I'm starting a gaming PC build and currently have an ASRock B550M Steel Legend motherboard, an AMD Ryzen 7 5700X, and 16GB of Silicon Power DDR4-3200 CL16 memory. Do these parts work well together? My main games would be standard Minecraft on a friend's server and Genshin Impact, though I may want to upgrade within the next two years. I originally considered spending around $2,000, but prices feel high right now, so I'm thinking about buying parts gradually and possibly using secondhand listings. What other parts should I consider, and what are the best ways to avoid scams when buying used hardware?
2 Answers
Those three parts are compatible. Just remember that the Ryzen 7 5700X does not include integrated graphics, so you’ll need a dedicated graphics card. You’ll also need a power supply, storage, a CPU cooler, and a case. For Minecraft and Genshin, you don’t need an extremely powerful system, so you could save money with a less expensive CPU or GPU depending on your target resolution and settings. Make sure the motherboard has a BIOS version that supports the 5700X, especially if it has been sitting in stock for a while.
Minecraft and Genshin are fairly easy to run compared with demanding modern games, so you can build something modest rather than spending $2,000 immediately. Buying parts over time can work, but it’s usually better to choose the full build first so you don’t end up with mismatched or outdated components. Used CPUs, memory, cases, and sometimes motherboards can be reasonable purchases if they can be tested. Be more cautious with used graphics cards and power supplies, since they can fail and may not have transferable warranty coverage. RMA means returning a faulty product to the manufacturer for repair or replacement, which is one reason some buyers prefer new GPUs. Test used parts in person when possible, avoid unusually cheap listings, verify the exact model, and don’t send payment without buyer protection.
What does RMA mean when people talk about buying graphics cards?