How Can I Bring My Gaming PC Build Down to Around $1,700?

You may be able to save more by choosing a non-X3D CPU, but don’t cut too far if you want very high frame rates in competitive games. Since these titles use anti-cheat software, Windows is likely the simplest operating system choice. If the budget is still tight, buying a lightly used graphics card or other components from a reputable local seller could help, but check the part’s condition and test it before paying.

Your target games don’t require an extremely expensive system, so the monitor’s resolution and refresh rate are important before deciding where to cut costs. At 1080p, you can probably save money on the processor and graphics card while still getting very high frame rates. A Ryzen 7 7700 or 7700X would be a reasonable alternative to a more expensive X3D chip, though the X3D model will generally perform better in CPU-limited competitive games.

A cheaper processor, SSD, and case could bring the total down substantially without changing the experience much. A Radeon RX 9070 XT around $720 is still a strong choice for this type of gaming. Also double-check the case and motherboard compatibility—the original case may not support the motherboard’s size. Thirty-two gigabytes of memory is ideal, but if pricing is unusually high, you could begin with 16 GB and add another matching kit later, provided the system remains stable.