I have an aging Windows gaming box that needs an upgrade. With Trump winning the election, I anticipate tariffs on basically all PC parts, so I want to buy now. Here’s my challenge:
I love quiet PCs. I have a Fractal Design Define R4, I think, which I bought for its sound insulating ability. I’ve always gone with air-cooling, and my fan curves are tuned to be quiet. That works great for my 2080 TI.
Now, however, I want to get the 4080 Super and a big beefy AMD processor. Is air cooling still going to cut it? Or am I going ot have to go for all-in-one water cooling loops to keep temperatures under control without having to listen to the turbines spinning up?
I know there are a lot of factors to consider, but basically I think Fractal Design has great products, so I would probably get another case from them and build the machine from the ground up. I just want to find the solution that lets the machine run without making a ton of noise while it sits on the floor next to me.
There’s not a noticible difference in performance for 9000 if a person already owns a 7000. There is a technical case to be made for buying 9800x3D, and it’s not because it’s new or faster. But sure, buy a 7800x3D and then buy a 10800x3D.
I don’t know if tariffs, or an import tax, will be universal on everything, or only for certain products to encourage American manufacturing. Is there 4080 Supers easily for sale? I know the 4090 went end of life, maybe a month ago, from nVidia to clear out stock. I’m planning to buy a 50 series and then go to a higher resolution.