I'm a first-time builder looking to create a PC for my son and me to work on together as a summer project. We've talked about building one for years, and now with college approaching, I really want to make it special. I've been saving up, but I'm not very knowledgeable about the components. I want to make sure I'm not overspending on things that aren't necessary. Here's my current list from PCPartPicker, totaling over $2,000. I'm hoping to get some guidance or suggestions for cutting costs without sacrificing quality or performance.
4 Answers
The price you have listed for the Ryzen 9 9800X3D seems way off—it's more like $490, not $399. Consider getting the 7800X3D instead. For your GPU, look at the 5070Ti or the 9070XT; they’re great options that can save you some cash while still performing well. And try to find Windows 11 Home instead of Pro—it’s all you need unless there’s a specific reason he requires the Pro version.
You might want to switch to an AMD RX 9070 or 9070 XT for your GPU instead of that pricier one. It'll give you more bang for your buck!
If gaming is your focus, consider going with a less expensive CPU like the Ryzen 7600X and a cheaper cooler. This way, you can allocate more funds towards a stronger GPU, which will provide a better gaming experience. Also, check out other cheaper motherboards that are still reliable.
Honestly, you don't need such an expensive cooler for the Ryzen you're considering. A simpler one will do just fine. Also, the memory you're looking at seems overkill—there are plenty of good alternatives for less cash, like the TEAMGROUP T-Create or G.Skill models that have solid reviews and are way cheaper.
Thanks for the tips! I'm trying to keep a balance between performance and price, and I'll check those alternatives.