First-timer: Ryzen 5 9600/7600 + RX 9060XT

[EmeraldBoa]

Hey all! About to upgrade from laptop to my first ever desktop (at the worst possible time) and would really appreciate some advice. I'm from Spain.

ETA: I used the template recommended in the pinned post, but I think the links got it marked as spam. Will comment below with build details.

Why Are You Upgrading: Laptop (GL502vs, with GTX 1080 8GB, and 16GB of RAM) is ten years old and I worry component prices will keep rising. Certain games cause a hard graphics crash with artifacts, which may be drivers or a hardware issue.

Budget: 1500-2000€ after shipping

Approximate Purchase Date: before the end of April
Use Case: Solo gaming (big games with pretty graphics, see below), occasional video editing/converting (which my current rig can already handle), general browsing.
Parts to Upgrade: Full build
Are you buying a monitor: Yes
Your Monitor Resolution and desired frame rate: 1920x1080, 60+ FPS (never played on higher Hz so don't know if I will notice the difference)
Preferred Website(s) for Parts? Will try to avoid Amazon if poss, but only within the range of sanity. Working with Amazon prices for now.
Parts Preferences:

• AMD CPU (more energy/heat-efficient, I believe); AMD graphics card (cost-efficient).
• I picked 1 stick of 16GB DDR5 as I believe most games do fine with just that, and I can buy a second stick when/if sanity returns. Also don't want to lock myself into DDR4 and then have to resell CPU / motherboard next time I want to upgrade.
• 5.25" drive bay to potentially install a CD/DVD/Bluray drive
• I/O panel: at least 2 USB ports (3+ ideal but damn near impossible to find), audio out, USB-c ideal
• monitor no larger than 24", good colour accuracy and blacks

Overclocking: Always been scared to do it. Would appreciate an explanation on what you gain (or lose) from it.
Additional Comments:
Heat management is paramount. Spain and my town especially have been getting a lot hotter in the past 10-15 years and our buildings are not equipped to handle the new summers. This is about my OWN comfort: I spent all last summer with a headache, so I'll spend a little more if it means the system acts a little less like a radiator.
Quiet is nice, if I can get it.

I play a lot of older/indie games, but also want to catch up on the last 7-8 years of big games with pretty graphics (had to delete the specific names because the post was marked as spam). Couple of strategy/sim games but not my main focus.
...but I'm patient enough to skip games that my system can't handle.
Older software and freeware, mostly. Adobe PS CS5, Sony Vegas HD Platinum, MS Office 2010 yes really.

 

[EmeraldBoa]

NOPE still marked as spam. Sorry, no links allowed:

PCPartPicker Part List: es.pcpartpicker DOT com/user/EmeraldBoa/saved/tpjCFT (edit: fixed, different link)

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 3.9 GHz 6-Core Processor (€192.90 @ Amazon España)

OR AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor (€160.22 @ LIFE Informática)​

OR AMD Ryzen 5 7600 3.8 GHz 6-Core Processor (€168.79 @ LIFE Informática)​

CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler (€40.90 @ Amazon España)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B850 EAGLE WIFI6E ATX AM5 Motherboard (€163.41 @ LIFE Informática)
Memory: Kingston FURY Beast RGB 16 GB (1 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory (€246.80 @ Neobyte)

Kingston FURY Beast 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory (€267 @Amazon España)​

Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (€284.95 @ Amazon España)
Video Card: Gigabyte GAMING OC Radeon RX 9060 XT 16 GB Video Card (€468.95 @ Amazon España)
Case: be quiet! Pure Base 600 ATX Mid Tower Case (€93.84 @ reichelt elektronik)
Power Supply: be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 550 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (€109.95 @ Coolmod)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - Download 64-bit
Monitor: LG UltraGear 24GN60R-B 23.8" 1920 x 1080 144 Hz Monitor (oh balls it's gone - was 246€)
Total: €1621.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2026-04-07 17:58 CEST+0200


p.s. may be a little slow to reply as I slept all of 4h today, but I'll get there

 

[Kaamos_Llama]

Hi thats a pretty good list. Personally Id grab a bit bigger PSU for future proofing. Upgrading GPU down the line is easier, and the best PSUs have 10 year warranties now so its worth it. This place does the best PSU reviews now, if they have a review and recommend it you can trust its a good one. I'd go with a 750 watt at least.

Best PSU Picks 2026 - Hardware Busters

Hardware Busters - Best PSU Picks 2026 - Best Picks

hwbusters.com

Also grab 2x8 RAM, going single channel is a bad idea. You lose a good amount of performance by doing it as you can see here. If you want to go up to 32 in the future just sell the 2x8 kit locally and put the money towards the new kit.

https://www.techspot.com/article/3066-single-stick-vs-dual-channel-ram/

Grab an extra fan especially as youre in a hot climate. 2 in at the front and one out at the back is a good start point.

Overclocking is pretty much pointless these days. Especially in your situation as it creates a lot more heat for not much benefit.

Someone else might suggest a better build yet, but theres my thoughts for now. Good luck!

 

[EmeraldBoa]

Ooh, good catch on both counts, thanks. The case I listed has its own fans, I believe - think that's enough?

Could you (or someone else) help me clarify the difference between the three CPUs I listed? There's also the 9500f, which os about 180€ and I believe lacks integrated graphics.

 

[Colif]

I picked 1 stick of 16GB DDR5 as I believe most games do fine with just that, and I can buy a second stick when/if sanity returns. Also don't want to lock myself into DDR4 and then have to resell CPU / motherboard next time I want to upgrade.

@Kaamos_Llama , looks like he already has ram but I agree that 2x8 is the better choice currently anyway.

I tried to link OP's list but its listed as private anyway

OR AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor (€160.22 @ LIFE Informática)OR AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor (€168.79 @ LIFE Informática)

thats same CPU 🙂

 

[Colif]

Difference between 9600x and 7600x is power draw, the newer one uses less

ignore clock speed, CPU rarely runs that speed. The 9600x boosts to 5,4 whereas the 7600x only does 5.3
The 9600x is more efficient and achieves more with similar speed.

AMD Ryzen 5 9600X vs Ryzen 5 7600X [cpubenchmark.net] by PassMark Software

Ryzen doesn't run CPU at the clock speed almost any of the time, it prefers to allow most of the cores to sleep and only wakes them long enough to run a task and then rushes to idle, saves power and makes PC run cooler

Windows task manager may show mine running at 4.54ghz but its actually probably running at 137mhz at idle.

There's also the 9500f, which os about 180€ and I believe lacks integrated graphics.

9600x also lacks igpu, I should have mentioned that as a difference. But if you using a 9060 XT, its really only handy at the build stage if GPU isn't installed at same time.

Its still best choice of all 3.
9500f meant to be exclusive to China. Slowest of the 3.

Case: be quiet! Pure Base 600 ATX Mid Tower Case (€93.84 @ reichelt elektronik)

PURE BASE 600 | Black silent essential PC cases from be quiet!

Exceptionally silent and functional

www.bequiet.com

why do you want a case with a solid front when you also want a cool pc? Mesh would be better suited

something like this better suited

DARK BASE 701 | Black silent high-end PC cases from be quiet!

Maximum Airflow and Usability

www.bequiet.com

the 3 x 140mm fans that comes with that case are in mine, I can't hear my pc. Its nice.

I live in Australia, keeping PC cool is one of my main aims.

 

[EmeraldBoa]

thats same CPU 🙂

lmao whoops - I meant 7600 vs 7600x. Thanks for the clarification on 7600x vs 9600x: that was the impression I had from looking at the specs and it's good to have it confirmed.

Accidentally linked the wrong list. This one should work: es.pcpartpickerDOTcom/list/tpjCFT

Re. the case: main aim for me is less keeping PC cool than keeping myself cool - pretty sure that of the two of us, I will keel over first. But good shout on the mesh. Any risk on the mesh collecting dust? Or blowing hot air towards my legs?
The Dark Base 701 is much more expensive, unfortunately, 142€ vs the 93€ of the 600. Can you recommend any cheaper alternatives?

 

[Colif]

5.25" drive bay to potentially install a CD/DVD/Bluray drive

I would get an external drive instead, its what I did. Most mesh cases won't have hdd cages at the front any more.

I did think about price.

how much is:

LANCOOL 216 - LIAN LI is a Leading Provider of PC Cases | Computer Cases

LANCOOL 216 AIRFLOW FOCUS The LANCOOL 216 is a mainstream case that features all-around mesh panels for optimal airflow. Thanks to its modular rear panel, it can be optimized for air cooling or water cooling. It includes 2 x 160mm and 1 x 140mm pre-installed PWM fans and an innovative rear PCIe...

lian-li.com

or

https://www.montechpc.com/air-903-max

or

P30 AIR - Antec

www.antec.com

that last one looks like a mini version of my case.

good place to look:

Best PC Cases of 2025: $75 to $200 Airflow, Thermals, Cable Management, & Budget | GamersNexus

Cases Best PC Cases of 2025: $75 to $200 Airflow, Thermals, Cable Management, & Budget November 29, 2025 Last Updated: 2025-11-29 We're looking at the best gaming PC cases for 2025 for custom PC builds. This round-up benchmarks the best airflow cases, tests for best thermals, acoustics, cable...

gamersnexus.net

 

[Colif]

Dust depends how the case filters it. Antec uses the front of the case as the filter, meaning it helps to clean it occasionally to maintain airflow.

fine mesh can double as filters. makes for a cleaner look

I really do need to clean my glass
Lian li sells an optional filter for the intakes but its likely the mesh is enough.
I don't know about montech

most cases should have some form of filters on intakes now. NO need for them on exhaust fans.

as for legs... the mesh is mostly for intake so no air should be exiting out front of case. Back or top, maybe but I don't have my PC on the ground, I raise it up so it gets more fresh air. Gets less dust at that height as well.

Cooking myself is always a concern. Room is small so it happens in summer even if I don't play any games. My PC runs really cool most of the time. Idling at 30c right now... though it is Autumn now.


PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X 3.9 GHz 6-Core Processor (€192.90 @ Amazon Espana)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler (€40.90 @ Amazon Espana)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B850 EAGLE WIFI6E ATX AM5 Motherboard (€163.41 @ LIFE Informatica)
Memory: Kingston FURY Beast RGB 16 GB (1 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory (€246.80 @ Neobyte)
Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive (€284.95 @ Amazon Espana)
Video Card: Gigabyte GAMING OC Radeon RX 9060 XT 16 GB Video Card (€468.95 @ Amazon Espana)
Case: be quiet! Pure Base 600 ATX Mid Tower Case (€93.84 @ reichelt elektronik)
Power Supply: be quiet! Pure Power 13 M 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply (€104.90 @ Amazon Espana)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM - DVD 64-bit
Monitor: LG UltraGear 24GN60R-B 23.8" 1920 x 1080 144 Hz Monitor
Total: €1596.65
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2026-04-07 22:45 CEST+0200

i didn't make any changes, just showed parts. Someone else may have other suggestions...

 

[EmeraldBoa]

Yeah, I have an external drive but it's annoying as hell to use because I have to fetch it and plug it in (to one of the desktop's two, count 'em, two USB slots) and avoid nudging or even looking at it, and that sliver of irritation keeps me from actually using the bastard. Having an optical drive again has been the dream for a while, I'd be sad to give it up ;-;

Lancool 216 price is actually decent, 85€. Slightly more than the RGB version, amusingly. 2 USB slots.
Air 903 similar price but probably not as the fans get pretty loud.
P30 Air 81€. One thing I notice is that the top is also mesh, which is a little scary as someone prone to accidents and spills. With your case, do you notice a particular direction to the flow of air? I'm a little concerned that the mesh at the top will direct the hot air upwards, trapping it under my desk (and legs) instead of away from the table. Ah, hadn't read your last reply. Good to know!
Found a case with mesh AND 5.25" bay AND 4 USB ports, but apparently it's a bit shite. (Cougar MX331)

(...I may be stupid. Every time I save my list on pcpartpicker I have to overwrite it, which seems to generate a new URL. However I cannot for the life of me see how to save normally. help)

 

[Colif]

desktop's two, count 'em, two USB slots)

well, new mb has slightly more on rear:
CPU:
- 1 x USB Type-C® port on the back panel, with USB 3.2 Gen 1 support
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red) on the back panel
Chipset:
- 1 x USB Type-C® port with USB 3.2 Gen 1 support, available through the internal USB header
- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (2 ports on the back panel, 2 ports available through the internal USB header)
- 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports on the back panel
Chipset+USB 2.0 Hub:
- 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports available through the internal USB headers

Maybe you need a powered USB Hub. That turns one usb connection into about 4 or more headers, I have one. Less fiddly. I thought there would be brackets you could mount that had USB ports on them, to attach to back of case... but I can't see any.

My last motherboard only had 3 fan headers, current one has 6. I now have spare where I once struggled. New mb tend to give you more of everything except they removing sata ports instead. Current mb only had 4 on it. Moving towards more nvme.

USB on front panels is pretty restrictive, I only have 2 USB 3 and 1 USB C.

most of the air in my case goes out back or through top I think - Case is on opposite side of room so I don't feel much from it, I can see curtains blowing behind it sometimes but 140mm fans don't need to run very fast to exhaust heat from case.

I don't have an exhaust fan as the air cooler I have has 2 fans inside it and the rear fan conflicts with any exhaust fan behind it, making noises. 5 intake fans is more than enough in my pc.
The air from the fans doesn't exit out top as far as I can tell, and the antec cases have 2 120mm fans in the base area under GPU that probably send more air in that direction if they get past the GPU. And its likely the air flow from the 140mm fans on front overpower it anyway and send the air towards ram/CPU anyway.

(...I may be stupid. Every time I save my list on pcpartpicker I have to overwrite it, which seems to generate a new URL. However I cannot for the life of me see how to save normally. help)

save as is the only way, it seems changes will create a new URL. I have about 13 saves, perhaps I should remove some but afraid to delete wrong ones. They not all the same PC.

If I stop answering, its cause its 8am and I really shouldn't have stayed awake all night... like you did.