So it was time to retire my 5 year old RTX 2080 ti computer that I built. I had eyed doing a 5090 build but due to the obscene cost of the 5090 (and lack of availability) I built a rig around a MSI RTX 5080 Gaming Trio that I was able to secure at MSRP ($1,150) before the tarrifs hit (just got lucky as they are also hard to get).
Here is the build, pictures and commentary on why I went this approach. Happy to answer any questions and welcome any feedback.
COMPONENTS
CASE: Singularity Limited Edition Quantum Case with 2 D5 pumps and integrated Powerboard and Distro block - This was an over the top purchase. Singularity makes very high end cases (based in Australia) and I just liked the look, integrated powerboard (which helps with cord management) and distro block (as I want to water cool). Not sure if the price was worth it, bu I do love the look and feel of the case.
CPU: Intel i9-14900KF. I know, everyone will say, “why didn’t you go with AMD!!”. Well, I prefer more balanced CPUs as this is not just a flight sim and gaming rig. I do a lot of productivity stuff for work and pleasure (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro for some video content I create), so I lean more Intel for hybrid rigs. I’m also familiar with Intel as I use Intel for pretty much all my builds. Finally, by not going with the latest generation CPU from AMD and Intel, I saved some money.
Motherboard: MSI Z790 Ace. I like MSI products and have used them a lot for prior builds. Went with the Z790 Ace as it supports LGA 1700 socket CPUS, and is affordable as it isn’t the latest and greatest motherboard (e.g., Godlike). I also like the Z790 because of a lot of interface inputs (e.g., USBs) which I need for my flight sim gear and accessories.
Radiator: Hardware Labs GTS Nemesis Black Ice 360. Using this radiator to cool the CPU. I used this radiator in my prior build so decided to reuse it to save some money. It is a great radiator and top shelf. When I eventually watercool the GPU (jus waiting for blocks) I will use my other radiator from the old computer.
Radiator Fans: Corsair LL120 RGB x3. I pulled these from my old computer to save money. Was worried the Commander Pro RGB hub wouldn’t work as an older model, but no issues so far.
Motherboard Fans: Thermaltake RGB fans x3. Pulled these from old computer to again, save money. Two at the top of the case and one behind the CPU area for more general cooling. Unfortunately the RGB hub is not allowing me to change the color as it is an old model and I believe I need to upgrade the hub. May do so eventually but just using the default RGB color.
RAM: G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB Series (Intel XMP 3.0) DDR5 RAM 64GB (2x32GB) 6400MT/s. I wanted 64 gigs of RAM this go around (old computer was 32).
PSU: Seasonic Prime TX-1600-1600W - 80+ Titanium. Wanted a lot of room to breathe so went with a 1600W powersupply. Overkill but what I wanted.
M2 Drives: SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4, M.2. 4 TB and 2TB sticks. Pulled the 4 TB stick from my old computer and reused. I have 2 more 1 TB sticks that I may pull into the new rig for a total of 8 TB.
CPU Waterblock: Alphacool Apex 1 CPU Waterblock. I typically go with EKWB for watercool components but EKWB is having a lot of problematic issues so went with Alphacool. For watercool accessories I went with Alphacool soft tubing (10/16) and used Koolance QD3 quick disconnects.
PICTURES
Putting it together
Radiator and Fans
Its alive!!!
IMPRESSIONS
Works great and no material issues! Leaving it as an open case. Without any load my CPU is around 29C and GPU at 40C. While playing MSFS 2024 neither the CPU and GPU has exceeded 60C. Will rise as ambient temp rises, but for now tthe cooling is working well. I need to work on cable management a bit and I need a new RGB hub to get everything work well, but again, so far no issues and works like a charm. The i9-4900KF and RTX 5080 are handling MSFS 2024, Monster Hunter Wilds and Civ VII with ease. I’m very happy.
Not even sure if I’ll waterblock the 5080 now but we’ll see how temps look during the summer. If prices and availability work in my favor I may pull the trigger on a 5090 at some point, but I just can’t pull the trigger on a $2.5K - $3K GPU right now. Will just wait.
Happy to answer any questions.