you're better off getting a DDR5 motherboard + DDR5 RAM bundle for literally $100-200 more on your budget and you're not even breaking the bank. Literally $100-200 to go high end and skip DDR4 altogether.

(ME) Asus ROG STRIX Z690-F GAMING WI-FI Motherboard Bundle w/ Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB DDR5-5600 Dual Channel RAM Kit - $949
https://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/BDL_MM00002062

Thanks, I am really glad I posted here, got the best advice. I will trim one set of fans and change the AIO to EK 360 that I was eyeing before, saving around 300 and putting that instead into the above MB and RAM set. Didn't take into account combos before.

As soon as I can get the case I'll start building. Think it's about time to start ordering parts.

carmaster wrote: ↑ Get a Corsair case.

Why?

You could also opt for the Corsair H150i elite capellix that does not have the LCD which costs $220 https://www.amazon.ca/Corsair-CAPELLIX- ... B08G1Q3GZR

It comes with 3 RGB fans and a commander core. I have the regular 011 dynamic and similar setup. You can get away with using the commander core, 1 of the lighting hubs from the fan packs and just buy a fan hub for like $10 instead of buying the commander pro. That will save you $140.00 on the cooler and $80 from the commander pro. Personally, I would suggest if you're going mainly corsair fans to go with a corsair cooler. It's easier to sync up lighting and control etc if everything is running through the same software. I had debated on getting the EK AIO as well but opted for the elite capellix instead in order to sync everything.

Nyl wrote: ↑ 1) 9 fans? + a watercooler for the CPU... I think that's overkill.
Yes it is, but the case I want doesn't seem to have the best cooling setup, it's surrounded by glass. The fans are mostly for the RGB, but I can cut down to 6. I kinda want to have the air pushed in through the bottom of the case and through the top, like a chimney. Dunno if it that makes sense.

Something that stuck out to me with this, are you sure you want your air intake on the bottom? Not sure where you plan on placing the tower, but air intakes on the bottom generally end up with more dust particles either getting into your fans, or clogging up a filter you install over the fans.

Biskuits wrote: ↑ Something that stuck out to me with this, are you sure you want your air intake on the bottom? Not sure where you plan on placing the tower, but air intakes on the bottom generally end up with more dust particles either getting into your fans, or clogging up a filter you install over the fans.

Yeah, when deciding my case I watched this video which suggested bottom intakes + side intakes would be good. My case will be elevated on my desk otherwise I wouldn't spend so much money on RGB.

My current PC is almost RGB less, wanted to try something different this time.

AIO is only worth it if you want to do really high OC. I mean if you are spending that much money now. Mind as well add more to get custom liquid down. It will be much better and look a lot better as well.

I just briefly sped through the video. Although it's giving you decent information on air flow and temperatures, it doesn't say much about long term un-maintained usage.

My thought here is that over a period of a few months without cleaning out the fans, you'll start getting significantly more dust if you are utilizing a bottom intake given that the dust will settle around the table surface.

If you plan on cleaning out your fans every few weeks / months, then no problem, but for me personally it's too much of a hassle. I use a front intake, rear output strictly for simplicity, and have a magnetic dust filter attached to the front and just wipe it with a swiffer duster every so often. 2 years and I haven't had to open up the case to clean the fans at all.

It's overkill with the performance/$.

if must AIO then get one with copper radiator I think that some of Alphacool models have them - don't choose them based on bling factor
It will not challenge "open loop" but will be better then regular AIO , and regular AIO only a bit better than air cooler

Nyl wrote: ↑ Thanks, I am really glad I posted here, got the best advice. I will trim one set of fans and change the AIO to EK 360 that I was eyeing before, saving around 300 and putting that instead into the above MB and RAM set. Didn't take into account combos before.

As soon as I can get the case I'll start building. Think it's about time to start ordering parts.

They pulled the bundles because ME, CC and Newegg just got a ton of DDR5 in a variety of speeds and prices. 32GB DDR5 5200MHz for as low as $339. So now you can pick any DDR5 motherboard you want. Skip the D4 boards, go right to D5.