I'm considering building or buying a desktop PC soon, but I'm still a beginner and would appreciate some guidance, reliable resources, and component recommendations. I'm not looking for extreme performance—smooth 1080p gaming would already be a major improvement over my 10th-generation Core i3 laptop. If the budget allows, 1440p would be a nice bonus. I live in Italy and can spend around €1,000 or less. I'm also open to buying used parts, as long as I know what to look for and where to shop. Peripherals can be purchased separately later.
3 Answers
A complete build around €1,000 can work without including Windows, a monitor, keyboard, or mouse. Just make sure the parts are balanced: use two memory sticks instead of a single 16GB stick, choose a decent motherboard with room for upgrades, and match the graphics card to your target resolution. Some lower-end 8GB graphics cards are better suited to 1080p than 1440p, so don’t assume every €1,000 list will handle higher resolutions comfortably.
An AM4-based system could be a sensible budget option, especially if you’re willing to buy some components used. Look for a Ryzen 5 processor, 16GB of dual-channel memory, a reliable power supply, and a graphics card aimed at your target resolution. Check the condition and warranty of used parts, and avoid unknown-brand power supplies.
The exact budget is important because prices vary a lot. With roughly €1,000, you can put together a solid 1080p system and potentially a capable 1440p setup if you shop carefully. Since you’re in Italy, compare local retailers and used listings rather than relying on one fixed parts list.
That makes sense. I was planning to buy the monitor and other peripherals after getting the PC, so they don’t need to come out of the main budget.