My friend put together a gaming PC parts list, but neither of us has much experience choosing components. I've already noticed that the RAM and SSDs seem unusually expensive, so I'd appreciate another opinion before we buy anything. Our budget is around $3,000, though we could go a little higher if there's a clear reason. We're in the United States and have a Micro Center nearby, and the budget also needs to cover peripherals. Are there any parts worth changing, and would it make sense to buy one of Micro Center's CPU bundles?
2 Answers
Since you have a Micro Center nearby, check their processor bundles, especially the Ryzen 7 7800X3D or 9800X3D deals. The savings can be substantial, and the newer 9800X3D is the stronger option if the price difference makes sense. A 750W power supply should work, but an 850W model gives you more upgrade headroom. For cooling, an Arctic Liquid Freezer III or a Thermalright option is usually better value than an expensive liquid cooler.
I’d avoid spending too much on an all-in-one liquid cooler unless there’s a specific reason to use one. A good air cooler, such as a Peerless Assassin-style model, is cheaper, simpler, and generally requires less maintenance while still handling the processor well. With the money saved on cooling, RAM, and the second SSD, you could put more toward a quality 1440p OLED monitor or other peripherals.
An OLED 1440p monitor would probably be a more noticeable upgrade than buying extra storage right away, especially if the main goal is gaming.
That helps a lot, thanks. I’ll check the local bundle prices and compare the cooler options.