I'm completely new to PCs and have been researching how to build one, but I'm still confused about which components are essential and which are optional. I barely understand the difference between a CPU and GPU, or how to tell whether a part is entry-level, midrange, or high-end. I already have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and I live in Australia. My budget is around $800–$1,200 AUD for the computer itself. I'd like to play games at around 120 FPS with good-looking graphics, although I realize the exact performance will depend on the game, resolution, and settings. What parts should I buy, and which brands or models offer good value for a beginner?
4 Answers
For a budget-oriented build, a Ryzen 5 3600 with a compatible B450 motherboard, 16GB of DDR4-3200 memory, and a 1TB NVMe SSD can keep costs down. For graphics, a new Intel Arc B580 is worth considering, while a used Radeon RX 7700 XT could offer much better performance if you find one from a reliable seller. Add a reputable 650W power supply and an inexpensive tower cooler if the CPU does not include one. Check Australian prices carefully before choosing exact parts.
If you can stretch the budget or find a platform bundle, a newer six-core AMD processor such as a Ryzen 5 7500F, paired with 32GB of DDR5 memory, is a better long-term foundation. Match it with a midrange graphics card such as an RX 9060 XT or similar model. That combination should be aimed mainly at high-refresh 1080p gaming, with 1440p depending on the title and settings. Avoid spending money on a large liquid cooler; a good air cooler is cheaper and more than enough for this class of CPU.
Before anyone recommends a complete parts list, check the exact monitor resolution, the games you want to play, whether Windows needs to be included, and whether you are comfortable buying second-hand parts. A target of 120 FPS is realistic in competitive games, but demanding single-player games may require reduced settings or upscaling. Also, avoid choosing a power supply purely by wattage—buy a known, reliable model from a reputable brand.
The first thing to clarify is whether your budget is in Australian dollars. At $800–$1,200 AUD, a new build capable of 120 FPS in every modern game will be difficult, especially at 1440p. At 1080p, though, you can build something solid by prioritizing the graphics card and looking for sales or used parts. You need a CPU, motherboard, memory, graphics card, storage, power supply, case, and usually a CPU cooler. Your monitor’s resolution and refresh rate also matter.
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