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102 - Balanced Productivity and Gaming Build

Posted by Last updated: 15 Replies
TE

Hey everyone!

I'm looking to build a PC that can handle both demanding productivity tasks (like video editing and 3D rendering) and smooth 1440p gaming. My budget is around $1500-$1800, and I want to strike a good balance without overspending on components I won't fully utilize.

Here’s a draft of what I'm considering:

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (Great for gaming and strong multi-core performance for productivity)
  • CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE (Excellent cooling for the price)
  • Motherboard: Gigabyte B650 GAMING X AX (Good VRMs, WiFi 6E, PCIe 5.0 support)
  • Memory: 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 6000MHz CL30 (Sweet spot for Ryzen 7000 series)
  • Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD (Crucial P5 Plus or similar for fast OS and application loading)
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER or AMD Radeon RX 7900 GRE (Both offer great 1440p performance)
  • Case: Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact (Excellent airflow and build quality)
  • Power Supply: Corsair RM750e (750W Gold Certified, reliable)

What are your thoughts? Any potential bottlenecks or better alternatives you'd suggest within this price range?

JS

Looks like a solid build plan, OP! The Ryzen 7 7700X is a fantastic choice for this use case. For the GPU, the RTX 4070 SUPER is a bit more power-efficient and offers better ray tracing performance, which might be beneficial for certain games and some productivity workloads (like CUDA acceleration). The RX 7900 GRE is a strong competitor, especially in rasterization, and often comes at a slightly lower price point. Check benchmarks for the specific games and software you use most.

Consider the 7800X3D if gaming is your absolute top priority, but the 7700X is a better all-rounder for productivity.

CS

I agree with JesterSama. Your component choices are well-balanced. The 32GB RAM is definitely the way to go for smooth multitasking and larger projects. For storage, you might also consider a secondary larger HDD (like a 4TB WD Blue) if you deal with massive video files, though another NVMe for less critical data is also an option if budget allows.

The Meshify 2 Compact is a great case for airflow, ensuring your components stay cool under load. Make sure to get at least one more intake fan for the front if it only comes with one.

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