Hi everyone. With GPU prices coming down and the games I want to play starting to outpace the laptop (with a GTX 1050) I usually play on, I've decided to plan a new PC build. I have included the PCPartPicker list and use cases below:

Parts List: https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/VcKyVw

Budget: $1200 (but flexible if there is good value to be had a bit over it)

What will I use this PC for:

I will be playing a mixture of AAA games and simulation games with the 1080p 75Hz Freesync Monitor (LG 24MK430H) I have currently:

• RDR2 at 1080p 75FPS at as close to Ultra settings as possible
• God of War at 1080p 75FPS Ultra if possible
• Cities Skylines (hence the 32GB RAM for modding)
• Satisfactory at 1080p 75FPS Ultra
• Microsoft Flight Simulator at 1080p at 30 FPS
• Ace Combat 7
• Halo MCC
• Halo Infinite at 1080p 75 FPS

This PC will also act as a backup WFH PC (basic office tasks given most work will be done on the laptop), but will primarily used for entertainment (i.e. gaming and watching Netflix, Youtube etc.) No streaming or creative workloads apart from the odd family movie.

Future upgrade path:

I intend to move up from 1080p to a 1440p 144Hz display in the next 6 months, so would like to know if the build can push that resolution. Obviously the AAA games don't need to be 144FPS and can be optimised so I'm happy with anything 60 FPS for those type of games. Less demanding games like MCC or AC7 I hope to run at 144Hz.

I've been also considering the 6700XT and 3060Ti instead of 6600XT for better 1440p performance, but given they are over $200 more than the 6600XT, it doesn't seem worth it especially as the latter can seemingly produce acceptable 1440p framerates.

Questions:

• Does this motherboard work well with the 12400F and does it have good VRMs for plopping in a i7 or 13th gen in years down the line?
• Do I need an aftermarket fan for the 12400F and is it worth saving the money with the F variant rather than the one with the iGPU?
• Does the 650W PSU leave enough wattage for future GPU upgrades given that the 6600XT is quite efficient and only recommends a 550W?
• Any other advice or recommendations on the build would be appreciated.