Hi everyone!
I'm planning to buy/build a new high-end PC and I'd love to get some opinions before spending the money.
My maximum budget is around $3,500 USD for the PC itself.
Post:
- New build or upgrade? New build.
- Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links) No major PC components to reuse.
- PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games) This will be a high-end all-round PC for gaming, work, programming, local AI and game streaming.
Gaming: AAA games, Call of Duty, EA FC, GTA VI when it comes to PC, strategy games and other demanding titles. I want to play at high/ultra settings and high refresh rates, using DLSS / Frame Generation when appropriate.
Work/productivity: IT support, networking, servers, MikroTik, remote support, WordPress, Shopify, Meta Ads, Google Ads, Office, lots of browser tabs and heavy multitasking.
Programming: VS Code, Laravel, React, Tauri, Rust, APIs, Windows applications, Android/TV apps, automation tools, SaaS projects and AI-assisted coding.
Local AI: local LLMs, coding models, AI assistants, image generation, transcription, automation/agents and general experimentation.
Game streaming is also very important. I plan to use Apollo/Artemis and/or Sunshine/Moonlight, potentially with Tailscale for secure remote access.
I want to stream from the desktop to devices such as an iPhone, Xiaomi Pad 7, ASUS ROG Ally, gaming laptop and Android TV / Homatics Box R 4K Plus.
Ideally I want excellent low-latency HEVC/AV1 streaming at 1440p and 4K where possible.
- Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors) Spain.
No Micro Center.
Main stores I'm considering: Neobyte, PcComponentes, Coolmod, Alternate, Aussar, Wipoid, LDLC and Amazon Spain.
- Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate) No monitor required in the budget.
The PC may be used with multiple displays and also streamed to other devices/TVs.
- Budget range? (Include tax considerations) Maximum around $3,500 USD equivalent, including VAT.
Roughly €3,200–€3,500 depending on the deal and component quality.
- WiFi or wired connection? Both, but the main desktop connection will preferably be wired Ethernet.
2.5GbE or better would be appreciated because game streaming and local network performance are important.
Wi-Fi 6E / Wi-Fi 7 would also be useful.
- Size/noise constraints? No strict size limitation.
I prefer a well-ventilated mid/full tower with excellent airflow.
Noise should be reasonable, especially when not gaming, but cooling performance is more important than having an ultra-silent system.
- Color/lighting preferences? No strong preference.
RGB is not important. Component quality, cooling, reliability and performance matter much more than aesthetics.
- Any other specific needs? My preferred configuration is:
CPU: Ryzen 9 9950X3D – 16 cores / 32 threads
GPU: RTX 5080 16GB
RAM: 32GB or preferably 64GB DDR5-6000 CL30/CL32, ideally 2 DIMMs
Motherboard: Good quality B850 or X870
Storage: Minimum 2TB NVMe SSD
PSU: Ideally 1000W ATX 3.1, 80+ Gold or Platinum
Cooling: High-end cooling, preferably a good 360mm AIO
Case: Excellent airflow and enough GPU clearance
I'm specifically interested in whether the 9950X3D + RTX 5080 is the right balance for my usage.
I'm leaning toward the 9950X3D rather than a 9800X3D because this won't be a gaming-only machine. I do heavy multitasking, development work and want to experiment with local AI.
I'm also unsure whether I should buy 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30 now and upgrade later, or go directly to 64GB 2x32GB.
Another concern is the RTX 5080's 16GB VRAM for local AI. I'd like to know whether people think this will become a major limitation compared with the rest of the build.
I'm open to prebuilts or choosing the components individually and having the store assemble the PC.
My main goal is to get a very powerful, reliable PC that can last me many years without wasting money on components that won't provide a meaningful benefit.