2025 Gaming desktop machine

[interupt42]

I don't do any games whatsoever but I have a godson that does. He mostly plays Rust, Fortnite, and so High intensity first person types of games from what I have been told.

So I'm helping to get him a new machine. I would rather land on the side of overkill than underkill.

So I would appreciate any help on what to get and not get. The budget is around 2-3k for a desktop.

CPU: I'm thinking ryzen 7 9800x3d unless a good deal pc comes with theryzen 9 9950x3d

GPU: it appears that the GeForce RTX 5080 16GB mem

HD: 2 TB+ for primary and 4TB+ for secondary

Cooling: is the liquid cooling worth it?

also any recommendations on where to purchase the desktop would be greatly appreciated.

[Encia22]

I don't do gaming either and I'm out of the loop as to what is hot at the moment.

However, my first port of call would be something like Game Stop who are specialist in the gaming industry.

https://www.gamestop.com/pc-gaming/desktop-pc-hardware

I'm sure others will advise to build your own, but it takes a lot of research, sourcing parts and being handy with putting it all together. The advantage would probably be the cost and self-satisfaction. However, your budget seems good enough to get something ready out-of-the-box.

[UltraBudgie]

Find out what his friend group has then get the same best one except one level better on the specs.

[interupt42]

Find out what his friend group has then get the same best one except one level better on the specs.

LOL

[interupt42]

I don't do gaming either and I'm out of the loop as to what is hot at the moment.

However, my first port of call would be something like Game Stop who are specialist in the gaming industry.

https://www.gamestop.com/pc-gaming/desktop-pc-hardware

I'm sure others will advise to build your own, but it takes a lot of research, sourcing parts and being handy with putting it all together. The advantage would probably be the cost and self-satisfaction. However, your budget seems good enough to get something ready out-of-the-box.

[Image: https://denyignorance.com//images/addsmilies/beer.gif]

Thanks, I'm not looking to put it together myself but rather use one of the online builders where you can pick and choose the parts and they build it for you.

They used iBUYPOWER.com several times in the past so will likely use them again even though they had an F rating on bbb.

So if anyone has any other online suggestions or has had a good experience ordering online with a particular site let me know .

[sahgwa]

I am 42 and only game casually like an hour or two a week. I think your specs seem sound.

Definitely a good pick on an RTX for the graphics card. 
Since you are spending so much money on the system, what is $200 more for the better CPU:
AMD Ryzen™ 9 9950X3D Processor ?

I would buy all the parts separate on newegg.com

Cooling I think fans are fine, if you have a well ventilated case. 
You are forgetting the most important part, what kind of mother board? 

I learnt how far along motherboards have come in the last decade when I upgraded my system a year or two ago. I essentially built a new system actually...lol the only transfer was the HD.
I like the Republic of Gamers boards, thats what I have.  

This works with the CPU nicely
https://www.newegg.com/asus-rog-strix-b6...6813119612

[interupt42]

I am 42 and only game casually like an hour or two a week. I think your specs seem sound.

Definitely a good pick on an RTX for the graphics card. 
Since you are spending so much money on the system, what is $200 more for the better CPU:
AMD Ryzen™ 9 9950X3D Processor ?

I would buy all the parts separate on newegg.com

Cooling I think fans are fine, if you have a well ventilated case. 
You are forgetting the most important part, what kind of mother board? 

I learnt how far along motherboards have come in the last decade when I upgraded my system a year or two ago. I essentially built a new system actually...lol the only transfer was the HD.
I like the Republic of Gamers boards, thats what I have.  

This works with the CPU nicely
https://www.newegg.com/asus-rog-strix-b6...6813119612

Yeah I thought about the 9 9950X3 but figured I would spend the extra couple hundred on the SSD . the budget was 2-3K and I'm already at 3.5K , so I'm already in trouble, lol.

[pianopraze]

We’re in a ridiculous time with GPUs because of AI.

MSRP no longer exists everything is ridiculously inflated. A system integrated might be the only way to get reasonable price on a GPU.

[Awhispersecho]

Overall, your specs are great. I did a build the end of 2023 that was a bit overkill at the time and I already have fomo for the latest. 5080 will be great, if you can find it. Cooling is more of a preference at this point as both an AIO or a good fan cooler will be fine. The only thing I would suggest is maybe do a 1TB NVME for your main system drive and then a 4TB NVME for the secondary gaming drive. Games are big nowadays. Also, don't skimp on the motherboard, especially for a high end CPU like that. I tend to like MSI boards but that's just preference. You don't have to go crazy like I did with a Godlike but something like their Carbon WiFi board, something in that range whether it's from them, Asus, etc, would do it.

Also, check Newegg for CPU and Motherboard bundle deals.

[guyfriday]

I have used this company last time I got a computer, Great system and the service was easy as all ends to use. 
ORIGIN PC | Gaming PCs, Gaming Laptops, Custom Computers

At the very least you can get a rough idea of value for the money by seeing what they have.