I'm not very familiar with building PCs and I want to get some opinions before I make a purchase based on my friend's recommendation. He didn't include an operating system or a video card in the build, so any thoughts on that would be great. I'm aiming to keep the total cost around $1400, especially with Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday sales coming up. The main games I want to play include Marvel Rivals and War Thunder. Here's the PC build my friend suggested: [https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Hww69C](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Hww69C)
4 Answers
Be careful with your SSD choice! The model your friend suggested uses QLC flash, which isn't very durable and can slow down over time. Go for a TLC-type SSD instead; they’re much better in the long run. Also, consider a micro ATX case instead of mini ITX to help reduce costs without losing portability, especially since you’ll want to take it with you to school.
Honestly, that build is pretty rough! If you're flexible with the case size, I found a slightly better setup that’s around $1500, so it's a bit over your budget, but hear me out: I upgraded the CPU to an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and made sure to include a good GPU. Also, I upped the RAM to 32GB. I stuck with a white theme that matches nicely, but you could switch to black if that’s your style.
Check out my suggested parts here: [https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7BZfwY](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7BZfwY)
Mini ITX builds can be cool, but they can get pricey! If you can fit a bigger case, you might find better options that will also help you save some bucks. Just make sure you're okay with the weight and size when traveling.
Looks like your friend's build could use some improvement. First, let’s clarify: are you restricted to a mini ITX case? That could limit your GPU options if you’re looking for power. If that's not a constraint, consider switching to a standard ATX case which could save you some cash too.
Also, I'd recommend upgrading the RAM to 32GB of DDR5-6000 CL30 for better performance. For storage, aim for at least a 2TB SSD; these days, you shouldn’t have to spend over $125 for one. And please, do some research before attempting to build it yourself. Watching a few YouTube tutorials can save you from a lot of potential headaches!
I totally agree! Also, make sure you know what resolution you plan to game at, as it could influence your GPU choice. Definitely don’t skimp on that—great performance matters!
That does look like a solid upgrade! But if you're trying to stick under $1400, maybe look into downgrading the CPU slightly or going with a less powerful GPU to save some money without totally losing performance.