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Hello,
You’ve detailed a custom PC build updated on March 1, 2023, tailored for university use and gaming at 1080p. The budget for this build was $950, and it seems to have been allocated efficiently for a balanced system. Let's review the specifications and any potential considerations:
Operating System: Windows 11 Pro is an excellent choice for a university PC, offering the latest features and security updates, and it is well-suited for both productivity and gaming.
Motherboard: The AsRock B660m PG Riptide is a solid motherboard with good features for a mid-range build, supporting the latest Intel CPUs and PCIe Gen4.
CPU: The Intel Core i5-12490F is a capable processor for your targeted use, offering good performance for both productivity and gaming at 1080p.
GPU: The Acer Bifrost Predator A770 is a strong mid-range card that should handle most games at 1080p with high settings comfortably.
RAM: 64GB of Mushkin Redline Lumina DDR4 at 3600MHz is quite generous for university tasks and gaming. It provides ample overhead for multitasking and memory-intensive applications.
Storage: A 1TB Solidigm P44 Pro NVMe stick offers fast storage, which is excellent for quick system boot-up, loading applications, and games.
PSU: The Silverstone Strider Platinum 850W 80+ Platinum PSU provides more than enough power for your current components, with plenty of headroom for future upgrades.
Case: The Thermaltake Level 20 VT MicroATX has a good design for airflow and visibility and should accommodate your microATX motherboard nicely.
Monitor: A generic Philips 1080p monitor should suffice for university work and gaming, but you may want to consider a monitor with a higher refresh rate if competitive gaming is of interest.
Keyboard and Mouse: A Cooler Master TKL mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Brown switches and a Cooler Master MM711 mouse are both solid choices that offer a good balance between typing comfort and gaming performance.
Accessories:
- Deepcool AK620 ZERO DARK CPU Cooler: This should provide excellent cooling for your processor, which is important for maintaining performance and longevity.
- TP-Link TX201 2.5 Gb/s Ethernet PCIe x1: This network card will ensure fast and reliable wired internet connectivity, beneficial for both gaming and large file transfers for university projects.
- Logitech Z120 Stereo Speakers: Compact speakers are suitable for a university setting where space might be limited.
Potential Areas for Upgrade or Consideration:
- Monitor Upgrade: For a more immersive gaming experience, consider a monitor with a higher refresh rate and possibly adaptive sync technology (e.g., G-Sync or FreeSync) to reduce screen tearing.
- Peripheral Enhancements: Depending on your needs, you might want to look into peripherals that cater to ergonomics, especially if you spend long hours at the computer.
- Backup Solution: For university work, having a reliable backup solution is crucial. Consider an external drive or cloud storage to regularly back up important documents and projects.
- Cable Management: Ensure good cable management within the case for optimal airflow and easy maintenance. This also applies to your desk setup for a clutter-free environment.
- Noise Levels: Verify that the noise levels of your build are comfortable for your study environment. If not, consider quieter fans or adjusting fan curves.
Your current setup appears to be well-rounded and capable of handling your specified needs. It strikes a good balance between performance and cost, which is ideal for a university student who also enjoys gaming.