• Welcome to TechPowerUp Forums, Guest! Please check out our forum guidelines for info related to our community.
  • The forums have been upgraded with support for dark mode. By default it will follow the setting on your system/browser. You may override it by scrolling to the end of the page and clicking the gears icon.

1440p gaming pc.

Don't want to get this thread too side tracked but pretty great.

It's only been two months though but grateful I'm able to do it at a relatively young age and enjoy more time with my family as well as laughing at all the people online arguing over what silicon we are getting less ripped off by lol.

We will see how bored I get once my kid starts pre school which makes all these pc parts look cheap AF :laugh:

OP looks like he's gonna end up getting a super solid build regardless and people are staying pretty civil lol.
yes thank you for all your help and good luck with retirement! As someone who didn't grow up with parents I get really happy when i hear about people getting to settle down and starting a family (properly) I hope it goes well for you.
 
yes thank you for all your help and good luck with retirement! As someone who didn't grow up with parents I get really happy when i hear about people getting to settle down and starting a family (properly) I hope it goes well for you.

Thanks man!!! I appreciate it. I'm about to turn 42 and couldn't be happier I'm currently spending much more money on my other hobbies thankfully they aren't getting the massive price increase we see in tech.

You tend to get very opinionated views and some biases towards certain brands but we are all human and that just comes with the territory. I honestly feel for the most part people try to be as helpful as possible and even though we don't all agree I respect the views of everyone on here.

You really can't go wrong with Zen 4/5 and 50/9000 series gpus except for maybe the 5060ti lol and even it would be fine if the price wasn't ridiculous for what it offers.... don't skimp too much on the psu and you'll be fine.
 
This is just an all around trash gpu generation to need to build with but it is what it is.
This too shall pass.

yeah but i found the 9600x for $200 and the 5070 at $600
The 5070 Ti is the better investment, though.

You made a wise decision by going green.
No UDNA / Xe3 in sight, this year
 
Don't want to get this thread too side tracked but pretty great.
Agreed!

It's only been two months though but grateful I'm able to do it at a relatively young age and enjoy more time with my family as well as laughing at all the people online arguing over what silicon we are getting less ripped off by lol.

Good on you mate - doing it early and enjoying the payoff. I only wish I were anywhere near that level - quite a bit of mileage to go!

Lately, I just see most of these silicon skirmishes as arguments over whose brand of cucumber is superior lol. Too much cucumber and not enough salad is my take.
 
Thanks man!!! I appreciate it. I'm about to turn 42 and couldn't be happier I'm currently spending much more money on my other hobbies thankfully they aren't getting the massive price increase we see in tech.

You tend to get very opinionated views and some biases towards certain brands but we are all human and that just comes with the territory. I honestly feel for the most part people try to be as helpful as possible and even though we don't all agree I respect the views of everyone on here.

You really can't go wrong with Zen 4/5 and 50/9000 series gpus except for maybe the 5060ti lol and even it would be fine if the price wasn't ridiculous for what it offers.... don't skimp too much on the psu and you'll be fine.
yeah tbh this is actually the 3rd build iv done this year, its not my profession but i do list myself on like marketplace as a side hustle (I'm definitely not the best) but i have always loved tech sooo... but yeah i just turned 18 back in march and met my mom so i thought i should treat myself with a little $2000 something and build one for myself. I came here so i could yk make sure i had all my info right before i started bc i don't wanna get done and be disappointed lol.

@oxrufiioxo its really nice to see someone having a good time yk 2025 has not been my year lmao

Sorry if this whole thing is confusing to some of you, i didn't really wanna talk a lot about budget because i just want to treat myself and not worry about money right now. I think that was all the help i needed thank all of you, especially @oxrufiioxo (have a really good retirement) and @dgianstefani (sorry if that was a lot)
 
Op keep this post updated and load up some pics of the build and your finished build we want to see
 
stop praying on this stupid game the GTA VI release is promised like from 2016, I just don't care anymore...

the joke's on you, it seems they don't care either
 
this is 1440 p on my system
 

Attachments

  • Starfield_2025_02_26_17_01_24_399.jpg
    Starfield_2025_02_26_17_01_24_399.jpg
    699.4 KB · Views: 34
  • Star Citizen_2025.04.11-14.38.png
    Star Citizen_2025.04.11-14.38.png
    4.7 MB · Views: 34
  • Star Citizen_2025.04.15-17.46.png
    Star Citizen_2025.04.15-17.46.png
    4.5 MB · Views: 32
  • Star Citizen_2025.04.10-14.58.png
    Star Citizen_2025.04.10-14.58.png
    4.5 MB · Views: 38
  • Star Citizen_2025.04.11-17.00.png
    Star Citizen_2025.04.11-17.00.png
    3.9 MB · Views: 37
  • Starfield_2025_02_27_20_35_18_423.jpg
    Starfield_2025_02_27_20_35_18_423.jpg
    444 KB · Views: 41
  • Starfield_2025_02_27_19_48_54_382.jpg
    Starfield_2025_02_27_19_48_54_382.jpg
    591.2 KB · Views: 35
their price for castrated BS is crazy.
THIS^

A 40 series mid-range was good enough, but now 50 series is pure trash.
This too shall pass.

The 50 SUPER series are expected at CES 2026

UDNA / Xe3 are expected half way through 2026 (Vulcan salute emoji)

2026 is gonna be INSANE <3
 
PSU is the most important part of the build, and can be kept the longest.
Fixed the build.

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/mTF9PJ

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 3.9 GHz 6-Core Processor ($208.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Assassin X Refined SE PLUS 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($19.79 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING B650M-E WIFI Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper Venom 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital WD_BLACK SN7100 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte WINDFORCE OC SFF GeForce RTX 5070 12 GB Video Card ($609.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Lian Li A3-mATX MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: be quiet! Dark Power 13 750 W 80+ Titanium Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($211.23 @ Newegg Sellers)
Total: $1475.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-05-10 19:58 EDT-0400
I'd invest in a top notch one,

true , power supply is the most improtant part of the build and can be kept for longest -
but if i´m thinking long term i would certainly not settle down for a 750w unit ,
these days i would honestly go for a 1 000w unit (850w at minimum)
(even if my current system doesn´t necessarily need it) .
especially when the situation on the market is such that a price difference between good quality 750-850 or even some 1kW units are almost non-existent (negligible) .
and the efficiency of 850w-1kW gold units at 20-80w load improved a lot in the last few years .

dark power 13 750w is not exactly "top notch" (very good unit yes , but there are others that do the same or better job for lower price)
also DP 13 is just too overpriced : $200+ dollars for a 750w is just a no go ...


my picks for OP when it comes to price/performance ratio would be for example
SeaSonic VERTEX GX-1000 80+ Gold (89% efficiency at 10% load)
ADATA XPG Core Reactor II 1000 W 80+ Gold (81% efficiency at 20-80w load)
(that would be a recommendation to someone who lives in the US ,
in my region it would be corsair RMx (2024) since these units are priced competitively here and are available)

both of these units are cheaper and more suited for any future upgrades you might throw at them .

if you don´t want to go too overboard in terms of price you can settle for a 850w good unit: (they exist even around $100-120 price tag)
 
Last edited:
Wouldn't go lower than Platinum, but that's me.
 
Wouldn't go lower than Platinum, but that's me.

There are plenty of better made and longer serving Gold. Platinum is an efficiency metric that is on the order of decades to recoup surplus price through energy costs. It suggests nothing in the way of higher standards of construction or any other facet impactful to use.

So long as OP buys one of the better PSU without overdoing it on wattage. Things will more than likely be just fine. :)
 
There are plenty of better made and longer serving Gold. Platinum is an efficiency metric that is on the order of decades to recoup surplus price through energy costs. It suggests nothing in the way of higher standards of construction or any other facet impactful to use.

So long as OP buys one of the better PSU without overdoing it on wattage. Things will more than likely be just fine. :)
To each, their own :toast:
 
true , power supply is the most improtant part of the build and can be kept for longest -
but if i´m thinking long term i would certainly not settle down for a 750w unit ,
these days i would honestly go for a 1 000w unit (850w at minimum)
(even if my current system doesn´t necessarily need it) .
especially when the situation on the market is such that a price difference between good quality 750-850 or even some 1kW units are almost non-existent (negligible) .
and the efficiency of 850w-1kW gold units at 20-80w load improved a lot in the last few years .

dark power 13 750w is not exactly "top notch" (very good unit yes , but there are others that do the same or better job for lower price)
also DP 13 is just too overpriced : $200+ dollars for a 750w is just a no go ...


my picks for OP when it comes to price/performance ratio would be for example
SeaSonic VERTEX GX-1000 80+ Gold (89% efficiency at 10% load)
ADATA XPG Core Reactor II 1000 W 80+ Gold (81% efficiency at 20-80w load)
(that would be a recommendation to someone who lives in the US ,
in my region it would be corsair RMx (2024) since these units are priced competitively here and are available)

both of these units are cheaper and more suited for any future upgrades you might throw at them .

if you don´t want to go too overboard in terms of price you can settle for a 850w good unit: (they exist even around $100-120 price tag)
well, if you compare GOOD REPUTABLE 750 and 850 - maybe, "difference" is "minor". But, holy s., why the hell you need 1kW? To plug in welding electrodes from 12V HPWR?
750 is "good", "850" is "absolute max" for any HIGH END gaming pc, without stupidly going "ALL MAX", like, you don't need **90 series GPU for GAMING and CPU 9 series.:rolleyes:
 
well, if you compare GOOD REPUTABLE 750 and 850 - maybe, "difference" is "minor". But, holy s., why the hell you need 1kW? To plug in welding electrodes from 12V HPWR?
750 is "good", "850" is "absolute max" for any HIGH END gaming pc, without stupidly going "ALL MAX", like, you don't need **90 series GPU for GAMING and CPU 9 series.:rolleyes:
why not ?
maybe in a few years OP will want to try the old high end (or the new one for that matter) ,
it´s not like good 1kW units cost $300 these days (well some do but not all)
and it will also not cost him more on an electric bill
(literally few dollars annually for a bit lower efficiency at low loads, but even still units that i have suggested are still above 80% even when the system is almost idle)

just for the record i used to be an advocate for low wattage good power supplies
you are talking to a guy who was powering an overclocked phenom 965 and radeon 6850 with a seasonic G 360w back in the day .
but the market was different , these days you can barelly find any good 550w units on the market and the 650/750w good gold units cost virtually the same as 850w ones .
and with new power hungry video cards and the way prices are on the market there is no reason to go lower than 850w so why not 1kW if the efficiency is good and the price is right?! ...
that way you can plug in anything you want in the future without ever needing to wonder if the unit can handle it (keep in mind most power supplies are degrading with time so
brand new unit can handle 850w or even 1kW load short term but that may not be the case 5 years down the line when you finally decide to upgrade your processor and video card) ...

Wouldn't go lower than Platinum, but that's me.
this over fixation with efficiency is pointless - not to mention many brands "cheat" to get that certificate (only pass for platinum in certain specific areas/scenarios)
real reviews than unveil that even some gold units are virtually "platinum" and some platinum units should maybe be gold
or that some bronze units could pass for gold with just a bit of tweaking .
again it is not like it is saving you tons of money on the bill - we are talking literal pennies monthly here ...

the most important things are the quality of components and longevity not efficiency .
when it comes to efficiency the differences between great units in 2025 are truly negligible .
(some brand may use lower quality components but focus on high effiency from the engineering stand point as the selling point of their unit , but that will only hold when the unit is new ,
one or two years after usage this unit may degrade to gold or even bronze if the components are not good enough)
also platinum and titanium units usually cost premium price so anything you would save on an electric bill in the next 10 years is basically negated right off the bat .
 
Last edited:
Fixed the build.

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/mTF9PJ

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 3.9 GHz 6-Core Processor ($208.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Assassin X Refined SE PLUS 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($19.79 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING B650M-E WIFI Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper Venom 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital WD_BLACK SN7100 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte WINDFORCE OC SFF GeForce RTX 5070 12 GB Video Card ($609.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Lian Li A3-mATX MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: be quiet! Dark Power 13 750 W 80+ Titanium Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($211.23 @ Newegg Sellers)
Total: $1475.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-05-10 19:58 EDT-0400
Looks good but I"d totally swap the 5070 out. Its a weak GPU for its money.

Also I doubt you'll still find all those parts at specified prices. Already heard many people not finding Lian LI A3's at 70 bucks. They're going to 90+....
Can seriously recommend the case to build in though. Its fantastic & high quality.

Wouldn't go lower than Platinum, but that's me.
So you can save what, 10kw over a year compared to a Gold? If its even that. Efficiency is bullshit. Rather, just turn your rig off when you don't use it. The vast majority of energy is wasted in idle and during load, you'll probably be hard pressed to find a difference in energy draw.

So long as OP buys one of the better PSU without overdoing it on wattage. Things will more than likely be just fine. :)
Define 'overdoing'... I don't think its a bad idea to have a good 30-40% headroom on a PSU relative to your typical usage for the PC. It'll save you an upgrade going forward, as its clear as day systems keep guzzling more power, especially if they contain a GPU. Then there are the transient spikes. If you can get a hundred or two extra watts in your quality PSU for $10 or 20 bucks... its a no brainer to me.
 
Last edited:
Fixed the build.

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/mTF9PJ

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 3.9 GHz 6-Core Processor ($208.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Assassin X Refined SE PLUS 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($19.79 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING B650M-E WIFI Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper Venom 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital WD_BLACK SN7100 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte WINDFORCE OC SFF GeForce RTX 5070 12 GB Video Card ($609.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Lian Li A3-mATX MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: be quiet! Dark Power 13 750 W 80+ Titanium Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($211.23 @ Newegg Sellers)
Total: $1475.96
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-05-10 19:58 EDT-0400

That SSD dude, it got HMB cache I wouldn't with it, I rather find one with dedicated cache because the more you fill up a HMB drive the slower it gets there is a reason why HMB drives usually are cheaper even they can be faster.

SN7100 Specs: https://www.techpowerup.com/ssd-specs/western-digital-sn7100-2-tb.d2256

Just keep in mind what I said about SSD's without cache and make sure you have a good amount of space free on the drive if you don't want performance to go down some go download lower than sata ssd speeds when they are filled up.

So if you want a high speed find a gen5 with dram cache.


Prices for cards in the states are going up and down a lot I can see now the cheapest Powercolor RX 9070 Hellhound is like 700 bucks and the XT version is 800 bucks :banghead:

I guess it's right moment is to pull the trigger when the price is good.
 
That SSD dude, it got HMB cache I wouldn't with it, I rather find one with dedicated cache because the more you fill up a HMB drive the slower it gets there is a reason why HMB drives usually are cheaper even they can be faster.

SN7100 Specs: https://www.techpowerup.com/ssd-specs/western-digital-sn7100-2-tb.d2256

Just keep in mind what I said about SSD's without cache and make sure you have a good amount of space free on the drive if you don't want performance to go down some go download lower than sata ssd speeds when they are filled up.

So if you want a high speed find a gen5 with dram cache.


Prices for cards in the states are going up and down a lot I can see now the cheapest Powercolor RX 9070 Hellhound is like 700 bucks and the XT version is 800 bucks :banghead:

I guess it's right moment is to pull the trigger when the price is good.
Grab a Lexar NM790. Excellent drive
 
That SSD dude, it got HMB cache I wouldn't with it, I rather find one with dedicated cache because the more you fill up a HMB drive the slower it gets there is a reason why HMB drives usually are cheaper even they can be faster.

SN7100 Specs: https://www.techpowerup.com/ssd-specs/western-digital-sn7100-2-tb.d2256

Just keep in mind what I said about SSD's without cache and make sure you have a good amount of space free on the drive if you don't want performance to go down some go download lower than sata ssd speeds when they are filled up.

So if you want a high speed find a gen5 with dram cache.


Prices for cards in the states are going up and down a lot I can see now the cheapest Powercolor RX 9070 Hellhound is like 700 bucks and the XT version is 800 bucks :banghead:

I guess it's right moment is to pull the trigger when the price is good.

The more you fill up any drive the slower it gets, besides Optane.
 
Last edited:
Oh nice its just a rebadged SN770. Definitely also in the picture then
 
Oh nice its just a rebadged SN770. Definitely also in the picture then
It's 6% faster than SN770 with different hardware.
 
Grab a Lexar NM790. Excellent drive

It's still a HMB cache drive, all I am saying is be careful, Nada from Tech Testers have done tests of even Kingston's NV nvme drives and shown that it can be a problem with data speed the more you fill up the drive.

I don't say avoid, I say think about it and for OS the dram cache is great things are running smoother sometimes even I can feel that using a Gen3 drive with 2GB of cache even the space is only 1TB it holds transfer, install speeds and such higher than one with only 1GB dram cache.
 
Back
Top