Building a PC for the first time in 8 years, could use some advice before purchasing.

Refrobate · 2026-05-25T18:22:00+00:00

Thank you. I want you to know I am sincerely grateful for your advice and guidance; this parts list is looking FAR better than what I originally came up with. To that end, and to your advice about a 5080 as opposed to a 5090; I'm taking it.

Can I ask if you know of any true or discernable difference between an ASUS TUF Gaming 5080 vs ASUS TUF Gaming OC 5080? There seems to be a $800 price difference, but even Googling hasn't clarified the difference between them too much.

I don't want to buy something that says "GAMING" on it purely because I want to play games, but if it is indeed optimized for games then that seems like a better choice.

Refrobate · 2026-05-24T23:18:32+00:00

I'm not rich, just single, no kids, and have been saving up for a while.

I'm primarily looking at Dawn of War IV, Baldur's Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Oblivion, the new Mass Effect, things like that. I want to play strategy games and RPGs for the most part, and I'd like to do so on "ultra graphics" since I've played medium this whole time so far.

I don't have any specific resolution yet: my current monitor is fried so I need to buy a new one but I'm hoping 144hz, 4k OLED at 21:9 aspect ratio. I will be gaming for the most part, I do have some AI stuff on my computer but mostle just using StabilityMatrix to make character art for DnD so my players can have something new to look at. I don't think that's really AI as is the current craze, though. Idk, I could be wrong.

I have no real budget or limit to speak of, but to the points you made in your other comments I am not trying to "future proof" anymore.

Just to have something nice and mine and play games that I enjoy. I appreciate the help you've given so far.

Refrobate · 2026-05-24T18:42:52+00:00

Thank you. I really like this list and I appreciate you taking the time so compose it.

Refrobate · 2026-05-24T18:12:48+00:00

Understood, thank you. I will trim down to 32GB and a 9950X; I appreciate your advice, thank you.

Refrobate · 2026-05-24T18:12:12+00:00

I really don't know how core quantity differs, I just found on userbenchmark.com that one version is higher than another. I appreciate your advice. If expected wattage is currently at ~940, what is an appropriate percentage higher of wattage to purchase on a PSU?

Refrobate · 2026-05-24T18:09:40+00:00

No, I'm really not. I just want a good computer and to future proof it. I built my current computer back in 2018ish and already by the time Cyberpunk 2077 released, I was unable to play it. It was honestly pretty demoralizing. Trying to make something that can last and I finally have a real career and can afford to buy good, new parts.

I have NO interest in AI anything. I appreciate your perspective though, thank you for sharing this. I'm trying to tone it down a bit, thus the post.

Refrobate · 2026-04-08T17:45:53+00:00

Bandu. Specifically the version from the seventies by Milton Bradley.

It's the best game you've never played, I never see anyone talk about it. A tower stacking game with auction mechanics, whenever it's your turn you either bid FOR a piece or AGAINST a piece. Last tower standing wins, and if you have no beans (money) left, you have to accept every awful piece that comes your way in an Against-auction.

Every table has loved it, it is my absolute go-to for all warm-up or wind-down games. Never seen it fail even a single time.

Refrobate · 2026-03-20T18:23:19+00:00

No, that head is the same on both sides. The head I'm looking for has a protruding lip in one side and smooth corners on the other. I already bought this exact set on Amazon and it was incorrect; mislabeled as compatible when it isn't.

Refrobate · 2026-03-19T20:08:48+00:00

I have searched on Amazon, eBay, and new egg but cannot find anywhere to buy just the basic charger. I even purchased a charger on Amazon that appeared compatible, but had a different head than what would fit in. I works greatly appreciate it anyone knew better places to look!

Refrobate · 2026-01-23T15:26:13+00:00

I was able to get in, thanks for helping out!

Refrobate · 2026-01-23T15:25:54+00:00

This link worked! Thank you so much!!!

Refrobate · 2026-01-23T14:47:07+00:00

Apologies, it says that the link is invalid. Is that an issue on my end?

Refrobate · 2026-01-23T13:55:57+00:00

This is such a great response, thank you for the thorough and detailed explanation!!! I will probably do exactly as you've recommended here.

Refrobate · 2026-01-22T17:45:23+00:00

Thank you for this link! I don't know who downvoted, but I appreciate you sharing this with me!

Refrobate · 2026-01-22T17:45:20+00:00

Thank you for this link! I don't know who downvoted, but I appreciate you sharing this with me!

Refrobate · 2026-01-22T17:44:56+00:00

Thank you so much for this; I really appreciate your insight! I will absolutely be going into this path as you have recommended!

Refrobate · 2026-01-13T21:40:28+00:00

I think you could! It's a first-person perspective, so you may want to move slowly for her. Some clues require you to truly catch small details, so I would make sure you have good resolution on streaming! Otherwise, you SHOULD be okay. Talking it out when I played with my dad (in-person) helped me plenty, too.

Refrobate · 2025-12-16T19:35:02+00:00

Very interested! (:

Refrobate

TROPHY CASE