Hello,
I have an older AM4 Build that has started to demonstrate some unreliability, so it will be demoted to desktop workstation
X470
2700X
32GB DDR4
Enmotus Fuzion 1.4 TB
RX480 (was Vega 56, but that was started HARD crashing the system, screen grays out and computer turns off)
I originally bought X470 thinking I would do PCIE passthrough, but over time I have lost interest in that course of action. One of the reasons is that I have a L1tech KVM (2 DP monitor / 4 PC), so its very easy to switch computers. My plan is to build a new gaming PC and then reformat this old one and put NixOS on it.
I’m looking at a build something like this:
B650
7800X3D
7800XT
1-2 TB SSD
Any specific brands to seek or avoid?
Some considerations:
Prefer parts with linux compatibility (on a long enough timelines all of my machines become linux boxes)
Video signal strength (@wendell any thoughts, I remember you said the Vega cards had weak signal strength, would like to avoid a repeat). This has been an issue with the L1KVM
I don’t really care about RGB, but I don’t avoid it either. If anyone has case that is simple, but easy to work, and fits a 7800XT recommendation, I’m all ears. Also considering this guy: https://www.monsterlabo.com/the-beast Has any tried one?
I am considering upgrading 10 GBe networking at some point, should I get a motherboard with that built in or just buy a card? Are there any brands of 10G cards that are better supported in Linux?
Windows 11, yay or nay? Whether I get 10 or 11, it will be run in a stripped down and hopefully muzzled on telemetry, configuration. because all I need it to do is run games. I will be running the rest of my software on my workstation.
I don’t know if it is really a good idea to still buy AM4 at this point in time. Does it make sense to wait for the new Ryzen CPUs supposedly around the corner?
I have a 7600X + RX 7600 setup running Debian 12, works just fine.
As in, you have no infrastructure (switch, NAS, etc.) yet? In that case, may aswell not spend the money for now.
I wouldn’t.
Do you need the PC now or can you wait a bit? Depending on your current setup, you could get the GPU now for the gains that entails and get the rest of the new machine when you actually need it.
I don’t need it now. My current setup does most of what I need. For the time being, I am mostly playing older games, but that will not always be the case. I’m just trying to plan out my next step and budget for the replacement.
This upgrade will completely blow your mind and this system should last you another 3 years, at the very least. 8 cores are starting to get a bit long in the tooth, but are still quite good for gaming. I would upgrade to a 12-core when going AM5, and then your 7800 XT will still be viable for a year or two more.
As for your AM5 build, nothing wrong with it but you are also leaving some performance at the table. Here is a better build with double the RAM, Storage, X670 motherboard, triple fan GPU and 4 more cores for only $80 more. Do you want to build something that lasts 3 years for $1.5k, or something that last 5 years for $1.6k?
I don’t know why you are recommending non x3d chips for a game pc. staying on am4 would be best to just take a 5800x3d. For a game pc on am5 the 7800x3d is the obvious choice.
For the 7800xt i would have a look at techpowerup’s reviews and take a gpu with the more robust PCB and cooling.
I would take a b650 board, which would give enough features for a gaming pc.
This computer does not need the 1000W, so you would be taking it only for future proofing.
Because of the price difference and the fact it only matters with a big GPU on lower res.
If you run a 4090 on 1080p then yes the X3D is an obvious choice. However, pairing say, a 6700 XT with a 5800X3D in 1440p? You spend $100 more for 3-5 extra FPS. I could get more cores or storage space for those, feels more worthwhile.
Based on the techpowerup data, I would probably pick the PowerColor Hellhound. However the Red Devil is $15 more and they didn’t review it. It is supposedly the next better card. I wonder if the slightly higher clock speed and 3x100mm fans (vs 2x100mm + 90mm) is worth it?
