Unleash the Power: Upgrade Your Gaming and Video Editing with the Toaster PC!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Choosing the Case
- Selecting the Motherboard and Storage Options
- RAM and Power Supply Selection
- The Hunt for the RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9 5950X
- Benchmarking Performance
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Escape from Tarkov
- Star Citizen
- Valorant
- Thermal Performance
- Final Thoughts and Recommendations
- Highlights
- FAQs
🖥️ The "Why Not" PC: A Powerful Upgrade for Gaming and Video Editing
Are you tired of dealing with stuttering and slow playback while editing videos or struggling to keep up with the demands of modern games? If so, you're not alone. Many content creators and avid gamers face these frustrations on a daily basis. But fear not, there is hope! In this article, we'll explore the journey of building a new and powerful PC that can handle the most demanding tasks with ease. From selecting the right components to benchmarking performance, we'll cover it all. So, let's dive in and discover why the "Why Not" PC is an upgrade worth considering.
1. Introduction
Before we delve into the specifics of the build, let's set the stage. As a small YouTuber, the struggle to obtain the latest graphics cards and CPUs is all too real. While it would be nice to be handed shiny new components for review, most of us have to go through the same arduous process of refreshing websites and hoping to be fast enough to secure one. After months of suffering, I finally completed my build with the highly sought-after RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9 5950X. The difference it made in both gaming and video editing was staggering. In this article, I'll share my experience and provide insights into the components I chose and their performance.
2. Choosing the Case
The first decision in any PC build is selecting the right case. Considering I often traveled with my computer, I opted for a compact ITX build. However, the process of finding the perfect ITX case was daunting, with a multitude of options to sift through. After extensive research and thanks to Optimum Tech's helpful data on ITX builds, I settled on the EnCase M1. Initially, I had considered the Cooler Master Master Box NR200 due to its price-performance ratio, but the allure of owning the EnCase M1 compelled me to go all out. This decision would prove to be a defining factor in the overall aesthetics and portability.
3. Selecting the Motherboard and Storage Options
With the case sorted, it was time to move on to the motherboard and storage. For an ITX build, the choices for the motherboard are limited. I opted for the ASUS ROG Strix X570I ITX motherboard due to its sleek design, overclocking potential, and dual NVMe slots. Speaking of storage, I couldn't resist the allure of Samsung's 980 Pro NVMe SSD, offering mind-boggling read and write speeds. Paired with a two-terabyte Inland Gen 3 NVMe SSD for Game storage, I was all set to handle large files and resource-intensive applications.
4. RAM and Power Supply Selection
When it comes to RAM, I decided to go with 64 gigabytes of G-Skill Ripjaws. While 32 gigabytes may be more reasonable, I chose to prioritize future-proofing and the memory-heavy demands of Adobe products I frequently use for video editing. The CPU-intensive tasks I perform often push my system to the limit, making the additional RAM a worthwhile investment. For the power supply, the Corsair SF 750-watt small form factor power supply proved to be the perfect match for the system's requirements. Its modular design, 80 Plus Platinum rating, and flexible cables made cable management a breeze.
5. The Hunt for the RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9 5950X
Now comes the exciting yet frustrating part: acquiring the RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9 5950X. The scarcity of these components made the hunt incredibly challenging. Thankfully, I stumbled upon a Discord server that pinged me whenever these items were in stock. After weeks of unsuccessful attempts, I managed to secure an ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 3080. However, due to its size, it didn't fit in the EnCase M1. Determined not to compromise, I resorted to selling it and eventually obtained the ASUS TUF RTX 3080 that was compatible with my build. Similarly, the Ryzen 9 5950X was elusive, but with the help of a bot and a minute head start on other buyers, I successfully placed my order.
6. Benchmarking Performance
Now that we have all the components in place, it's time to test the performance of the "Why Not" PC. Instead of focusing on the usual popular games, we'll explore some competitive titles and graphics settings rarely seen in benchmarks. By examining both maximum and competitive graphics settings, we'll uncover the true potential of this build.
6.1 Rainbow Six Siege
In Rainbow Six Siege, the difference in performance between the 3950X and the 5950X is minimal at maximum graphics settings. However, when we shift to the lowest possible settings, the 5950X shines, delivering a significant increase in frames per Second.
6.2 Escape from Tarkov
Escape from Tarkov presented some unusual performance quirks. Despite lower frame rates on some settings with the 5950X compared to the 3950X, it's important to note that resolution changes may have slightly affected performance. Further investigation is required to fully understand the dynamics and optimization in this particular game.
6.3 Star Citizen
Star Citizen, with its stunning graphics, was a real treat to test. It performed admirably on both the 3950X and the 5950X, showcasing the true potential of the "Why Not" PC when it comes to visually demanding games.
6.4 Valorant
The competitive nature of Valorant allowed for Meaningful performance comparisons between the 3950X and the 5950X. While higher frame rates were achieved on both CPUs, the 5950X exhibited a notable advantage over its predecessor, particularly at lower graphics settings.
7. Thermal Performance
Thermal performance is a crucial aspect of any PC build, especially in smaller cases. While my build showcased satisfactory thermals under general use, heavy loads such as rendering videos pushed the CPU temperatures higher. With idle temperatures ranging from 55 to 65 degrees Celsius, and load temperatures reaching 81 to 86 degrees Celsius, the cooling solution of the "Why Not" PC can benefit from improvements in airflow and CPU optimization.
8. Final Thoughts and Recommendations
In conclusion, the "Why Not" PC build has proven to be a substantial upgrade for both gaming and video editing. The combination of the RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9 5950X offers exceptional performance, pushing the limits of what's currently possible. However, careful consideration must be given to thermal management, especially in small form factor cases such as the EnCase M1. With appropriate cooling modifications, this build has the potential to shine even brighter.
9. Highlights
- The "Why Not" PC offers a substantial upgrade for gaming and video editing.
- The EnCase M1 provides a compact and portable form factor for travelers.
- Selecting the right components, from motherboard to storage, is crucial for optimal performance.
- The hunt for the RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9 5950X can be frustrating but worth the effort.
- Benchmarking performance reveals the true potential of this build, especially in competitive games.
- Thermal performance can be improved with better airflow and CPU optimization.
10. FAQs
Q: Is the "Why Not" PC suitable for casual gamers?
A: While the "Why Not" PC is designed with enthusiasts and content creators in mind, it can certainly handle casual gaming with ease.
Q: How difficult is it to build an ITX system like the "Why Not" PC?
A: Building an ITX system may require some additional planning and cable management, but with the right components and guidance, it is a rewarding and manageable process.
Q: Are there any alternative cases you would recommend for this build?
A: If portability and thermals are a concern, the Cooler Master Master Box NR200 is a compelling option that offers great price-performance value.
Q: Can I achieve similar performance with a lower budget?
A: Absolutely! While the components I chose represent top-of-the-line options, there are more affordable alternatives that can deliver excellent performance for gaming and video editing.
Q: What software applications do you recommend for video editing on the "Why Not" PC?
A: Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve are popular choices among content creators for their robust editing capabilities and resource optimization.
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