I'm looking to build a PC for my 72-year-old dad so he can game with my kids. I've been using prebuilt systems my whole gaming life, but I want to try building one from scratch this time. My dad currently plays on a prebuilt system, but the kids are really pushing for him to get something more capable to play games like World of Warcraft and Call of Duty. I'm a single dad, and my budget is limited, so I'm hoping to find ways to save money on this build. If you've got suggestions on parts I should look at or what to swap out, please let me know and explain why those choices might be better. I'd love to understand the differences! Here's the build I'm considering: [PCPartPicker Link](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/PYDXvR).
3 Answers
I found a couple of better options that might fit your needs. For just a bit more, you can get a GPU that's twice as fast! Check out these alternatives: 1) [Better GPU Option](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/nFfjph) and 2) [Cheaper but Faster](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/dv6dmL). Just a heads up, the case you chose doesn't come with fans, and while ASRock has a decent reputation, I've heard of issues with them in the past. Also, upgrading to a 2TB drive might be a good call since games like COD can take up a lot of space!
Honestly, with the current market situation, some prebuilts actually offer better value than building your own. I totally get why you'd want to build, but if saving money is a priority, sticking with a prebuilt could be wise. Look into the specs and remember that your grandpa doesn't need a super high-end machine for casual gaming. Only go the DIY route if you're ready for a hands-on project and willing to spend a bit more.
If you're concerned about costs, consider looking for used parts. Those can be a lot cheaper, especially RAM and GPUs. Just make sure to do the benchmarks to verify performance!
I agree! I built my PCs for years but switched to a prebuilt recently, and it's been fantastic. Sometimes, it's just not worth the hassle.