PC setup

[BaronVonVaderham]

Apologies if this has already been discussed to death, but I was planning to put together a new PC. It’s been about 15 years since I did so, so there may be considerations for me. 
 

im planning to get an amd7950x cpu, 1000w gold or platinum psu, asus x670e motherboard (I think carbon), artic 420 liquid freezer II cooler, 64gb Ram, 2tb ssd. I’ve not yet decided on a case  might get myself one of those thermaltake th600, if they can deal with the  420 aio cooler  

 I was initially thinking of an rtx3090 or 4080 gpu, but I’m now wondering if an rx7900 xtx would be a better buy. 
later this year I want to get an oculus 3 when they come out. 
 

i also believe the 7950x is prone to getting hot. I think as a standard it’s configured to over click automatically, and I saw some tutorials that allow you to reduce the temp significantly (albeit at a marginal cost of performance). 
 

[LucShep]

The following is my opinion only, and based on recent experience of my own and of friends (dozens of systems built).
So... take it for what it is, consider everybody's opinions.
 

• CPU: AMD AM5 is excelent, but you'll want the newest X3D chips from AMD, not the "regular" ones.
  The 7950X3D is a really great choice but, if this is purely for gaming and not for heavy production work (VMs, video encoding, rendering, etc), then you'll probably be better with the 7800X3D, because it has its benefits.
  The 7800X3D is the one most intended for gaming and is more affordable, has single CCD (so no latency problems) and performs at the top level while using far less power to run. Which, besides the electricity savings, also means it runs cooler, and therefore doesn't require more expensive exhotic cooling (a dual tower air-cooler will do really nice, such as the affordable Phantom Spirit 120 SE), so it allows to simplify things while delivering the best performance. A bit of a "win-win" scenario here.
   
• Motherboard:  Don't overspend on the motherboard, thinking that the higher price ones must be so much better or so more reliable - far from the truth (this is not 2008).
  All manufacturers have now embraced this trend of building them with lots of fancy gimmicks (which most will never use!) and, with that, piling lots of useless crap just to creep prices towards the absurd and getting away with it (motherboards at $550+ ...hilarious!). 
  There are absolutely excelent AM5 motherboards at much lower prices, with everything you'll ever need and more (robust VRMs, good onboard sound, loads of USB and storage ports, good layout, etc), and without spending money that, instead, should be canalized towards other components.
  For best examples, check the MSI MAG X670E Tomahawk WIFI, and the ASRock X670E Steel Legend.
  There are also two ASUS X670E motherboards at similar price but with the BS happening lately, I can not recommend them.
   
• RAM: 64GB of DDR5 RAM, yes that's excelent. But beware of speed and timings (latency), here it's worth spending. For AMD AM5 CPUs, go with DDR5 6000MHz CL30.
  I'd recommend one of these two DDR5 64GB kits from Gskill (these are the same but one has RGB 'bling-bling', the other hasn't):
  - GSKILL Trident Z5 Neo 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5-6000 CL30-40-40-96 1.40V - F5-6000J3040G32GX2-TZ5N (AMD EXPO)
  - GSKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5-6000 CL30-40-40-96 1.40V - F5-6000J3040G32GX2-TZ5NR (AMD EXPO)
   
• GPU (Graphics-card): If it's for VR and for DCS, I suggest to avoid the AMD RX7900 XTX and go instead for the RTX 4080, of which any model is good (so, buy with confidence).  It's not that AMD GPUs are not good, it's just that Nvidia GPUs work better here (DCS VR), more performance, non fussy, far less issues (if any), and therefore Nvidia here is worth the (stupidly high) premium.
   
• Storage: NVMe 2TB is ideal, like you aimed at. AMD AM5 and respective motherboards already support NVMe Gen5 SSD, but I personally don't see yet the benefits for the higher price found on these. Therefore, and for now, I still recommend a NVMe Gen4 SSD.
  I value reliability and speed, therefore I'd always recommend the Samsung 980 Pro (still excelent). On same note, avoid the newer Samsung 990 models (RMAs gallore!). 
  An alternative is the Corsair MP600 Force series if you find 2TB models at discounted prices - fast and durable, no difference in DCS or any other games.
  Avoid any cheaper model that is Dram-less, even if low prices are tempting (only single exception is the WD Black SN770, it's good considering price), especially if you're intending to use Windows and DCS in the same drive.
   
• PSU (Power Supply Unit): Get a ≥ 1000W top rated model from renowned manufacturer, "80+Gold" at the minimum, ATX 3.0 compliant and PCIe 5.0 ready.
  There are two that I got very impressed with, and they're not stupid expensive - the Bequiet! Pure Power 12M 1000W and the MSI MPG A1000G PCIE5.
  That said, if you decide to invest higher on a RTX4090 24GB graphics card (the current top dog!), and while these mentioned PSUs work just fine there as well, perhaps to consider a good 1200W or 1300W PSU wouldn't be a bad move (slight overkill but sure to last reliably, even be used on a following system).
   
• PC Case: This is more complicated to suggest because it depends on personal tastes and desires. Some like huge cases, others prefer medium sized cases. Some like "open bench" style, others may like fancy lightning fully-glass cases, and others like mesh based cases. I'm on the latter group.
  Messed with lots of them in recent times and, IMO, the best balance is found on the Lian Li LANCOOL III. Good build quality and layout, huge airflow, at a reasonable price.

 

Edited May 12, 2023 by LucShep

[BitMaster]

^^This

I would still get 2 drives and split OS and Apps, Games, Data etc..  2x 980Pro or similar. OS doesn't need 2TB, a 1TB is plenty for that.

[BaronVonVaderham]

Thanks  both!

 That’s a lot of information. I’ll do some rechecking based on that. 
 

for info, besides dcs, I’ll also do fs2020 and potentially X-Plane. 
there’s also some work stuff I will soo on the unit, like fusion 360 and Arcadia capella. Fusion can get tricky with 3D models. Capella isn’t power hungry for my own applications. 

[BaronVonVaderham]

I noticed the x670e plus WiFi is 100€ cheaper (excellent tip by the way!), but the 7800x3d is more expensive than the 7950x. however, others also mentioned the latency between the ccd’s, so it’s still a prime choice. 
 

if the 7800x3d is indeed cooler, maybe you have a recommendation for a suitable aio? Originally I wanted to get the artic liquid freezer II 420, for which there are very few cases available. so maybe I can get an aio that fits in the T600 from thermaltake. 
 

still doing research on the gpu. Some claim the drivers have improved, and for vr the vram will be needed. From this perspective maybe the 3090 is an option? (Starts at 1500€).

[LucShep]

 

8 hours ago, BaronVonVaderham said:

I noticed the x670e plus WiFi is 100€ cheaper (excellent tip by the way!), but the 7800x3d is more expensive than the 7950x. however, others also mentioned the latency between the ccd’s, so it’s still a prime choice. 

if the 7800x3d is indeed cooler, maybe you have a recommendation for a suitable aio? Originally I wanted to get the artic liquid freezer II 420, for which there are very few cases available. so maybe I can get an aio that fits in the T600 from thermaltake. 

Something going on with the prices in the places where you're checking them. Where are you located?
The 7800X3D should be found at 500€ (+/-) and the 7950X (non X3D) should be found at 640€ (+/-). 

The 7800X3D is a CPU with 8 cores and 16 threads, single CCD.
The 7950X (non X3D) is a CPU with 16 cores and 32 threads, dual CCD.

The 7950X has double the cores/threads, it is far better for productivity (200%+ better in rendering, for example), while being excelent for gaming too.
But it doesn't have the 3D V-cache of the 7800X3D, which is what makes this one that bit better with games (10% to 20% better, depending on game).

Arctic Liquid Freezer II are excelent AIOs (actually my favorites).
For the 7800X3D, you don't need realy need more than the 240 version of it.
For the 7950 (non X3D), you should better go with either the 280 or 360 versions of it.

You also have the 7950X3D (16c/32t) but that one is quite a bit more expensive (800€) and runs a little hotter - 360 or 420 AIO is definitely a better solution here.

So, yeah, you have to think about what is more important for you, for the given prices and your total budget.  
 

8 hours ago, BaronVonVaderham said:

still doing research on the gpu. Some claim the drivers have improved, and for vr the vram will be needed. From this perspective maybe the 3090 is an option? (Starts at 1500€).

I have a RTX3090 24GB and it's excelent (more so after doing undervolting on it). But, I have to say, the RTX4080 16GB is the superior GPU here.

The RTX4080 has new architecture, is stronger in performance (~25% faster than RTX3090 at 4K and VR) and runs cooler. It also consumes less wattage (over 60W difference) and has better support too (being recent, and over two years newer). The 16GB of VRAM are plenty, even for DCS - and in the unlikely event that it isn't, this is a solution.

I'd only recommend an RTX3090 if buying used (and if in mint condition at 800€ or less) - if so, then it is really worth it!  But if brand new at 1500€, absolutely not.
If buying new, for sure the RTX4080 16GB is the one to get.

Edited April 26, 2023 by LucShep

[BaronVonVaderham]

Thanks! Actually, I got the price from Amazon. When I checked prices on google they were indeed 500€. I’m gonna have to double check the prices for my selected components!

the only real reason I checked Amazon was so I could get it all delivered from Amazon in one go, and a s a prime member, when purchased from them directly, it’s easier to return when there is an issue. Third party sellers on Amazon are a nightmare in my experience, and I don’t trust other online retailers to be better to be honest.

[EightyDuce]

Gotta be careful of Amazon as 3d party sellers can really jack up the prices. Not sure if PartsPicker works outside CONUS, but may be worth checking to get the best pricing. 

[BaronVonVaderham]

On 4/26/2023 at 12:43 AM, EightyDuce said:

Gotta be careful of Amazon as 3d party sellers can really jack up the prices. Not sure if PartsPicker works outside CONUS, but may be worth checking to get the best pricing. 

I’m in Europe, so import duties VAT and shipping would increase the final price to something not better than within the EU. 
I’m actually in Germany right now, and I noticed that Amazon in Germany is more expensive than amazon in the UK. (Or maybe I moved right when the price inflation started …).

 Either way, it pays to shop around

[TheFreshPrince]

For hardware, mindfactory or alternate are usually the shops to go in Germany. Best prices and service. Amazon prices vary a lot. Sometimes it's cheapest, sometimes most expensive. But since the German laws are so protective for customers, there's really no need to be that careful, especially when you combine the payment with paypal and their customer protection.

Edited May 1, 2023 by TheFreshPrince

[BaronVonVaderham]

Question on the cooler, personally I’d like to go for a cooler that’s a bit overkill, to err on the side of caution. 
I also like bigger fans as they are generally quieter. 
soo I was thinking of a 280 liquid freezer II. 

However, I struggle finding suitable cases for that size that I actually like. It’s the same problem as with the 420. 
i was contemplating the T600, but can’t find out if a 280 will fit. 
i tried looking on pangoly, which shows known compatibility, but no such luck. Does this mean I should opt for the louder 360 instead? (Though I guess it could be argued with a 360 there’s more surface and thus the fans can run lower rpm)