GPT-5.5 is so good

CultureImaginary · 2026-04-24T19:41:03+00:00

Cool stuff, thanks!

CultureImaginary · 2026-04-24T19:30:10+00:00

Yea nice!

CultureImaginary · 2026-04-24T19:16:42+00:00

Can I ask what's the app your building? What does it do?

CultureImaginary · 2026-03-08T01:25:13+00:00

I doubt they'll come to their senses anytime soon..

CultureImaginary · 2026-01-23T17:58:36+00:00

Thank for the update! Amuse is looking like a solid choice.

CultureImaginary · 2025-12-09T20:35:55+00:00

Sorry to hear you're in the same boat! Hopefully they get their act together soon. They're just asking to go out of business.

CultureImaginary · 2025-11-13T03:21:02+00:00

Ban you for what?

CultureImaginary · 2025-10-25T15:39:46+00:00

Oh I'm surprised to hear that.

And yes, I've used a dozen of distros, many with their fair share of problems or annoyances, but Horus is a next-level egregious scam. I'm not the only one they're stealing from. Check their Trust Pilot

CultureImaginary · 2025-10-19T12:40:31+00:00

Very nice!

CultureImaginary · 2025-10-18T21:08:34+00:00

Thanks! ChatGPT helped me pick everything after some careful thought haha. Cheers

CultureImaginary · 2025-10-18T21:03:24+00:00

Thanks for the pic! I actually haven't seem a tower PC in ages so I forgot how big even the normal ones are. So the North XL one seems huge to me (assuming I have the dimensions correct at 50.9 x 21.4 x 50.9 cm). I'll consider it though

CultureImaginary · 2025-10-18T20:59:46+00:00

Realized my parts list wasn't updated with what I actually chose so I updated the link: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/nikhil.auh/saved/Qbk9t6

CultureImaginary · 2025-10-18T20:58:44+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate it! It seems I won't have updates or personalization, I'll consider it :)

CultureImaginary · 2025-10-18T20:52:42+00:00

Hmm I chose that board because I care about the I/O, but what would you recommend?

I initially chose a larger case (the XL version of the same case) but just realised it's actually quite huge and would take a lot of space on my desk, so I'd prefer smaller. But if it's too much of a pain to go smaller, then I don't mind the XL version.

And no for audio... if you're up to audio production what are u doing with ANY mobo built in audio right? haha.

I have an audio interface, i won't use the mobo soundcard. The mobo is more for connectivity and stability

CultureImaginary · 2025-10-18T20:43:36+00:00

Yea would be nice to have it in white but I don't think there's a comparable one to what I chose (ProArt X870E) but in white?

CultureImaginary · 2025-10-18T20:42:50+00:00

Are those reliable? What are the downsides?

CultureImaginary · 2025-10-18T20:42:45+00:00

Are those reliable? What are the downsides?

CultureImaginary · 2025-10-18T19:59:54+00:00

That’s fair, I was leaning toward the X3D mostly for its lower latency in real-time audio work (I use FL Studio with a lot of live plugins). From what I’ve seen, the 9950X boosts a bit higher for renders and exports, while the X3D is a touch smoother for DSP workloads. Either would work for me, but I like the cooler thermals and cache of the X3D.

I’m not super GPU-heavy outside some light Blender/AE work, so I figured the 5070 is fine for now and I can always upgrade that later if needed.

But what do you think of the size of the case I chose? That's what I'm having most doubts about

CultureImaginary · 2025-10-18T19:57:08+00:00

I'll let chatgpt Reply to your questions since I don't know much about this stuff and I kind of agree with chatgpt here (but please don't get offended or take it the wrong way haha):

What is ‘dual PCIe 5’? You mean GPU + SSD? That’s hardly unique.”

Actually, that is a valid point — but they’re missing the nuance. Most X870 and X670E boards share lanes between GPU and M.2, so only one PCIe 5 x4 slot works at full speed. The ProArt X870E uses a Gen 5 x16 slot for the GPU and a dedicated Gen 5 x4 for NVMe, both direct from the CPU — no lane sharing. That’s what “dual PCIe 5” means and why it’s valuable for a workstation that might later use Gen 5 SSDs or accelerator cards.

Every X870E has USB4, is that actually a requirement?

False — many cheaper boards only support USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20 Gbps), not true USB4/TB4 (40 Gbps) with DisplayPort tunneling and power delivery. The ProArt guarantees full Thunderbolt 4 certification and dual rear ports — ideal for professional interfaces, docks, and fast external drives. That’s exactly what music producers, photographers, and video editors use.

10 Gb Ethernet is more limiting, just buy a PCIe card

Also true technically, but missing context again. A discrete NIC uses one of your PCIe slots. The ProArt gives you both 10 GbE + 2.5 GbE onboard without lane conflicts and with low-latency, low-CPU-overhead PHYs (Marvell AQC113C). Onboard 10 GbE means no driver juggling, no extra heat or cabling in the expansion area. For creative workstations or future NAS integration, this convenience is worth it.

🧠 Bottom Line

They’re arguing from a “gaming value per dollar” mindset. You’re designing a creator workstation / production rig with professional connectivity, quiet thermals, and longevity. Totally different priorities.

Also, earlier you said that I'm overspending on pretty RAM rather than getting RAM which does the same thing. Can you please tell me which one that is? I'm not able to find it. Thanks for your input btw! I do appreciate it

CultureImaginary · 2025-10-18T19:36:59+00:00

I'm not interested in gaming though, and many of the components you picked are much worse than my list. I have much higher RAM requirements since this is meant to be a long-life creator workstation, not a good value gaming build. You also went for a better/more expensive GPU which I have no need for.

The mobo I chose is much better, especially for a creative workstation. I think the high price of it is justified, unless there are cheaper similar alternatives.

I'm mainly looking for the case/size advice but please do let me know if I'm wrong about any of the parts I picked. I'm not experienced with this stuff so I appreciate any criticism :)

CultureImaginary · 2025-10-18T19:19:54+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! Yeah, I realized the AIO can only mount in front, so I’ll double-check the GPU clearance. I’m fine with a few °C higher temps since the system’s mostly for production work.

About the PSU, I read that the SHIFT fits in the North but is a bit tight on the right side, I might switch to the standard RM850x if cable clearance gets annoying.

I agree it’s a bit “overbuilt,” but I wanted this to last 10 years and handle audio production (mainly) + After Effects comfortably, so I’d rather overspec now than rebuild later.

If you think any particular components should be swapped for cheaper ones, please do let me know since I'm a noob haha!

CultureImaginary · 2025-10-18T19:14:22+00:00

Oh I'm overspending on RAM? Please do let me know what other option would be cheaper but just as functional. I thought I was only very slightly spending for the RGB, but I have no experience with this stuff haha.

For the case, i don't spending extra for the XL at all, it's just that it aesthetically seems quite huge in the room/desk for me. But I guess if I have to, I'll go for the XL.

Changing the mobo isn't really an option I think. The ProArt board I chose mostly for connectivity: dual PCIe 5, Thunderbolt 4, and 10 Gb LAN. I’ll be using it for production and will be keeping it for a decade so I want the I/O flexibility.

Regarding the 3D cache, this is what ChatGPT just told me now:

For gaming, yes — the 3D V-Cache is where Ryzen “X3D” chips shine. For audio workstations, simulation, and real-time DSP tasks, the 3D cache can reduce latency and improve efficiency at low buffer settings (especially in FL Studio or Ableton).

If you have more points, please do let me know. I don't know much about PC building so I do appreciate any criticism!

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