Help me build my PC: 2024 Catch-All

My time came!!! EVGA emailed me a link for a 3060 TI LHR 8GB XC card. No idea what the letters after Ti are for... Either way, this is a far cry from my 970.

Should be in Friday, now my old i5-7600k is a significant bottleneck. Not sure it matters much, but I want to start looking in to building a new computer around the new card.

I'm rocking on old 620 W power supply in a case so old it doesn't glow. Probably need to get a new PS just for my own sanity as I think this one might be from 2013...

Next up would probably be a new mobo to replace my Z270 SLI Plus LGA1151 as I assume it won't handle a modern processor. And the accompanying processor. I'm an old guy prejudice against AMD... so this might be the hard part for me... lol

Last would be the DDR4-2666 ram as I assume it still works in newer boards.

manta173 wrote:

My time came!!! EVGA emailed me a link for a 3060 TI LHR 8GB XC card. No idea what the letters after Ti are for... Either way, this is a far cry from my 970.

Should be in Friday, now my old i5-7600k is a significant bottleneck. Not sure it matters much, but I want to start looking in to building a new computer around the new card.

I'm rocking on old 620 W power supply in a case so old it doesn't glow. Probably need to get a new PS just for my own sanity as I think this one might be from 2013...

Next up would probably be a new mobo to replace my Z270 SLI Plus LGA1151 as I assume it won't handle a modern processor. And the accompanying processor. I'm an old guy prejudice against AMD... so this might be the hard part for me... lol

Last would be the DDR4-2666 ram as I assume it still works in newer boards.

Congrats! Depending on your games, that processor might do better than you think.

Also definitely get anew psu asap. I wouldn't even use the new card until you do.

Chairman_Mao wrote:
manta173 wrote:

My time came!!! EVGA emailed me a link for a 3060 TI LHR 8GB XC card. No idea what the letters after Ti are for... Either way, this is a far cry from my 970.

Should be in Friday, now my old i5-7600k is a significant bottleneck. Not sure it matters much, but I want to start looking in to building a new computer around the new card.

I'm rocking on old 620 W power supply in a case so old it doesn't glow. Probably need to get a new PS just for my own sanity as I think this one might be from 2013...

Next up would probably be a new mobo to replace my Z270 SLI Plus LGA1151 as I assume it won't handle a modern processor. And the accompanying processor. I'm an old guy prejudice against AMD... so this might be the hard part for me... lol

Last would be the DDR4-2666 ram as I assume it still works in newer boards.

Congrats! Depending on your games, that processor might do better than you think.

Also definitely get anew psu asap. I wouldn't even use the new card until you do.

Yeah, get a new psu before you put in the 3060 and it doesn't even boot.

You'll want all new parts, tbh, but the cpu might not fair as bad as you'd think, as Mao said.

Any PSU/case combos worth it out there? or should I stick with old faithful Fractal R4.

I assume 600W would be adequate for modern systems.

manta173 wrote:

Any PSU/case combos worth it out there? or should I stick with old faithful Fractal R4.

I assume 600W would be adequate for modern systems.

I would get 750 at least if you are planning to update the CPU at some point. Check out the list in this thread's original post for recommendations, but it is hard to go wrong with Seasonic IMO. Don't scrimp on PSU.

Your case is fine, no need to change that.

manta173 wrote:

My time came!!! EVGA emailed me a link for a 3060 TI LHR 8GB XC card. No idea what the letters after Ti are for... Either way, this is a far cry from my 970.

Should be in Friday, now my old i5-7600k is a significant bottleneck. Not sure it matters much, but I want to start looking in to building a new computer around the new card.

I'm rocking on old 620 W power supply in a case so old it doesn't glow. Probably need to get a new PS just for my own sanity as I think this one might be from 2013...

Next up would probably be a new mobo to replace my Z270 SLI Plus LGA1151 as I assume it won't handle a modern processor. And the accompanying processor. I'm an old guy prejudice against AMD... so this might be the hard part for me... lol

Last would be the DDR4-2666 ram as I assume it still works in newer boards.

Congratulations! Ti stands for titanium. Definitely get a 750 PSU. I echo the Seasonic recommendation. Enjoy!

Chairman_Mao wrote:
manta173 wrote:

Any PSU/case combos worth it out there? or should I stick with old faithful Fractal R4.

I assume 600W would be adequate for modern systems.

I would get 750 at least if you are planning to update the CPU at some point. Check out the list in this thread's original post for recommendations, but it is hard to go wrong with Seasonic IMO. Don't scrimp on PSU.

Your case is fine, no need to change that.

This is what I ran across via googling top PSUs. Corsair RMX... I guess I'll add 20 bucks and get the 750 instead. Or is there a specific Seasonic y'all like?

Also seems I am a generation behind on hard drives.... so there's that too. PC Partpicker says I can still buy my mobo for 475... as that is more than I paid for it... maybe there's an aftermarket for it to offset things.

LHR means “Lite Hash Rate”. Means it’s not good for crypto-mining.

Oh, a fresh new thread.
I assume 2022 refers to the % [price] increase we can expect in GPUs :/

This year is around the time I would normally start to consider a PC refresh. Not so much right now.

22% or 2022% ?

Probably both, right after each other
Meant price increase of course, missed a word there.

manta173 wrote:
Chairman_Mao wrote:
manta173 wrote:

Any PSU/case combos worth it out there? or should I stick with old faithful Fractal R4.

I assume 600W would be adequate for modern systems.

I would get 750 at least if you are planning to update the CPU at some point. Check out the list in this thread's original post for recommendations, but it is hard to go wrong with Seasonic IMO. Don't scrimp on PSU.

Your case is fine, no need to change that.

This is what I ran across via googling top PSUs. Corsair RMX... I guess I'll add 20 bucks and get the 750 instead. Or is there a specific Seasonic y'all like?

Also seems I am a generation behind on hard drives.... so there's that too. PC Partpicker says I can still buy my mobo for 475... as that is more than I paid for it... maybe there's an aftermarket for it to offset things.

This is what I got: Seasonic FOCUS PX-750. The GX version is $20 less and would be great as well.

Thanks! At this point I assume all lists on the internet are just ads... I prefer actual people recommendations.

Anyone have any suggestions for decent amps for computer/bookshelf speakers?

Here's the situation: I bought the Parts Express Amp/Speaker bundle a couple of years ago. The bookshelf speakers are great. The Lepai amp was serviceable, with clean sound at low volume settings. Last week, the amp died and I replaced it with a $30 Kinter amp from Amazon. The Kinter amp and the Lepai amp look like they came off the same assembly line, but the Kinter amp may be buzzier at anything higher than 1/4 volume.

What I really wanted was something just slightly better than the old Lepai amp for just slightly more money. Ideally, I want a reasonable quality stereo amp with a headphone pass through on the front, a volume knob, and no other functionality.

Class A tube amps seem cool, but are probably not a great choice for me as I tend to leave it on 24/7 and, as I understand it, Class A amps draw full power all the time.

This Yamaha amp is sorta what I want, but not for $300.

Anyone got good options for a narrow piece of furniture to hold my tower?

Preferably wheeled, less than 16 in wide and maybe with some storage.

manta173 wrote:

Anyone got good options for a narrow piece of furniture to hold my tower?

Preferably wheeled, less than 16 in wide and maybe with some storage.

IKEA!

But without storage, sorry.

Target usually has some functional pieces that might fit your needs.

Chairman_Mao wrote:
manta173 wrote:

Anyone got good options for a narrow piece of furniture to hold my tower?

Preferably wheeled, less than 16 in wide and maybe with some storage.

IKEA!

But without storage, sorry.

Lol Well this is the minimalist approach. I might look around a bit as I do have a little table there I currently keep the modem on.

I'll check target too.

Scored a Gigabyte 3060 12 GB from BB for $500 (after tax). To be delivered next week.

I don't need it and will probably cancel my order.

Just thought I'd mention it in case someone is desperate.

Gigabyrlte

If it actually says that on the box, don't put it in your PC.

These guys make GPUs now?
IMAGE(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/813AHGu4UwL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)

Who doesn't want the world's most powerful LiteBright?

I believe you are thinking of LiteZilla, sir...

IMAGE(https://litezilla.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/LiteZilla-Gallery_0010_20180606_member-first-look-57-400x400.jpg)

garion333 wrote:

Who doesn't want the world's most powerful LiteBright?

What is the modern RGB craze if not just goosed-up Lite-Brite?

polq37 wrote:

Anyone have any suggestions for decent amps for computer/bookshelf speakers?

Here's the situation: I bought the Parts Express Amp/Speaker bundle a couple of years ago. The bookshelf speakers are great. The Lepai amp was serviceable, with clean sound at low volume settings. Last week, the amp died and I replaced it with a $30 Kinter amp from Amazon. The Kinter amp and the Lepai amp look like they came off the same assembly line, but the Kinter amp may be buzzier at anything higher than 1/4 volume.

What I really wanted was something just slightly better than the old Lepai amp for just slightly more money. Ideally, I want a reasonable quality stereo amp with a headphone pass through on the front, a volume knob, and no other functionality.

Class A tube amps seem cool, but are probably not a great choice for me as I tend to leave it on 24/7 and, as I understand it, Class A amps draw full power all the time.

This Yamaha amp is sorta what I want, but not for $300.

Not sure I can help. This is the Kinter amp I bought in 2019 for $35 (now $45+), but has no buzzing when used to drive my PC sound to a pair of bookshelf speakers. I get some static at around 75% volume and no sound output, but I usually leave it at about 10%. I looked around a lot and found there were tons of knock offs using the same name / look, or different name like you stated, and had to get the right one for the correct internals.

garion333 wrote:

Scored a Gigabyte 3060 12 GB from BB for $500 (after tax). To be delivered next week.

I don't need it and will probably cancel my order.

Just thought I'd mention it in case someone is desperate.

I've since canceled the order. Will try for a higher end card instead and let folks know if I hit.

I'll admit, I was late to the drop, which is cool because they stagger drops and will drop some stock early and then more later. I got some of the later stock.

This is two BB scores this month. Demand might be down for lower end cards now that the holidays are over. Higher end cards have significantly less stock, so...

Chairman_Mao wrote:
manta173 wrote:
Chairman_Mao wrote:
manta173 wrote:

Any PSU/case combos worth it out there? or should I stick with old faithful Fractal R4.

I assume 600W would be adequate for modern systems.

I would get 750 at least if you are planning to update the CPU at some point. Check out the list in this thread's original post for recommendations, but it is hard to go wrong with Seasonic IMO. Don't scrimp on PSU.

Your case is fine, no need to change that.

This is what I ran across via googling top PSUs. Corsair RMX... I guess I'll add 20 bucks and get the 750 instead. Or is there a specific Seasonic y'all like?

Also seems I am a generation behind on hard drives.... so there's that too. PC Partpicker says I can still buy my mobo for 475... as that is more than I paid for it... maybe there's an aftermarket for it to offset things.

This is what I got: Seasonic FOCUS PX-750. The GX version is $20 less and would be great as well.

Counterpoint: I'm sporting a 550W power supply and have had zero issues with my 3060Ti in 6 months now. BUT it's a fairly recent (2018) PS AND it's a Seasonic Focus Gold so of decent quality.

Do not skimp on your psu.
psus are more energy efficient if they are run between about 60-80% of max load. that means less heat, and a longer lifetime. It also means they are far less likely to fail spectacularly and take other parts of your system with them.
Bonus it means they can potentially handle an upgrade down the line.

Tycho the Mad wrote:

Do not skimp on your psu.
psus are more energy efficient if they are run between about 60-80% of max load. that means less heat, and a longer lifetime. It also means they are far less likely to fail spectacularly and take other parts of your system with them.
Bonus it means they can potentially handle an upgrade down the line.

Yes to all this.

While a 550W is probably happy enough powering a 3060... I've seen actual draw of ~580W on my UPS from my 3080 system with only the PC itself plugged into it.

You have zero headroom for GPU upgrades without also then upgrading the power supply.

Granted, not like a lot of people are switching GPU's very often right now, but this is one of those things some folks skimp on and then a year down the road their supply that's been running at 100% load or more all the time finally gives up the magic smoke and roasts their motherboard when it goes and they go "man screw (brand) their power supply killed my hardware"

And like, nah, you just needed to spend $30 more on a better suited power supply.

Agreed to all of that. The suggestion isn't to go from a $100 part to a $300 part, it's spend the extra $20 or $30 in most cases. It's worth it.