Here is an AMD Ryzen 7 build that was triggered by a request from my daughter.
A few months back, my daughter asked me to build her a desktop PC for her Photo and Video Editing projects. I was taken aback because the last time I personally built a PC was around 2012 which was originally intended to be a hackintosh (Mac clone). This build was transformed into a high end gaming PC which is still in use up to now.
My thoughts before doing the AMD Ryzen 7 build…
Going back to the topic at hand, I asked myself, am I still capable of doing a PC build? I felt challenged and decided to work on the project. Besides, there is Google and YouTube to help me out in case I hit snags.
My daughter had a budget constraint of PHP60,000.00. So we had to build the best desktop PC that we could while working within the budget. After doing some research, I figured that it was best to use an AMD processor to reduce the cost. Also, we could use a slower GPU card to save money.
My daughter was in a hurry to get the PC Desktop built. I suggested to her that we buy all the parts needed from one store as much as possible since we were on lockdown and searching for bargains was not an option. Luckily, a PCExpress branch near where we lived had them all but of course, our choices were kind of limited too!
Let me jump the gun. It turned out that I still know how to build a Desktop PC after all!
THE AMD RYZEN 7 BUILD
AMD RYZEN 7 CPU
For the CPU, I used the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X processor. The AMD Ryzen 7 has 8 cores and 16 threads which is great for editing videos and allows you to multitask more. I decided to use the stock cooler that came with this CPU which is the Premium AMD Wraith Prism Cooler.
Part of the bundle with every 3rd Gen Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 3900X desktop processor, the AMD Wraith Prism has per-RGB LED control around the illuminated light ring and transparent fan blades. It also supports Razer Chroma, so you can enjoy ambient in-game effects that react dynamically to every action and event.
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MOTHERBOARD
The motherboard I used is the Asus TUF B450M Plus II Gaming. It is a micro-ATX gaming motherboard with M.2 support, AI Noise-Canceling Microphone, HDMI, DVI-D, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and Type-C, and Aura Sync RGB lighting support.
I figured, if it is good enough for gaming, it might as well be good for photo rendering and video editing. As per the ASUS website, this motherboard is engineered with military-grade components, an upgraded power solution and a comprehensive set of cooling options. This motherboard delivers rock-solid performance with unwavering gaming stability.
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RAM
I used two (2) pieces of budget Kingston 8GB 2666MHZ DDR4 RAM for a total of 16GB to save on cost. As an afterthought, I figured I should have made this into 32GB. Well, that is an upgrade path for my daughter.
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STORAGE
To save files, I went for a 500GB + 1TB (SSD + HD) set-up. Storing, importing and opening files on a full SSD set up is better, but I had to be practical so a combination of drives was used.
Primary Storage
I used a Hikvision E100 512gb SSD for the OS and whatever programs my daughter will regularly use. This is one of the cheapest SSD in the market and is also reliable.
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Secondary Storage
A Seagate 1TB SATA HDD was used for back-up and file storage.
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GRAPHICS CARD
The original plan was to get any Nvidia 1660 graphics card available. However, on the day of purchase, none was available. I settled for a Galax GTX 1650 EX Plus. This can handle a maximum of three (3) displays.
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POWER SUPPLY
The PSU I used is a Silverstone SST-ST70F-ES230. This is rated at 700W with an 80 PLUS certification. This is a non-modular type of power supply unit. I wanted to use a modular PSU but it would break the budget.
This PSU is well trusted and used by many. This build doesn’t consume nearly as much power as this PSU can provide, but having enough wiggle room for power surges, future upgrades, lower heat output, and lower noise makes it worth.
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CASE
The case used is a Vikings Shield VKS-22 Tempered Glass Mini Tower Gaming PC (Black) with 3 RGB Fans. It has slots for 2 SSDs and 2 HDs which leaves enough room for future storage additions.
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MONITOR
For the display, an HP 3AL28AA 24″ monitor was chosen. The body is made from light weight metal with a matte finish. The display is an IPS with LED backlight and anti-glare. The monitor is capable of 1920 x 1080 at 60 Hz full HD.
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KEYBOARD
I did not buy a keyboard for this build. My daughter already has an existing Royal Kludge RK-G87 Mechanical Gaming keyboard which she was already using with her work laptop. This has 87 keys and may be used either wired or wireless via Bluetooth.
MOUSE
Same with the keyboard, my daughter already had an existing mouse which she uses for work. It is a Logitech MX Master 3. It connects via Bluetooth and has a multi-device capability.
OTHERS STUFF USED IN THE AMD RYZEN 7 BUILD:
WIFI NETWORK CARD
The Motherboard did not come with a built-in WIFI so I had to get a separate network card. I got the ASUS PCE-AX3000 Dual Band PCI-E WiFi 6. This WiFi card supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
CASE FANS
I also bought 2 extra case fans for aesthetics and improved air flow.
SURGE SUPPRESSOR
I do not use AVRs (Automatic Voltage Regulators) on my desktop PCs. I just make sure that I use a Surge Suppressor Extension Cord. I got one made by Panther, which is a reliable brand.
POWER ON DELAY (POD) DEVICE
I always use a Power On Delay (POD) Device on my desktop builds. These PODs will cut power to the PC whenever there is a voltage dip and will delay power from the source to the appliance for 3 – 5 minutes after power interruptions. I used a Panther PPD 1000 3-5 mins Power on Delay with a 10 Amp rating for this one.
WEBCAM
A webcam was an extra purchase made by my daughter and was not part of the original budget. It is a VKTECH 720P HD Webcam.
Here is the part and price breakdown of the build:
| Component | Price (PHP) |
| AMD Ryzen 7 3700X | 19870 |
| Asus TUF B450M Plus II Gaming | 5240 |
| Kingston 8GB 2666MHZ DDR4 RAM (2 pcs) | 4860 |
| Hikvision E100 512gb SSD | 3400 |
| Seagate 1TB SATA HDD | 2380 |
| Galax GTX 1650 EX Plus | 8960 |
| Silverstone SST-ST70F-ES230 | 2920 |
| Vikings Shield VKS-22 Case | 2320 |
| HP 3AL28AA 24″ monitor | 7500 |
| ASUS PCE-AX3000 Dual Band PCI-E WiFi 6 | 1245 |
| TOTAL | 58695 |
| Extras | |
| Royal Kludge RK-G87 Mechanical Gaming keyboard | 2914 |
| Logitech MX Master 3 | 5614 |
| VKTECH 720P HD Webcam | 378 |
| Case Fans (2) | 300 |
| Surge Suppressor | 800 |
| Power On Delay | 940 |
| ACTUAL TOTAL COST | 69641 |
Pictures of the build:
