r/buildapc 20h ago

Simple Questions - July 21, 2026

1 Upvotes

This thread is for simple questions that don't warrant their own thread (although we strongly suggest checking the sidebar and the wiki before posting!). Please don't post involved questions that are better suited to a [Build Help], [Build Ready] or [Build Complete] post.
Examples of questions suitable for here:

  • Is this RAM compatible with my motherboard?
  • I'm thinking of getting a ≤$300 graphics card. Which one should I get?
  • I'm on a very tight budget and I'm looking for a case ≤$50

Important: Downvotes are strongly discouraged in this thread. Sorting by new is strongly encouraged.

Have a question about the subreddit or otherwise for r/buildapc mods? We welcome your mod mail!

To easily find previous simple questions posts, use this link.


r/buildapc 4h ago

Build Help 5070 ti vs 9070 xt gaming experience

28 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to build my first gaming PC with a 7800X3D and either an 9070 XT or an 5070 Ti.

For some background, I've been gaming on a laptop with a GTX 1050 Ti for the past 7 years. I'm not a hardcore gamer, I only play on weekends. Most of the time I play Dota 2, and occasionally I play AAA single-player games.

I haven't really kept up with the GPU or PC market over the last 7 years. From my brief research, it seems that the 9070 XT and 5070 Ti offer similar performance.

Since I only play on weekends, I'd prefer a GPU that's simple to use and as close to "plug and play" as possible. I don't want to spend time tweaking settings for every game. I'm fine with making occasional adjustments if necessary, but I don't want to do it every time I play.

In my country, the RTX 5070 Ti costs about $180 USD more than the RX 9070 XT. I can afford the 5070 Ti if it's worth it, but I generally prefer the better price-to-performance option since I don't game that much.

To be honest, I think this might be my first and last gaming PC because I've gradually been losing interest in gaming over the years. I expect I'll probably stop gaming altogether in about 5 years, so I'm looking for a GPU that can comfortably last until 5 years.

Given my situation, which GPU would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for your advice!


r/buildapc 14h ago

Build Help Is 100$ more worth it for a 9850X3D compared to a 7800X3D?

116 Upvotes

Currently looking at the AMD bundles at Microcenter and have been seriously considering the 700$ 7800X3D+mobo+32gb ram. However, they also offer a bundle for an extra 80$ for the 9800X3D and 100$ for the 9850X3D. Would the jump up from the 7800X3D be worth it for the 9800 and 9850X3D CPUs? Im currently planning on building the PC with a 9070XT whenever I can snag one but I dont think I would be CPU bottlenecked in either case. Thanks so much in advance!!!

Edit 1: Thanks so much to everyone for your helpful comments! Ill try and respond to everyone when I can. To answer a couple questions, Im gaming at 1440p. I mainly use this machine for gaming, with a little bit of working on the side. I currently have a Ryzen 5 1600 so any of these will blow it out of the water. Thanks again so much!!!! <3333


r/buildapc 2h ago

Build Upgrade 5070 vs 9070xt for my use.

9 Upvotes

I know, this was already asked a lot, but I'm not looking for gaming performance alone.

For context: I live in Brazil, they are at the same price.

Now for what I need them: I'm a game dev and I study and plan to work with Unreal Engine and Blender. I don't care about IA, but I prefer DLSS over FSR.

This is my PC currently:

i7 12700f
GTX 1070
32gb RAM
B660M Plus D4
650w MSI A650BN

I'm looking to buy a new GPU, PSU and 1440p monitor.
I also play mostly singleplayer story games + PUBG.

I know the 16gb VRAM is better, but the nvidia tech looks better for UE and Blender, right?
What would you choose in this scenario?


r/buildapc 2h ago

Build Upgrade Should I buy an RTX 5070?

6 Upvotes

I know upgrading right now might not be ideal, however I'm still young, live with my mom and don't really have anything else to spend my money on. So I think upgrading rn would be the best idea for me considering the fact that nobody can predict wether the prices are going down in the next few years.

I know that upgrading to a 5070 might seem a bit overkill, but I think/hope that my pc can handle it if I also upgrade my PSU and CPU. However I would prioritise the PSU and upgrade my CPU in the future.

Btw my pc knowhow is basically non existent so if this whole Idea is bs please let me know

(PS: Sorry if my english is bad, it's not my first language )

My current specs are:

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Prozessor

Motherboard: ASUS Prime B550M-A

Ram: Crucial Ballistix 8 GB (x2)

Storage: Toshiba P300 1 TB 3.5" 7200 RPM Internal Hard Drive

Storage: Kingston A2000 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive

GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT

Case: Hyte y60

PSU: be quiet! System Power 11 ATX 3.1 450W

Monitor: AOC C27G1 27.0" 1920 x 1080 144 Hz Curved Monitor


r/buildapc 3h ago

Discussion how to buy the correct UPS unit for a PC

5 Upvotes

Hey guys, my local grid has been super unstable lately. The power keeps dropping out entirely, and sometimes right when it kicks back on, there's a noticeable surge or flicker.
for that reason i trying to buy a UPS unit but im not sure how to buy one.
what should i look for and what should i avoid ?
pc specs :

ryzen 7 7700
rtx 3080 evga 10gb
32 gb 6000 crucial ram
cooler master MWE 750 gold v2
and an MSI mag 275qf monitor


r/buildapc 1h ago

Build Upgrade 1080p with FSR Native on a 24inch monitor vs 1440p with FSR Q on a 27inch one

Upvotes

Hii! I just bought an RX 9060 XT 16 GB and I feel like the graphics in some games don't look that good at 1080p, even though I maxed out everything (The Witcher 3, Kingdom Come Deliverance and Dying Light 2 for example). I was wondering if a native 1440p monitor with fsr 4 on q will look better than a 24inch 1080p monitor with fsr native. I doubt I will be able to play with fsr native at 1440p in the future so that's why I m asking.


r/buildapc 6h ago

Peripherals best gaming earbuds for competitive PC gaming?

6 Upvotes

I recently upgraded from console to my first custom PC and I’m trying to keep my setup simple without getting a bulky headset. I’m looking for earbuds that are comfortable for longer sessions and still give me good audio for games like shooters and multiplayer titles. I don’t need anything fancy, just something reliable that works well with a desktop PC.

Does anyone have recommendations for best gaming earbuds that are worth considering? Is a wired option usually better for gaming or should I look at wireless ones too? Thanks for any advice.


r/buildapc 2h ago

Build Help Nvidia/Intel or AMD

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone.

I am going to buy pc parts fairly soon, and I am trying to decide between this combo.

5070ti + Intel 270k

9070xt + 9800x3d

The reason for the cheaper cpu is to match the increased cost of the nvidia card over amds. I was planning on getting the AMD combo because amd is better performance per pound in pure rasterisation, and amd cards work better with Linux(I plan to use windows, but it's nice to have linux as a backup incase Microsoft get worse with their slop right)

However, it's recently come to my attention that amd cut support for cards much faster than nvidia. As in, nvidia will likely give newer dlss to the to 50 series even in a few years, whereas amd is unlikely to do the same with fsr. This is a huge weakness for amd cards in my mind, as they will become obsolete much faster even if today the 9070xt might be comparable to the 5070ti.

So, given all this, my question is which combo would you guys recommend here? As the intel cpu isn't as good as the amd for games, but the 5070ti is a slightly better card today, and that gap is likely to only really get bigger as time goes on.

Thank you


r/buildapc 5h ago

Discussion What’s the performance difference between the 7500X3D and the 7800X3D? Is it worth it?

5 Upvotes

Is it worth the price difference to go for the 7800X3D


r/buildapc 1h ago

Build Upgrade wondering if these components will mesh together well

Upvotes
  1. Radeon 9070
  2. 2x8(16gb) 6000Mhz
  3. i5 ultra 250k plus

i thought about a 9070xt but my budget is strained slightly but from what i have seen online i5 ultra 250k plus is a good chip


r/buildapc 12h ago

Discussion Should I buy RAM + SSD now or later?

10 Upvotes

I am planning to build a PC sometime in mid-late 2027. Aiming for one that can play most (if not all) games (indie to AAA) on 1440p, high settings, at around 80-100fps+ (on the hardest to run titles).

Since this build isn't due any time soon, I am not planning to buy any parts right now.

However, in this RAM shortage period that won't get better until 2028 at the earliest, I am wondering if I should buy RAM and SSD storage now, as opposed to waiting till when I can build my PC.
Edit: The thing I am mainly concerned of is buying RAM+SSD later will be more expensive than if I bought it now.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance!


r/buildapc 22h ago

Discussion Disabling iGPU: Good, inconsequential or bad?

67 Upvotes

From a heat, power, stability and performance viewpoint, does the iGPU on CPUs that have them actually affect things?

Personally, I have my R5 7600X with it's iGPU disabled just because I don't really use it and figured it would consume less power and heat up less if there was less stuff working in there. I failed to come up with a good reason on why it should be kept enabled if you have a dGPU.

Would love to read what the community has to say about this topic.


r/buildapc 23h ago

Build Help Ideal GPU for my 9850X3D Build

77 Upvotes

I'm currently building my first pc after being a pc enthusiast for over 9 years but I can't decide on my GPU.

I don't live in the US (sorry if I have some spelling or grammar mistakes, not my first language) so the prices I would pay for components are even more elevated.

I got lucky, getting a friend of mine bringing me the 9850X3D, 32gb Ram and B850 combo from microcenter as he had some space on his luggage.
I want my build to be as future-proof as possible, that's why I went with the 9850X3D and not a 7800X3D.
Thing is, I'm only missing a GPU. I'm thinking about a 9070XT, 5070ti or 5080.

Where I live, the 9070XT runs me around $850 USD, 5070ti runs me around $1100 USD and the 5080 runs me around $1450USD.

Which of the 3 should I go for? Should I go all in for the 5080 and not think about upgrading for the next 6+ years or could a 9070XT be good for me?

I also found a great deal on a 1000W NZXT PSU, so running a 5080 won't be much of an issue. I'll use the PC mostly for gaming on 1440p. I've heard of people still using 2080s and 3080s +6 years later, so I'm very inclined toward the 5080 card, as I can see they last for a long while, but I want to hear the internet's opinion on my build.


r/buildapc 1m ago

Build Help Is 9070xt worth it over 9060xt if the price difference is around $250-300?

Upvotes

Basically the title. Im kinda torn and stuck. With ram prices and all i just dont know if i should suck it up and go with 9060xt and possibly play 1080p or if its worth it to spend that much more for better performance?

Upgrading from a 3060ti by the way!


r/buildapc 8m ago

Build Help PSU for 9070XT NITRO+

Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I found a bundle at a local store that’s priced significantly cheaper than anything else I can find. It includes:
Sapphire RX 9070 XT Nitro+
MSI MAG A850GL (850W) PSU

I’m most likely going to buy it tomorrow, but I’m a bit unsure about the power supply.

I’ve come across mixed opinions online. Some users say the PSU has a fairly loud fan, others have mentioned coil whine, and I also saw someone claim that it uses lower-quality Taiwanese capacitors.

So I’d really like to hear your thoughts. Would you recommend the MSI MAG A850GL, or should I avoid it?

Unfortunately, where I live I don’t have many alternatives in the same price range. That said, if you have any recommendations for a better PSU around this price point, I’d really appreciate it.

One option I’m considering is buying the bundle anyway, then selling the PSU separately and replacing it with something else.

For reference, my current PSU is an Antec HCG 750W. It doesn’t support the ATX 3.1 standard, so if I keep using it with the 9070 XT, I’d have to rely on the GPU’s included power adapter, which I know isn’t the ideal solution.

Thanks in advance for any advice!


r/buildapc 10m ago

Build Upgrade Looking to get a new gpu, suggestions appreciated

Upvotes

Last winter, my GPU suddenly started shutting my entire pc down whenever it reached 60°, so I haven't been able to use it for over half a year now.

I was using a Sapphire Radeon nitro rx 5700 XT 8gb that I got for a bit under $200 used on ebay.

My budget is between $275-400, but looking for something on the cheaper side so I can get it before my next paycheck in 3 weeks.

I'm not opposed to buying used, the one I was using did perform fine but obv I'd like something that could last a bit longer.

Ive got 32 gigs of ddr4 ram and an AMD Ryzen 5700x CPU

I'd like to stay with an AMD gpu so I dont have to update my drivers or whatever, but nvidia isnt a deal breaker

Any feedback or suggestions are appreciated!


r/buildapc 24m ago

Full Build Req Need a setup that fits $500 for 2D and some light 3D rendering

Upvotes

Hey !

My sister's budget is about $500, and she's interested in a setup that runs these pieces of software below with a room of 2 more years for newer things without hiccups, is that even feasible ?

ZBrush – Cinema 4D – Substance Painter – Marvelous Designer – Marmoset – Arnold - live 2d cubism - ibis paint x.

We're from Egypt, budget would be about EGP25,000 or less, resolution would likely be 1080P to begin with for now.

As for peripherals and monitor we have them available.

I never mind the used market BTW.


r/buildapc 35m ago

Build Help Is it bottleneck

Upvotes

Is 12600kf bottleneck rx 9070 in 1440p AAA games?


r/buildapc 21h ago

Troubleshooting My PC won't power any more and I think I'm screwed

47 Upvotes

Hello, long story short, I have a AMD Ryzen 5 3600 and I had issues with GTA 5 with high 90c+ temps, so I decide to repaste thermal for my CPU, probably a huge mistake. I did it several times because I kept missing up, than the audio wouldn't work and temps were still high in GTA 5 so I decided to repaste again, thinking that it I had put too much paste, well now the PC won't even power on.

Another mistake I made was that I had yanked too hard on the cooler and the whole cpu came off. I certainly learned my lesson, I won't repaste too often, maybe once at most. I love PCs, but I can live with slightly higher temps and continue to use my PC.

Am I screwed? I just messed up my whole PC, man I feel awful.


r/buildapc 39m ago

Build Help Is this build overkill for gaming?

Upvotes

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/hknPfp

Looking to build something for gaming, want to be able to get 240FPS in games like Overwatch, also playing Satisfactory at the moment. In a position where I don’t really have a budget (this one is coming out to a little under $3500), bundling the CPU/MoBo/RAM/SSD/PSU on Newegg reduces the cost to $3244 CAD (buying in Canada).

Already have all peripherals I need.

Just wondering if this is overkill for what I use it for, also hoping to be future proofed for a while as kids are in the plans over the next bit and I won’t always have an unlimited budget.

Open to areas where I could save some $ as well.


r/buildapc 39m ago

Build Help Msi pro a620am-b Evo or msi pro b840m-b

Upvotes

I'm currently upgrading from am4 to am5, but I don't know anything about am5 mobos, I have a Ryzen 5 7600x and 32gb ddr5 5600mhz bought already, I plan to dual channel and I have a m2 and 2 sata ssd with a 6800xt, which mobo would be better? i don't plan any upgrades besides GPU or storage in the foreseeable future

There's a 10$ difference between them

Thanks for the advice

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-A620AM-B-EVO

https://latam.msi.com/Motherboard/PRO-B840M-B


r/buildapc 43m ago

Build Help Are these specs good?

Upvotes

r/buildapc 44m ago

Troubleshooting 24-pin ATX cable stuck and won't go further down or come out. Biostar TB250-BTC + Chieftronic 550W.

Upvotes

Image link: https://ibb.co/Myjxvk3C

Hi everyone,

I'm having a massive headache with my 24-pin ATX power cable. As you can see in the picture, it went in almost all the way on the bottom side, but it's completely stuck.

I've already tried the basic troubleshooting, but right now, it's COMPLETELY stuck. It feels nearly impossible to pull out without feeling like I'm going to rip the entire 24-pin socket off the motherboard. I am also terrified of pushing harder and cracking the PCB.

The connector is 100% rigid right now and doesn't wiggle at all. No bare metal/pins are visible from the side gap.

Motherboard: Biostar TB250-BTC+

PSU: Chieftronic 550W 80+ gold

Thanks in advance for any advice!


r/buildapc 47m ago

Build Help Is this a good price for my parts

Upvotes

So a little bit ago my brother gave me a motherboard. Before he moved out. The motherboard (b350 tomahawk) came with a GPU (1060 3gb), Cpu (unknown), ram (16gb ddr4), and a cpu cooler. So recently I made up a list of all the parts that I need to build the computer. And I was wondering if this is a good price for all the parts.

For the power supply I was thinking of going with the MSI MAG A550BN 550W for 50$

For the case I'm going with the Phanteks Eclipse G370A, mid-tower for 50$

For the nvme I was thinking about going with the Netac 500GB M.2 2280 Internal SSD PCIe Gen3.0x4.

For the monitor I'm going with the SCEPTRE E249W-FPT 23.8" Full HD (1920x1080) 75Hz 1ms IPS Monitor, Black

because I don't need nothing fancy.

Is this a good price for the stuff?