PC Components: Difference between revisions
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==Monitors== | ==Monitors== | ||
Go IPS | Go IPS every time. If you're really rich, you can go OLED. | ||
If you're really rich, you can go OLED. | I prefer 4K over 120 Hz but if you can find a good deal on QHD 120 Hz that's good too. | ||
I prefer 4K over 120 Hz but if you can find a good deal on QHD 120 Hz that's good too. | Note that some lower-end GPUS and adapters won't be able to output 4k60. | ||
==Peripherals== | ==Peripherals== | ||
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==PC Parts== | ==PC Parts== | ||
===Case=== | ===Case=== | ||
These days, you should be able to get one with USB-C. | |||
===Heatsinks=== | ===Heatsinks=== | ||
The Noctua NH-D15 is one of the best air coolers available. | |||
Noctual often sells mounts for new sockets so you should be able to reuse it for several builds. | |||
However Noctua coolers are quite expensive. | |||
These days, there are now several cheaper dual-tower options like the Scythe Fuma 2 and Thermalright FC140/FS140. | |||
===Fans=== | ===Fans=== | ||
Typically go with Arctic P12/P14 or Noctua fans. | |||
You can buy 1500-2000 RPM PWM fans and tune down in the UEFI/BIOS.<br> | |||
Typically, several slower fans (600-800 rpm) is quieter than fewer faster fans. | |||
For 3-pin fans, the range of fan speeds is typically much smaller. So try to get fans closer to 1000 rpm if you're going with DC fans. | |||
===Motherboards=== | ===Motherboards=== | ||
The most important thing to look for is the VRM quality. | The most important thing to look for is the VRM quality. Bad VRMs will throttle your CPU even at stock settings and with good cooling.<br> | ||
There are VRM tier lists for most motherboard chipsets. | There are VRM tier lists for most motherboard chipsets. | ||
[https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/1137619-motherboard-vrm-tier-list-v2-currently-amd-only/ Here] is one for AMD. | [https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/1137619-motherboard-vrm-tier-list-v2-currently-amd-only/ Here] is one for AMD. | ||
===Power Supplies=== | ===Power Supplies=== | ||
Check the check the [https://cultists.network/140/psu-tier-list/ PSU Tier List].<br> | |||
For high-end builds (i.e. Nvidia 3090 class builds), pick something in the A-tier section.<br> | |||
Corsair AX/HX/RMx, EVGA Plat/Gold, and Seasonic PSUs tend to be good choices. | |||
In general, these will come with a 10 year warranty and 80+ Gold or better efficiency. | |||
If you can find a sale, 80+ Platinum power supplies are even better (e.g. Corsair HX | If you can find a sale, 80+ Platinum power supplies are even better (e.g. Corsair HX). | ||
Most expensive PSUs will keep the fan off when load is under 40% so try to aim for a high-wattage PSU. | |||
Furthermore, higher wattage will be better against GPU spikes. | |||
===SSDs=== | ===SSDs=== | ||
Go with M.2 nvme.<br> | |||
Samsung 970 Evo or 980 Pro are the default safe choices.<br> | |||
Samsung | Avoid SSDs without DRAM. Check online for specs. | ||
Avoid SSDs without DRAM. | |||
===Hard Disks=== | ===Hard Disks=== | ||
Avoid for PC builds. It's not worth the weight | Avoid for PC and Workstation builds. It's not worth the weight, or noise. | ||
See [[Data Hoarding]] for how to setup a NAS. | |||
===CPUs=== | ===CPUs=== | ||
Intel or AMD are both fine nowadays. | |||
===RAM=== | ===RAM=== | ||
I always test RAM, both new and used, upon receiving it with [https://www.memtest86.com/ Passmark's Memtest86]. | I always test RAM, both new and used, upon receiving it with [https://www.memtest86.com/ Passmark's Memtest86]. | ||
Failing memtest86 means either the ram is bad, your | Failing memtest86 means either the ram is bad, your settings are unstable, or your CPU's memory controller isn't good enough for the overclock. | ||
Sometimes, | Sometimes, XMP speeds can be good with a small amount of ram but will fail with more ram due to a week memory controller, particularly on earlier Ryzen CPUs. | ||
For XMP overclocked ram, it's best not to mix ram models. | For XMP overclocked ram, it's best not to mix ram models.<br> | ||
For JEDEC stock ram, it's usually okay to mix models as long as both have the same specs. | For JEDEC stock ram, it's usually okay to mix models as long as both have the same specs. | ||
In general, you want the highest MHz and the smallest CAS latency. | In general, you want the highest MHz and the smallest CAS latency.<br> | ||
For Ryzen 3000/5000 | For Ryzen 3000/5000 and Intel 8-12th gen, '''only up to DDR4-3200 is officially supported'''.<br> | ||
For most applications, memory | For most applications, DDR4 memory speeds have diminishing returns above 3000 MHz so don't spend too much extra. | ||
==Used vs New== | |||
Things which I prefer to buy used: | |||
* CPUs - very rarely DOA and very rarely goes bad with time. Just make sure there are no bent or missing pins. | |||
* Memory - easy to test with Memtest86, very rarely goes bad with time. | |||
* GPUs - if it's a newer model, it'll typically still have a warranty. | |||
Things I prefer to buy new: | |||
* Cases - to make sure you get all the screws | |||
* Motherboards - to make sure you get accessories like the IO shield | |||
* SSDs and HDDs | |||
If it's part of an entire build, the above used parts are fine to leave in. | |||
Used motherboards are okay if part of a bundle, i.e. with CPU and cooler. Just make sure there are no broken pins. |