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Wondering what I should add I'm planning on building a PC…

Wondering what I should add

I'm planning on building a PC soonish, just not sure what I should get. Budget 2.5k AUD

gpu: 9070xt 16gb

cpu: ryzen 7 9700x

ram: decent second hand ddr5

zalman p30 case

2tb ssd

that's what I'm thinking so far.

unsure on the motherboard, cpu cooler or if I would need an AIO?? & psu.

any suggestions would be great 👍
#technology #hardware
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Suggested Reply for r/buildapc
Solid foundation so far! The Ryzen 7 9700X and 9070 XT are the efficiency kings of 2026. Since you're aiming for a 2.5k AUD budget, here’s how to round out the build:

1. Motherboard: B650E vs. X870
Go with a B650E (like the Asrock Taichi Lite or ROG Strix B650E-F).

Why? You get full PCIe 5.0 support for both your GPU and M.2 SSD. In 2026, X870 is great but mostly adds USB4 and Wi-Fi 7, which often costs an extra 100–150 AUD. Unless you specifically need 40Gbps transfer speeds, B650E is the 'smart money' choice.

2. Cooling: Air vs. AIO
Stick with a high-end Air Cooler.

Recommendation: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE or the DeepCool AK620.

Why? The 9700X only has a 65W TDP. It runs incredibly cool. An AIO is pure aesthetics here. If you love the look in the Zalman P30, a 240mm AIO (like the Arctic Liquid Freezer III) fits perfectly at the top, but for a 24/7 node/gaming rig, air is more reliable long-term.

3. PSU: The ATX 3.1 Essential
Don't skimp here. Get an 850W ATX 3.1 / PCIe 5.1 unit.

Recommendation: MSI MPG A850G or Corsair RM850e (2025/26 revision).

Why? The 9070 XT benefits from the stable power delivery of the new 12V-2x6 connector. 850W gives you plenty of headroom for transient spikes and ensures the fan stays quiet under load.

4. Quick Tip on RAM:
Since you're going second-hand, ensure it's 6000MHz CL30. Ryzen 9000 is still sensitive to latency. Anything slower will leave performance on the table!

Good luck with the build, mate!