Hey everyone! I'm planning to build my first PC since I'm currently stuck with an old laptop that has integrated graphics. I'm aiming to create a system primarily for Blender, some programming (although the GPU isn't crucial for that), game development in Unreal Engine 5 and Unity, and possibly some video editing and music production in a DAW. I'm only 13, and I've been learning these skills for less than nine months, so my needs aren't extremely high yet. I've saved about $950 from my work, and my parents are ready to help a bit more.
I found a suspiciously cheap listing on Facebook Marketplace for a new R9 7950x CPU for $320, while it's priced at around $560 at the main tech store here in Sweden. I'm thinking of having my mom check if it's legit and if there's a receipt, but if it is real, should I buy this and save a bit on the GPU to get something decent later on (like a 3060 or something cheaper)? Or would it be smarter to get a reliable, less powerful CPU like the R5 7600x or something Intel-based, instead? Also, how does an entry-level Nvidia GPU compare to an AMD option in Blender and UE5? Would a 3060 outperform an Arc B580? Lastly, I'm also curious about VRAM – is 8GB enough for the next two years? And for a monitor, should I go with 1080p instead of 1440p?
Thanks in advance for your help!
By the way, I have a keyboard and mouse already and can save a bit more for a monitor, maybe around $150. Here's an idea for my build that I can tweak: [PCPartPicker Link]
5 Answers
Check out PCPartPicker for ideas! Put together some parts you think would suit your needs, and then share it here for feedback. It'll help you visualize your build better!
I found a build that could work great for your budget: R5 7600 + RTX 5060 Ti (16GB) that fits your workflow. Make sure you check for good cooling and a reliable PSU. And yeah, go for a 1440p monitor—it's not absolutely necessary but would give you a better visual experience!
Honestly, I'd stick with Nvidia cards, especially when it comes to Blender. They tend to perform way better in rendering tasks. Even if a lower-tier Nvidia card seems weaker on paper, it usually handles real-world workloads much better than an AMD counterpart. If the price difference isn’t huge, I’d say go for a 3060. Just remember, if you go used for the GPU, make sure it’s from a trusted seller!
That’s good to know! I guess I should prioritize the GPU then. How does a used 3060 stack up for what I want to do?
Make sure you have at least 16GB of RAM, especially for music production. If you're doing Unreal Engine stuff, the GPU will absolutely matter. I recommend looking for a 5060 Ti with at least 16GB of VRAM to future-proof your build. You definitely don't want to skimp on that!
Got it! Balancing CPU and GPU is something I need to consider more. Thanks for the advice!
If you're getting into machine learning, make sure the GPU can handle that. Nvidia generally leads in that area too. For your budget, the combo of a solid CPU and a good Nvidia GPU is essential. Don't get stuck with that 8GB of VRAM if you can help it—better to future-proof yourself!
Thanks! That clears up a lot. What do you think of the 7950x deal I mentioned?
Great suggestion! I’ll put something together and share it for more tips.