Needing Knowledgeable Input On PC Build

[rwbishUP]

So I'm hopefully getting ready to build a new pc. I'm not trying to break the bank or build a super computer. I just want something that will let me play DCS fairly smoothly, for a little while without having to low ball all of the graphics settings. Could someone with pc hardware knowledge take a look at the components I picked out for my build? And, give input on whether or not, I would get pretty reasonable performance in, DCS? Or on what you would suggest changing? I budgeted myself on between $3-$4k, so a 5090 is not in my wheelhouse. This build puts me around $3,400 before I start price comparing and deal shopping. Thanks

 

[speed-of-heat]

if it were me, and your main use case was dcs, i would go with the 9800X3D and an appropriate motherboard, you don't "need" 128GB of ram for DCS , 64Gb is more than enough today... YMMV 

[TimberWolf]

That CPU cooler is way too underpowered for a 14900. You would do better with something like the Noctua NH-D15 or similar sized air cooler or at least a 280mm AIO (but preferably a 360mm). That CPU is a power hog. Alternatively, get a 9800x3d for the cpu.

Four banks of RAM is not ideal, as that often forces you to use default, or at least lower, speeds. Better to use 2 sticks. Do you really need 128GB of RAM?

[rwbishUP]

15 minutes ago, speed-of-heat said:

if it were me, and your main use case was dcs, i would go with the 9800X3D and an appropriate motherboard, you don't "need" 128GB of ram for DCS , 64Gb is more than enough today... YMMV 

Thanks for the input. I was reading posts from other ppl about the 9800X3D. I've had only two AMD based systems and had less than preferable experiences with them, but that was quite a while back. But, if the community is vouching for AMD and having good luck with them. I would be willing to make the switch. DCS is the primary reason for my PC. I do use it for my 3d design work and to play some other titles like, XP12, BeamNG, Ground Branch. I'll go do some comparison of Intel vs AMD architecture on those titles. If I see that AMD cpu gives good results. I'll definitely make the changes and go with it!

[Dragon1-1]

One more thing, you may want to look at a different RAM altogether. I'd go for 64GB of RAM (2x32GB) and aim for CL26 latency. IIRC, latency does more for you than the clock these days. If you're looking to save a bit of money, get a non-RGB kit, too. Unless you're really big on making it look spiffy, it'll just raise costs for no good reason.

In general, for a new build, you want to get two RAM sticks. It'll perform a little better, plus it leaves you some room for upgrading. If you later decide you do need 128GB, you can always buy another, identical pair of sticks. It's not bleeding edge optimal, but it should work.

[rwbishUP]

Thanks again for the useful input @Dragon1-1, @TimberWolf, @speed-of-heat! I'm making the changes right now, and no. I don't care at all about having the rgb mess. I just selected that RAM because it was the first option, lol. I would assume not to have any fancy lighting in my case.

[rwbishUP]

Would you recommend liquid or air cooling for the 9800X3D CPU?

[Dragon1-1]

It's up to you, and will depend on the case you're planning to use. 9800X3D will need a lot of cooling, for water you probably want a 3x120mm radiator, a 2x140mm one is equivalent but rare. Both option require a large case to fit them, especially if you want a top mounter radiator (vastly superior configuration, but with those sizes only possible in very large cases). If going for air, a large heatsink and good case airflow is a must, and that means you'll need a fairly wide case with a lot of fans. Someone else can probably elaborate further on that, I personally use water and plan to keep doing so.

Incidentally, while RGB RAM may raise costs significantly, off-brand RGB fans are not that expensive, and most serious gaming hardware (including both your mobo and GPU) features fancy lighting in some form by default. AIOs commonly have some RGB, as well (these days the fancy ones are the ones with an LCD on the pump). It's neither hard or expensive to make a spiffy-looking rig these days.  

[rwbishUP]

Well, @Dragon1-1, @TimberWolf, @speed-of-heat. This is what I just finished putting together on pc_parts_picker, I use it just to get a basis of my parts. I went with the heavier supply because of my, peripherals. But, I made the changes that you three recommended. And if ya'll think this would yield good performance. Good Lord willing, I'm gonna go ahead and start ordering next week and make me a heck of a comfortable place to sleep on the couch .

 

[rwbishUP]

29 minutes ago, Dragon1-1 said:

It's up to you, and will depend on the case you're planning to use. 9800X3D will need a lot of cooling, for water you probably want a 3x120mm radiator, a 2x140mm one is equivalent but rare. Both option require a large case to fit them, especially if you want a top mounter radiator (vastly superior configuration, but with those sizes only possible in very large cases). If going for air, a large heatsink and good case airflow is a must, and that means you'll need a fairly wide case with a lot of fans. Someone else can probably elaborate further on that, I personally use water and plan to keep doing so.

Incidentally, while RGB RAM may raise costs significantly, off-brand RGB fans are not that expensive, and most serious gaming hardware (including both your mobo and GPU) features fancy lighting in some form by default. AIOs commonly have some RGB, as well (these days the fancy ones are the ones with an LCD on the pump). It's neither hard or expensive to make a spiffy-looking rig these days.  

I got ya. I haven't picked out a case yet. I've only built 1 custom pc, before that I just used prefabbed store bought rigs. I've never been big on aesthetics, just airflow. I really like the big atx case I have now from NZXT. It gives me a lot of open air space and the way I have all my fans routing. It's really efficient when it comes to the airflow circuit. So I'll probably just use it until I get around to picking another one up for my current hardware. I don't overclock, so hopefully the heat won't get out of hand or I'll definitely switch to a water cooled solution. Or I could do an oil filled case like one that was featured on, Linus Tech Tips once.  

[Dragon1-1]

If you've got the airflow, then air cooling will suffice. Water isn't really superior in performance unless you go with some sort of multi-radiator custom setup. There are some configurations where you might see a difference, but with a big, drafty case, cooling the 9800X3D shouldn't be a problem with a sufficiently beefy air cooler. Incidentally, while the X3D CPUs generally aren't much for traditional overclocking, you might want to look into undervolting. Same with the GPU.

Also, one more thing, try to have at least one more fan blowing inwards than outwards. It will tend to create positive pressure inside the case, keeping the dust out to some extent (assuming there's some kind of filter on the intake, of course). The other way around will result in dust being sucked into the case through any openings which don't have a filter.

[Markus77]

Hi,

it doesn't really matter as long as the radiator provides the required cooling capacity. For an AMD Ryzen 7 9800x3d, I would recommend a CPU cooler with a TDP classification of at least 250W. Here, as almost everywhere, more is better. With an air cooler, however, it is essential to ensure that the warm air is removed from the housing and that enough cool air is supplied. Otherwise the fan will start to draw in warm air (which also reduces the efficiency of the cooler) which will then continue to heat up, theoretically until the temperature in the PC case is the same as on the surface of the CPU. This means that the cooling capacity is virtually ZERO. Conclusion: Air cooling only if the warm air is ‘pulled’ out of the housing and sufficient cool air is ‘pushed’ in.

Greetings