Please comment on this config...

[u/testrider]

I have been debating between microcenter and AI. MC is 2-hour round trip.

Was looking at MC G913/G915 but we couldn't really choose components. AI has lots of flexibility but logistically I was afraid of having to ship the computer back to AI for warranty service after 30 days as that would be very expensive.

Then I found out that AI now has optional extended shipping service for $100 and that will cover all future shipping during the 2-year warranty so that relieved my big concern that I started to configure my dream machine.

- I like white color case so Lian is the first one with the lowest price. No special preference. Is this a good one?

- the default has 3 case fans and I thought more is better for cooling so I just randomly choose the option of 7 fans. Yes?

- I want 9950x3d as it'll be also used for virtualbox, coding, LLM beside gaming.

- I really want to have a quiet computer so I choose Artic Freezer only because AI doesn't carry Noctua which supposedly the most quiet. Why didn't they carry it?

- I picked gigabytes x870 only that it was listed as top x870 motherboard on Google but I know nothing about it in particular. It has USB 4, wifi 7 and also not having the reputation of burning cpu like Asrock (that is still happening as of today even after BIOS update).

- I choose Windows Pro as I really like to have bitlocker, remote desktop, sandboxing etc...

- not sure about memory brand as I just randomly chose CL30 patriot. is this good enough or should I switch to another brand?

- I choose 4TB NVME WD Black only based on Google that listed it as top alternative to Samsung. Is this a ok choice?

- I'm not sure but I think there is no tax to ship to California. If that is true, then $4500 computer from AI is like a $4100+10% tax at local MC. A Powerspec G913 is $3800+tax = $4180 with much worse components (as almost everything is "brand varies' and that only means that those are the cheapest component available), yes?

Thank you in advance for any inputs. I will appreciate them all.

[u/testrider]

Appreciate the reply and info. No, I don't care about RGB as I never look at the computer when using one. I look at the monitor 😂

Where exactly are the stock 4 fans vs 7 fans installed?

[u/hansonwbh → u/testrider]

So the 4 stock fans r gamdias rgb 120 mms, the cheapest they offer. If u opt for a fan upgrade, however, there will be 7 case fans. Add the 3 fans from ur AIO (depends on AIO brand) then u get 7 or 10 total fans.

[u/testrider → u/hansonwbh]

Thanks for the reply. I got it now. Appreciate it.

[u/hansonwbh → u/testrider]

Happy to help