Building an Enthusiast-Grade PC Build for 2026!

Components

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D

Every PC needs a powerful brain, which is why we’ve chosen the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. We feel that this processor is often overlooked in favour of of the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D. Where the 9950X3D succeeds, however, is by offering chart topping performance in not only gaming but workstation scenarios too. With 16 cores, 32 threads, and a 5.7 GHz boost clock speed the 9950X3D is a beast and offers the best (quite literally) of both worlds.

What truly sets this chip apart is AMD’s 2nd‑Gen 3D V‑Cache technology. By stacking additional cache on top of the L3 layer, AMD dramatically boosts performance in latency‑sensitive and logic‑heavy tasks, allowing the 9950X3D to outperform even its non‑X3D sibling, the Ryzen 9 9950X. We’ve deemed this chip one of the best CPUs to buy for the RTX 5090. It only missed first place due to price-to-performance considerations, but in raw power, the 9950X3D stands alone at the summit of CPUs.

CPU Cooler: NZXT Kraken 360 Elite V2 (2024)

Released in late 2024, the NZXT Kraken 360 Elite V2 represents a generational upgrade over the original Kraken 360 Elite, with the “V2” designation marking its refined design and enhanced features. This refreshed model introduces improved aesthetics, upgraded fans and pump technology, and a more versatile display.

The version installed in our build features a 360mm radiator paired with a 2.72‑inch LCD screen. The display can be customised to show your favourite GIFs or images, monitor real‑time system performance, and even integrate with platforms like Spotify and YouTube. NZXT has also streamlined cable management: the single‑frame fans reduce clutter, while a redesigned cabling system routes wires through the tubing for a cleaner, more minimalist look that complements the chassis.

Motherboard: GIGABYTE X870 AORUS Elite WIFI7 ICE

The GIGABYTE X870 AORUS Elite WIFI7 ICE brings a clean, premium aesthetic to any build with its white‑and‑silver PCB, chunky heatsinks, and subtle RGB accents. Beneath the stylish exterior, it’s built for serious performance, offering robust overclocking support for high‑end CPUs like our Ryzen 9 9950X3D through a 16+2+2 VRM design using high‑quality chokes and capacitors for stable power delivery.

It’s worth noting that populating all three M.2 slots will drop the primary GPU to x8 bandwidth, as the board reallocates PCIe lanes to storage. On the usability front, the tool‑less PCIe and M.2 quick‑release mechanisms make installation and upgrades refreshingly simple, rounding out a board that blends looks, power, and convenience.

The board also delivers excellent USB coverage for both rear and internal IO, giving builders plenty of high‑speed connectivity. The rear panel offers a generous mix of USB Type‑A and USB Type‑C ports, including multiple high‑bandwidth options. Internally, the board provides ample headers for front‑panel USB Type‑A and USB Type‑C, ensuring modern cases can take full advantage of their high‑speed front I/O without compromise. Overall, it’s a well‑rounded structure that suits both productivity‑heavy workflows and enthusiast‑grade peripherals.

RAM: CORSAIR Dominator Titanium RGB DDR5

The RAM we’re opting for is the Corsair Dominator Titanium White in a 32GB capacity, as it combines a clean, refined style with high‑quality build materials and stable performance. This memory kit is DDR5, and opting for a speed of 6000 MT/s hits the current sweet spot for modern gaming systems, which is fast enough to unlock the full potential of today’s CPUs without running into diminishing returns. We also recommend selecting a CAS latency of CL36 or lower to achieve buttery‑smooth gameplay.

SSD: Samsung 9100 Pro

As highlighted in our Best SSDs to Buy in 2026 roundup, this drive stands out as one of the fastest consumer SSDs currently available. With sequential read speeds reaching up to 13,818 MB/s and write speeds of around 12,920 MB/s – varying slightly by capacity – the Samsung 9100 Pro firmly earns its place in the enthusiast‑grade storage category. In our testing up to January 2026, its performance remains virtually unmatched.

Built on the PCIe Gen 5 standard, this M.2 NVMe SSD also benefits from Samsung’s nickel‑coated thermal control chip, meaning it doesn’t require a specialised aftermarket heatsink. A standard motherboard heatsink is more than capable of keeping temperatures in check. For gaming PCs, we would recommend choosing at least 2TB of storage to accommodate a range of game and application sizes.

GPU: GIGABYTE AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 MASTER ICE

GIGABYTE’s AORUS GeForce RTX 5090 Master ICE is our white GPU of choice for this build, and it’s nothing short of extravagant. From its customisable RGB accents to the integrated LCD display, this card blends premium aesthetics with exceptional engineering. It’s a centrepiece component designed to stand out visually while delivering uncompromising performance.

Beyond its visually striking exterior, the RTX 5090 itself remains the undisputed king of gaming graphics cards. It’s a powerhouse that can be ‘difficult to justify’ for the average gamer, but for those chasing the absolute best, its capabilities are unmatched. With 32GB of ultra‑fast GDDR7 memory, a 512‑bit memory interface, and NVIDIA’s cutting‑edge Blackwell architecture, this GPU is built to handle the most demanding 4K titles with ease. DLSS 4 (soon DLSS 4.5) and multi-frame generation further elevate performance, ensuring smooth, high‑fidelity gameplay for years to come

Case: HAVN BF 360 FLOW

The white edition of the HAVN BF 360 FLOW takes a confident step away from the increasingly common panoramic and aquarium-style designs. Instead, HAVN delivers a refined, understated chassis for builders who appreciate a clean, classic aesthetic without compromising modern performance standards.

Meticulously engineered and rigorously tested, this high‑airflow enclosure is crafted to deliver exceptional thermal and acoustic performance. It carries forward the strengths of the HAVN HS 420 – a case we at GeekaWhat held in high regard – and elevates them with more advanced engineering, improved airflow dynamics, and a sleek, minimalist white finish that blends seamlessly into contemporary setups.

This mid‑tower chassis measures 515mm in length, 254mm in width, and 255.6mm in height. The white colourway gives the case a crisp, modern look that pairs beautifully with bright, monochrome, or contrast-heavy build themes. Key standout features include the adjustable GPU support bracket and airflow ramp, designed to stabilise heavyweight GPUs like the RTX 5090 while funnelling cool air directly into the GPU’s intake path.

The BF 360 FLOW also incorporates HAVN’s SimpliCable Routing system, inherited from the HS 420, ensuring a clean, frustration‑free cable-management experience. All fan brackets are equipped with vibration‑dampening mounts to reduce noise and extend component lifespan. Optimised for high‑performance AIO cooling, the case arrives with two 180mm front fans and a 140mm rear fan pre‑installed, offering impressive cooling right out of the box. It also supports radiators up to 360mm for builders looking to push thermals even further.

PSU: Lian Li SX1200P

This SX1200P from Lian Li delivers 1200W of 80 PLUS platinum power to our system. It’s an ATX 3.1- and PCIe 5.1-certified power supply with a modular cable system, so you can choose which cables you really need. Its PCIe cable is blue-tipped, so you can rest assured it’s connected correctly to your power-hungry RTX 5090, which requires at least 1000W. Choosing this PSU will provide ample future-upgrade headroom. What is great about this PSU is that it can operate without fan cooling at up to 40% load, delivering whisper-quiet performance.

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Performance

In Arc Raiders, the build averages 184 FPS, maintaining smooth gameplay even during intense combat sequences, with 1% lows at 99 FPS. Battlefield 6 follows suit with an average of 129.7 FPS, supported by strong 1% and 0.1% lows (87.5 FPS and 76.1 FPS) that keep large-scale firefights fluid and responsive. In the notoriously graphically demanding Cyberpunk 2077, the system still manages a remarkable 147.8 FPS average, with lows staying comfortably above 89 FPS, showcasing the strength of the RTX 5090 paired with the 9950X3D’s 3D V‑Cache advantage. Racing fans will appreciate the blistering performance in F1 25, where the build reaches 235.6 FPS, ensuring ultra‑smooth motion clarity, making it ideal for competitive play.

Marvel Rivals also benefits from the system’s raw power, hitting 159.6 FPS on average with lows that remain well above 80 FPS, keeping gameplay consistently responsive. Finally, in Fortnite at 1080p, a resolution where the GPU can really stretch its legs, the system achieves a massive 333.9 FPS, making full use of high‑refresh monitors and delivering a competitive edge in fast‑paced matches. Overall, this configuration handles 4K gaming with ease, offering exceptional frame rates, stable lows, and a premium experience across a variety of genres.

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