New to PC Building. Need Advice.

[Rob]

Hi,

I am new to building my own PC. I created the below build using CG Directors build tool and I just want to get a pro's opinion on if this will suit my needs and if there are compatibility issues.

My Needs:
I do illustration and design work. I am in Photoshop constantly and I am soon going to be learning how to do 3D modeling. I will not be needing to 3D rendering all that much. I mainly will just be needing to create models to paint on top of in photoshop as a means of speeding up my design process.

Concerns:
My main concern with compatibility is that I received this message from the PC builder tool when I completed this build. Can you tell me if this is going to be an issue and if I actually do need to buy compatibility mounting kits or do BIOS updates? My goal is to literally buy these components and assemble my computer in one sitting without running into any compatibility issues.

Compatibility Note: - CPU Cooler may require LGA1700 compatibility mounting-kit. - CPU may require BIOS update on older stock 600-series motherboards.

Build Information:
CGDirector.com Parts List: https://www.cgdirector.com/pc-builder/?=6O9px

CPU: Intel Core i9 13900K 3.0GHz 24-Core Processor ($543.82)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 ($69.99)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z690 Aero D ATX LGA1700 ($268.59)
GPU: Nvidia RTX 4080 16GB - Gigabyte Gaming OC ($1144.68)
Memory: 64GB (2x32GB) G.Skill Trident Z5 DDR5-6000 CL30 ($209.99)
Storage PCIe-SSD: WD Black SN850X 4TB NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive ($285.74)
Power Supply: Corsair RMx Series Platinum RM850x 850W Power Supply ($179.00)
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($143.93)
Total: $2845.74

Any help you can provide is most appreciated. I value your professional opinion. Thank you!

-Rob

 

[Alex Glawion]

The z690 should be fully compatible right out of the factory on boards that are sold today. The BIOS update has been added to it in the factory already, so no update needed to make the 13900K work.

The warning on the CPU cooler mounting kit, too, is from a time when the CPUs and socket were so new that manufacturers didn't yet include mounting kits in the box. If you buy all of the above components new, then you can ignore both warnings.

 

[Rob]

Hi Alex,

Thank you so much for getting back to me about this and for your thorough explanations. One additional question if you don't mind.

If I buy all the components I listed and assemble this workstation, what other things will I need in order to get up and running so I can start using my computer? For example, I am sure I will need to buy Windows and install it myself since I assume it does not just come preinstalled like it would if I ordered a computer from Dell or HP. Are there other things I need to consider and/or purchase in order to be able to actually start using the computer once I finish building it (aside from the obvious monitor and input devices)?

Thank you so much!
Robert

 

[Alex Glawion]

We've got an article for you

What To Do AFTER Building/Buying a PC? [Checklist + Do this first!]

Building a PC is fun! But once everything's assembled, what comes next? Here's our checklist and in-depth guide to your next steps AFTER building a PC.

www.cgdirector.com

That's all the things you should consider doing after your build itself is done. Many of them will be done automatically, but installing the OS, as you said, yes has to be manually prepared by you, but isn't too complicated.

 

[Rob]

Hey Alex,

Thanks for sharing that article. That is really helpful. I am ready to start ordering components but I have run into a few issues if you don't mind helping.

The PC builder tool on your website recommended the following motherboard. However, it is out of stock everywhere and Amazon only sells used ones. Can you recommend another similar motherboard that I could easily find and purchase brand new?
GIGABYTE Z690 AERO D (LGA 1700/ Intel Z690/ ATX/ DDR5/ Quad M.2/ PCIe 5.0/ USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C/WiFi 6/ AQUANTIA 10GbE LAN/Motherboard)

The PC builder also recommended the following graphics card. But I am having the same problem as the motherboard where I cannot find a new one and they are out of stock on other websites. Can you recommend another similar one I can buy new and find for sale easily?
ASUS ROG STRIX NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Gaming Graphics Card- PCIe 4.0, 24GB GDDR6X, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a, Axial-Tech Fan Design, 2.9-Slot

For storage, which of the below would you say is the better SSD?
Seagate FireCuda 540 SSD 2TB
OR
WD_BLACK 1TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,300 MB/s - WDS100T2X0E

I also cannot find a USB of Windows 10 for sale. I know Windows 11 is newer and easier to find but I am under the impression Windows 10 is better. Would I be okay to just go with Windows 11 or should I only get Windows 10?

I know this is a lot so I understand if you don't have time to answer everything. Thank you again for your help!

Robert

 

[Alex Glawion]

The GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite AX would be a similar replacement to the Aero D. See if you can find a newer GPU such as the Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti, or 4080. The Seagate Firecuda 540 is the better choice and I've been able to use it for some time now without any issues.