How to Build a Powerful Gaming PC in the Fractal Ridge – PS5 on Steroids

Consoles offer great value, with both a PS5 and Xbox Series X being part of my personal collection. However, for those seeking an overpowered PC that provides access to an entire Steam library from the couch while seamlessly fitting into the living room, this guide is perfect. In this article, we will build a high-performance, compact system and review its thermals and performance.

Parts

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

The chosen CPU is the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, renowned as one of the best gaming CPUs available, primarily due to its 3D V-Cache technology, which enhances single-threaded performance. It is also highly efficient and easy to cool, which is crucial for small form factor builds. The 7800X3D features 8 cores, 16 threads, and a boost clock up to 5GHz, priced at $450.

Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I

Complementing the CPU is the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I motherboard, offering numerous USB ports, including Type-C with DisplayPort Alt mode, a BIOS flashback button, WiFi 6E, and two M.2 slots with large VRM heatsinks. It supports next-generation PCIe 5.0 M.2 drives, although Gen 4 drives are currently sufficient for gaming. 

Storage: Samsung 980 Pro 2TB Gen 4 Driver

For storage, we will use the Samsung 980 Pro 2TB Gen 4, which provides excellent performance and ample space, with the option to expand using the second M.2 slot.

RAM: Corsair Vengeance DDR5-5600 RAM

The memory selected is 32GB of Corsair Vengeance DDR5-5600 RAM. These low-clearance sticks are necessary to fit under the low-profile CPU cooler. While not the fastest DDR5 memory available, they are well-suited for this build. 

CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L12S

The chosen CPU cooler is the Noctua NH-L12S, popular in ITX builds for its low profile and effective cooling. With a clearance of 70mm, it fits perfectly in the case while maintaining excellent thermal performance.

Case: Fractal Design Ridge

The case used for this build is the Fractal Design Ridge, a compact and stylish option. The included GPU riser is currently Gen 3 compatible due to compatibility issues with Gen 4. 

Power Supply: Cooler Master V850 80+ Gold SFX

The power supply chosen is the Cooler Master V850 80+ Gold SFX. While a lower wattage PSU might suffice, this unit provides ample headroom for future GPU upgrades. 

GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 Founders Edition

The GPU chosen for this build is the newly released NVIDIA RTX 4070 Founders Edition. Despite mixed reviews regarding its price-to-performance ratio, it fits nicely in this build, offering benefits like improved ray tracing performance and DLSS support. A

In performance testing, Cyberpunk 2077 runs at 60-70 FPS in 1440p with rasterization and 100-130 FPS with DLSS and frame generation. At 4K, it achieves 70-80 FPS with the same settings. Hogwarts Legacy performs similarly, with 60-70 FPS at 1440p and 70-80 FPS at 4K using DLSS and frame generation. Apex Legends achieves 170-200 FPS in 1440p high settings and over 100-130 FPS at 4K high settings. The GPU thermals average 64°C with minimal fan noise, and the CPU reaches 83-84°C under a Cinebench R23 stress test, impressive for a low-profile cooler.

Performance Review

Overall, this build is quite satisfactory. While the RTX 4070 could offer better price-to-performance, the 7800X3D’s efficiency and cooling ease make it an excellent choice. The Fractal Design Ridge case is compact and aesthetically pleasing, though it requires careful planning due to its limited space. A quality screwdriver is recommended for the numerous screws involved in the build.

Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

  1. Lower the CPU into the socket, ensuring the arrow on the top right aligns with the socket arrow. Once it is in place, lower the latch to secure it.
  1. Install the Samsung 980 Pro Drive
  1. Align the pins on the RAM with that of the motherboard and press down until it clicks.
  1. Unscrew the four screws holding the pre-installed mounts on the motherboard. Remove the mounts, but leave the existing backplate in place.
  1.  Grab the two brackets that match the chosen orientation. Screw the new brackets into place on the motherboard.
  1. Apply a pea-sized amount of thermal paste to the center of the CPU.
  1. Mount the CPU Cooler

Lower the CPU cooler onto the brackets. Begin screwing the cooler into place using the long screwdriver included in the Noctua box. This screwdriver is designed to reach through the cooler fins. Switch sides every 2 to 3 rotations to ensure even pressure across the CPU. Tighten until the cooler is fully in place, but avoid using excessive force. You will feel it when it is completely tightened.

  1. Plug in the CPU fan connector, and the motherboard is now prepped and ready.
  1. Remove the side, top, and bottom panels. Remove the middle GPU bracket.
  1. Align the motherboard with the standoffs. Secure the motherboard with the case screws.
  1. Connect the HD audio, USB 3.0, USB Type-C, and front panel connectors. Manage and organize any excess cable slack.
  1. Attach and Connect the Power Supply

Attach the power supply bracket and secure it back into the case. Connect the 24-pin motherboard cable, 8-pin CPU connector, and an 8-pin PCIe power cable for the GPU. Connect the case fans, routing them through the pass-throughs to the motherboard.

  1. Align the GPU bracket with the PCIe slot. Secure the GPU bracket to the case.
  1. Remove the side, top, and bottom panels. Remove the middle GPU bracket.
  1. Align the motherboard with the standoffs. Secure the motherboard with the case screws.
  1. Connect the HD audio, USB 3.0, USB Type-C, and front panel connectors. Manage and organize any excess cable slack.
  1. Attach the power supply bracket and secure it back into the case. Connect the 24-pin motherboard cable, 8-pin CPU connector, and an 8-pin PCIe power cable for the GPU. Connect the case fans, routing them through the pass-throughs to the motherboard.
  1. Align the GPU bracket with the PCIe slot. Secure the GPU bracket to the case.
  1. Remove the top bracket. Align the GPU with the riser cable and connect the power adapter. Secure the top bracket and reattach the panels.
  1. Configure the System 

Set the memory to XMP in BIOS. Create a Windows installation drive and install the operating system. Set up auto-login and configure Steam Big Picture mode for a console-like experience. Ensure the system is configured to wake with a controller, using an older Xbox dongle, as newer dongles and Bluetooth haven’t worked for this purpose.

That’s the build complete!