About fr0stbyte
Provided below is information about my 2025 PC build, "fr0stbyte."
PC Part Picker List
Case
NZXT H7 Flow RGB (2024)
Brand loyalty really shows with this selection, as I've exclusively used NZXT cases since my initial build from 2014. This time around, while cases from other manufacturers were under consideration for a moment, my decision still stands with NZXT. I ultimately picked this case for its space and aesthetic.
Brand loyalty really shows with this selection, as I've exclusively used NZXT cases since my initial build from 2014. This time around, while cases from other manufacturers were under consideration for a moment, my decision still stands with NZXT. I ultimately picked this case for its space and aesthetic.
Motherboard
ASUS TUF Gaming X870-Plus
With a slight issue of having a dead motherboard initially, I've gotten a different one from ASUS, which comes with generally the same features, such as the AM5 socket, 4-Channel DDR5, and 4 NVMe slots, two of which are the newer PCIe Gen. 5.
With a slight issue of having a dead motherboard initially, I've gotten a different one from ASUS, which comes with generally the same features, such as the AM5 socket, 4-Channel DDR5, and 4 NVMe slots, two of which are the newer PCIe Gen. 5.
CPU (Processor)
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
For the first time since my initial PC build, I'm making the switch back to AMD, going with one of their top-of-the-line Ryzen chips to do the job. I don't have anything against Intel, but going with AMD this time around is a chance for redemption from a company that I've had a rough time with, previously.
For the first time since my initial PC build, I'm making the switch back to AMD, going with one of their top-of-the-line Ryzen chips to do the job. I don't have anything against Intel, but going with AMD this time around is a chance for redemption from a company that I've had a rough time with, previously.
CPU Cooler
NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB AIO Liquid Cooler
Having previously had an AIO liquid cooler from NZXT, which lasted me for years, I tried to give Corsair a shot. Unfortunately, within a short span of time since installing it, the LED's started to go bad on the pump. While this doesn't affect the actual functionality of the cooler, it does give the general build quality a bad look. While I'm satisfied with other Corsair products, I'm looking to switch back to NZXT for my next PC build's cooler.
Having previously had an AIO liquid cooler from NZXT, which lasted me for years, I tried to give Corsair a shot. Unfortunately, within a short span of time since installing it, the LED's started to go bad on the pump. While this doesn't affect the actual functionality of the cooler, it does give the general build quality a bad look. While I'm satisfied with other Corsair products, I'm looking to switch back to NZXT for my next PC build's cooler.
GPU (Graphics Card)
Gigabyte AORUS GeForce RTX 5080 Master ICE
Two of the biggest companies that I trust when it comes to PC components are Nvidia and Gigabyte. So, why not pick a graphics card this time from both companies? That's one of the biggest reason that I went out and got the Gigabyte AORUS GeForce RTX 5080 Master ICE, the other reason being that it matches the color theme of my new build.
Two of the biggest companies that I trust when it comes to PC components are Nvidia and Gigabyte. So, why not pick a graphics card this time from both companies? That's one of the biggest reason that I went out and got the Gigabyte AORUS GeForce RTX 5080 Master ICE, the other reason being that it matches the color theme of my new build.
RAM (Memory)
Corsair Dominator Platinum 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6200MHz
"I've been using Corsair's RAM for years, and while I can't remember exactly when I made a switch to their RAM, I can remember that it has been solid ever since. I don't ever have issues with RAM performance, as I previously had with RAM from other companies. When it comes to RAM, I won't look anywhere else but with Corsair."
That's exactly what I said about the RAM in my current PC build, and I'm sticking to it, going with more high-performance RAM from the company I trust most.
Future-Proofing Plan
As the motherboard of choice will feature 4 RAM slots, I'm planning to start with high capacity for the first 2 slots, and leave the other 2 slots free. This gives me the ability to have room for expansion as needed.
"I've been using Corsair's RAM for years, and while I can't remember exactly when I made a switch to their RAM, I can remember that it has been solid ever since. I don't ever have issues with RAM performance, as I previously had with RAM from other companies. When it comes to RAM, I won't look anywhere else but with Corsair."
That's exactly what I said about the RAM in my current PC build, and I'm sticking to it, going with more high-performance RAM from the company I trust most.
Future-Proofing Plan
As the motherboard of choice will feature 4 RAM slots, I'm planning to start with high capacity for the first 2 slots, and leave the other 2 slots free. This gives me the ability to have room for expansion as needed.
Storage
Samsung 990 EVO Plus (4TB)
This acts as my primary NVME SSD, which will be dedicated to my OS installations, applications, and games.
Western Digital SN850X (4TB)
This is my secondary NVME SSD, dedicated to my creative files (music production and graphic designs) and backups.
Samsung 970 EVO Plus (2TB)
This is my third NVME SSD, dedicated to my Linux installs and recording files.
Future-Proofing Plan
As the motherboard of choice will feature at least 4 M.2 SSD slots, I'm planning to start with lower capacity for the first 3 slots, and leave the other slot free. This gives me the ability to have room for expansion as needed.
This acts as my primary NVME SSD, which will be dedicated to my OS installations, applications, and games.
Western Digital SN850X (4TB)
This is my secondary NVME SSD, dedicated to my creative files (music production and graphic designs) and backups.
Samsung 970 EVO Plus (2TB)
This is my third NVME SSD, dedicated to my Linux installs and recording files.
Future-Proofing Plan
As the motherboard of choice will feature at least 4 M.2 SSD slots, I'm planning to start with lower capacity for the first 3 slots, and leave the other slot free. This gives me the ability to have room for expansion as needed.
PSU (Power Supply)
Corsair HX1000i (1000W)
As I've had Corsair power supplies in the past, without issue, I'm comfortable in having another one power the new build. This specific one is 80 Plus Platinum certified, and the 1000W is more than plenty of power for what I have installed.
As I've had Corsair power supplies in the past, without issue, I'm comfortable in having another one power the new build. This specific one is 80 Plus Platinum certified, and the 1000W is more than plenty of power for what I have installed.
Other Accessories & Peripherals
StreamDeck+
I currently have the original StreamDeck, and as nice as it is, the StreamDeck+ offers so much more with the touch interface and physical dials, which I could use for so many things. This includes controlling volume levels of people on Discord to dimming my lights.
Apple AirPods Max (1st Generation)
Moving away from a shitty gaming headset (SteelSeries Nova Pro), I've decided to go back to having a wired headset, and since I already have a pair of AirPods Max, I figured I'd try using it with my PC. So far, after about a week of testing, it's been fantastic. The build quality, the sound quality, the battery life, and the comfort are all really good, and I couldn't think of going back to an overpriced gaming headset.
Corsair K100 RGB Mechanical Keyboard
The Corsair K100 keyboard that I've been using for the past couple of years is still going strong, so that will be moving along to the new PC build.
Logitech G502 X Plus Wireless Gaming Mouse
I've been using Logitech's mice for years, and while I hate the company and their inability to make high-quality products with a passion, I've not been able to find a solid mouse that can delivery the same or better experience. While I do plan to upgrade my mouse at some point, I don't think that will happen for a little while, so this mouse will be likely making its way to the new build.
LG 34" Curved Ultrawide WQHD MyView Smart Monitor
LG is the only brand that I've used for monitors for the majority of the past decade, and my current monitor will be used for my new build, without question.
Helicon GoXLR Mixer
A solid part of my setup, it's what controls a majority of my audio devices, including my Blue Sona XLR microphone. I don't see this changing, moving forward to my new PC build.
Blue Sona XLR Microphone
Blue is a well-known, trusted brand when it comes to microphones for content creators, and while the company was bought out by Logitech a few years ago, their quality doesn't appear to have changed direction.
Sony DualShock 5 Controller for PlayStation 5
A newer part of my setup, Sony's controller for the PlayStation 5 is compatible with a ton of games, and has some extra features when compared with the standard Xbox controller. The LED lighting makes for a nice touch, such as flashing red and blue when in a pursuit in Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced. When it comes to vibrations, it's significantly better than the Xbox controllers.
Microsoft Xbox Series S Controller
This has been a part of my setup for a very long time, and I intend to keep using it until the day it dies.
I currently have the original StreamDeck, and as nice as it is, the StreamDeck+ offers so much more with the touch interface and physical dials, which I could use for so many things. This includes controlling volume levels of people on Discord to dimming my lights.
Apple AirPods Max (1st Generation)
Moving away from a shitty gaming headset (SteelSeries Nova Pro), I've decided to go back to having a wired headset, and since I already have a pair of AirPods Max, I figured I'd try using it with my PC. So far, after about a week of testing, it's been fantastic. The build quality, the sound quality, the battery life, and the comfort are all really good, and I couldn't think of going back to an overpriced gaming headset.
Corsair K100 RGB Mechanical Keyboard
The Corsair K100 keyboard that I've been using for the past couple of years is still going strong, so that will be moving along to the new PC build.
Logitech G502 X Plus Wireless Gaming Mouse
I've been using Logitech's mice for years, and while I hate the company and their inability to make high-quality products with a passion, I've not been able to find a solid mouse that can delivery the same or better experience. While I do plan to upgrade my mouse at some point, I don't think that will happen for a little while, so this mouse will be likely making its way to the new build.
LG 34" Curved Ultrawide WQHD MyView Smart Monitor
LG is the only brand that I've used for monitors for the majority of the past decade, and my current monitor will be used for my new build, without question.
Helicon GoXLR Mixer
A solid part of my setup, it's what controls a majority of my audio devices, including my Blue Sona XLR microphone. I don't see this changing, moving forward to my new PC build.
Blue Sona XLR Microphone
Blue is a well-known, trusted brand when it comes to microphones for content creators, and while the company was bought out by Logitech a few years ago, their quality doesn't appear to have changed direction.
Sony DualShock 5 Controller for PlayStation 5
A newer part of my setup, Sony's controller for the PlayStation 5 is compatible with a ton of games, and has some extra features when compared with the standard Xbox controller. The LED lighting makes for a nice touch, such as flashing red and blue when in a pursuit in Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced. When it comes to vibrations, it's significantly better than the Xbox controllers.
Microsoft Xbox Series S Controller
This has been a part of my setup for a very long time, and I intend to keep using it until the day it dies.
Programs
Utilities
--- Mozilla Firefox
--- Virtual Audio Cable
Gaming Stores/Launchers and Primary Games
--- Steam
⎯⏵ Balatro
⎯⏵ Ready or Not
--- Rockstar Games Launcher
⎯⏵ Grand Theft Auto V (Enhanced)
--- FiveM
--- Epic Games Launcher
--- Ubisoft Connect
--- EA Desktop
⎯⏵ Battlefield 6
Creative Apps
--- Adobe After Effects
--- Adobe Illustrator
--- Adobe Photoshop
--- Mozilla Firefox
--- Virtual Audio Cable
Gaming Stores/Launchers and Primary Games
--- Steam
⎯⏵ Balatro
⎯⏵ Ready or Not
--- Rockstar Games Launcher
⎯⏵ Grand Theft Auto V (Enhanced)
--- FiveM
--- Epic Games Launcher
--- Ubisoft Connect
--- EA Desktop
⎯⏵ Battlefield 6
Creative Apps
--- Adobe After Effects
--- Adobe Illustrator
--- Adobe Photoshop