I'm gearing up to build a new gaming PC but need some advice on how to optimize my build and possibly cut costs. Right now, my setup is coming in around €3000, and I'd prefer to get it down to €2500 or less if I can. I'm hoping to create a system that delivers a high FPS for competitive 1440p gaming and can handle some single-player games on max settings, like Forza Horizon. I'm currently contemplating whether to go with the RTX 5080 or the 9070 XT, as I enjoy NVIDIA's features like ShadowPlay and video upscaling, but I've heard AMD's offerings might not match up.
5 Answers
Have you thought about switching to a cheaper CPU cooler? For instance, the Thermalright Phantom Spirit is a great option and a whole lot more budget-friendly than some of the others you're looking at. Also, you could look into getting a 5070 Ti or a 9070 XT to save some more cash!
Your current cooler seems pretty pricey. You could achieve similar results with a less expensive model. Plus, if you really want to save some cash, explore moving to a 5070 Ti or a 9070 XT. It'll still give you solid performance.
For your needs, I suggest going with the 5070 Ti alongside a Thermalright double tower air cooler and a good quality MSI 850W PSU. You should be able to save around €500 without feeling a hit in performance.
If you're looking to save money without losing performance, I've put together a list that comes in under €2400, with some great components that won’t skimp on quality.
I'd love to see that list! It's always great to get recommendations on budget setups.
You might want to consider downgrading to a 5070 Ti and switching to a more affordable cooler. It'll help cut down the cost without sacrificing too much performance.

Totally agree! You can find great deals and still maintain performance. It's all about being smart with your choices.