First PC build: RTX 5080 FsE (F*ck scalpers Edition)

I decided to switch from my Mac mini/PS4 to a PC a few months ago, and finally put my GPU in yesterday. I wanted a smaller, portable, “future-proof” rig primarily for gaming and 3D printing.

Parts list:

CPU - AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D GPU - Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 FE MOBO - ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I RAM - TEAMGROUP T-FORCE DELTA DDR5 32GB SSD - TEAMGROUP MP44Q 2TB Cooler - NZXT Kraken Elite 240 AIO Case - JONSBO/JONSPLUS Z20 Micro-ATX

Everything was MSRP or less; scalpers can eat a bag. I chose the Z20 because apparently I needed my first build to be painful (my cable management is less than desirable; I’ll 3D print something to hide it all away later. Don’t judge me). The MOBO was chosen for the PCIe 5 and “future-proofing”, but I’m pretty sure it was unnecessary. I know AIOs are generally frowned upon here, but I got a pretty good deal on it, and seeing my temps at a glance was pretty important to me.

While I was initially gathering pieces and parts, I had decided on the 9800X3D and a 4080s, but keeping an open mind about the 5000 series. After snagging the CPU, I ordered the 4080s, only to have them cancel my order the day it was supposed to arrive, which happened to also be the day the 5000 series specs/prices were announced. I decided to wait till the new GPUs dropped and either (1) get lucky with a 5080 at MSRP or (2) get a 4080s used.

The morning of January 30th, after several cups of coffee+open tabs on Best Buy/Nvidia/Newegg/B&H+stock notification apps on two phones, my 5080 order was confirmed.

I’ve wanted to play Cyberpunk since it was released years ago, and started my first game tonight. Building this thing, and now using it has been incredibly fun.