Hey everyone! I'm currently putting together my second PC build and could really use some advice. I've gathered components mainly from PC Part Picker and some suggestions from MicroCenter to ensure compatibility. I'm aiming for performance similar to an Nvidia 5060 Ti or 5070, but I'm also looking for a smaller, minimalistic build, as I plan to keep it near my TV. Gaming in 4K is preferred, but I'm okay with lower frame rates or upscaled graphics. I'll be playing games like COD Zombies, Destiny 2, and some couch co-op indie games, mostly with four controllers connected for split-screen gaming. My budget is under $1,500, but I can stretch it a little for the right upgrade!
Here's my current parts list, which totals about $1,712 from MicroCenter:
- **Video Card:** Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti (still considering the 5070)
- **CPU:** Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF Arrow Lake
- **CPU Cooler:** Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140
- **Motherboard:** ASRock - Z890I Nova WiFi Mini-ITX
- **RAM:** Crucial Pro 32 Gb (2x16) DDR5-6400
- **M.2 Drive:** Samsung 990 EVO 4TB (I think it's more efficient to have one large storage drive instead of two smaller ones, but I'm worried about data loss if it crashes)
- **Case:** Fractal Terra (open to cheaper options)
- **Case Fans:** Arctic Cooling P12 PWM (2 fans)
- **Power Supply:** Lian Li SP750 Watt 80 Plus Gold SFX Modular
I'd really appreciate any suggestions on how to save money or improve this build. Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
If you're near a MicroCenter, look into their CPU/Motherboard/RAM combo deals. They sometimes offer discounts on AMD GPUs if you grab an AMD CPU. This could stretch your budget further!
You’re paying a premium for the ITX case and brand names. For just $40 more, you could upgrade to a 5070 Ti. Here’s my updated list:
- **CPU:** AMD Ryzen 5 9600X - $199.99
- **Video Card:** MSI 5070 Ti - $799.99
- **Storage:** Patriot 4 TB NVME - $204.99
- **Total:** $1752.74. It might be worth it if you want the extra power!
Thanks for the heads up! I’ll definitely keep an eye out for the best deals as I shop around.
Check out this recommendation tailored to your budget! You could save a decent amount while still getting solid performance.
- **CPU:** AMD Ryzen 5 9600X - $199.99
- **CPU Cooler:** Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE - $34.90
- **Motherboard:** Gigabyte B850M WIFI6E - $159.99
- **Memory:** Patriot Viper Venom 32 GB DDR5-6000 - $84.99
- **Storage:** Western Digital Black SN770 2 TB NVME - $124.99
- **Video Card:** Asus Radeon RX 9070 XT - $719.99
- **Case:** Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L - $39.99
- **Power Supply:** Montech CENTURY II 850W - $89.90
**Total:** $1454.74. This setup could give you a more powerful GPU than your original choice, and it’s under budget!
Thanks! I’m not too familiar with AMD, but that GPU performance sounds promising. Would you say there are significant downsides to choosing AMD over Nvidia?
Generally, AMD cards can offer great value, but you might have less software support for specific games. However, they have been catching up recently. You should be good with the Ryzen!
I noticed those deals online, but no luck with the exact matching components. If I find a good combo, I’d definitely consider switching cases depending on the deal!