Advice for new build gaming PC

[HWSHHZ]

Hello, this is my first topic ever on this website, so sorry if I made mistakes or if things could be more clearly. Also English is not my native language, I will try to answer as best as possible.
I made this topic already on a Dutch techwebsite, so I will copy the text from there to here in English. The short question however is simple: I have made the configuration below what I want to order. Now I would like your advice on what could be done better and so on.

Category	Product
Case	NZXT H7 Flow Black
Motherboard	NZXT N7 B650E Black
CPU	AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (will be replaced later by an X3D version)
CPU cooler	NZXT Kraken Z73
RAM	G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB F5-6000J3038F16GX2-TZ5NR
GPU	AMD Radeon 7900XTX (waiting for AIB)
SSD	WD Black SN770 1TB
PSU	NZXT C1000 Gold V2
Monitor	Alienware AW3423DW
Extra items	NZXT Vertical GPU mounting kit Black NZXT AER RGB 2 140 mm fans Twin & Controller Black

---

---> Text copied from Dutch techsite, where these questions are a requirement to answer <---
What do you want to do with your new system?
Fully focused on gaming at 1440p and 144Hz with everything on ultra. These include games such as BF1, CoD, NFS, Assassin's Creed. No streaming, office work or other things, just pure gaming.

What will the system cost?
No fixed maximum amount, but would like to stay around 3000 to 4000.

Are there any components or peripherals you already have that you want to take with you to your new system?
Have a 5TB HDD laying around that will go back in, don't know the exact model yet. Furthermore, a mouse and keyboard that go with it, and an insignificant box set.

What do you think you need?
For this build I opted for as much NZXT as possible, I am a big fan of their clean look as with this motherboard for example. But if the quality is bad, as well as the PSU and case, I'm happy to change that. Monitor is not sure yet that it will be this one, but it will be a QD-OLED screen anyway, so this one is printed in between as an example.

Do you have any specific (brand) preferences?
As said, I'm a big fan of NZXT and their clean look, but if the quality is disappointing, then rather something else.

Do you have any specific requirements/wishes?
Energy consumption must remain somewhat within the standards, a 4090 video card in principle just not, those prices are no longer about anything. I would also like to keep AMD as the CPU. Also want to be able to handle cable management as best as possible
to suit.

Would also like to mount the GPU vertically, if that is not too much heat or the like. costs .

Are you going to overclock?
No

What do you expect from us?
Advice whether the above combinations are good, and if you know better combinations let me know.

 

[64K]

Looks like a good build to me. You will probably get several years of enjoyment from that rig.

 

[HWSHHZ]

Looks like a good build to me. You will probably get several years of enjoyment from that rig.

Thank you. As for the RAM memory, is this a good set in combination with Ryzen? I'm not quite up to date on the timings of DDR4 compared to DDR5 etc.?

 

[64K]

Thank you. As for the RAM memory, is this a good set in combination with Ryzen? I'm not quite up to date on the timings of DDR4 compared to DDR5 etc.?

That would better be answered by someone familiar with the Ryzen CPU and DDR5 you have chosen.

 

[HWSHHZ]

That would better be answered by someone familiar with the Ryzen CPU and DDR5 you have chosen.

No problem, hope someone else sees this topic

 

[Hyderz]

drop the cpu down to 7600x to save a few dollar since you are gonna get x3d one

 

[FLAXMS]

drop the cpu down to 7600x to save a few dollar since you are gonna get x3d one

As Hyderz said, get a 7600x which will be more than enough for gaming. You'd probably be better off not buying the 7000x3d's series and instead wait for the x3d cpus after that.

 

[Calenhad]

Looks good to me. That ram is designed to work with Ryzen so you should be fine

 

[HWSHHZ]

drop the cpu down to 7600x to save a few dollar since you are gonna get x3d one

Thanks, I saw the review on this site that the 7700X is the best one for gaming, so automatically selected that one. Will look into the performance of the 7600X in comparison with the 7700X.

 

[Count von Schwalbe]

Thanks, I saw the review on this site that the 7700X is the best one for gaming, so automatically selected that one. Will look into the performance of the 7600X in comparison with the 7700X.

About 1-2% less. Margin of error results.

 

[HWSHHZ]

As Hyderz said, get a 7600x which will be more than enough for gaming. You'd probably be better off not buying the 7000x3d's series and instead wait for the x3d cpus after that.

Really curious to see the performance of the X3D version for the 7700X, but they probably won't be released until March or April, and that's taking too long for me.

Looks good to me. That ram is designed to work with Ryzen so you should be fine

Thanks, maybe I will change it to Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5-6000 CL30 (AMD Expo) 2x 16 GB (https://www.techpowerup.com/review/corsair-vengeance-rgb-ddr5-6000-cl30-amd-2x-16-gb/), but both will work without a problem I guess.

 

[GerKNG]

you need a lot more storage (and no HDDs are not acceptable)

 

[HWSHHZ]

About 1-2% less. Margin of error results.
View attachment 270027

That's not much indeed, thanks for the info.

you need a lot more storage (and no HDDs are not acceptable)

What would you suggest?

 

[64K]

With some games needing well over 200 GB of storage and it's only going to increase over time. My next build I plan to use a 4TB SSD like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Inch-Internal-MZ-77E4T0B-AM/dp/B08QBL36GF/ref=sr_1_3?crid=K92XY5B0KQCK&keywords=4tb%2Bssd&qid=1668514567&sprefix=4tb%2Bssd%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-3&th=1

It can be had on a good sale, like right now, for $300

 

[Calenhad]

you need a lot more storage (and no HDDs are not acceptable)

Who are you to decide if hdds are acceptable for op? They work for storage. Just not gaming, os, and more tasks. Dealing in absolutes is just ...

What would you suggest?

Personally I run a 2TB nvme. Leaves more room for games. You could also opt for two nvme drives. Then you can dedicate one to games. either way it would not hurt to get 2TB, or more, ssd storage. Unless you are a very organised gamer and only have a few games installed at the same time. Then 1TB is enough for now, can always install more later

 

[Chrispy_]

If you're waiting for the 7900XTX AIB cards to be available, you're likely not buying this for another 2-3 months or so.

I would advise not overthinking things and put this thread down for now. Re-opening this thread in 2-3 months makes sense as the CPU, motherboard, and GPU situation - as well as its pricing and availability - will likely be different enough to mean that some or all of your component builds are no longer the best performing or best value options. Get up-to-date feedback on what's a good idea closer to the time of buying because "new thing launch window" is always extremely volatile in multiple ways.

 

[HWSHHZ]

With some games needing well over 200 GB of storage and it's only going to increase over time. My next build I plan to use a 4TB SSD like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Inch-Internal-MZ-77E4T0B-AM/dp/B08QBL36GF/ref=sr_1_3?crid=K92XY5B0KQCK&keywords=4tb%2Bssd&qid=1668514567&sprefix=4tb%2Bssd%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-3&th=1

It can be had on a good sale, like right now, for $300

Thanks for the suggestion, I think I will go for the Samsung 980 Pro 2TB (with heatsink), that is an M.2 form factor SSD

Who are you to decide if hdds are acceptable for op? They work for storage. Just not gaming, os, and more tasks. Dealing in absolutes is just ...

Personally I run a 2TB nvme. Leaves more room for games. You could also opt for two nvme drives. Then you can dedicate one to games. either way it would not hurt to get 2TB, or more, ssd storage. Unless you are a very organised gamer and only have a few games installed at the same time. Then 1TB is enough for now, can always install more later

True that, that 5TB HDD is mostly used for clips from games which were automatically recorded by NVIDIA in my previous PC. No games are installed on it.
I think I will go for the Samsung 980 Pro 2TB (with heatsink), that is an M.2 form factor SSD instead of the one that's in the list. I'm not sure if this mobo
supports more SSD installed on the same speed, if you know what I mean...

If you're waiting for the 7900XTX AIB cards to be available, you're likely not buying this for another 2-3 months or so.

I would advise not overthinking things and put this thread down for now. Re-opening this thread in 2-3 months makes sense as the CPU, motherboard, and GPU situation - as well as its pricing and availability - will likely be different enough to mean that some or all of your component builds are no longer the best performing or best value options. Get up-to-date feedback on what's a good idea closer to the time of buying because "new thing launch window" is always extremely volatile in multiple ways.

Good point, but in technology land there is always a wait because there is always something better about to be released.
I'm now at the point where I want to take the plunge and order a computer, a GPU or CPU can easily be replaced somewhere in the middle of next year when the latest products are released. It is not necessary to replace the entire computer for this, the basis is fine, it seems to me.

 

[oxrufiioxo]

Considering this platform could last you upwards of 6 years I'd get a better motherboard. While that mobo you have listed will run any AM5 cpu with ease it's just a rebranded meh Asrock board with an NZXT coat of paint there are decent X670E boards like the asus prime X670E pro that I'd pick over it in the general price range but I'd likely even go beyond that. Maybe somthing like the X670E Strix E/MSI pro carbon

NZXT is fine otherwise but the majority of their stuff is overpriced for what you get the H7 Flow is pretty solid though.

6000 CL30 can be a pita to run properly at 3000/3000/2000 on some boards just make sure you get a board that can easily run at least 32GB of it.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Yeah 870 evo's are cursed

Samsung 870 EVO - Beware, certain batches prone to failure!

Certain 870 EVO 4TB and 2TB drives are affected by early failures where they develop uncorrectable errors and some data just cannot be read from them anymore. This seems to primarily affect drives produced in January/February 2021. For example, i have three 870 EVO 4TB, only one is affected (so...

www.techpowerup.com

 

[Chrispy_]

I'm now at the point where I want to take the plunge and order a computer, a GPU or CPU can easily be replaced somewhere in the middle of next year when the latest products are released. It is not necessary to replace the entire computer for this, the basis is fine, it seems to me.

Gotchya.

If you're buying now I would look at other boards. NZXT boards are based on Asrock platforms and whilst there's nothing wrong with them physically or in terms of design, NZXT have been pretty slow on updating BIOSes because they're reliant on Asrock to do that for them before they re-skin it for their own flair. Given how new the AM5 platform is, and how many BIOS updates there have been already, I would absolutely be sticking to a tier-one OEM like Asus, Asrock, Gigabyte, or MSI for timely and regular BIOS updates. Reviews of their Intel and AM4 boards have been very mixed as they're still obviously trying to find their place in the motherboard market.

If the NZXT B650E board was especially attractive or had standout features, I wouldn't mention it, but it's quite expensive for a very plain-looking board that has no obvious standout features. You can get a plain black B650E board of a higher calibre from any of the tier-one OEMs for the same cost or less, and you can practically guarantee that the support will be better and more frequent. At best, the N7 B650E's support will be as good as Asrock's BIOS support, which I'd probably rank 3rd out of the main four OEMs in terms of BIOS releases. It's fine, if not perfect and I've built, owned, and used many Asrock boards with minimal complaint. Even if NZXT manage to improve on Asrock's BIOSes, you're still looking at an additional wait for that BIOS to go through Asrock first, then NZXT.

For the same money as the rather generic NZXT N7 board you could be buying a ROG Strix, Aorus Master, or MSI Carbon board - and there are even some pretty decent X670 offerings at the $349 asking price of what is essentially a $250 Asrock board with NZXT logos on it and their own graphics in the BIOS. Perhaps there's one specific thing you're after that only the NZXT board offers - No two motherboards ever offer identical feature sets and specs.

If you're sold on the NZXT ecosystem then there's likely nothing wrong with the N7 board you've picked, it's just not my first choice (or even in my top 20 choices). It's also too new to have any solid reviews yet, so we don't really know if it's any good or not. Based on NZXT's track record it will likely be okay but it isn't in my nature to gamble on the unknown when you could just as easily buy something that has been validated and praised in multiple independent reviews instead.

 

[HWSHHZ]

Considering this platform could last you upwards of 6 years I'd get a better motherboard. While that mobo you have listed will run any AM5 cpu with ease it's just a rebranded meh Asrock board with an NZXT coat of paint there are decent X670E boards like the asus prime X670E pro that I'd pick over it in the general price range but I'd likely even go beyond that. Maybe somthing like the X670E Strix E/MSI pro carbon

NZXT is fine otherwise but the majority of their stuff is overpriced for what you get the H7 Flow is pretty solid though.

6000 CL30 can be a pita to run properly at 3000/3000/2000 on some boards just make sure you get a board that can easily run at least 32GB of it.

Hmm I tought this NZXT is a decent motherboard? I really like the simplistic and 'clean' style, which I haven't seen on any other motherboard. Do you have a link to a motherboard you recommend?

About the H7 Flow, is it good enough with the cooling or would you recommend something else?

And about the RAM, what do you mean exactly with 'properly at 3000/3000/2000 on some boards just make sure you get a board that can easily run at least 32GB of it'? I mean this motherboard supports up to 128GB, with the AMD EXPO feature the mobo will tune itself to the optimal settings right?

Hi,
Yeah 870 evo's are cursed

Samsung 870 EVO - Beware, certain batches prone to failure!

Certain 870 EVO 4TB and 2TB drives are affected by early failures where they develop uncorrectable errors and some data just cannot be read from them anymore. This seems to primarily affect drives produced in January/February 2021. For example, i have three 870 EVO 4TB, only one is affected (so...

www.techpowerup.com

Thanks for the headsup, mine will be the 980 Pro so I'm safe I hope

Gotchya.

If you're buying now I would look at other boards. NZXT boards are based on Asrock platforms and whilst there's nothing wrong with them physically or in terms of design, NZXT have been pretty slow on updating BIOSes because they're reliant on Asrock to do that for them before they re-skin it for their own flair. Given how new the AM5 platform is, and how many BIOS updates there have been already, I would absolutely be sticking to a tier-one OEM like Asus, Asrock, Gigabyte, or MSI for timely and regular BIOS updates. Reviews of their Intel and AM4 boards have been very mixed as they're still obviously trying to find their place in the motherboard market.

If the NZXT B650E board was especially attractive or had standout features, I wouldn't mention it, but it's quite expensive for a very plain-looking board that has no obvious standout features. You can get a plain black B650E board of a higher calibre from any of the tier-one OEMs for the same cost or less, and you can practically guarantee that the support will be better and more frequent. At best, the N7 B650E's support will be as good as Asrock's BIOS support, which I'd probably rank 3rd out of the main four OEMs in terms of BIOS releases. It's fine, if not perfect and I've built, owned, and used many Asrock boards with minimal complaint. Even if NZXT manage to improve on Asrock's BIOSes, you're still looking at an additional wait for that BIOS to go through Asrock first, then NZXT.

For the same money as the rather generic NZXT N7 board you could be buying a ROG Strix, Aorus Master, or MSI Carbon board - and there are even some pretty decent X670 offerings at the $349 asking price of what is essentially a $250 Asrock board with NZXT logos on it and their own graphics in the BIOS. Perhaps there's one specific thing you're after that only the NZXT board offers - No two motherboards ever offer identical feature sets and specs.

If you're sold on the NZXT ecosystem then there's likely nothing wrong with the N7 board you've picked, it's just not my first choice (or even in my top 20 choices). It's also too new to have any solid reviews yet, so we don't really know if it's any good or not. Based on NZXT's track record it will likely be okay but it isn't in my nature to gamble on the unknown when you could just as easily buy something that has been validated and praised in multiple independent reviews instead.

Thank you for your detailed response and usefull information, much appreciated!

I'm not stuck in the NZXT ecosystem, currently I don't have a PC at all so nothing to be tied to . I'm a big fan of their simplistic and 'clean' look, so that's why I looked up this mobo.

Do you have a link to a motherboard you would recommend? Is there a mobo with kind of the same 'clean' look?

 

[P4-630]

Thanks for the headsup, mine will be the 980 Pro so I'm safe I hope

980 Pro is fine, a NVMe SSD... (I have one myself)

That post is about SATA SSD's.

 

[HWSHHZ]

980 Pro is fine, a NVMe SSD... (I have one myself)

That post is about SATA SSD's.

Thanks for the clarification!

 

[Chrispy_]

Do you have a link to a motherboard you would recommend? Is there a mobo with kind of the same 'clean' look?

I'm no expert on boards, but I think I'd personally pick the X670 Aorus Elite AX which is mostly black, $60 cheaper than the H7, and has a higher-tier chipset with reasonably good independent and customer reviews alike. If the Zen4 3D-vCache CPUs also don't overclock you won't need crazy high-end VRM design and mad topology for huge overclocks, in which case a solid feature set and high-end chipset with plenty of connectivity would be my first choice. I could be wrong, and Zen4 X3D chips might be great overclockers, but going on what we know at the moment, it's unlikely.

If you can't think of a solid reason why you need X670, one of the best B650 choices you can make is the MSI B650 Carbon WiFi. All you're really giving up over the E variant is PCIe 5.0 on the GPU slot, and by the time PCIe 5.0 is relevant on the GPU side, it's highly likely that AM5 will be end-of-life and you'll be looking at AM6 and Intel 18th gen or something like that. The Carbon WiFi is a simpler board with extremely overbuilt VRM and RAM topology. It's made for overclocks and fast DDR5, so it's quite expensive for what it is, but against the NZXT N7 it still looks very reasonably priced.

 

[ThrashZone]

Thanks for the headsup, mine will be the 980 Pro so I'm safe I hope

Hi,
Yeah that's a good deal for 980 pro 2tb atm so don't delay
I'm wondering myself why I haven't added to cart yet