# Critique this PC build **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** computer-hardware\ **Created:** [January 12, 2023, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106 "2023-01-12T16:12:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2023, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/61 "2023-01-25T02:35:07Z")
Appreciate the input folks. Still would like to know about if it could handle MSFS adequately. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2023, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/62 "2023-01-25T02:39:30Z")
I think the GX 7610 would do fine. MSFS likes the better Intel CPUs. That has an i7-12700 which I think will do well. Maybe 50-60(ish) FPS. Depends but ballpark. I have an i9 9900KF CPU and it runs MSFS really well. ---
**Author:** ![Palooka](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/palooka/32/2902_2.png) [@Palooka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palooka)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2023, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/63 "2023-01-25T02:42:46Z")
That PC is like 50% faster than the one I had when Flight Simulator came out and my old PC crushed Flight Simulator. You don’t even need the extra RAM if you don’t want to spend more. ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2023, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/64 "2023-01-25T03:50:30Z")
Awesome. Will tweak and customize it some more tomorrow gang. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2023, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/65 "2023-01-25T05:04:51Z")
I tried putting together a build-your-own for comparison, but even making sacrifices the lowest I could get it down to was $1200. The $1000 system @Jophiel linked looks like a winner to me. EDIT: In fairness, the prebuilt comes with stock cooler, while I budgeted $90 for a dark rock pro 4. So it’s more like $1090 vs $1194. Plus I penciled in a 1 TB drive; don’t love 500 GB. Here’s the [pcpartpicker list](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/sGvcKp) if you want to take a look. I personally am not a fan of the Micro ATX motherboard in a regular ATX case, but getting a full size motherboard adds like $70. Also don’t love the video card model; Amazon reviews agree that coil whine is an issue with the PowerColor Fighter 6700 XT. Would prefer to spend $40 more on the Sapphire Pulse. But I could “would prefer” another $400 onto the parts list without breaking a sweat. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2023, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/66 "2023-01-25T05:29:38Z")
> [@EllisDee](#): > > Amazon reviews agree that coil whine is an issue with the PowerColor Fighter 6700 XT To be clear, this isn’t the card in the Cyberpower machine but rather the cheapest you found to price-compare, right? I’d think that even if you could select parts for slightly under the cost of a prebuilt, the value in having it arrive ready to go and having a single-source warranty more than makes up the difference for some people. I enjoy PC building but a lot of other people are a lot less excited by the idea. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2023, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/67 "2023-01-25T05:31:17Z")
> [@Jophiel](#): > > To be clear, this isn’t the card in the Cyberpower machine but rather the cheapest you found to price-compare, right? Correct. All my brand-specific comments are about the parts I found on PCpartpicker. I don’t actually know what brands the prebuilt comes with. And when I say I already made sacrifices to get the parts list down to $1200, I mean things like only a single M.2 slot on the tiny motherboard. Real bummers. ---
**Author:** ![Raza](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raza/32/213_2.png) [@Raza](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raza)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2023, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/68 "2023-01-26T17:06:08Z")
A couple weeks ago I completed my new build, going FROM: Corsair Vengeance case i8700K, 16 Gb RAM 750w gold Seasonic PSU EVGA RTX 2060 GPU TO: Lian Lia 216 case i12900K, 32 Gb RAM (but DDR4) 850w platinum ASUS PSU —still the same GPU My most played game, which stresses both CPU and GPU, is MS Flight Simulator 2020. I must say I feel lucky, because even in my old build flying a 737 with a mix of High and Ultra settings I’d get ~45 fps in cruise, which is perfectly fine. Now, with the new CPU, I get ~47 fps in cruise, so surprisingly no significant improvement (but I have done no overclocking at all, whereas I had slightly overclocked the 8700, and MSFS is notoriously single-threaded). Last night I made the ultimate sacrifice: I reserved a 4070 ti from MicroCenter at MSRP. It was one of my target cards (I was also considering AMD), and while I was content to wait on the release of the 4070 for a more palatable price, it would come with a commiserate reduction in performance. And, I hope to retire in a few months, so I might as well bank that new GPU now while I can easily afford it. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2023, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/69 "2023-01-26T20:26:56Z")
> [@Raza](#): > > Lian Lia 216 case How is this case? When putting together that defunct parts list a couple posts up, I was looking for a case that was reasonably priced, very nice, and on the smaller side. Not mini or micro, but compact. The 216 – which I had never heard of before – was slightly wider than my ideal but otherwise seemed excellent. My hypothetical build also got seduced by the 160 mm fans on the front. What are your impressions after building in it and now having it set up? How are those novelty fans? (heh) EDIT: Clicking that partspicker list now shows no price available for the 216, but it was purchasable at around $100 two days ago when I posted it. ---
**Author:** ![Raza](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raza/32/213_2.png) [@Raza](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raza)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2023, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/70 "2023-01-26T20:58:26Z")
I ordered my 216 via Amazon about 5 weeks ago; there were other sites with it, all similar prices, but I chose the Amazon route, though I don’t think they were the seller. I DID have to wait about 2-3 weeks to receive it, but it was December, with all the shipping craziness that goes on at that time. The reasons I chose it, and it has definitely lived up to the hopes: - capacity: it’s smaller in some was than my Corsair C70, but wider and trades a dedicated full-size drive bay for the front fans. It can take up to a 360mm water cooler with several different mounting positions; I chose a 240mm Arctic Liquid Freezer II and very happy with it, and had no trouble fitting it (just a _tiny_ bit close on one edge of the RAM sticks). - reputation: Lian Li has a long history of well-engineered cases. I am very pleased with the attention to detail in every respect. - price: was quite reasonable for the quality and size. I encourage you to check out their Web site: > **[LANCOOL 216 - LIAN LI is a Leading Provider of PC Cases | Computer Cases](https://lian-li.com/product/lancool-216/?cn-reloaded=1)** > > LANCOOL 216 AIRFLOW FOCUS The LANCOOL 216 is a mainstream case that features all-around mesh panels for optimal airflow. Thanks to its modular rear panel, it can be optimized for air cooling or water cooling. It includes 2 x 160mm and 1 x 140mm... ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2023, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/71 "2023-01-26T21:18:16Z")
Ordering my stuff, and the version of the monitor that **Palooka** recced dropped $30, yay. 2 more requests for recs.: No luck finding the Magic Words for a battery pack on Amazon. Which is to say a heavy thing that recharges from a wall socket that you plug everything into that will give you several minutes (at least) if the power goes out. We get pretty frequent brownouts here (ranging from 2 second outages up to 15 minutes or more on occasion). High speed internet. I loathe the prospect of doing business with Crudcast, but given the virtual monopoly that they have may have no choice. If viable alternatives exist ([as this site indicates](https://www.highspeedinternet.com/fl/jacksonville)), I am all ears. I had AT&T until last August, but have also had iffy relations with them too. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2023, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/72 "2023-01-26T21:21:27Z")
> [@John\_DiFool](#): > > No luck finding the Magic Words for a battery pack on Amazon. Which is to say a heavy thing that recharges from a wall socket that you plug everything into that will give you several minutes (at least) if the power goes out. We get pretty frequent brownouts here (ranging from 2 second outages up to 15 minutes or more on occasion). I believe the term is UPS, which stands for uninterrupted power supply, I think? ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2023, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/73 "2023-01-26T21:22:24Z")
Ah, gotcha. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2023, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/74 "2023-01-26T22:12:00Z")
> [@John\_DiFool](#): > > Ordering my stuff Congratulations. Free tip: Don’t ever set your tempered glass side panel on ceramic tile should you decide to open it for any reason. It will likely cause the glass to shatter. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2023, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/75 "2023-01-26T22:50:00Z")
Also granite, and slate, and any rigid material like that. Instant shatter. ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2023, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/76 "2023-01-27T21:35:04Z")
The following could almost go into the Pit. Went into the Cyberpower site to make my purchase this morning. Noted that they have Amazon Pay, and that I could buy $1000 in AAA gift cards, saving 40 bucks on my AAA membership, yay. So loaded up the balance on Amazon, went to Cyberpower, checked that as the payment option, hit confirm-and it declined the payment. After calling my credit card (bank), Amazon, and finally Cyberpower themselves, the latter said they cannot use the gift card balance. Yeah, could pit myself for not checking on Amazon first. Oh here we go, had to Google it to find it on their site: > [For Amazon Pay] Because these are third-party sellers that are not directly affiliated with Amazon’s selling platform, Amazon gift cards cannot be used for any of these purchases. OK fine whatever. Except that none of the 3 Amazon people I talked to had any idea of this clause (given that they failed to tell me about it), and how is the third party site going to know how Amazon made the payment? Presumably they’ll just reimburse the third party no questions asked. Or at least switch to the CC on file at Amazon and not draw from the gift card balance. Which means there was arguably a programming oversight on one if not both of the sites in question. OK fine won’t have to worry about any Amazon bills for a good long while…may spring for a bunch of Blu Rays… Picked out a UPS: [APC UPS 1500VA UPS Battery Backup and Surge Protector, BX1500M Backup Battery Power Supply, AVR, Dataline Protection](https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-Protector-BackUPS-BX1500M/dp/B06VY6FXMM/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=8GSBl&content-id=amzn1.sym.b4f172f0-a2ab-4ffa-ac9d-22e96231ca8e&pf_rd_p=b4f172f0-a2ab-4ffa-ac9d-22e96231ca8e&pf_rd_r=BMQ4EQE3KA1XPYJ6QRFB&pd_rd_wg=ylPcB&pd_rd_r=b820f7ab-41b9-47fb-9097-ca47cef92ac8&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m&th=1) And a camera (may do Zoom for my upcoming new job): [Logitech C920x HD Pro Webcam, Full HD 1080p/30fps Video Calling, Clear Stereo Audio, HD Light Correction, Works with Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, Hangout](https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-C920x-Pro-HD-Webcam/dp/B085TFF7M1/ref=sr_1_5?crid=CEUZWP4BIS97&keywords=pc+camera+webcam&qid=1674854970&sprefix=pc+camera%2Caps%2C1120&sr=8-5) ---
**Author:** ![Raza](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/raza/32/213_2.png) [@Raza](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raza)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2023, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/77 "2023-01-28T18:26:11Z")
> [@Raza](#): > > My most played game, which stresses both CPU and GPU, is MS Flight Simulator 2020. I must say I feel lucky, because even in my old build flying a 737 with a mix of High and Ultra settings I’d get ~45 fps in cruise, which is perfectly fine. Now, with the new CPU, I get ~47 fps in cruise, so surprisingly no significant improvement (but I have done no overclocking at all, whereas I had slightly overclocked the 8700, and MSFS is notoriously single-threaded). > > Last night I made the ultimate sacrifice: I reserved a 4070 ti from MicroCenter… Quoting myself for reference. Installed the 4070 ti today (jees it’s heavy! comes with a little support leg) and, of course, I had to fire up MSFS to test it out. For reference, with the 2060 I would get 45-47 fps in cruise (the least taxing phase), and dip into the mid-30s around some airports. On the 4070 ti, 55 fps on the airport grounds, solid 60 in all other phases (NOTE: my monitor is capped at 60 fps). These are with the MSFS settings unchanged (mostly High with some Ultra, 100 level-of-detail), so now I have freedom to bump some items up (though it already looks gorgeous). I am flying BWI-ATL, and I’m about 45 minutes out of ATL; I suspect I will get a slight reduction on final into ATL because it is a special “hand crafted” airport with lots of details and activity that most MSFS airports don’t have, but it won’t be a function of either GPU or CPU, but rather real-time streaming of data from the network. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2023, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/78 "2023-01-28T20:10:19Z")
My new rig came in, a bit late from UPS, but I can’t wait to fire this badboy _up!_ [![Imgur](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52654147417_0f649472f8_b.jpg "2023-01-28\_02-05-07") ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/68782016@N08/52654147417/) (Pulled out of an attic this morning, this box actually had the computer inside.) ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2023, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/79 "2023-01-28T20:34:09Z")
Does it still run? ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [January 28, 2023, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106/80 "2023-01-28T20:39:30Z")
Yes, we started it up- all the peripherals needed were in another box. It’s not mine though and I think she’s just going to put it on Ebay/Craigslist if her ex husband doesn’t want it (he’s techy in some way and it was his machine). To be fair… it booted. Whether or not it _works_ is another matter. Will say, I do _not_ miss the days when I had over 30 different autoexec.bat’s and config.sys’s for all my damn games. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-pc-build/978106.md?page=5)