Hey everyone! I'm gearing up for my very first PC build and could really use some feedback on my plans. I'm trying to keep my total cost under $600 since I mainly play older games like Path of Exile and Skyrim, and I'm fine with low settings for graphics. I want to ensure my components are durable and well-made, even on a budget. Currently, my old PC has an Intel i5-4690K CPU, 8GB RAM, and a GeForce GTX 960, and I'm updating because of Windows 10 support ending—my CPU won't let me upgrade to Windows 11.
Here's what I already have: a sturdy metal case, peripherals, and a 1TB SSD from my old machine, plus a new EVGA 650W power supply. I'm planning to use the following parts, which I found for under $500 at my local Microcenter:
- **CPU:** AMD Ryzen 7 5800XT 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor - $141.00
- **Motherboard:** Gigabyte B550M K Micro ATX AM4 - $79.99
- **Memory:** TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 - $66.06
- **Video Card:** Sparkle GUARDIAN OC Arc B570 10 GB - $269.98
Totaling approximately $557.03. I'd appreciate any thoughts on whether this build looks good, if there are any major flaws, or any easy upgrades you'd suggest. Thanks a lot!
1 Answer
Your build looks solid! It should definitely handle older games well. If you're open to alternatives, I found a slightly pricier option that offers better upgradeability. Check this out: [Alternative Build](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/xCT7v4). It might save you some hassle in the future when you want to upgrade. Just a thought!
Thanks, TechieTom! Upgradeability is definitely something I want, so I appreciate the suggestion. Is it really just the motherboard that limits upgrading in my original build?
I noticed that the alternative uses DDR5, which could be significant for future-proofing. Definitely worth considering!