I'm putting together my first full-size gaming PC after using a mini PC that can no longer keep up. I mainly play Fortnite and Overwatch, with some Minecraft, Roblox, and other relatively light games. The current build uses a Ryzen 5 7600X, a Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE cooler, a Gigabyte B650 motherboard, 16GB of DDR5-6000 memory, a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, a Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB graphics card, an NZXT H6 Flow case, and a 750W Gold modular power supply. The total is around $1,380. Are there any parts you would replace or areas where I'm overspending? I'm also unsure whether 16GB of RAM is enough and whether this build makes more sense for 1080p or 1440p gaming.
4 Answers
The overall build is solid, and the CPU, motherboard, cooler, case, and graphics card should handle those games well. The RAM kit has somewhat loose timings, but it will work in dual-channel mode. I’d strongly consider 32GB instead of 16GB, since newer games and multitasking can use more than 16GB. A Ryzen 5 9600X may also be worth considering if it’s only about $10 more; it is a little faster and runs cooler, although the gaming improvement over the 7600X is modest. At 1440p, the system should be nicely balanced. At 1080p in competitive games, the CPU may limit maximum frame rates before the GPU does, but that isn’t a serious problem for this use case.
The biggest value concerns are the memory and SSD. The white RGB RAM appears unusually expensive, so look for a cheaper 2x16GB DDR5-6000 kit with better timings if possible. Avoid buying 2x8GB with the expectation of adding another matching pair later; four DDR5 sticks can be harder to run reliably on AM5. The selected NVMe drive also isn’t particularly appealing at that price, so replacing it with a better-reviewed TLC-based drive would make more sense unless the current one is heavily discounted. You could also compare bundle discounts, a less expensive motherboard, or a graphics card one tier higher if the price difference is worthwhile.
The case should be easy to build in and manage cables with, and the motherboard is reasonable if it stays near its current price. Just avoid paying a large premium for white components unless matching aesthetics are especially important to you. Before finalizing, decide whether you’re targeting 1080p or 1440p, since that affects whether it’s better to spend extra on the GPU or on a higher-refresh monitor.
The 750W supply has enough capacity, but some people find that model’s fan noise noticeable even at idle. I’d compare it with a quieter ATX 3.0 or ATX 3.1 unit, possibly an 850W model if the price is close. Be aware that some newer models have reports of coil whine, so check the return policy before buying. The cooler is fine, though a Phantom Spirit at the same price is another good option.
I made a few changes based on the feedback, especially around the RAM, storage, and power supply. I’m still deciding between a 1080p high-refresh display and 1440p, so I’d appreciate any final advice on balancing the monitor and graphics card.