I'm a beginner planning to build a gaming PC with a budget of about $2,000 CAD. I originally put together a parts list, but I'm not sure whether the components offer good value or work well together. The build is mainly for gaming, and I already have a Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 kit that should be included. I'd also like advice on whether I should target a 1440p monitor and what parts would make the most sense for this budget.
4 Answers
For a gaming-focused $2,000 CAD build, a 1440p monitor is a better target than 1080p. The image is noticeably sharper, and the extra cost is relatively small compared with the total budget. The exact recommendation depends on whether the budget includes the monitor and which games and frame rates you want.
The current list is using older-generation parts and doesn’t offer especially good value for the money. The Ryzen 7 5700X is on the AM4 platform, and a newer processor such as the Core i5-14600KF may provide noticeably better gaming performance for only a small price difference. Make sure the motherboard supports the processor you choose and has the features you actually need.
I already have the 16 GB DDR4 kit, so I’m hoping to reuse it. I’m still learning what compatibility features like PCIe mean.
The RX 7700 XT looks expensive at around $600 CAD. At that price, it’s worth comparing it with a used RX 7800 XT or a newer 16 GB graphics card, depending on local availability and warranty. A stronger GPU will matter more for gaming, especially if you plan to play at 1440p.
You can save money on the SSD and case without meaningfully affecting gaming performance. A more affordable NVMe SSD should provide very similar game and operating-system load times, while the case mainly needs decent airflow and enough space for the components. Put those savings toward the graphics card instead.
Yes, this is purely for gaming. I’ll update the list to include the RAM I already own and compare the parts based on 1440p performance.