I'm putting together my first budget gaming PC and already have an RTX 2060 Super that a friend gave me. I'd like this system to last a couple of years while I save for a more powerful build, so I'm not looking for anything fancy. My target budget is roughly $300–$400, although I can spend more if necessary.
I'm considering a Ryzen 5 5500 or 5600, 16GB of DDR4-3200 memory, a 1TB NVMe SSD, and a compact micro-ATX case such as the Montech Air 100 or DIYPC DIY-mATX06-Wood. I still need to choose a micro-ATX motherboard—preferably one with built-in Wi-Fi—and a suitable power supply.
Would the stock CPU cooler be sufficient, or should I buy an aftermarket cooler? Is it worth waiting for major holiday sales, and are there any other parts or changes you'd recommend?
3 Answers
The RTX 2060 Super should still be a solid 1080p card. Your planned parts are reasonable, but the total will probably land closer to $500–$600 once you include the motherboard, power supply, storage, and case. A parts-list planning site can help you compare prices and catch compatibility issues.
If you happen to live near a major PC retailer, a CPU-and-motherboard bundle could be worth checking, but those deals aren’t available everywhere. A regular Ryzen 5 5600 with a B550M Wi-Fi board is still a good choice. For storage, any reputable 1TB NVMe drive should work, and a discounted or refurbished larger SSD could be considered if you need more space.
There isn’t a nearby retailer with those bundle deals where I live, but I appreciate the alternatives. I’ll keep an eye on SSD and motherboard prices.
For this build, look for a B550M motherboard with Wi-Fi to pair with the Ryzen 5 5500 or 5600. Make sure the board supports the chosen CPU, since some models may need a BIOS update. A quality 650W power supply is more than enough and gives you some room for future upgrades. The stock cooler is fine for a Ryzen 5 5500 or 5600 at normal settings; an inexpensive tower cooler is optional if you want lower temperatures or noise.
That makes sense—thanks for the realistic estimate. I’ll use a parts-list tool to compare everything before buying.