I'm thinking about moving from a PS5 to a gaming PC, partly because of concerns about relying on digital media. I've watched several build guides, but there's a lot to take in and I'm still unclear about which components are required and what each one does. My main goal is playing larger RPGs such as Elden Ring, and I'd prefer a case that can sit horizontally rather than standing upright. I'm hoping to keep the total cost below $700, although I'm not sure whether that's realistic. What would be a sensible starting parts list, and are there any recommendations for this budget?
3 Answers
For Elden Ring without heavy mods, a complete build is probably closer to $650–$800, depending on sales and whether you need Windows, a monitor, or peripherals too. You’ll need a processor to run the game, a motherboard that everything plugs into, memory (RAM), a graphics card for rendering the visuals, an SSD for Windows and game storage, a power supply, and a case. A horizontal or compact case can work, but make sure it supports the motherboard size, graphics-card length, power-supply type, and adequate airflow.
At this price, prioritize the graphics card because it has the biggest effect on gaming performance. A midrange gaming CPU paired with 16GB of RAM and a reasonably sized SSD can be enough to start, though 32GB is more comfortable if the budget allows. You can always add more storage or memory later. Current-generation platforms using DDR5 memory offer a better upgrade path, while older platforms may be cheaper but give you fewer future CPU upgrades.
A six-core gaming processor such as a Ryzen 5 7600-class chip is a reasonable foundation if you can find the parts on sale, but it requires DDR5 memory and may push the build above $700 once you add a suitable graphics card. Intel alternatives can also perform well and may be useful for productivity, but some models use an older socket with less upgrade potential. For the tightest budget, compare complete part lists rather than choosing each component independently, and avoid cutting costs on the power supply or airflow.
That helps a lot. I hadn’t realized the graphics card would take such a large share of the budget, and I’ll make sure to check the case dimensions before buying anything.