I'm based in the USA and I'm looking for help with a gaming PC build for my partner. Since I'm new to this, I'm trying to navigate the options without overwhelming you all with questions. I've outlined my current parts list and their prices, and I'd love to know how realistic this build is and if the prices seem accurate. I'm also wondering what parts I should consider swapping out to get the total cost closer to $500, aside from just going for a cheaper GPU like an RX 5700 XT. Here's what I have so far:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 - $110-155
- GPU: RTX 3060 12GB - $200 (I'm trying to negotiate, but there's also an RTX 3060 Ti for $220)
- Motherboard: ASRock B550M Pro4 - ~$80-120
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) - ~$85-100
- SSD: Kingston NV3 500GB NVMe - ~$135-145
- PSU: Seasonic S12III 500W - ~$120-150
- Case: NZXT H3 Flow - ~$60
To give you some context on gaming, she doesn't typically play FPS games. The main titles of interest are BG3 (which runs fine on my 2070 Super), Claire Obscure, and Split Fiction. I'd appreciate any advice or suggestions! Thanks in advance!
4 Answers
I recommend getting a stronger PSU like a 650W instead of the 500W. It’ll give you more headroom for future upgrades and usually costs about the same. Also, keep in mind that 500GB might fill up quickly with a couple of games, depending on what you download.
If you can get a 3060 Ti for just $20 more, I’d say go for it! You're looking at about 20-25% more performance for only a small increase in budget, which is definitely worth it for gaming.
Thanks, that makes sense! What price point would make the 3060 12GB a better buy?
You can often find those parts cheaper on hardware swap sites or marketplaces. Look for deals on SSDs and PSUs; used 512GB SSDs can go for around $60, and new 650-750W PSUs are often available for about $75.
Thanks for the insight! I really appreciate the resources. Is there a particular website or Discord server you recommend for those deals?
Where are you located exactly? Knowing your local market could really help in finding better deals for your build.
Also, that PSU you mentioned is not great; there are definitely better options available for less money.
Thanks, I fixed my post to include that I'm in the USA. What power supply would you suggest for a build like this?
Thanks for that! I added a little game section for context. Since she doesn't play any FPS or fast-paced games, would this build still be overkill? Should I consider a cheaper graphics card?