My PC component choice, with a brief comment on the pros and cons.
The computer was built in 2022 (I made a PC buying guide video), but I've changed and updated some stuff as needed over the years (last update being Samsung 4 TB NVMe SSD storage in September 2024).
The computer is mostly used for reading, writing, video editing, minimum amount of coding and some gaming.
The computer was built in 2022 (I made a PC buying guide video), but I've changed and updated some stuff as needed over the years (last update being Samsung 4 TB NVMe SSD storage in September 2024).
The computer is mostly used for reading, writing, video editing, minimum amount of coding and some gaming.
1. APC Back-UPS 1600VA BX1600MI-GR
- Pros: Offers ample backup power, allowing me to safely shut down the system during power outages and protecting my hardware from surges. This is invaluable for safeguarding my work and investment.
- Cons: UPS units can be bulky and take up floor space. They also require battery replacements every few years, but this is a minor trade-off for the protection provided.
2. CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
- Pros: Excellent multi-threaded performance; ideal for video editing, multitasking, and productivity. Efficient power consumption relative to its performance.
- Cons: Slightly behind Intel's (and even AMD's for that matter) newer generations in single-core performance, which could impact tasks highly dependent on single-thread performance (still, far from sluggish).
3. CPU Cooler: NOCTUA NH-D15S
- Pros: Known for outstanding cooling performance and low noise levels; highly reliable - and ugly, brown.
- Cons: Its large size may restrict RAM clearance with some configurations, but this isn't an issue with my current setup.
4. Motherboard: ASUS TUF GAMING B550-PLUS WIFI II
- Pros: Good build quality with solid VRMs, ensuring stable power delivery for the Ryzen 9 5900X; Wi-Fi support is useful for flexible connectivity.
- Cons: Lacks PCIe 4.0 on multiple slots, which could limit future upgrades like additional high-speed SSDs, more SATA HDDs or expansion cards.
5. RAM: Kingston Fury 64GB DDR4 3600MHz
- Pros: High capacity and good speed, which is great for multitasking, video editing, and other memory-intensive tasks.
- Cons: DDR5 is emerging, and by the start of 2025, it should probably become cheap and polished enough (in terms of timings), so it makes more sense with newer CPUs.
6. Primary (system) NVMe SSD: SAMSUNG 2TB 970 EVO Plus
- Pros: High read/write speeds and known for durability. Samsung's SSD (both SATA and M.2 NVMe) drives are among the best for reliability.
- Cons: PCIe 3.0 standard, which, while fast, isn’t as fast as PCIe 4.0 drives like the Samsung 990 PRO.
7. Case: COOLERMASTER MasterCase H500P Mesh
- Pros: Great airflow and plenty of space for large video cards and future upgrades. The design is optimized for air cooling and supports good cable management.
- Cons: The mesh design can be slightly noisier as more airflow brings in sound from internal components (with remotely decent fans it's not a problem in the least).
8. Video Card: SAPPHIRE Radeon RX 6800 16GB NITRO+
- Pros: Excellent for high-resolution gaming and workloads that benefit from a high VRAM capacity, like video editing and rendering. Sapphire’s cooling is also very efficient and quiet. Relatively low power consumption and runs pretty cool (compared to RX 6800 XT and "higher end" models).
Sapphire Nitro+ is as good as it gets in terms of component quality for AMD video cards. - Cons: Lacks some hardware-accelerated features available in NVIDIA graphics cards (such as certain CUDA-specific tasks and better DaVinci Resolve compatibility).
9. Power Supply: CORSAIR RMx Series RM1000x 1000W
- Pros: High wattage gives headroom for future upgrades; efficient and reliable with a good reputation.
- Cons: None significant, though a lower wattage could suffice for my current build, this still runs reliably and cooly.
10. Samsung 990 PRO NVMe SSD (4TB)
- Pros: Ultra-fast PCIe 4.0 speeds are excellent for high-speed data tasks, reducing load times for applications and large video files in editing.
- Cons: Relatively costly for PCIe 4.0 SSDs, though its performance and durability make it a good investment.
With my current motherboard, the PCIe 4.0 speed capable M.2 slot is taken by the PCIe 3 Samsung 970 EVO Plus, while the second (and last) M.2 slot supports only PCIe 3.0 - so I'm not getting the max possible performance out of the 990 PRO (still, it is more than fast enough for my needs, and I don't feel like swapping the drives).
11. ASUS ROG Gladius III Mouse
- Pros: Comfortable design, high DPI sensor, and durable build. Excellent for both productivity and gaming.
- Cons: The mouse is asymmetrical, which may be less comfortable for left-handed users. May be pricier than other options without a discount, but I got a very good deal on it.
12a. Keychron Q6 Mechanical Keyboard (Gateron G Pro Blue)
- Pros: Known for durability and customization, the Q6 is built like a tank and offers a premium typing experience. The Gateron Blue switches provide tactile and audio feedback, which can be satisfying for typing and coding.
- Cons: The Blue switches are noisy, which can be disruptive in quiet environments. If silence is important, a switch to a quieter model may be beneficial.
12b. Keychron K10 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Gateron G Pro Brown)
- Pros: The K10 offers wireless flexibility with decent battery life and tactile Brown switches that are quieter than the Blue switches. This makes it more versatile for both home and office use.
- Cons: Wireless connectivity could be a potential downside if you prefer a zero-latency, wired experience. Battery life may also be an occasional concern if used heavily, and some models were known for battery swelling.
This is my office keyboard and it's quite good.
13a and b. Keychron Wooden Palm Rests (Q6 / V6 / K10 Pro, and K10 / C2)
- Pros: These wooden palm rests provide ergonomic support, reducing strain during extended typing sessions. The natural wood adds an aesthetic touch that pairs well with a high-quality keyboard setup.
- Cons: Wooden palm rests can be slightly rigid compared to gel or foam, though that’s mostly a matter of personal preference. They may require occasional maintenance (like light oiling) to keep them in top shape. The regular retail price is a ripoff.
14. Logitech Z200 2.0 Speakers
- Pros: Good value for money, with decent sound quality for a simple 2.0 setup, especially for general audio or casual gaming. They don’t take up much space and are reliable for desktop use.
- Cons: These speakers aren’t designed for high-fidelity audio, so if you’re looking for exceptional sound quality, an upgrade may be worth considering.
15. Seagate IronWolf Pro HDD (12TB)
- Pros: Excellent storage capacity for large files, like video projects or backup archives, with robust durability and reliability. The IronWolf Pro series is specifically built for heavy-duty usage.
- Cons: HDDs are slower than SSDs, so this drive is best suited for archiving rather than active editing. If speed is needed, using this drive for cold storage is ideal while keeping active projects on the faster NVMe SSDs.
16. Dell UltraSharp 27 Monitor - U2722D
- Pros: 1440p resolution and excellent color accuracy, ideal for productivity and color-sensitive tasks like video editing. Ergonomic adjustments make it comfortable for prolonged use.
- Cons: 60Hz refresh rate isn’t ideal for high-frame-rate gaming, and brightness may be slightly lower than advertised in well-lit rooms. Glare prone.
Overall Summary
This setup was carefully selected for performance, ergonomics, and productivity.Strengths:
- Performance: The build is powerful and well-suited for multitasking, productivity, video editing, and gaming.
- Storage: I've balanced high-speed SSDs for active work and a large HDD for long-term storage, covering all storage needs.
- Ergonomics: The choice of monitor, keyboard, mouse, and palm rest supports comfortable, prolonged use.
- Stability and upgrades: The PSU and case offer room for future upgrades, while the UPS protects against power disturbances.
Potential Limitations:
- PCIe and SATA storage limitations: The motherboard only partially supports PCIe 4.0, and newer systems now offer PCIe 5.0, but this isn’t critical unless one plans high-bandwidth upgrades.
- Speakers: If audio quality becomes a priority, upgrading the speakers could be worthwhile.
