I'm new to PC building and have a budget of about $1,200 CAD. I won't be playing demanding AAA games, so I'm mainly looking for a good-value system for lighter gaming and general use. I don't have any brand or component preferences yet. What parts would you recommend, and what performance details should I consider before choosing a build?
4 Answers
Keep in mind that the Ryzen 5 5600 doesn’t include integrated graphics, so you’ll need a dedicated GPU from the beginning. If you want the option to build in stages and use the PC before buying a graphics card, a 5600G could work, although its CPU performance and integrated graphics are weaker.
Before picking parts, decide what resolution, games, and frame rate you’re targeting. DDR4 is probably the better fit at this budget because DDR5 platforms can consume too much of the total. A new-parts build with a Ryzen 5-class CPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and a graphics card such as an RX 7600 or RTX 4060 should be a reasonable direction, though prices may push the total slightly over $1,200 CAD.
Since you aren’t targeting AAA games, there’s no need to chase the newest platform. Compare Canadian prices carefully and use a parts compatibility checker before ordering. It’s also worth leaving room for a reliable power supply and a case with decent airflow rather than spending the entire budget on the CPU or GPU.
A budget AM4 build would make sense here: a B550 motherboard, Ryzen 5 5600, 32GB of DDR4 memory, a 1TB NVMe SSD, an inexpensive tower cooler, and a basic airflow-focused case. Once you know how much that costs, put the remaining budget toward the best graphics card and power supply combination you can afford.
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