Ryzen 9 5950X + AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT Build Under $4000

Ryzen 9 5950X + AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT: In early October we knew the name of the model that would be the most powerful consumer-grade CPU in the market: The Ryzen 9 5950X. This processor outclasses both AMD’s last batch of Zen 2 CPUs, as well as Intel’s flagship Core i9-10900K. Almost a month after the Zen 3 announcement, we now also know what will be the ultimate GPU to pair it with AMD’s Radeon RX 6900 XT.

The synergy between these two hardware components provides tangible results, as it creates an architecture that paves the way for Smart Access Memory: an expanded data channel that utilizes both CPU and GPU memory, effectively removing the GPU’s inherent memory bottleneck and, in turn, providing an increase in effective framerate performance.

Thus, we can now make full use of single core, and multi-core, CPU performance, together with high-level rendering power, to create a build that can work optimally for any workstation environment – while simultaneously being a gaming powerhouse that will be able to process high framerates at high resolutions.

But it is not only the CPU and GPU components that have reached, what seems to be, an upper-threshold level of performance for the current generation of hardware. The DDR4 memory type has also reached its peak, providing the maximum ability it is capable of; at only a fraction of the cost of its initial prices.

The build we present for under $4K includes only flagship-level components, providing the best performance that money can buy. To be a bit more specific, this build will cost $3,986.56.

Read Also: Ryzen 7 5800X + RX 6800 XT build

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Ultimate High-End Workstation/Gaming Build for Under $4,000 – AMD Ryzen 9 5950X + AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT

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CPU – AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Brand	AMD
CPU Model	Ryzen 9
CPU Speed	4.9 GHz
CPU Socket	Socket AM4
Processor Count	16

The processing node is AMD’s TSMC 7 nm FinFET, allowing the Ryzen 9 5950X to operate at speeds between 3.4 GHz and 4.9 GHz (at least).

It supports a DDR4 memory type with a system speed of 3,200 MHz and has a TDP of only 105 Watts. A stock cooler is not provided with the purchase of this CPU, which launched on November 5th with an MSRP of $799.

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GPU – AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT

Brand	Sapphire Technology
Graphics Coprocessor	AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT
Video Output Interface	DisplayPort, HDMI
Chipset Brand	AMD
Graphics RAM Type	GDDR6

It has an operating base frequency of 1,429 MHz, a Gaming Clock speed of 2,015 MHz, and a Boost Clock speed of 2,250 MHz.

With 16 GB of GDDR6 VRAM and a 2,000 MHz memory clock capable of 16 GB/s, this Radeon 6000 Series GPU comes with 128 MB of AMD’s Infinity Cache.

In terms of theoretical performance, this GPU can render pixels at a rate of 288 GP/s, making use of 5,120 Stream Processors, 320 TMUs, 128 ROPs, 80 CUs, and 80 RT cores.

Finally, the Radeon RX 6900 XT will have a 2.5-slot form factor, a TDP of 300 Watts, and will be launching on December 8^th, 2020, for $999.

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RAM – G.Skill Trident Z RGB Series 32GB

Brand	G.Skill
RAM	32 GB ddr4_sdram
Memory Speed	3200 MHz
Item model number	8.48E+11
Item Weight	6.7 ounces
Package Dimensions	6.3 x 5.43 x 0.51 inches
Computer Memory Type	DDR4 SDRAM
Voltage	1.2 Volts

This is also the type of RAM that AMD used in their benchmarks for both Zen 3 processors, as well as their RDNA 2 GPUs.

For this reason, we recommend 64 GB of G.Skill’s TridentZ RAM. This kit has 14-14-14-34 CL timings, 3,200 MHz, aluminum heat spreaders, for efficient heat dissipation, and a ten-layer PCB that ensures better signal stability; an element of utmost importance when it comes to overclocking.

The black, brushed aluminum, exterior also includes RGB lighting on the top of each module; though these will not be of much use for this rig, as the additional RAM cooling component we have added: The Corsair Dominator Platinum will be placed atop the RAM units.

The aforementioned double-fan RAM cooler provides high airflow, quiet operation, and its own RGB display.

Four ranks of 16 GB of G.Skill’s TridentZ RAM will cost $449.98 ($224.99 each), while the Corsair Dominator Platinum will cost an extra $85.44.

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Motherboard – MSI Meg X570 Godlike

Brand	MSI
CPU Socket	Socket AM4
RAM Memory Technology	DDR4
Compatible Processors	AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen
Chipset Type	AMD 570X
Memory Speed	2666 MHz
Series	X570GODLIKE
Memory Storage Capacity	128 GB
RAM Memory Maximum Size	128 GB
Graphics Card Interface	PCI-E

The MSI Meg X570 Godlike motherboard is ideal for the Ryzen 5950X CPU, offering strong VRM and cooling for stable overclocking. It stands out with exceptional connectivity.

This model features an 18-phase VRM (9 true phases) in a 7+7 and 1+3 layout, using Infineon TDA21472, 70-amp power stages, and titanium chokes. The MOSFETs are cooled by MSI’s FROZR heatsink design, with a heat pipe and a PCH fan, plus RGB elements.

The Meg X570 Godlike excels in connectivity, supporting five M.2 SSDs with its XPANDER-Z card in four PCIe 4.0 x16 slots. It handles 128 GB DDR4 RAM, overclockable to 4,600 MHz.

It includes Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 and Killer xTend Technology for network extension. An OLED screen near the RAM displays debugging info, hardware stats, or custom gifs.

The MSI Meg X570 Godlike is on sale for $614.24; which is a great price for its features, VRM power, and amazing connectivity.

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Related: Best Motherboards for Ryzen 9 5950X

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CPU Cooler – EVGA CLC 360mm

Brand	EVGA
Cooling Method	Water
Compatible Devices	Desktop
Noise Level	16 dB

The Ryzen 9 5950X, unlike its previous Ryzen 9 3950X iteration, no longer includes a CPU cooler – though, even if it did, the Wraith Prism would still need to be replaced, as it does not have the cooling performance necessary for the R9 5950X.

Because we will be using a system of RAM fans, we need to chill the CPU via means of a liquid AIO cooler, since an airflow cooler would be too large, and end up getting in the way of the Corsair Dominator Platinum.

Hence, why we have chosen EVGA’s CLC, 360 mm, AIO liquid cooler. This CPU cooler includes a 360 mm radiator, which is itself chilled by three 120 mm, EVGA custom designed, fans, capable of an airflow output of 74.82 CFM. The CLC is equipped with an Asetek Gen5 pump, which has an RGB LED display that illuminates EVGA’s logo. The fans themselves do not have any RGB lighting but are stylish nonetheless.

But, a liquid AIO cooler is not just about its looks. The EVGA CLC performs on a high level, as proven by benchmarks from Gamer’s Nexus, with excellent thermal performance and incredibly low noise emissions.

The EVGA CLC 360 mm costs only $132.92, including an EVGA-backed, 5-year warranty.

Related: Best CPU Coolers for Ryzen 9 5950X

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Storage – Samsung 980 Pro 1TB

Brand	SAMSUNG
Digital Storage Capacity	1 TB
Item Dimensions LxWxH	3.15 x 0.87 x 0.09 inches
Read Speed	7000 Megabytes Per Second

Storage for such a building is, of course, going to be far more than 1 TB, but we are simply stating the best SSD for the operating system. With PCIe 4.0 compatible SSDs now being further optimized by ROM storage manufacturers, we are reaching the full potential of this technology, manifested in Samsung’s 980 Pro.

This new M.2 2280 NVMe 1.3c SSD makes use of Samsung’s own Elpis driver, built on an 8 nm processing node which allows it to run, an impressive, 128 queues simultaneously. The 980 Pro has LPDDR4 DRAM, as well as a 2-bit MLC and TLC non-volatile memory.

Samsung’s 6^th generation V-NAND has over 100 cell layers, and, together with its Charge Trap Flash (CTF) technology, it can reach sequential read speeds of 7,000 MB/s, sequential write speed speeds of 5,000 MB/s, and 4K random read and write speeds of 1 million IOPS.

To keep its thermals low, Samsung has created a thermal control algorithm, while also implementing nickel coating on the controller and a heat spreader label on the chip. With the use of both software and hardware thermal preventative measure, the 980 Pro can avoid any performance fluctuations due to overheating.

The Samsung 980 Pro 1 TB can currently be found for $229.99, including Samsung Magician software.

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Case – Fractal Design Define 7 XL

Brand	Fractal Design
Color	Black TG Light Tint
Material	Aluminum
Cooling Method	Water
Motherboard Compatability	ATX
Item Weight	43.95 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH	23.78 x 9.45 x 22.28 inches
Case Type	Full Tower
Total Internal Bays	1
Fan Count	11

Because the motherboard we have chosen has an E-ATX form factor, we are going to need a case that accommodates a beastly component of this size. Hence, the choice of the Fractal Design, full tower, Define 7 XL. Though this case does have a massive amount of internal space, it still manages to maintain a sleek, and lean, exterior with an anodized aluminum finish.

The Define 7 XL can accommodate up to 18 HDDs, and five additional SSDs, by changing its default layout (optimized for custom loops) to an open layout.

The walls of the panels are lined with industrial sound-dampening materials, while the top panel can be switched between this noise-canceling ceiling, to a ventilated, filtered, top panel.  Additionally, the Fractal Design Define 7 XL gives you the choice between a tinted tempered glass side panel or an additional soundproof side panel.

For this build, we’ve chosen the glass side panel, to show off the minimalistic, yet stylish, design of the interior components. Finally, the top panel I/O interface allows for five USB 3.0 inputs, as well as an additional USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C slot and standard (mic/speakers) audio jacks.

The Fractal Design Define 7 XL has a price tag of $226 – well worth its price for its quality, connectivity potential, and elegant design.

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PSU – be quiet! Dark Power Pro 12 1500W

Brand	Be quiet!
Output Wattage	1500 Watts
Form Factor	ATX
Wattage	1500 watts
Cooling Method	Air
Item Dimensions LxWxH	17.33 x 12.8 x 11.15 inches

To power this beast of a PC, we need the best power efficiency money can buy, and that can only be found in 80 PLUS titanium-rated PSUs. This Titanium certification guarantees an efficiency level of up to 94.7%, meaning less energy expenditure, as well as less heat that will be distributed into the case’s hardware components.

Be quiet! Dark Power Pro 12 offers this Titanium rating for its 1500 W model, which we recommend for this build. Not only does the 1500 W potential allow for enough leeway to power as many storage units as you desire, but it also allows for an extreme level of overclocking for the Ryzen 5 5950X, the Radeon RX 6900 XT, as well as the G.Skill TridentZ RAM.

To best suit overclocking performance, the Dark Power Pro 12 includes an overclocking key; allowing you to manually switch its default six +12V rails (built for safety) into a single +12V rail that can provide more wattage toward the CPU and GPU.

This power supply is digitally controlled, with a wireless interior and all Japanese 105-degree C capacitors. The Frameless Silent Wing fan design, together with the 6-pole fan motor and hydrodynamic bearings, ensures durability and near-silent operation.

This fully modular PSU is purchasable for $449.99: a more than fair price for its Wattage, efficiency, and overall quality.

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What to Expect from this Build?

Excellent Gaming Performance: The combination of the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X CPU and the AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT GPU provides exceptional gaming performance.

The Ryzen 9 5950X, with 16 cores and 32 threads, offers smooth multitasking. The RX 6900 XT, with 16GB GDDR6 memory, handles demanding games at 4K with high frame rates and great visuals.

For workstations, the Ryzen 9 5950X excels in video editing, rendering, and 3D modeling, thanks to its high core and thread count.

The build includes 32GB RAM and a 1TB Samsung 980 Pro SSD, providing ample memory and storage for complex tasks, and ensuring efficient performance.

The Fractal Design Define 7 XL case offers space and cooling, while the be quiet! Dark Power Pro 12 1500W PSU ensures power efficiency and stability.

The build is future-proof, with room for upgrades. The X570 chipset supports PCIe 4.0, and the motherboard has four PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for additional graphics cards. The case allows for more storage and cooling upgrades.

Final Verdict

Overall, this build is an excellent choice for gamers and professionals who demand the best performance and are willing to invest in flagship-level components to achieve it.

With this build, you can expect excellent gaming performance, smooth multitasking, and exceptional performance in demanding workloads, along with high-quality components and ample room for future upgrades.