I'm planning to build a new gaming PC that can handle upcoming titles such as GTA VI and Fable smoothly at 1080p with good frame rates. I'm not aiming for 4K, and I'd also like the system to be capable of video editing. My budget is about $1,300 CAD, and I already have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, so I only need the tower and its components. I've built two PCs before, but it was several years ago and I'm not familiar with current graphics cards, processors, and pricing. Is this budget still realistic with new parts, or should I consider buying some components used?
2 Answers
A new-parts build near this price point may still be possible, but you’ll need to watch sales and prioritize the graphics card. A midrange CPU, 16–32 GB of RAM, a reasonably priced motherboard, and a reliable power supply could fit if you avoid overspending on extras. A PC component planning list can help compare current Canadian prices and adjust the build as deals appear.
Around $1,300 CAD is much more achievable if you’re willing to buy a used graphics card and possibly a pair of RAM sticks. Those parts can take up a large portion of the budget, so finding good deals first and choosing the rest of the build around them can leave room for a stronger overall system. Local listings and established secondhand marketplaces are worth checking, but test the parts and avoid deals that seem suspicious.
Thanks, I’ll compare a few current parts lists and keep an eye on pricing before buying anything.