Best Parts for Building Two Gaming PCs with Intel 12600K

Going with a B760 or Z790 motherboard is usually pricier than you'd think; used options might be the best bet but don’t expect them to come cheap. Power supplies can also be around $130 each, which is rough if you're aiming for $400. It may be worth considering bumping your budget slightly, to have some flexibility, especially if you want reliable parts.

Building two gaming PCs for $400 each is super tough, especially since you'll need a decent GPU to go with the 12600Ks. I recently helped a friend build a similar setup with a 12600KF, a budget motherboard, and a 750W PSU, and that cost around $365. You’ve got a great start with your CPUs and storage. Used RAM could run you about $60 per pair, motherboards might be around $80 each, and cases about $50. That approach could get you close to your budget, but finding affordable GPUs like the 1080 Ti is key! The prices can vary a lot, so keep an eye on those eBay auctions for good deals.

If you're open to options, the 5700 XT is worth considering. It competes well against the 1080 Ti but often comes at a similar or lower price. Plus, it tends to have better driver support. Just ensure your motherboard has solid VRMs; cheaper models might not have the power delivery needed for a 12600K. I use a B660M board—it's cheaper and has worked fine, but just a heads-up, it tops out at slightly less than advertised speeds.