I'm considering building or buying a desktop PC soon, but I'm still learning the basics and could use some guidance, recommended parts, or reliable buying resources. I don't need extreme performance—smooth 1080p gaming would already be a major upgrade from my 10th-generation Core i3 laptop. If the budget allows, 1440p would be a nice bonus. I'm based in Italy and can spend up to about €1,000, not including a monitor, keyboard, or mouse. I'm also open to buying used parts or a used system as long as I know what to look for and where to shop safely.
3 Answers
A used AM4-based system could be a sensible way to stretch the budget, especially if you’re comfortable checking second-hand listings. Look for a complete system with a reasonably modern Ryzen processor, 16GB of RAM, an SSD, and a graphics card that supports the games you want to play. Ask for photos, proof that it works, and details about the power supply before buying.
One suggested parts list comes in around €1,000 and is aimed at entry-level 1440p gaming, but it doesn’t include Windows, a mouse, or a keyboard. Buying the peripherals later is a good way to keep the initial PC budget focused on the core hardware.
I’d be cautious with that specific configuration, though. An 8GB graphics card is better suited to 1080p than 1440p in newer games, one 16GB memory stick limits performance compared with a matched two-stick kit, and the motherboard may be too low-end. The parts should be balanced rather than choosing a stronger-looking graphics card while cutting corners elsewhere.
The budget is the key detail for choosing parts. With around €1,000, an entry-level gaming PC should be able to handle 1080p well and may manage 1440p depending on the games and settings. Since peripherals aren’t included, make sure the full build price leaves room for storage, a decent power supply, and any other essentials.
That sounds useful, thanks. I was planning to buy the monitor and peripherals after getting the PC itself.