I'm putting together my first PC build for gaming as well as school tasks like using Excel. I plan to play games like CS2, Valorant, Fortnite, and Minecraft, and I want to get them running at the highest frame rates possible on my Acer XF273 M3bmllprx monitor (180Hz, 1080p). My budget is capped at $1200, and I'm hoping to cut down costs on the CPU, GPU, case, and PSU without sacrificing too much performance. Any tips on tweaks or alternative components would be greatly appreciated! Here's my current build for reference: [PCPartPicker Part List](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/nGD4mC)
3 Answers
You might want to consider a cheaper CPU like the 7500F from AliExpress, but keep in mind there could be issues with tariffs if you’re in the states. For your GPU, the 5060 Ti is more than enough for 1080p at 180Hz; you could save $100-200 with something else. Just check what’s available in your area!
If you're in the U.S., I found some great deals on Newegg. They have a good combo deal on CPUs and motherboards that might help you save a lot. For example, the Ryzen 5 9600X is pretty flexible with gaming, and you might even get a free game with it!
These look promising! Can I still use my existing power supply and cooler from my current build to keep costs down even more?
You could definitely find a cheaper SSD, case, and CPU cooler that won't impact your performance much. Bundles for CPU, motherboard, and RAM can be a good way to save as well. As for the GPU, I think looking for alternatives in the $300-$400 range could work wonders for your budget without losing too much performance. Check out something like the GTX 1660 Super or maybe the RX 6600.
I'm looking for smooth gameplay, though! Got any specific models you recommend?
Thanks for the tip! Do you think the 5060 Ti is actually worth it, or is there a better option for that price range?