Advice for Building a Compact 4K Gaming PC on a Budget
Asked by
TechieNerd123
Hey everyone! I'm new to building computers but have dabbled in custom builds before. I'm on a mission to create the smallest possible PC that can handle 4K gaming, and ideally, I want to do this as cost-effectively as I can. I've sketched out a potential build that totals around $2100, but I'm curious if there are parts I could downgrade without sacrificing too much performance. My goal is to enjoy AAA titles on a 50-inch display. Here's what I'm currently considering:
- **CPU**: AMD Ryzen 5 7600X
- **CPU Cooler**: Thermaltake TH120 V2 ARGB Liquid Cooler
- **Motherboard**: Gigabyte A620I AX Mini-ITX AM5
- **Memory**: Corsair Vengeance RGB 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR5-6000 CL36
- **Storage**: VisionTek PRO HXS 2TB SATA SSD
- **Video Card**: Gigabyte GAMING OC Radeon RX 7900 XT 16GB
- **Case**: Lian Li TU150 Mini ITX
- **Power Supply**: ASUS ROG LOKI 750W 80+ Platinum
- **Operating System**: Windows 11 Home
I'd love feedback on whether I can swap out any components for something cheaper that still maintains good performance! Thanks in advance!
Answers
You might find that you can get better performance without spending much more! Consider upgrading to the Ryzen 5 9600X for just a bit extra, and check out the Thermalright Phantom Spirit cooler which offers excellent cooling for a lower price than your current choice. Switching to a micro ATX motherboard with WiFi 6E could save you some cash too. Also, if you're okay with a slightly larger case, the Jonsbo C6 Max is more space-efficient than the Lian Li TU150, and it can fit similar components with better airflow. Overall, this could bring your build down to around $2000!
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Honestly, since the price difference is small, you should think about whether those upgrades are worth it. It might not be a significant difference in gaming performance at 4K, especially with AAA titles. A lot of your savings likely came from the motherboard choices, so just keep an eye out for brands with fewer reported issues. The Gigabyte board seems like a good pick for stability!
TechieNerd123: Good point! I appreciate the insight. If I can ensure reliability, I might stick with the current motherboard after all.
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BuilderBee45: Thanks for the detailed suggestions! The case swap sounds smart, and I'm really into better airflow! I might lean towards that direction to ensure my components stay cool.