I like (and am using) Nvidia but the last gen 6xxx AMD cards offer a much better value right now over what the Nvidia 3xxx series cards are still being priced at
I have a BeQuiet Dark Rock 4 air cooler for my build (Ryzen 5800X, Asus X570 TUF MB) and my only complaint is that the stock fan covers 2 of my 4 RAM slots. I have 2x16 GB installed so likely will never be an issue with this build but it does limit me from easily upgrading to 64 GB should the need/sale on RAM arise. Beyond that it’s solid, keeps my CPU cool as a cucumber and is super quiet.
Can’t you just attach them a little higher? Not that you need to, but if you did I’m pretty sure you can.
I probably could, would have to see if there is any conflict with my case. I have considered moving the fan to the other side of the heatsink in a pull configuration, maybe use a 120mm fan instead of the 140mm. I am sure workarounds can be found if needed.
Yeah I realize the AMD scheme is just increasing numerals also, but I always look to Nvidia first just because I’m more comfortable with their model naming conventions. AMD throws in some letters sometimes that mess me up (I know, so does Nvidia).
Gotta be even more careful with Nvidia. They’ll give different cards at difference performance levels the same name, such as the 12GB 3080 vs 10GB 3080. The 2GB of VRAM is the least important difference between those cards.
Sometimes you can raise the fan up a bit on the heatsink sufficiently to clear the RAM (and avoid RAM with a tall heatsink on it or RGB stuff).
Alternatively, you may be able to move the fan to the other side… Or, change the orientation of the heat sink so the fan blows towards the top. A lot depends on the particular circumstances but there are sometimes options.
Definitely all viable options. Despite the need for workarounds, I will say that when I need to buy my next air cooler, it will very likely be a BeQuiet! again. This is my second, had a Dark Rock 3 with an Intel I7 4790 build.
Right there with you. I love my dark rock slim.
OK this is just an opening salvo so to speak, nothing carved into stone, they allow a lot of customization:
Cyberpower Esport Essential $999
The scoop on AMD processors is that apparently they are easily upgradeable as compared to Intel’s, which apparently often require a motherboard swap as well.
Can go up $200-$300 more, since I wanted to budget a new monitor for about $300-400 itself, preferably a 3840 x 2160, tho a 2560 x 1440 would be fine. 4k for sure, good gaming performance, but I don’t want a high pixel density (which will shrink the displays of some apps too much).
All input appreciated.
Two immediate points:
(a) Although AMD has traditionally held onto their board sockets for much longer than Intel, making it easier to upgrade your CPU without buying a new board, the Ryzen 5 5500 represents the end of the AM4 socket’s generation. The newest Ryzen processors are AM5 which you won’t be able to use with that board.
(b) The RX 6500 XT is a low-end GPU that wasn’t well received. It’s being billed as an “eSports” gaming system because the sort of games the 6500 XT can handle well are low-spec titles like DOTA2, CS:GO, Valorant, etc. It’s, at best, a 1080p medium-settings style GPU for AAA gaming.
The retail value of the processor and GPU is a combined $225 or so. Not a great combination in a PC selling for a thousand bucks.
For a thousand bucks, this is a MUCH better system: GX 7610 also by Cyberpower.
i7-12700k processor with an RX 6700 XT GPU. No, you won’t have AMD’s upgrade path but you weren’t getting that with an End of Life AM4 socket anyway but you will get a much better processor and GPU for the same price.
The only thing I don’t like about this one is the CPU cooler but, whatever, go buy a BeQuiet air cooler or something. The other system came with a 120mm AIO which is kind of a joke in of itself.
Everything Jophiel said is bang on. The GX 7610 is wildly better for the same money thanks to that 6700XT.
Roger Dodger. Note I am in no super hurry. What 2560 x 1440 would go best with it? [ I gather than the 3840 x 2160’s look like they need a beefy rig to handle them, and that the budget $300 ones I was looking at are POS’s, tho 4K sure would be nice.
Can the linked one run MS FS 20K, if I spring for 16 more RAM?
I honestly think the sweet spot for gaming is 2560x1440p. It looks great and most reasonably recent video cards (20xx Nvidia or RX 5700 series) can run really well.
I do not understand the push for 4k gaming. I find it near impossible to discern a difference and it just adds to the cost to be able to run it.
I think you (and most) would be perfectly happy with a good 2560x1440p monitor.
(While I said gaming this is true for video too…watching movies and whatnot).
For a 2560x1440p I would look for a low latency OLED monitor that supports both Gsync and FreeCync and at least 24" although 27" is nice.
GIGABYTE G27Q 27" 144Hz 1440P Gaming Monitor, 2560 x 1440 IPS Display
Nice refresh rate, a lot of positive reviews by gamers.
Missed edit:
G-Sync and/or FreeSync
Looks good to me. 144Hz refresh is nice and 27" is the size I’m using. I’d look up a few reviews and if it’s well recommended, go for it. The RX 6700XT (assuming that’s what you get) will use FreeSync.
I’m not a super-informed person on the gamut of displays since I tend to only bother researching when I’m actively in the market for one. Which isn’t very often.
Looks great at a great price. It seems the one bit that was sacrificed is they used HDR400 which is kinda…eh…for HDR. But, frankly, I don’t think it is a big deal and I doubt most would ever notice.
It has FreeSync which I believe also supports Nvidia G-Sync.
As @Jophiel said, check a few reviews to be certain. Looks very good to me though (including a decent stand).
Its higher-end brother M27Q is even cheaper.
I have one. It’s pretty good.
Monitors are in a bad place right now. A bunch of obvious features haven’t penetrated into the mainstream yet so it’s pretty obvious anything you buy is going to feel obsolete soon. 4K@120Hz+ and HDR being the main features. You’re probably far enough behind the curve that you won’t feel that way. 2x M27Q displays is a good setup.
(Note that there is an even higher end M27Q X just to make names complicated.)