Advice on My New Desktop Set-up Budget - $5000

Lglada on 21/06/2025 - 19:22
Last edited 22/06/2025 - 19:59 by 1 other user

TL;DR:

Budget: $5000 total (PC: ~$3000, 4K OLED Monitor: <$1500, peripherals if budget allows)
Main Use: Gaming at 1440p (4K for single-player not required just nice if can), prefer Nvidia for ray tracing (Just because of Cyberpunk 2077 and other games maybe too)
GPU Target: RTX 5070 Ti (was considering 5080 but scaled down due to gaming habits)
Looking for advice on:
- Current custom build vs prebuilt (Nebula)
- Whether it’s a good time to buy now or wait (EOFY, Black Friday, etc.)
Leaning toward custom build but open to suggestions.
After replacing my PC I plan to use the old PC as my Home Server

Hi everyone, I'm looking for advice on a new desktop setup I plan to do, which includes a new PC, 4K OLED monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers (though peripherals are lower priority).

Heads up: Sorry in advance for the info dump. This is my first time doing something like this and I tend to over-analyse when it comes to deciding on large purchases like this hence why I'm asking for advice. That said, I feel kind of relaxed spending this money as it’s from the Victims Support Scheme from a home invasion I had a few months ago. (Not sure why I’m sharing that, but screw it why not).

Overall Budget: $5000

Anyway, I have a budget plan in mind I'll lay it out for you and let you judge if this is good or not.

Budget:

PC Budget: Around $3000
Monitor Budget: Hoping for a 4K OLED, ideally under $1500 if there are any good deals.
Peripherals: Only if there’s a budget left. I’m okay with keeping my current ones, even if my keyboard’s left Ctrl and mouse middle-click are broken.

Usage & Other Info:

Play Games at 1440p, with some 4K in single-player games if am to (Not a necessity but be cool to be able to. I know there's Frame-Gen reason why for NVIDIA).
Preference for Nvidia because of Ray Tracing mainly because I want it for Cyberpunk 2077 and maybe for other games too.
Originally considered the RTX 5080, but scaled down to RTX 5070 Ti. As I don't game as much as I used to, so 5070 Ti seems a better value for my needs/habit now.
Now I just want to focus on playing SinglePlayer games that I am missing out on and the catalogue of games I collect that I can play but always play at low settings because my Current GPU is a GTX 1060 3GB and my CPU is AMD Ryzen 5 3600 with 32GB RAM (Over 5 years now with this PC and longer with the GPU I think I got in 2017).
Focus is on long-term reliability and quality components, as I plan to keep this build as long as my current one (GTX 1060 3GB + Ryzen 5 3600, ~5+ years old).
After replacing my PC I plan to use the old PC as my Home Server
This is also for "future-proofing" if this budget is even capable of that.

Timing for Purchase

Do you think now is a good time of the year to buy, or should I hold off until somewhere in the year like the end of the year to spend? I don't know if there is a time of the year when buying computer components.
I’m not in a rush and am happy to wait for good deals, EOFY, Black Friday, etc.

Current Custom Build Plan:

PCPartPicker Part List:

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 4.7 GHz 8-Core Processor ($820.29)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($168.00 @ Centre Com)
Motherboard: Asus PRIME B840M-A WIFI-CSM Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard ($159.00 @ Centre Com)
Memory: Crucial Pro Overclocking 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory ($145.00 @ Centre Com)
Storage: Western Digital Blue SN580 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($149.00 @ Centre Com)
Video Card: PNY Triple Fan Plus OC GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card ($1459.00 @ JW Computers)
Case: Fractal Design North ATX Mid Tower Case ($199.00 @ Centre Com)
Power Supply: MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($144.77 @ JW Computers)
Total: $3244.06
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-21 17:54 AEST+1000

Notes:

I was going to include ARCTIC P14 PST 72.8 CFM 140 mm Fans 5-Pack but found no good prices for them, so I'll hold off on these for now.
Chose motherboard with 3 M.2 slots to accommodate my existing 2 NVMe drives + the new 2TB.
The reason I chose these parts is that I plan to use this PC as long as I did with my GPU and to have good-quality components since I'll be stuck with this for a long time.
Wasn't sure if it mattered to get a better brand for the GPU
Planned to get a Platinum PSU but for the sake of budget. Is it worth it to get a Platinum PSU?

Suggestion and Feedback Custom Build PC | Thank you for the Help!

PCPartPicker Part List: https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/pzZDVF

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 4.7 GHz 8-Core Processor ($819.26)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Royal Pretor 130 BLACK 81.88 CFM CPU Cooler ($73.79)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B850 GAMING WIFI6 ATX AM5 Motherboard ($280.66 @ Amazon Australia)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory ($132.70)
Storage: Western Digital Blue SN580 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($149.00 @ Centre Com)
Video Card: PNY Triple Fan Plus OC GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card ($1450.00)
Case: Lian Li LANCOOL 217 ATX Mid Tower Case ($209.00 @ PCCaseGear)
Power Supply: MSI MAG A850GL PCIE5 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($144.77 @ JW Computers)
Total: $3259.18
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-22 19:58 AEST+1000

Final Thoughts

That’s everything (I think). I may have missed something, but didn’t want to drag this post out too long. Anyway, Thanks so much for reading this long convoluted thread. I think I am leaning towards Custom Build after typing this helped me realise this, but I might as well post this because I still want suggestions and feedback.

Thank you again for reading this overly convoluted rant and for any Help

Computing Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

CrushJelly on 21/06/2025 - 19:43
Just something to keep in mind:

I wouldn't do 1440p gaming on a 4k screen

I probably would stretch to the 5080 if you're 4k gaming
- glada on 21/06/2025 - 20:11
  
  Thanks for that, look up what you said. I didn't know there was a problem doing 1440p on a 4k screen. I think I'll go for 1440p since that was my initial choice. Am I missing out on doing 4k? From the consensus I read seems like 1440p out ways the benefit of 4k because of the OLED.
  - CrushJelly on 21/06/2025 - 20:15
    
    A 1440p 34" ultra wide OLED like the AW3425 would be great for your use case.
    
    I'd always encourage sticking to the native resolution - otherwise 1440p on a 4k screen can look a bit blurry, more so than on a 1440p screen, even if both screens were the same physical size.
    
    I think you're better off with 1440p ultrawide gaming vs 4k.
Malik Nasser on 21/06/2025 - 19:57

+2

I haven't looked into gaming for a while, but I believe you will get more bang for your buck if you spend more on your graphics card and less on your CPU.
Have you looked into gaming benchmarks to compare different CPU / GPU combinations and seeing which gives you the best performance for the amount you are looking to spend?
- CrushJelly on 21/06/2025 - 20:15
  
  +1
  
  Agree here. Stretch to the 5080 but go for a lesser CPU.
  - glada on 21/06/2025 - 20:31
    
    Yeah, I thought of that before if I wanted to put more budget into the GPU (RTX 5080) and switch the CPU from AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D to AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D. In terms of price difference, it is $121. I don't know what other CPU to pair it with I just know these two are good to pair between these cards if that's correct?
    
    Also, I thought if you plan to play 1440p go for RTX 5070 TI and for 4k go for RTX 5080. And in terms of Performance and price value, it is not worth it I think.
    - CrushJelly on 21/06/2025 - 20:34
      
      Ok. For $121, I'd stick to the 9800X3D.
      
      1440p you'd do well with the 5070Ti. Agree, not worth it for the 5080 unless you're 4k gaming.
      - glada on 21/06/2025 - 20:43
        
        @CrushJelly: Aight cool thanks. I feel like I can go over budget for the PC if you think 4k gaming is worth it. I just want to know if I'm missing out on anything. If not 1440p is still a huge upgrade to me anyway, especially with OLED.
        
        CrushJelly on 21/06/2025 - 22:43
        
        +3
        
        @glada: With PC gaming, it's not just 4k 16:9 gaming. It's ultrawide 21:9 gaming that sets PC gaming apart.
        1440p 21:9 is 3440x1440, so it's getting close to 3840x2160 in terms of number of pixels being rendered.
        
        glada on 22/06/2025 - 14:59
        
        @CrushJelly: Aight thanks for clearing that up for me. I'm definitely set on getting what you recommended the AW3425DW. Hoping to buy it today before it goes, just waiting to see if my friend at jbhifi can get it cheaper even with a student discount. Finger cross.
jacobb on 21/06/2025 - 20:18

You need to get a better motherboard than a b840m. These are bottom of the range boards.

Get at least a decent b850
- glada on 21/06/2025 - 21:00
  
  Yeah, I just chose that motherboard just because of lowest in price that has 3 NVME Slots. The lowest I found for a B850 is a Gigabyte B850 GAMING WIFI6 ATX AM5 for $277.43 vs $159.00. Is there anything I'm missing not going for a B850 board? Sorry, I am quite ignorant on Motherboards.
  - jacobb on 22/06/2025 - 09:03
    
    Generally they use cheaper components and are aimed at entry level builds.
    
    PCIe 4 vs PCIe 5
    Slower M.2 slots
    No USB4 onboard
    Weaker VRMs which might give issues if you go a 9800x3d CPU
    
    There are probably other differences, but these are the ones I know.
Squeaker on 22/06/2025 - 09:04

I'd change the RAM to a DDR5-6000 CL30 kit for an extra $30ish as it's the sweet spot for AMD.

Any particular reason for the Noctua cooler preference?
Can highly recommend the Thermalright Aircoolers, I'm running the Phantom Spirit with a 7800X3D in a Fractal Torrent, temps are not an issue even in QLD summers. They have a new 130mm fan Thermalright Royal Pretor 130.
The Peerless Assassin, Phantom Spirt, Phantom Spirit Evo, and new Royal Pretor all review very well. Suggest going through Sumole on Amazon AU https://www.amazon.com.au/s?i=merchant-items&me=AXD9OVEUG5NG… for best pricing $55-$85 and can beat out Noctua's.

For cases I always start with checking Gamers Nexus for the best thermal cases, then check the individual reviews and go from there. They recently released reviews on the new Lian Li Lancool 217, and Fractal Design Meshify 3.

If you aren't locked in on the Fractal North for particular reasons I'd suggest looking the Lancool 217. 5 included fans, great thermals, good quality and looks good (subjective I know) for $10-15 more than the North.

Might not suit what you are wanting, but I always go with Thermals beat aesthetics.
- glada on 22/06/2025 - 14:50
  
  +1
  
  Any particular reason for the Noctua cooler preference?
  
  I chose this cooler because you know it's Noctua but also for noise, temps and longevity as I plan to keep this for long probably forever when it's time for my next upgrade in 5 or so years. Other than that I don't know of any other CPU Coolers, I haven't really researched it. Also don't want an AIO cooler just as a preference and to go back to what I said "longevity".
  
  Thermals beat aesthetics
  
  Yeah I used to look up what was best in terms of thermal but since it's been a while I don't know what's good. I did choose Fractal North for aesthetics but also for the mesh dust filter since my room is dusty and I have a Fractal Design Meshify C so I had an okay experience (Despite the bloody glass panel exploded when screwing it back on and now it has a bloody cardboard as a panel. Sorry for Rant) with them.
  
  I think I'll go with what you recommend (Lancool 217). But I would have gone with the Fractal Design Meshify 3 but It doesn't have enough 3.5 drive bays (I think it has only one) to unlock the Lancool 217.
  
  Thanks for your recommendation I appreciate it. Also if you think I shouldn't go overkill on Noctua let me know, and see if you can convince me (if you want but I think I'm set on it).
  - Squeaker on 22/06/2025 - 17:55
    
    Noctua's are good, don't get me wrong, but they cost big time. And I'm Not pushing Thermalright, not affiliated or anything, but their performance ranges between not far off or can beat Noctua for way less $$$.
    
    I'll drop this here:
    https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/air-cooling/therm…
    And:
    https://gamersnexus.net/coolers/best-cpu-coolers-weve-tested…
    
    And I'll mention that if you look at the CPU cooler Gamers Nexus has been using for their last x number of case reviews you'll spot it's a Thermalright cooler.
    
    A case with high thermal performance, decent fans and setting your own Fan Curve (Fan Control is highly rated) will give you a good noise/performance ratio.
    
    My slightly overclocked 7800X3D at 100% load maxes at just under 76c with the Phantom Spirit in a Fractal Torrent case. Stock fans and custom fan curve. (Not sure if these screenshots will work)
    
    https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1151253107657932855…
    
    https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1151253107657932855…
    
    At the end of the day that Noctua is a good cooler, and it's your build. I'm just thinking saving $100ish on the cooler for similar performance covers the extra cost for RAM and Case.
    - Squeaker on 22/06/2025 - 19:03
      
      You may have noticed I'm not commenting on Monitor or M/B, I KNOW there are others with WAY more knowledge than I have on both of those, but for in case it helps in any way:
      
      I decided to go with a 32" 4k and a 27" 1440p setup with my 4070Ti Super so I had the best of both worlds, 4k monitor high-ultra settings on the games that could do 60fps or higher, 1440p for the ones the vid card couldn't handle at 4k.
      
      M/B, I'm in line with "jacobb" about a b840 board. Might be better looking at b650 or b850 board. Just worth a thought.
      - glada on 22/06/2025 - 19:56
        
        @Squeaker: Nice, that's a good idea. I had a similar idea to have my main monitor be a 1440p for a game that doesn't need to be 4k. Then have a 4k TV on the side when I want to play single-player games if it can handle it. But that's far in the future for now and I don't need it retrospectively.
        
        Might be better looking at b650 or b850 board.
        
        Yeah I'm changing motherboards after what "jacobb" said. I hope this motherboard is good, I chose the GIGABYTE B850 Gaming WIFI6 Motherboard ($280) https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B0DQNTSY2S?smid=A3P6X2G…
        
        I took a look at what you said and yeah it's not worth it after looking at the information (I really appreciate the help you saved me $95). I'm set on getting Thermalright Royal Pretor 130. Sad that ID Cooling A720 is $99 + 35 delivery.
        
        I think I'm going to hold off maybe 2 hours or so just to see if anyone else has something to say, as I'm planning to start buying everything today.
        
        Also, I found a used MSI GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Ventus 3X OC (I want this because it is better in quality if that's right?)just wondering if I need to worry about buying it used it does come with a 5-year warranty so that cools. Just want to know since this is a better card I think than the PNY Triple Fan Plus OC GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card.
        
        Anyway, I think that's it. Thank you, everyone, for the feedback and suggestions you guys helped me a lot. If I had done this myself I would have been in a rabbit hole and probably miss out on these deals. Lastly, if guys want an update on the PC let me know.
        
        Squeaker on 23/06/2025 - 14:55
        
        @glada: Happy to have helped 🙂
        
        And please update when it's all up and running.
        
        Suggestion you may have missed earlier is to change your RAM to a 6000-CL30 kit as that's the sweet spot for AM5 systems.