Buying a Brand New PC is Dumb...

Summary

This video compares two budget-friendly PC builds, one using modern hardware and the other older-generation parts, to explore which offers the best performance for gaming and general use. The older parts, while lacking future-proofing, provide significant savings, allowing for better GPU selection. Meanwhile, modern hardware offers longevity and better support for features like DDR5 and PCIe Gen 5. The key takeaway is that opting for older hardware can deliver excellent results at a lower cost, challenging the assumption that only the latest components ensure the best performance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Older hardware can offer substantial savings, allowing for better components elsewhere in the build, offering great value on a budget.
• 😀 Newer components, like DDR5 and PCIe Gen 5, provide long-term upgrade potential but come with a higher upfront cost.
• 😀 CPU choice, such as the Ryzen 7 5700X 3D, with its 3D V-cache, can significantly impact gaming performance, especially when paired with a better GPU.
• 😀 Even though newer CPUs like the Ryzen 7 9600X are more advanced, they may not always outperform older CPUs when paired with a powerful GPU.
• 😀 A key advantage of newer hardware (like AM5) is the ability to upgrade in the future, especially with new chips and improved features for several years.
• 😀 Cooling and case choice are crucial for long-term performance and overall system stability, as seen with the performance differences due to airflow and cooling setups.
• 😀 When building a PC on a budget, older hardware might provide more bang for the buck in terms of gaming performance compared to new hardware.
• 😀 Generational gains in hardware don't always translate into noticeable improvements in real-world gaming, especially when paired with a weak GPU.
• 😀 A high-quality GPU (like the XFX Speedster Radeon 7800 XT) can significantly enhance gaming performance, even with an older CPU.
• 😀 Timing matters when building a PC, as hardware deals fluctuate. Older platforms often see discounts when nearing the end of their lifecycle, offering excellent deals.
• 😀 Choosing the right GPU is crucial for gaming, as it often determines the overall gaming experience more than the CPU alone, especially for 1440p and higher resolutions.

Q & A

What is the main comparison in the video between the two gaming PC builds?

The main comparison is between two gaming PCs: one using the latest generation parts (Team Shiny) and the other using older, more budget-friendly components (Team Old). The video compares the price-to-performance ratios, generational advancements, and real-world gaming performance of these two builds.

Why was the Ryzen 7 5700X 3D chosen for Team Old's build?

The Ryzen 7 5700X 3D was chosen because it offers great value with 3D V-Cache and extra cores compared to newer CPUs, providing solid gaming performance at a lower cost, freeing up the budget for better GPU upgrades.

What advantages does Team Shiny’s build have over Team Old’s?

Team Shiny’s build features modern components like DDR5 RAM, PCIe Gen 5, and an AM5 socket, which provides better future-proofing, support for newer chips, and access to security updates. These features ensure better long-term upgradeability and performance.

What trade-offs come with using older hardware in Team Old's build?

Older hardware, like the Ryzen 7 5700X 3D and DDR4 RAM, may lack future upgrade potential and long-term support. Additionally, Team Old's system is stuck with an older AM4 socket, which limits the ability to upgrade individual components in the future.

How did the GPU performance differ between Team Shiny and Team Old?

Team Shiny used the Nvidia RTX 4060, which offered better 1440p gaming performance, while Team Old used the XFX 7800 XT, which provided better performance in high settings and had significantly higher frame rates in certain titles.

Did the newer CPU in Team Shiny's build significantly improve gaming performance?

No, despite the newer CPU in Team Shiny's build (Ryzen 7 9600X), the performance gains were not as significant as expected. In fact, Team Old's system with its older CPU showed similar gaming performance, especially when paired with a stronger GPU.

Why did Team Old's build experience issues with Expo settings?

Team Old's system faced issues with Expo settings because Expo is a form of overclocking that may not always provide stable results. In this case, the system experienced crashes, highlighting that overclocking can introduce instability, especially with older hardware.

What was the impact of the power supply on Team Old's build?

Team Old initially faced issues with a low-quality power supply (Thermaltake Smart 600W), which prevented the system from booting. After upgrading to a better 650W unit, the system became more stable. This issue highlights the importance of choosing a reliable power supply in any PC build.

How does cooling differ between the two builds?

Both builds used the same Thermalright Phantom Spirit cooler, but Team Shiny's build featured better overall case airflow, which helped keep the GPU cooler. This difference in cooling can affect the longevity and performance of the components, especially under load.

What lessons can be learned from this comparison about building a gaming PC?

The key lesson is that newer hardware doesn’t always guarantee the best value or performance. Older hardware can often provide better price-to-performance ratios, allowing for significant savings that can be invested in other components, such as a more powerful GPU. It also shows that generational gains don’t always translate to better real-world gaming experiences.