AMD’s unveiling of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D took the market by storm back in early 2022. The larger cache in this CPU (thanks to AMD’s innovative 3D V-Cache technology) improved performance in many games by such a considerable margin that it still tops the charts.
With the much-anticipated launch of Ryzen 7000X3D CPUs in early 2023, AMD is now bringing the benefits of enhanced cache sizes to its next-gen AM5 platform! Gamers can now pick from a broader range of budgets and performance classes for their next Gaming PC.
However, the sheer number of products on the market can confuse even the best of us. Once you start shopping for parts, the number of choices available can overwhelm even veterans, let alone gamers building their first Gaming PC.
To make your lives easier, we’ve compiled a buying guide with parts for both a value-focused and a top-tier gaming rig based around the AM5 platform.
The top-tier gaming rig features AMD’s Ryzen 7000X3D processors to bring you the absolute best performance possible on the market. On the other hand, the value-focused build for AM5 tries to cram in as much gaming power as possible on the modern AM5 platform without breaking the bank.
Premium AM5 Gaming PC Build
When springing for the absolute best parts, it’s crucial to spend more on the parts that’ll net you the most performance. An excellent motherboard that can accommodate even the most powerful, fastest hardware on the market is the foundation of this build. Add to this a powerful CPU and GPU, and you have a monstrous gaming PC ready to handle even the most demanding modern games with ease.
Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D 16-Core Processor
The Ryzen 9 7950X3D is among the first AM5-compatible CPUs to feature AMD’s incredible 3D V-Cache technology that allows it to outpace the competition in gaming, streaming, and many other creative tasks. You can enjoy the benefits of 16 high-performance cores (32 threads) along with tons of cache for a premium computing experience.
Thanks to the AM5 platform, gamers and creators can now leverage modern, lightning-fast standards like DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 – ensuring a robust foundation to handle even the most demanding workloads with next-gen hardware today and tomorrow.
Graphics Card (GPU): MSI GeForce RTX 4090
If you’re picking the best AM5 CPU on the market, your GPU shouldn’t hold it back. The GeForce RTX 4090 offers fantastic performance for professional tasks and the most demanding games with real-time ray tracing – often delivering well over double the performance of its last-gen counterparts.
In addition to terrific performance, the GeForce RTX 4090 also boasts 24GB of GDDR6X memory (VRAM) to handle even the most memory-intensive workloads and games without breaking a sweat. Whether rendering a heavy CG scene or playing the latest ray-traced games in gorgeous 4K, an RTX 4090 delivers a sublime experience like no other.
Motherboard: MAG X670E TOMAHAWK WIFI ATX Motherboard
After years of offering terrific value to gamers and power users alike, MSI’s Tomahawk brand has rightly become synonymous with the pinnacle of bang-for-your-buck offerings. This hasn’t changed even in its top-tier AM5 form – the MAG X670E TOMAHAWK WIFI!
It uses premium server-grade materials, features 2oz thickened copper traces, and an 8-layer PCB for uncompromising longevity, stability, and performance.
You’ll also find an aggressive 14+2+1 Duet Rail Power System (DRPS) with 80A Smart Power Stages to power even the most powerful processors in AMD’s Ryzen 7000 lineup with ease. An intelligent thermal design cools these critical components using a combination of an Extended Heatsink and 7W/mK Thermal Pads – ensuring cool operation even during extensive, demanding workloads and gaming sessions.
In addition to bringing PCIe Gen 5 and DDR5 support for the best hardware today and tomorrow, the MAG X670E TOMAHAWK WIFI also offers a premium feature set at an attractive price. Since we’re going with a modern MSI motherboard (PCIe 4.0 and above) and an MSI GPU, you’ll also gain access to MSI’s FROZR AI Cooling feature. It automatically detects both your CPU and graphics card temperatures and adjusts the fan curve for optimal cooling. Pick between Silent, Performance, or Manual modes for more control!
You’ll enjoy excellent high-speed storage expansion support with a whopping 4 on-board M.2 slots, 3 of which feature M.2 Shield Frozr heatsinks. The Lightning Gen 5 M.2 slot boasts incredible transfer speeds of up to 128 GB/s to leverage the full capabilities of PCIe 5.0 with the latest PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs!
Modern connectivity bleeds into the networking realm with built-in Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet. Not only does this ensure you can enjoy even the fastest internet connections without any compromises, but it also means you can enjoy modern low-latency connectivity over both types of connections as well.
CPU Cooler: MEG CORELIQUID S360 AIO Liquid Cooler
While the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D lists a humble stock TDP of just 120W, you won’t get the most out of your hardware unless you unleash it. AMD’s Precision Boost Overdrive technology relies on thermal headroom to determine how much it can boost a CPU’s clocks and performance on the fly. So, the more robust the cooling solution you pair with your processor, the faster it can run!
That’s precisely why we’ve picked the most robust cooling solution in our arsenal to tame the Ryzen 9 7950X3D – the MEG CORELIQUID S360 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler. It features a hefty 360mm radiator with three powerful MEG Silent Gale P12 fans and a gorgeous waterblock with a 2.4” IPS display.
However, that’s not all. While many other mainstream liquid CPU coolers have a pump and waterblock, the MEG CORELIQUID S360 Liquid CPU Cooler takes it a step further. It houses a compact 60mm fan within the waterblock to facilitate airflow over components around the CPU socket like M.2 slots, VRMs, and memory for even better thermals and performance.
The MEG CORELIQUID S360 Liquid CPU Cooler was designed to be robust and long-lasting with superior construction and materials. The tubing is constructed with three layers of netted plastic and a reinforced mesh exterior to prevent evaporation.
Power Supply (PSU): MEG Ai1300P PCIE5 Power Supply
The MEG Ai1300P PCIE5 power supply is designed to handle next-gen hardware with zero hassle. In addition to its impressive 80-PLUS Platinum rating and 1300W power delivery, it is also fully ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 compliant.
For you, this means superior stability and support for top-tier graphics cards with a single native 16-pin power connector rated to deliver up to 600W!
Not only is the MEG Ai1300P PCIE5 PSU ready for the hardware of today and tomorrow, but it’s also built with the most premium materials and components possible. Every connector terminal is crafted using alloy copper, allowing for better stability during surges. It also uses only top-notch Japanese capacitors for unwavering quality and performance, even under high loads.
Its Gaming Intelligence features add yet another dimension to improving your gaming experience with software sync, real-time monitoring, and an intelligent Zero-RPM fan mode. It’ll make the perfect pair to power your Ryzen 9 7950X3D and GeForce RTX 4090 system!
PC Case: MEG PROSPECT 700R PC Case
While the GeForce RTX 4090 does offer incredible performance and excellent thermals, it does need quite a bit of space to fit comfortably. The MEG PROSPECT 700R PC case was designed for top-tier hardware that needs to breathe and can easily accommodate even the heftiest MSI GeForce RTX 4090 on the market!
You can install up to an E-ATX motherboard, two 360mm radiators, and three 140mm case fans to meet even the most demanding cooling needs. It also features a crisp 4.3” touch panel that can display a broad range of system information or custom graphics to bring a more personal touch to your gaming nook.
Value AM5 Gaming PC Build
If you’re focusing on value with mid-range parts that offer excellent bang-for-their buck, not only is it important to allocate your budget to maximize performance today, but you should also consider upgrades down the line.
Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 6-Core Processor
Ever since the launch of AMD Ryzen, the Ryzen 5 lineup has been a mainstay in value-focused gaming PCs. This hasn’t changed even after its launch of the Ryzen 7000 and Ryzen 7000X3D CPUs! Of course, the Ryzen 5 7600X is an incredible 6-core, 12-thread processor that grants you access to next-gen performance. But it also acts as an entry point to a modern platform like AM5 that offers next-gen features like DDR5 and PCIe Gen 5.
Gamers building a PC in 2023 can’t go wrong with a mid-range CPU like the Ryzen 5 7600X due to its incredible value. Not only does it boast excellent performance, but it also comes in at an affordable price point.
Motherboard: MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI / MAG B650M MORTAR WIFI
With AMD promising industry-leading longevity for the AM5 platform (like they delivered with AM4), it’s critical that the motherboard you pick offers modern features and can handle even powerful hardware at a reasonable price point. For the best value, we’re going with a motherboard that boasts the mainstream B650 chipset and offers a great balance between affordability and high-end features.
Both the MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI and the MAG B650M MORTAR WIFI boast support for next-gen hardware and the fastest standards on the market today. Here, we recommend picking based on the size of the PC you want to build.
If you’re going for a more compact Micro-ATX Gaming PC, the MAG B650M MORTAR WIFI with its M-ATX form factor is the right way to go. Even at its reduced size (compared to a full ATX motherboard), the MAG B650M MORTAR WIFI motherboard doesn’t compromise on build quality or features.
It boasts a robust 12+2+1 Duet Rail Power System (DRPS) with 80A Smart Power Stage for rock-solid power delivery to tame even the most powerful CPUs in AMD’s Ryzen 7000 lineup. You’ll also find support for DDR5, 2 M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5 Gigabit LAN, among many other features.
On the other hand, if you have a bit more space and need better extensibility, a full ATX motherboard like the MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI is ideal. While it retains a similar set of features like DDR5, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5G LAN from its more compact counterpart, the B650 TOMAHAWK offers just a bit more than the B650M MORTAR WIFI in some areas.
For one, it features a more robust power solution with a 14+2+1 DRPS and 80A Smart Power Stages. You’ll also find better USB connectivity as well as an additional M.2 slot for more high-speed storage expansion.
Nonetheless, thanks to robust power delivery components on both boards, they can easily power even the best CPUs from AMD’s Ryzen 7000 lineup without breaking a sweat. To keep them cool, MSI uses an intelligent thermal design that prevents throttling and overheating using an Extended Heatsink that, well, ‘extends’ across the VRMs to wick away heat from them effectively.
Even though the B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI and B650M MORTAR WIFI are both value-oriented motherboards, they still offer access to exclusive features like MSI’s FROZR AI Cooling. Since we’re using an MSI RTX GPU and a PCIe 4.0 and above MSI motherboard, you can leverage intelligent system-wide cooling with FROZR AI Cooling. It automatically tracks both CPU and GPU temps to set optimal fan curves accordingly.
CPU Cooler: MAG CORELIQUID C240 AIO Liquid Cooler
Unlike the monstrous 16-core, 32-thread AMD CPU with 3D V-Cache in the premium build, the value gaming PC only needs to accommodate a 6-core, 12-thread Ryzen 5 7600X CPU. Skimping on the cooling here not only limits your future upgrade options, but might also hold your Ryzen 5 7600X back from its full potential.
That’s precisely why we picked the MAG CORELIQUID C240 AIO Liquid Cooler with its 240mm radiator. The gorgeous ARGB lighting is just a bonus!
The MAG CORELIQUID C240 AIO Liquid Cooler will deliver excellent cooling at low noise levels – perfect for PCs that sit near you.
Like its heftier sibling above, the CORELIQUID C240 also boasts extensive out-of-the-box socket support for a range of both Intel and AMD processors. You’ll find similar build quality here as well, with three layers of tubing and a reinforced mesh exterior to minimize evaporation from the loop.
Power Supply (PSU): MEG A850G PCIE5 Power Supply
Compromising on power delivery might seem tempting at first, but it’s a bad idea to cut corners here. It only makes sense to pick a quality PSU to power relatively high-value hardware. MSI’s MPG A850G PCIE5 80-PLUS GOLD power supply boasts premium components and circuitry and top-notch build quality. In fact, it only uses Japanese 105°C capacitors for an incredibly long life, even under tremendous load.
Of course, it’s not just talk; MSI backs it up with a robust 10-year warranty for your peace of mind!
The MPG A850G PCIE5 power supply comes ready to handle next-gen hardware with a native 12VHPWR connector for Nvidia’s RTX 40-series graphics cards (and any future products that use this connector). It is also ATX 3.0 compliant to ensure it can meet standards like effectively handling up to a 2x total system power spike (momentary surges of power or transient loads) and 3x GPU power spikes for unmatched stability.
Thanks to a combination of ATX 3.0 compliance and quality components, the MPG A850G PCIE5 PSU is set to meet or exceed the demands of upcoming PC hardware products for the foreseeable future.
PC Case: MPG GUNGNIR 110R
Picking the right case for your PC can be an ordeal because it’s such a subjective decision. You might not like the looks of one, while another doesn’t offer enough airflow. We’ll recommend a couple of options that you might consider for this build to ensure that it matches all the other hardware we picked above.
First, is the MPG GUNGNIR 110R ATX mid-tower case. If you’re on the lookout for a case that doesn’t compromise on looks while still delivering excellent thermal performance and is compatible with all your picked parts, look no further than the MPG GUNGNIR 110R!
It features a gorgeous tempered glass side panel to show off the beauty of your build. You’ll also find more than enough space to accommodate multiple AIO radiators: 360mm (front) or 240mm (top) for maximum flexibility.
MSI also offers the MPG GUNGNIR 110R in a white variant if you want to go with an all-white build instead. If you want to go in this direction, I’d recommend switching two parts: the CPU cooler and Power supply. The MAG CORELIQUID 240R V2 WHITE AIO Liquid CPU Cooler and the MPG A750GF WHITE Power Supply would be perfect for an all-white build.
PC Case: MAG VAMPIRIC 300R
If you prefer a more straightforward design for your PC, you could also consider the MAG VAMPIRIC 300R PC Case. It’s a gorgeous mid-tower case with a tempered glass side panel that allows you to showcase your handiwork to all.
Even at its relatively compact size, the MAG VAMPIRIC 300R doesn’t cut corners when it comes to thermals. You’ll be able to mount up to 360mm radiators on the top or in the front for excellent temperatures even when you’re running the heaviest of workloads. The MAG VAMPIRIC 300R also boasts the space needed for the largest GPUs available in early 2023 and includes a sturdy GPU support bracket to protect your precious hardware!
The top of the case features incredible front-panel connectivity options with audio, high-speed USB type-C, and USB type-A. We’ve also included a light loop button, in addition to the usual power and reset buttons, so you can control the lighting in your build with just the press of a button.