1440p build

[proven ridge]

Hi all,
I've been doing a bit of reading around the subject recently and am thinking of a new PC build. I've got 2 monitors, a 1440p at 144hz and 1080p. Primarily gaming with simulators (flight sim, train sim). I do some development as well.
I'm trying not to be too greedy (RTX 4080, I'm looking at you!) and have pulled together this build.
https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/intel-z790-ddr5-pc/WNFKcd3fd3/

[modern stone]

Heya! Reckon we could slim this down a bit and still get you the same, if not better performance!

https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/intel-z790-ddr5-pc/tdrBMmYGmz/

Here’s what I’d recommend

-Switch to the Corsair 4000D, this is more of my personal preference but I think filled out cases look better and think this should go nicely with the changes I’ve made below

-The Hero motherboard is for pro-overclocking so adds a tonne of features that you’ll likely not need. The TUF is the tier I’d recommend (this is a £250 saving)

-Upped to 6000mhz RAM, you want the fastest stuff possible

-Swapped the 4TB HDD for a 3TB one, the 4TB HDD has a 5400RPM so is evennn slower than your average HDD, the 3TB is the largest capacity with a 7200RPM without using the ironwolfs

• Removed the 3 extra Corsair fans. In the 4000D, the AIO will now act as the intakes, then the 2 fans that come with the case will be at the top/ rear to act as exhaust! If you’d specifically like the Corsair bling, I’d recommend going for one of the. X cases which have3 Corsair RGB fans included so works out much more cost effective

[proven ridge]

Thank you. I'll take a look later when I'm back in the house.

[proven ridge]

Can you explain a bit more about the airflow? I'm very happy with the changes (thanks!) but not sure about the case/airflow.
I prefer the bigger case so does that mean I need more fans?

[modern stone]

I’ve drawn this up for the 4000D situation. The AIO would be front mounted sucking air in. Then the two fans would be at the top and back pushing air out (as well as the natural heat rising through the top of the case). If you wanted a bigger case, you wouldn’t need more fans but I’d suggest it. Personally I’d recommend going for the 5000X- it comes with 3 included decent quality fans, then you’ll have the PCS 360 Top mounted in that case

[proven ridge]

Thanks. Would PCS configure it like that or would I need to tell them?

[modern stone]

Nope, it’s the only way it can be configured (the 360 doesn’t fit at the top on the 4000 series)

[proven ridge]

Thanks Junior

I've been watching some tech videos recently and there is a load of noise about Nvidia not putting enough VRAM in these cards. How valid is this point?

The build has decreased in price over the last few days so is bringing the 4080 into my price range. I'm therefore wondering about the importance of raw VRAM size.

[modern stone]

It's a very valid point, we're really starting to see the 8GB cards (3060TI, 3070, 3070TI) struggle with anything above 1080p in some titles. I wouldn't recommend the 4080 at all, seem to remember doing the math, and it works out at like a 10% performance upgrade for a 25% price increase. If you're happy to look to team red, then the 7900XT could be an attractive proposition. it's slightly better in performance versus the 4070TI, and has a whopping 20GB of VRAM

1st pic is 1080p the last of us
2nd pic is 1440p (you can see that it's VRAM related because the 3060 (which has 12GB) has far better 1% lows than the 60TI and 70 which are faster cards otherwise)
3rd pic is just an average performance chart, chosen 4070 coz it'll be the latest data

[proven ridge]

Ok thanks, I'll review in a bit.

If I did change the graphics card, would I need to change anything else about the build?

[modern stone]

seems the xt fits in the 4KD so you'll be good