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[Full Build] 4K Gaming PC - 2,750$

Joined
Oct 11, 2013
Messages
119 (0.03/day)
Hi everyone,

Let me begin by apologizing about the amount of RGB you're about to see :p
I am building a new PC for my fiancée, her truly first gaming PC, and she wants it to be a rainbow puke.
Yes, I know it costs more and provides no benefit, but the couch in my living room is a very cold place to sleep in.

Budget
2,750$

Purpose of the build
Pure gaming. 4K @120-240Hz - using the 32" Odyssey Neo G8 4K monitor.
VR games using a Valve Index.
Cyberpunk, Witcher, Assassin's Creed, etc..

Items you need/already have
Please disregard the GPU shown in the build.
Second-hand is not an option since this is a present.
I have bought a 4080 (it sucks for the price, I now know it) because that's all I could get in today's market.
It remains sealed in the box, in my drawer, until the AMD Radeon 7900 XTX is released.
I hope the performance of the new 7900 XTX will be good for its price. If so, I'll be replacing the 4080 with it.

Other than that, everything else is subject to change, depending on your recommendations :)

Overclock or not
No OC will be performed.

Reasons for picking certain parts
CPU Cooler
I am well aware of the Deepcool AK620 / Assassin III being a much better deal for the price.
The problem is they hang over the RAM modules, effectively hiding the RGB RAM modules (remember - couch).
Looks like there aren't that many (good) single-tower coolers with RGB as well, and judging by the table shown here, it's only about 1-3 degrees from the AK620 / Assassin III.
So it isn't a totally useless cooler for the price. Seems like a good single-tower RGB cooler, but I'm open to suggestions.

1669013017547.png
1669013073886.png


Motherboard
I require the following:
  1. WiFi
  2. As many M.2 slots as possible
  3. As many USB ports as possible
  4. Support for 5.1 speakers (Logitech Z906)
The NZXT seems to be ticking all boxes here. The original pick was the Gigabyte Z690 UD AX, but the NZXT just went on sale for 149$ and it seems like a good pick.
I have no prior experience with NZXT motherboards, though.
Open to any other recommendation.

Memory (RAM)
There are a few other modules being sold for ~80-95$, but they are from companies like XPOWER, OLOy & GeIL, which sounds fishy at best.
I assume they are fine, I mean it's just RAM after all, but for 5-15$ I'd probably feel better about buying a product from a more mainstream company.
In addition, other companies make fairly tall RGB RAM sticks, and I prefer keeping them smaller just in case we do decide to go with a dual-tower cooler.
So my options were:
  1. Corsair Vengeance RGB RS 32 GB - 99$
  2. Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32 GB - 99$
  3. Kingston FURY Beast RGB 32 GB - 99$
Since they all cost the same, I went with the RS version just because it looks the nicest and isn't as tall as the Pro model (45mm vs 51mm).
The FURY Beast is much shorter (41.24mm) so I'm still considering it. The Corsair just looks really good. The single-line RGB is so much cleaner.

Case
According to GN, pretty much the best case to buy.
I simply bought the RGB version of it.
Currently own the (very old) Fractal Design Define R4 and I'm very pleased, so I have high expectations from the Torrent.

Power Supply
I've been checking a ton of reviews, especially from cybenetics.
The RM1000e got pretty darn good scores and it's on sale right now.
I guess the only worthwhile upgrade here would be a Super Flower Leadex Platinum SE 1200W, but I am not sure if that's worth the extra 60$ or not.
Was unable to find many reviews of that specific model.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor ($360.76 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AS500 Plus 70.81 CFM CPU Cooler ($69.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: NZXT N5 Z690 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance RGB RS 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: ADATA XPG GAMMIX S70 Blade 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($94.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: Gigabyte GAMING OC GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB Video Card ($1269.00)
Case: Fractal Design Torrent RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($246.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RM1000e 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2421.68
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-11-21 01:37 EST-0500


Phew.. Done.
Thoughts? :)

EDIT:
Updated build based on user recommendations - will be updated whenever I make a change.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-13600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor ($300.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AS500 Plus 70.81 CFM CPU Cooler ($69.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL36 Memory ($159.99 @ Best Buy)
Storage: ADATA XPG GAMMIX S70 Blade 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($94.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: Gigabyte GAMING OC GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB Video Card ($1269.00)
Case: Fractal Design Torrent RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($246.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RM1000e 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2520.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-11-21 03:22 EST-0500
 
Last edited:
i would go with a 13700k or 13700kf and with a DDR5 motherboard
its going to cost a few hundred more but there is performance to be gained with DDR5 platform especially with newer game titles

I only recommend this because you are buying new and i personally would opt for the newer ddr5 memory module and a faster cpu.
 
I would swap the 12700k for the 13600k it's overall better and cheaper. NZXT motherboards are just crappy rebranded low tier asrock boards I'd get somthing better. Otherwise pretty decent build.
 
there is performance to be gained with DDR5
Hmmm...
I heard it's only worth it if you're buying some pretty good DDR5 modules and not some 5600Mhz ones.
Otherwise it would actually damage the performance.
Do you have a good combo in mind?
Also - what exactly is the benefit of going DDR5? Is it really worth the extra 150-200$?

NZXT motherboards are just crappy rebranded low tier asrock
Would you recommend I stick with the original Gigabyte model I had picked?
Or any other specific model?
(Not sure if I should do DDR5 or not)

would swap the 12700k for the 13600k
Done!
 
Would you recommend I stick with the original Gigabyte model I had picked?
Or any other specific model?
(Not sure if I should do DDR5 or not)

On the lower end if going ddr5 there is a slightly cheaper ddr4 version



But I'd really be looking in this general range




Never a good idea to cheap out on the motherboard I think this with a lot of people going with questionable power supplies is a mistake people tend to make trying to cut corners on cost.
 
there a few titles here and there that the perf doesn't change from ddr4 to ddr5
but the ones that do have a big bump in perf


you can have a look at 13700k and the charts have 12700k
i'd personally would jump to the ddr5 platform but thats up to you if you think the price is worth it
 
Never a good idea to cheap out on the motherboard I think this with a lot of people going with questionable power supplies is a mistake people tend to make trying to cut corners on cost.

If you could, very quickly - what exactly is the benefit of that (much) more expensive motherboard?
I don't think I use 1/100th of the features a motherboard uses, so wondering why the recommendation to go all-out on it.
Regarding your specific recommendations, the Prime is white and it kind of destroys the aesthetics of the build, but the TUF Gaming Z690-Plus is a good option if you can tell me why it's better than
any other motherboard out there, like the Gigabyte Z690 UD AX I had originally picked and is ~50$ cheaper.

Also, any issues with getting a 13th-gen CPU with a Z690 if I don't currently own a 12th gen CPU?
Can I use BIOS Flashback to update it without having to install a 12th gen CPU?

perf doesn't change from ddr4 to ddr5
Are you able to tell me when does DDR5 start being worth it?
Meaning, DDR4 3200 CL16 provides roughly the same performance as DDR5 ... ...?
I just want to make sure I don't pick up fairly slow modules which would damage the performance rather than boost it.

EDIT:
Just saw your edit and looked at the charts you mentioned.
Looks like they are using quite good memory modules, 6400Mhz 32C. Those start at 220$ - minimum.
That's definitely pretty expensive..
Would I still gain performance if I go for something like a 5600Mhz 36C? That's ~160$.
 
Last edited:
If you could, very quickly - what exactly is the benefit of that (much) more expensive motherboard?
I don't think I use 1/100th of the features a motherboard uses, so wondering why the recommendation to go all-out on it.
Regarding your specific recommendations, the Prime is white and it kind of destroys the aesthetics of the build, but the TUF Gaming Z690-Plus is a good option if you can tell me why it's better than
any other motherboard out there, like the Gigabyte Z690 UD AX I had originally picked and is ~50$ cheaper.

Also, any issues with getting a 13th-gen CPU with a Z690 if I don't currently own a 12th gen CPU?
Can I use BIOS Flashback to update it without having to install a 12th gen CPU?

Those lower tier boards have crap vrms, crap memory support, and somtimes can't even support the full performance of the cpu without thermal throttling on the vrms. They also tend to have very poor i/o but that's going to depend on your needs. At the end of the day it's your money if you want to invest into a board the manufacturer cut every corner to meet a cerain price that's your call.


As long as the board supports usb flashback you don't have to worry about being able to update the bios the board will be able to do it even without the cpu installed.


If you plan on keeping this platform for a long time 3+ years going ddr5 makes sense even if you grab a mid tier kit now just becuase as times goes on the difference will get larger and larger.
 
Those lower tier boards have crap vrms, crap memory support, and somtimes can't even support the full performance of the cpu without thermal throttling on the vrms. They also tend to have very poor i/o but that's going to depend on your needs. At the end of the day it's your money if you want to invest into a board the manufacturer cut every corner to meet a cerain price that's your call.


As long as the board supports usb flashback you don't have to worry about being able to update the bios the board will be able to do it even without the cpu installed.
Alright, fair points.
For that price - should I just go for Z790?
MSI PRO Z790-A WIFI (279.99$), for example.
Or the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX (249.99$)?
 
Z790 tend to have better memory support so if they're not too much over their Z690 counterparts it's worth doing.
 
Z790 tend to have better memory support so if they're not too much over their Z690 counterparts it's worth doing.
Sounds good to me.
Here's the updated build:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-13600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor ($300.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AS500 Plus 70.81 CFM CPU Cooler ($69.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL36 Memory ($159.99 @ Best Buy)
Storage: ADATA XPG GAMMIX S70 Blade 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($94.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: Gigabyte GAMING OC GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB Video Card ($1269.00)
Case: Fractal Design Torrent RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($246.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RM1000e 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2520.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-11-21 03:22 EST-0500
 
Definitely feel that's an overall better build without increaseing the budget much from your starting list of parts.
 
looks solid

grab some extra fans get that optimum air flow going to keep your pc cool
 
grab some extra fans get that optimum air flow

The Torrent comes pre-installed with x2 180mm at the front and x3 140mm at the bottom.
There's no room for top-mounted fans since the PSU is there.
The only thing I can add is a single 120/140 rear-fan, not sure if adding it would actually do anything.
 
Last edited:
So, firstly, I know we have a great review here at TPU, but i just wanted to highlight the TLDW in this reddit link - 7600X vs 13600KF

Having said that, I know the AMD motherboard might be more expensive, but you did say that your build is only for gaming. Besides being an AMD supporter, I also felt that if system longevity was a thing for you, then going with the AM5 socket, would mean around 3-5 years of upgrades. There are rumors that the next Intel CPUs are going to need a new socket - random website, so basically a new Intel motherboard if you want to upgrade, which would mean going with the 13600K would be EOL for you. If you're mentally ready for an EOL setup, then you might wanna consider an AMD 5800X3D CPU with an x570 motherboard and DDR4 which would be comparatively slightly cheaper (I think).

So, you would need a new CPU, motherboard, and probably different RAM. Also consider that slow DDR5 may not be that much better than quick DDR4, but the 7000 series has a sweet-spot at DDR5 6000, if that is in your budget.

Just my two bits.
 
i just wanted to highlight the TLDW
Appreciate it!

TPU says the 7600X is overall 1% slower at 4K gaming, reddit says it's 2% faster.
I'm going to say it's the same, then.
If the 13600K is 30% faster at productivity as claimed (very vague, though - "productivity"), then it's a better deal anyway.

While it's more power efficient and the percentages seem high, at the end of the day it's only about a 29W difference in gaming.
Even at +100W, it doesn't really matter to me.

I also felt that if system longevity was a thing for you
It is not.
By the time I upgrade her CPU/Motherboard again I can guarantee that both AMD and Intel will have new sockets.
For myself, I'll probably be waiting for the new Intel socket before I upgrade, but regardless I never ever upgraded a CPU without replacing the motherboard as well.
Only replacing the CPU after 1-2 years doesn't really lead to any significant FPS increase, so I never did it..
I only upgrade the GPU, until the CPU becomes a bottleneck and then I replace it + a motherboard as well. Takes about 6 years.

If you're mentally ready for an EOL setup
The entire setup will not really be EOL, only the CPU & motherboard, which I very rarely replace anyway.
I can always add extra DDR5 RAM, which would be faster & cheaper as we go on.
I can always upgrade the GPU, assuming a 1000W PSU would be enough for next-next-gen GPUs.
The RAM sticks themselves are also useful for anything I do in the future.
The CPU cooler isn't EOL, I just need a bracket for whatever new socket launches. I did the same with my Noctua NH-D15.
The case isn't EOL.
The SSD isn't EOL.

sweet-spot at DDR5 6000
At what CL?
DDR5 is pretty expensive right now, unfortunately.
Still, the 5600 CL36 DDR5 is probably the same/better than the 3200 CL16 DDR4 I intended to get.
 
A board and case worth giving a look at.

https://www.newegg.com/gigabyte-z690-aorus-ultra/p/N82E16813145344
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ULTRA $199.99


LIAN LI Lancool III $159.99

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

 
If you are not set on air cooling, your CPU cooler woes could be solved with an AIO. Moar RGB, better temps, unlimited RAM clearance...

Besides that, I have a couple of suggestions: Swap the SSD for a 980 Pro. $5 more and you get a DRAM cache.
DDR5 6000 CL30 seems to be the new "standard performance kit" like DDR4 3200 CL16 was.

I have a couple of suggested builds based on the one you posted, one AMD and one Intel. Feel free to modify as needed.
Intel
AMD

At this point, there is margin of error difference between them. Unless your fiancée does video editing or something like that with sustained all-core loads, there is no need to look at productivity performance. I would tend to the AMD build because you can simply swap for an upcoming X3D model for improved 1% lows. It is up to you though.

Also, the AIO I listed may not have RGB in the pump/block. Feel free to adjust.
 
Wow, okay. You've obviously done more research than me, so I guess you're fine :)

I still have my old AMD Ryzen 1800X system with an ASUS x370 C6H that I use as a backup system, which I will be upgrading with the 5800X3D sometime soon™. So, I kinda like to keep the systems alive as long as possible. Even when it won't be usable as a main or secondary gaming PC, I'll be able to use it for the home-office or home-server use.

Sorry you had to type the long response because of me, hehe.
 
If you are not set on air cooling
Sorry, I am :(
Not into faulty pumps / leaks, she won't be able to handle it.
I have never dealt with AIOs myself so I won't be able to assist her either, and I'm terrified of a potential leak taking the GPU along with it.

GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ULTRA
Why is this better than the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX?
Just because it costs less, or does it have anything different that is worth having?

Sorry you had to type the long response because of me, hehe.
Not at all, it made me think!
I appreciate any input :D
 
I've got a i7 12700K with Z690 Aorus Master motherboard, it has a superior VRM and VRM cooling, upto 5 M.2 NVMe SSD's, also it has a backplate to keep the motherboard from bending.

The Z790 Aorus Master has 4 Sata ports instead of 6 on mine, besides that it supports faster memory if that's what you need.
 
I've been wondering..
Should I also go ahead and just buy a PCIE 5 / ATX 3.0 power supply as well?
The prices are pretty insane, so not sure if it's worth the extra cost or not.
 
Hi everyone,

Let me begin by apologizing about the amount of RGB you're about to see :p
I am building a new PC for my fiancée, her truly first gaming PC, and she wants it to be a rainbow puke.
Yes, I know it costs more and provides no benefit, but the couch in my living room is a very cold place to sleep in.

Budget
2,750$

Purpose of the build
Pure gaming. 4K @120-240Hz - using the 32" Odyssey Neo G8 4K monitor.
VR games using a Valve Index.
Cyberpunk, Witcher, Assassin's Creed, etc..

Items you need/already have
Please disregard the GPU shown in the build.
Second-hand is not an option since this is a present.
I have bought a 4080 (it sucks for the price, I now know it) because that's all I could get in today's market.
It remains sealed in the box, in my drawer, until the AMD Radeon 7900 XTX is released.
I hope the performance of the new 7900 XTX will be good for its price. If so, I'll be replacing the 4080 with it.

Other than that, everything else is subject to change, depending on your recommendations :)

Overclock or not
No OC will be performed.

Reasons for picking certain parts
CPU Cooler
I am well aware of the Deepcool AK620 / Assassin III being a much better deal for the price.
The problem is they hang over the RAM modules, effectively hiding the RGB RAM modules (remember - couch).
Looks like there aren't that many (good) single-tower coolers with RGB as well, and judging by the table shown here, it's only about 1-3 degrees from the AK620 / Assassin III.
So it isn't a totally useless cooler for the price. Seems like a good single-tower RGB cooler, but I'm open to suggestions.

View attachment 271080 View attachment 271081

Motherboard
I require the following:
  1. WiFi
  2. As many M.2 slots as possible
  3. As many USB ports as possible
  4. Support for 5.1 speakers (Logitech Z906)
The NZXT seems to be ticking all boxes here. The original pick was the Gigabyte Z690 UD AX, but the NZXT just went on sale for 149$ and it seems like a good pick.
I have no prior experience with NZXT motherboards, though.
Open to any other recommendation.

Memory (RAM)
There are a few other modules being sold for ~80-95$, but they are from companies like XPOWER, OLOy & GeIL, which sounds fishy at best.
I assume they are fine, I mean it's just RAM after all, but for 5-15$ I'd probably feel better about buying a product from a more mainstream company.
In addition, other companies make fairly tall RGB RAM sticks, and I prefer keeping them smaller just in case we do decide to go with a dual-tower cooler.
So my options were:
  1. Corsair Vengeance RGB RS 32 GB - 99$
  2. Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32 GB - 99$
  3. Kingston FURY Beast RGB 32 GB - 99$
Since they all cost the same, I went with the RS version just because it looks the nicest and isn't as tall as the Pro model (45mm vs 51mm).
The FURY Beast is much shorter (41.24mm) so I'm still considering it. The Corsair just looks really good. The single-line RGB is so much cleaner.

Case
According to GN, pretty much the best case to buy.
I simply bought the RGB version of it.
Currently own the (very old) Fractal Design Define R4 and I'm very pleased, so I have high expectations from the Torrent.

Power Supply
I've been checking a ton of reviews, especially from cybenetics.
The RM1000e got pretty darn good scores and it's on sale right now.
I guess the only worthwhile upgrade here would be a Super Flower Leadex Platinum SE 1200W, but I am not sure if that's worth the extra 60$ or not.
Was unable to find many reviews of that specific model.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor ($360.76 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AS500 Plus 70.81 CFM CPU Cooler ($69.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: NZXT N5 Z690 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance RGB RS 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: ADATA XPG GAMMIX S70 Blade 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($94.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: Gigabyte GAMING OC GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB Video Card ($1269.00)
Case: Fractal Design Torrent RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($246.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RM1000e 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2421.68
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-11-21 01:37 EST-0500


Phew.. Done.
Thoughts? :)

EDIT:
Updated build based on user recommendations - will be updated whenever I make a change.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-13600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor ($300.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool AS500 Plus 70.81 CFM CPU Cooler ($69.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600 CL36 Memory ($159.99 @ Best Buy)
Storage: ADATA XPG GAMMIX S70 Blade 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($94.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: Gigabyte GAMING OC GeForce RTX 4080 16 GB Video Card ($1269.00)
Case: Fractal Design Torrent RGB ATX Mid Tower Case ($246.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair RM1000e 1000 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $2520.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-11-21 03:22 EST-0500
You're already $200 in the hole if you plan on getting rid of the 4080. Guaranteed the price will drop to $1,000 or less as soon as the 7900XTX launches on 14 December. I'd return it now.

I've been wondering..
Should I also go ahead and just buy a PCIE 5 / ATX 3.0 power supply as well?
The prices are pretty insane, so not sure if it's worth the extra cost or not.
Wait for some more options.
 
You've already $200 in the hole if you plan on getting rid of the 4080. Guaranteed the price will drop to $1,000 or less as soon as the 7900XTX launches on 14 December. I'd return it now.
I'm not down a single cent. Return is for the full value of the purchase.
I'll continue waiting for the RTX 7900 XTX before I return it.
 
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