I'm planning my first proper gaming PC and have a budget of roughly $2,000–$2,500 AUD for the computer itself. Gaming performance is the priority, with smooth frame rates, minimal stuttering, and reliable PCVR support for connecting a VR headset and playing demanding VR games. I'd also like good airflow and cooling for long gaming sessions, plus a modest amount of RGB, preferably through the fans or cooler rather than every component. I need enough storage for a decent game library and would appreciate a reasonably priced 1440p monitor recommendation as well. Peripherals can be purchased separately. I'm located in Australia, so parts and pricing from Australian retailers would be useful. Since this is my first build, I'd also like explanations of why each component is suitable rather than just a list of parts. I'm open to buying components individually, and a friend will help me assemble the PC.
3 Answers
Keep in mind that a $2,000–$2,500 AUD PC budget and a 1440p monitor are usually easier to manage separately. If the monitor has to come out of that same total, you may need to step down slightly on the graphics card or wait for sales. For the PC itself, prioritize the GPU, 32GB of dual-channel memory, a reliable 1TB or 2TB SSD, and a quality power supply. An AM5 platform is also worth considering because it gives you a future CPU upgrade path. You don’t need an oversized liquid cooler: a good tower air cooler and a well-ventilated case should be quieter, cheaper, and dependable for long sessions.
Use a price-comparison site such as StaticICE to check Australian pricing for every part. Memory and SSD prices can change quickly, and buying whichever suitable model is on sale may free up enough money for a better GPU. Before ordering, confirm that the motherboard has the ports and wireless features you need, the case supports the graphics card length, the power supply has enough capacity and the correct connectors, and the headset’s PCVR connection method is supported. For 1440p, a high-refresh-rate monitor with adaptive sync is generally more valuable than spending extra on RGB.
At this budget, I’d put as much of the money as possible into the graphics card, since it affects both 1440p gaming and PCVR the most. A sensible target would be a current midrange card such as an RTX 9060-class or similar, paired with a Ryzen 5 9600X-class processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD. That should provide a strong 1440p experience without wasting money on flashy parts. Use a case with a mesh front and several quality intake and exhaust fans; good airflow matters more than an expensive RGB cooler. Prices in Australia have been moving around a lot, so compare individual components across Amazon Australia, PCCaseGear, Mwave, Scorptec, Centre Com, and JW Computers before buying.
I’m specifically looking for individual parts rather than a prebuilt, since a friend is helping me purchase and assemble the components.