I'm planning a PC build with a budget of roughly $2,000 before buying the case and monitor. Here's the parts list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/MsCmmL. Does anything stand out as overpriced or worth changing while keeping the overall cost about the same?
5 Answers
With roughly $2,000 available before the case and monitor, you could consider upgrading the processor to a Ryzen 7 9700X, or possibly a 7800X3D if you find a good sale or bundle. Another option is using a cheaper memory kit and putting those savings toward the CPU.
The biggest issue is the memory kit. Spending around $540 on 32GB of DDR5 takes up a huge portion of the budget, especially since that costs more than the Ryzen 5 7600X and motherboard combined. A cheaper 32GB DDR5-6000 kit would save a lot without requiring any other changes. The warning about needing a second EPS connector shouldn’t be a concern with a 65W processor.
The build is generally solid, but I’d verify the exact power-supply revision because that model may only be considered mid-tier. A higher-quality 750W or 850W unit would be a safer long-term choice. For cooling, a Thermalright Peerless Assassin or Phantom Spirit would cost a little more but provide better performance and can likely be reused in a future build.
A 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30 kit from a less expensive brand could save about $75 while offering excellent performance. I’d use part of that savings on a better power supply, preferably a reputable 750W model; 850W is also fine if the price difference is small. PSU quality is more important than squeezing out a few dollars, since a faulty unit can damage other components.
There doesn’t seem to be anything fundamentally wrong with the parts list. You might find better prices through used components, but if you want to buy everything new, it’s reasonable to proceed after fixing the memory pricing and checking the PSU.

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