My current PC is nearly five years old. It still works, but I'm starting to play newer games on medium or low settings and occasionally get FPS drops, so I'd like to treat myself to a new system. I'm not confident choosing compatible parts or building a PC, and I'd appreciate help selecting everything needed for a medium-to-high-end gaming computer with a budget of roughly $4,000–$4,500 AUD. Gaming is the main use, though I'd also like the option to stream. I'd prefer a white build with RGB lighting. My main monitor may support 1440p, although its listed resolution is 1920×1080, so I'm also open to advice about whether I should upgrade the monitor or focus on the PC first.
2 Answers
Before spending the full budget, think about what you want to improve. If the current PC is stable, the upgrade is mainly about higher settings, resolution, and smoother frame rates rather than fixing a failure. A new graphics card will usually make the biggest difference for gaming, while a capable modern CPU will help with high frame rates and streaming. Confirm your monitor’s actual native resolution and refresh rate first, since a very expensive 4K-focused build may be unnecessary if you continue using a 1080p display.
A build in this budget can comfortably target high-refresh-rate 1440p and even 4K gaming. If you don’t need to buy a monitor, put the extra money toward stronger components. A top-end gaming CPU such as the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is worth considering over the 7800X3D if the price difference is reasonable. Choose a white airflow-focused case with RGB fans that fits the parts and matches your preferred style.
My current monitor might support 1440p, but Windows reports its native resolution as 1920×1080. I also have a parts list that goes slightly over budget, so I’m trying to work out where it makes sense to spend more or cut back.
The current system is generally fine, but newer games are pushing me toward medium or low settings and I’m seeing occasional FPS drops. I’d like to move to a higher resolution as part of the upgrade, so I’ll check the monitor specifications before finalizing the parts.