I'm looking to build a gaming PC in the US with a budget between $1,000 and $2,000. I'm not super knowledgeable about PCs, so I have a couple of questions. If I'm reusing my M.2 drive, will I need to buy a new Windows license, or is the Windows info stored on the motherboard? I currently have an NVIDIA 3070 GPU and want to center my build around a new GPU, primarily for gaming but I'd like to have the option to stream in the future without it breaking the bank. My storage is pretty much full at 900 GB out of 1000 GB, so I'd love to upgrade that too.
Here are the parts I already have:
1. Accessories (mouse, keyboard, monitors, etc.)
2. 850W power supply I bought last year while it was on sale
3. An M.2 from my current PC (it's around 5 years old)
4. 2 x 8GB RAM sticks from my current PC (also 5 years old)
My main goals are longevity and the ability to play the following games smoothly:
1. Call of Duty/MW (want to max out settings without losing FPS)
2. Fortnite
3. Chronos Odyssey/GTA 6 (when it's released)
4. Black Myth: Wukong
From what I've researched, I think I only need a new case (since my current one is too small and damaged), a new GPU, and a motherboard, while reusing the rest of my old parts. Thank you for your help!
2 Answers
Definitely try to reuse old components to save money! Your 850W power supply should be more than enough for a new GPU, so you can keep that. If your M.2 drive still works fine, there's no need to buy a new one. Just make sure your new motherboard has the right slots for everything. For the case, aim for something with good airflow to keep your system cool while gaming!
Here's a solid build that fits your budget well: [https://pcpartpicker.com/list/wsdR8Q](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/wsdR8Q). It should give you good performance without overspending. As for your question about overshooting the power supply by 200W, it's generally safe and won’t harm your PC. Plus, reusing any of your old parts like the RAM or M.2 can definitely help save some cash, which is great for a student budget!
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