I'm building my first desktop after using laptops for years and would appreciate help choosing compatible parts. My budget is around $2,000 CAD, and I'll use the system for gaming, school, work, email, browsing, and some programming. I already have a keyboard and a 2560×1440 monitor from my PS5, so I don't need to budget for a display.
For games, I'm aiming for smooth 1440p at around 60 FPS. I may play heavily modded games such as Skyrim, Baldur's Gate 3, and Elden Ring, with roughly 50–100 mods, along with less demanding online games like Team Fortress 2 and Valorant. I probably won't need to exceed 60 FPS, although I'm still learning how refresh rates work.
I usually have around 20 browser tabs open, occasionally closer to 30, and I want the PC to last for many years while remaining reasonably power-efficient. I'm interested in an AMD processor because of its gaming reputation and would like to try Linux, possibly Ubuntu, although I'm open to Windows if compatibility makes more sense.
I'm unsure how much to spend on the graphics card, what motherboard features matter, how much RAM I actually need, and whether RGB memory is worth the extra cost. I'm considering 32GB of RAM, but some kits I've seen seem extremely expensive. I'd also like advice on cases, cooling, power supplies, storage, cleaning, and whether it's worth waiting for memory prices to fall. Since I'm new to desktop hardware, an example parts list and an explanation of the important choices would be very helpful.
3 Answers
Linux is very workable for Steam gaming, but the graphics card choice matters. AMD cards generally offer a simpler experience because their Linux drivers are integrated into the normal open-source stack. NVIDIA can work too, but it may require more driver and compatibility troubleshooting. Before buying, check that the games you care about run well through Steam’s compatibility layer, especially games with strict anti-cheat systems.
For Ubuntu, install Steam through an official, well-supported package rather than assuming the first store result is the best option. Keep the system updated, and remember that game compatibility can change between titles and updates. Windows remains the easiest fallback if a particular game or tool doesn’t cooperate.
I wouldn’t delay the entire build based on predictions about future memory prices. Prices can fall, but they can also rise, and waiting indefinitely usually means postponing the computer you actually need. Watch for sales for a few weeks, then buy when the total build is within budget.
For maintenance, keep the tower off carpet if possible, leave clearance around the intake and exhaust vents, and clean dust filters every few months. Use compressed air with the fans held still, avoid vacuuming directly over components, and don’t open the power supply. Updating drivers and keeping some free SSD space will help more than buying expensive RGB parts.
Case fans only move air through the chassis; they do not cool the processor directly. You still need a CPU cooler. Some processors include a basic cooler, while others require you to buy one separately. A reasonably priced tower cooler is a good option and is usually quieter than a small stock cooler.
Choose a case with a breathable front panel and at least a couple of included fans. More fans can improve airflow and reduce noise, but you don’t need to fill every mounting position. A quality 650–750W power supply from a reputable model line should be enough for a midrange build. For storage, I’d start with a 1TB NVMe SSD rather than 512GB, since modern games and mod files can use space quickly.
Thanks, that clears up the difference between case fans and a CPU cooler. I’ll also look for a case with good airflow instead of choosing one based only on appearance.