After more than two decades, I finally decided to dive back into building my own Gaming PC desktop. Because it was cheaper than a pre-built system, and I could include faster specifications.
The last time I assembled a computer, the technology landscape was vastly different. This time, I was welcomed by a sea of RGD components, ready to create a high-speed desktop that would be a new achievement as a tech enthusiast.
The New Build
What caught my attention with the new components, is the prevalence of RGB lighting. From the case fans and memory sticks to the CPU cooler, all glowing with vibrant colours. However, NVMe SSDs and many graphics cards haven’t quite caught up with this trend yet.
I was also new to the newer power supply modular design for cabling and to how easy it is now to have a CPU water cooler.
Unboxing the Heart of the Build: MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 6 Motherboard
The journey began with selecting the motherboard, the foundation of any PC build. My primary requirement was compatibility with the latest 14th generation Intel® processors, making the MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 6 motherboard ideal.
The motherboard boasts LIGHTNING GEN 5 PCI-E and DDR5 RAM with Overclocking support, ensuring that my build would be future-proof and capable of handling the most demanding tasks.
Central Processor
When planning my new PC build, I knew I wanted the latest 14th generation Intel® Core™ i7-14700 processor. Historically, I’ve always opted for the i7 series due to its reliable performance and excellent multitasking capabilities. This time, the i7-14700 Raptor Lake impressed me with its 20 cores, a significant upgrade that has improved processing power.
The decision to go with the i7-14700 featuring Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, and PCIe 5.0 support was a no-brainer, since an i9-14900 was 40% higher in price.
If you can afford it then sure, go for the i9 BUY
A computer case.
The MSI MPG GUNGNIR 110R Mid-Tower is a standout choice for gamers and PC builders alike and was only £69.
This case features a tempered glass side panel that showcases your build’s internal components and vibrant ARGB lighting. It supports ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX motherboards, offering versatility for various builds. The case comes pre-installed with 4 x 120mm pre-installed (Mystic Light compatible) ARGB fans, which almost adds up to the same price as just the case. BUY
The top front panel includes 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port (20Gbps) & 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports (5Gbps). Plus an Insta-Light loop button with 26 pre-set ARGB lighting effects.
Essential Components for a High-Speed Desktop
Next, I unboxed and assembled the other essential components for my new PC:
- Samsung 980 PRO SSD with Heatsink 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe M.2:
This SSD is blazing-fast 7,000 MB/s read and 6000 MB/s write speeds, making it perfect for gaming and heavy-duty applications. BUY - CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 RAM 6400MHz:
With a low latency of CL32 and stylish RGB lighting, this RAM Ten-Zone RGB adds a touch of flair to the build. The CORSAIR iCUE software allows RGB lighting control and Onboard Voltage Regulation for more stable overclocking. BUY
Graphics card
The Gigabyte NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GAMING OC Graphics Card with 8GB GDDR6 will give me faster video editing and games to my setup. This card is built on NVIDIA’s Ada Lovelace architecture, offering exceptional performance and efficiency. With 3,072 CUDA cores and a boost clock of 2550 MHz, it delivers smooth and immersive gaming experiences, even with demanding titles. The WINDFORCE cooling system, featuring three fans and a large heatsink, ensures optimal thermal performance, keeping the card cool under heavy loads. Additionally, the card supports DLSS 3 and real-time ray tracing, enhancing visual fidelity and frame rates. BUY or buy 4070
- Powered by NVIDIA DLSS 3, ultra-efficient Ada Lovelace arch, and full ray tracing
- 8GB GDDR6
- WINDFORCE cooling system
- 2550MHz Core Clock
- 4th Generation Tensor Cores: Up to 4x performance with DLSS 3
- 3072 CUDA Cores
- 128-bit Memory Bus, 17Gbps Memory Speed
- PCI-E 4.0
- 2x DP 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1a
CPU Liquid Cooling
The CPU fans seemed enormous and I wasn’t sure if it might be too bulky and big for the motherboard CPU area. There are now many liquid cooling options available and I found prices were similar.
The MSI MAG CORELIQUID M240 AIO CPU Liquid Cooler is a fantastic and modern addition to my setup, ensuring optimal cooling performance for my high-performance build. This cooler features a 240mm radiator and two 120mm ARGB fans that can run at 2000 rpm, provide excellent heat dissipation, and add a vibrant touch to the overall aesthetics. The durable three-phase motor at the core of the pump minimizes vibrations, giving a low-noise operation. A copper plate maximizes contact with the CPU, enhancing heat transfer efficiency. It keeps my system running smoothly and looking great at the same time.
Comes with some Thermal Paste.
- Fans: 2 x 120mm ARGB fans
- Fan Speed: 500 – 2000 RPM
- Air Flow: 21.63 – 78.73 CFM
- Noise Level: 20 dBA
- Pump Speed: 3100 RPM ± 10%
- Pump Noise Level: 20 dBA
- Pump Life Expectancy: 100,000 hours
- Compatibility: Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700, LGA 2011/2011-3/2066; AMD AM4/AM5
- Lighting: ARGB (customizable via MSI Center)
- Tubing: Three layers of netted plastic with reinforced mesh exterior
The Assembly Process
Assembling the PC was a nostalgic yet exhilarating experience. Each component fits together seamlessly, a testament to the advancements in PC hardware design. The MSI Z790 motherboard’s user-friendly layout made the installation process straightforward, even for someone who hadn’t built a PC in years.
However, it did take me a while to work out how to get the RGB fans working.
Final Thoughts
Building my first PC in over 20 years was a rewarding experience. The advancements in technology have made the process a more enjoyable challenge. The combination of the 14th Gen CPU, and CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 RAM resulted in a powerful and visually stunning desktop.
This build has reignited my competence in PC building, and I look forward to exploring more projects in the future. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or a newcomer, the world of PC building offers endless possibilities and satisfaction.
Notes:
There is a known problem with the 14th generation Intel® processors on certain motherboards. Fortunately, MSI has addressed this issue with a BIOS update that includes the 0x129 microcode, specifically designed to enhance compatibility and stability with the i7-14700.
I have also since read that ” the processor’s processing power may not be sufficient to fully utilize the graphics card’s potential.” But this is the fastest 14th gen i7 at 5.6GHz. Switching to i9 would get me to 6.2GHz but at a 45% extra cost.
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