I'm replacing a roughly seven-year-old prebuilt that has needed several small upgrades and has an especially weak CPU compared with the GPU. I'm considering selling it whole or parting it out, but I'm planning to start fresh either way. My budget is approximately $1,500–$2,000, and I'd like a system that can last several years without needing major upgrades. I mainly play at 1440p, including Elden Ring and other demanding soulslike games, Ghost of Tsushima, Expedition 33, Fortnite, Dead by Daylight, and eventually GTA 6 on PC. I know the basic PC components but would appreciate a complete build recommendation, along with advice on whether this budget is appropriate or excessive.
3 Answers
If the existing system used an AM4 motherboard, one possible upgrade path would be a Ryzen 7 5800X3D, Radeon RX 9070 XT, 32GB of memory, and possibly a new 850W power supply and case. However, since the current system uses an Intel i5-9400F with a Gigabyte B365M DS3H motherboard, that upgrade path does not apply. Starting over with a new platform makes more sense in this case.
A complete parts list is the best way to judge whether the budget works. Around $1,500–$2,000 is a reasonable range for a strong 1440p gaming PC, especially if the budget includes the graphics card, processor, motherboard, memory, storage, power supply, and case. Make sure the selected power supply and case can accommodate the graphics card, since newer cards can be physically large and power-hungry.
Prebuilt bundle deals can sometimes lower the cost, but availability varies by location. Since you don’t have access to a nearby computer parts retailer, compare online prices and use a compatibility checker to verify the complete build before purchasing.
My current system is an Intel i5-9400F with a Gigabyte B365M DS3H. I’m planning to replace the whole system rather than upgrade those parts.