First PC Build: Feedback & Recommendations!

Hey guys! I'm super stoked to share my first ever PC build with you all. This has been a long time coming, and I'm so excited to finally have a rig that I can call my own. I've spent countless hours researching components, watching build guides, and dreaming about the games I'll be able to play. Now that it's finally done (well, almost!), I'd love to get your feedback and recommendations. I'm always looking for ways to improve, whether it's optimizing performance, upgrading components, or just making it look cooler. So, without further ado, let's dive into the details!

The Parts List: My Chosen Components

When embarking on this journey, choosing the right components was paramount to achieving my dream gaming experience. I meticulously researched each part, comparing specifications, reading reviews, and considering my budget. It was a challenging but ultimately rewarding process, and I'm confident that the components I've selected will deliver the performance and reliability I need. Let's break down the key components that form the heart of my gaming rig. First off, the CPU, I went with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X. I chose this CPU because it seemed like the best bang for my buck in terms of performance and price. I've heard great things about its single-core and multi-core performance, which should be perfect for gaming and streaming. For the motherboard, I picked the MSI B550 Tomahawk. This motherboard has all the features I need, including PCIe 4.0 support, plenty of USB ports, and good VRMs for overclocking. Plus, it looks pretty sleek with its black and red design! The memory I chose is Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200MHz. 16GB of RAM is the sweet spot for gaming these days, and the 3200MHz speed should provide a nice performance boost. Corsair is a trusted brand, so I'm confident in the quality and reliability of this memory kit. My GPU is an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti. This was the hardest component to get my hands on, thanks to the ongoing GPU shortage. But I finally managed to snag one, and I'm so glad I did! The RTX 3060 Ti should be able to handle any game I throw at it at 1080p or 1440p with high settings. The storage I have is a Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB NVMe SSD. An NVMe SSD is a must-have for fast boot times and game loading speeds. The Samsung 970 EVO Plus is one of the fastest SSDs on the market, so I'm expecting blazing-fast performance. My PSU is a Corsair RM750x 750W 80+ Gold. A good power supply is essential for a stable and reliable system. The Corsair RM750x is a high-quality PSU with plenty of wattage for my components and future upgrades. Finally, my case is a Fractal Design Meshify C. This case has excellent airflow, which is crucial for keeping my components cool. It also looks great with its sleek and minimalist design. I think choosing these components was the best choice for a first time build. What do you guys think?

The Build Process: Trials and Tribulations

Embarking on the PC building process was like stepping into a new world, filled with challenges and triumphs. It was a hands-on experience that demanded patience, precision, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. From the initial excitement of unboxing the components to the final moment of booting up the system, each step was a valuable lesson in the art of PC building. The build process started with meticulously planning the layout of components within the case. This involved considering factors such as airflow, cable management, and ease of access for future upgrades. I spent hours studying the case's design, visualizing how each component would fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Ensuring adequate airflow was a top priority, as it directly impacts the system's cooling performance and overall stability. Cable management, while seemingly a minor detail, plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean and organized build. Tidy cables not only improve aesthetics but also contribute to better airflow by minimizing obstructions. I carefully routed cables behind the motherboard tray, using zip ties and Velcro straps to secure them in place. The installation of the CPU onto the motherboard was a delicate operation that demanded precision and care. Aligning the CPU's pins with the socket required a steady hand and a keen eye. Applying thermal paste evenly onto the CPU's surface was another critical step in ensuring efficient heat transfer to the cooler. The installation of RAM modules was relatively straightforward, but it was essential to ensure they were properly seated in the correct slots to enable dual-channel memory operation. Mounting the motherboard into the case was a significant milestone, marking the transition from individual components to a cohesive system. Securing the motherboard with screws required patience and attention to detail, as overtightening could potentially damage the board. Installing the GPU was an exciting moment, as it represented the heart of the system's gaming capabilities. The GPU's size and weight necessitated careful handling and secure mounting to prevent any strain on the motherboard's PCIe slot. Connecting the power supply cables to the various components was a critical step in providing the necessary power for operation. Ensuring all connections were secure and properly seated was crucial to prevent any electrical issues. Routing the cables neatly and discreetly was also a priority for maintaining a clean and organized build. Installing the storage devices, such as the NVMe SSD and hard drive, was a relatively simple task, but it was essential to ensure they were securely mounted and properly connected to the motherboard. Cable management played a crucial role in keeping the storage devices neatly organized and accessible. Finally, the moment of truth arrived – booting up the system for the first time. The initial power-on was a nail-biting experience, as any errors or issues could indicate potential problems with the build. But with bated breath, I pressed the power button and watched as the system sprang to life. The successful boot-up was a moment of immense satisfaction, marking the culmination of countless hours of planning, research, and effort. What do you think about my PC building process?

Performance and Benchmarks: How Does It Run?

Now for the moment of truth: how does my new PC actually perform? I've run a few benchmarks and played some games to get a feel for its capabilities, and I'm pretty impressed so far. But I'm always looking for ways to optimize performance, so I'm eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions. In terms of benchmarks, I ran Cinebench R23 to test the CPU's multi-core performance. It scored around 11,000 points, which is right in line with expectations for a Ryzen 5 5600X. I also ran 3DMark Time Spy to test the GPU's gaming performance. It scored around 10,000 points, which is also what I was expecting for an RTX 3060 Ti. These benchmark scores give me a good baseline for comparison, and I'll continue to run them after making any changes to see if they have a positive impact. Of course, benchmarks are just numbers. The real test is how the PC performs in actual games. So far, I've played a few different titles, including Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and Forza Horizon 5. All of these games run smoothly at 1440p with high settings, which is exactly what I was hoping for. Cyberpunk 2077 is the most demanding game I've tested, and it runs at around 60-70 fps with ray tracing enabled. Assassin's Creed Valhalla runs even better, averaging around 80-90 fps. And Forza Horizon 5 is a visual feast, running at a smooth 100+ fps. I'm really happy with the gaming performance so far. The RTX 3060 Ti is a beast of a card, and it's handling everything I throw at it with ease. The Ryzen 5 5600X is also pulling its weight, providing plenty of processing power for gaming and other tasks. One thing I've noticed is that the CPU temperatures can get a little high under heavy load. During Cinebench R23, the CPU temperature peaked at around 80 degrees Celsius. This is still within the safe operating range, but I'd like to keep it a bit cooler if possible. I'm considering upgrading the CPU cooler to a beefier air cooler or even a liquid cooler to improve thermals. Overall, I'm very happy with the performance of my new PC. It's a huge upgrade from my previous system, and it's allowing me to play games at higher settings and frame rates than ever before. But I'm always looking for ways to improve, so I'm open to any suggestions you guys might have. Have you ever tested the performance of your PC? What were the results?

Aesthetics and Cable Management: Making It Look Good

While performance is paramount, let's be real – aesthetics matter too! I wanted my PC to not only be a powerhouse but also a visually appealing centerpiece on my desk. So, I put a lot of effort into cable management and choosing components that complement each other aesthetically. The Fractal Design Meshify C case was an excellent choice for achieving a clean and modern look. Its sleek lines, tempered glass side panel, and mesh front panel provide a perfect balance of form and function. The case also offers ample space for cable management, which is crucial for achieving a tidy and organized build. Cable management is an art form in itself, and it's something I'm constantly striving to improve. The key is to route cables strategically, keeping them out of sight and minimizing clutter. I utilized the case's built-in cable routing channels and tie-down points to keep the cables neatly tucked away behind the motherboard tray. Velcro straps and zip ties were my best friends, helping me bundle and secure the cables in place. The result is a clean and uncluttered interior, which not only looks better but also improves airflow and makes future upgrades easier. The choice of components also plays a significant role in the overall aesthetics of the build. I opted for a black and red color scheme, which I think looks both sleek and aggressive. The MSI B550 Tomahawk motherboard with its black and red accents fits perfectly into this theme. The Corsair Vengeance LPX memory modules also have a clean black design that complements the motherboard. I'm considering adding some RGB lighting to the build to give it an extra touch of personality. However, I want to avoid going overboard with the RGB, as I prefer a more subtle and understated look. I might add some LED strips inside the case or replace the CPU cooler with one that has RGB lighting. But I'll definitely take my time and experiment with different options before making any final decisions. One area where I'd like to improve is the placement of the case fans. The stock case fans are functional, but they're not the most aesthetically pleasing. I might replace them with some higher-quality fans that have a cleaner design and better lighting. I'm also considering adding a fan controller to give me more control over the fan speeds and noise levels. Overall, I'm pretty happy with the aesthetics of my PC. It's a clean, modern, and visually appealing build that I'm proud to show off. But I'm always open to suggestions and ideas for improvement. Do you guys have any tips for aesthetics of PC and cable management?

Future Upgrades: What's Next?

As much as I love my new PC, I know that it's not the end of the road. Technology is constantly evolving, and there will always be new and exciting components to upgrade to. So, I'm already thinking about future upgrades that I might want to make down the line. One of the most likely upgrades is the CPU cooler. As I mentioned earlier, the CPU temperatures can get a little high under heavy load. Upgrading to a beefier air cooler or a liquid cooler would help to keep the CPU cooler and potentially allow for some overclocking. I'm leaning towards a liquid cooler, as they tend to offer better cooling performance and they also look pretty cool. However, they're also more expensive and require more maintenance than air coolers. So, I'll need to do some more research before making a final decision. Another potential upgrade is the GPU. While the RTX 3060 Ti is a great card, there will inevitably be newer and more powerful GPUs released in the future. If I start to feel like my PC is struggling to run the latest games at my desired settings, I might consider upgrading to a newer GPU. However, GPUs are very expensive, especially these days, so this is an upgrade that I'll probably hold off on for a while. I'm also thinking about adding more storage. The 1TB NVMe SSD is plenty for now, but I can definitely see myself needing more storage in the future. I might add a second NVMe SSD or a large-capacity hard drive to store more games, videos, and other files. Another upgrade that I'm considering is the RAM. 16GB of RAM is sufficient for most games and applications, but 32GB would provide more headroom and could potentially improve performance in some scenarios. However, RAM prices are currently quite high, so this is another upgrade that I'll probably hold off on for now. Finally, I might consider upgrading my monitor. I'm currently using a 1440p 144Hz monitor, which is great for gaming. But I'm always tempted by the allure of higher resolutions and refresh rates. A 4K 144Hz monitor would be the ultimate gaming experience, but they're very expensive and require a powerful PC to drive them. So, this is an upgrade that's probably a long way off. What about you guys? What future upgrades do you think I should make?

Final Thoughts and Call for Feedback

So, that's my first ever PC build! It's been an amazing journey, and I've learned so much along the way. I'm incredibly proud of what I've accomplished, and I'm so excited to finally have a PC that I can call my own. But I know that there's always room for improvement, and I'm eager to continue learning and tweaking my system to get the most out of it. That's why I'm turning to you guys for feedback and recommendations. What do you think of my build? Are there any components that you would have chosen differently? Do you have any tips for optimizing performance or improving aesthetics? Any advice or suggestions you can offer would be greatly appreciated! I'm especially interested in hearing your thoughts on CPU cooling, cable management, and future upgrades. So, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Thanks for taking the time to read about my build, and I can't wait to hear your feedback!