I'm planning to build a new PC in a couple of months, so this parts list is still a rough draft. The current build includes a Ryzen 7 9700X, an AM5 motherboard, 16GB of DDR5-6000 memory, a 1TB NVMe SSD, a Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB, an 850W Gold-rated power supply, and a Meshify C case. The estimated total is about $1,710, but I'd like to keep the final cost below $1,500 if possible.
1440p gaming would be ideal, although 1080p is fine for Baldur's Gate 3 split-screen with my wife. Otherwise, I'm looking for solid midrange performance that should remain usable for several years. I'm upgrading from a Ryzen 3 2200G and RX 580, which have lasted much longer than expected.
I also live in a small space with pets, so airflow and dust management matter. I'm considering a pressure setup that helps limit dust entering through unfiltered gaps, though I'm still deciding between positive and negative pressure.
4 Answers
The graphics card and processor combination should be suitable for your stated targets, but the 850W power supply is more capacity than this system likely needs. A high-quality 650W or 750W unit would probably leave plenty of headroom and could save money, provided it has the appropriate modern power connectors and protections. Put those savings toward 32GB of memory or a larger SSD if needed.
You can probably get closer to your budget by choosing a less expensive motherboard and making sure the memory price is reasonable. A B850 board is an option, but a good B650 board should also be perfectly adequate for this CPU. Since you have a couple of months, compare prices again right before buying rather than treating today’s total as final.
I’d avoid buying only 2x8GB if the goal is to keep the system comfortable for years. A 1x16GB stick lets you add another matching 16GB module later, though 2x16GB is preferable if you can fit it into the budget because it preserves dual-channel performance from the start. Either way, 32GB is a better target for a new gaming build.
The CPU cooler should be checked carefully before purchasing. The selected cooler may work, but a stronger tower cooler could provide lower temperatures and quieter operation, especially in a compact space. For pets and dust, positive pressure is generally easier to manage: use more filtered intake airflow than exhaust, keep the case on the floor only if necessary, and clean the filters regularly. Negative pressure tends to pull dust in through every unfiltered opening.
I didn’t realize a single 16GB module could be expanded that way. I’ll compare the cost of 2x16GB kits against starting with one 16GB stick.