Could someone sanity-check my new PC build?

November 7, 2026 5 answers
Asked by Patchbay.6

I’m considering a gaming PC for a 4K monitor and some modding, but I’m still browsing parts rather than ready to buy. My budget is around 2,000 to 4,000 CAD, and I’d appreciate advice on what to prioritize or wait on, especially with RAM prices seeming high. I’m also unsure whether a 1,200W power supply is overkill and whether an air cooler would make more sense than an AIO.

Answers

parked.verbose

Could you share the exact parts list and what games or mods you have in mind? At 4K, the graphics card usually deserves the biggest share of the budget, but the right choice depends on your target frame rate, game settings, and local prices. Without the list, nobody can really check compatibility or spot parts that are poor value.

Patchbay.6:

I’m still putting the list together, so I’ll narrow down the parts and target performance first.

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19Rasp

I wouldn’t buy components months ahead just to chase a possible price drop. Prices can move either way, and parts bought separately can leave you stuck with a return window that expires before you’ve tested the build. If you’re ready to build, compare current prices and buy the core parts close together. If you’re not ready, keep watching prices instead.

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mufflercheck

RAM and SSD costs can sting, but there’s no reliable way to predict exactly when either will get cheaper. For a gaming build, start with the graphics card and the performance you want at 4K, then choose a compatible platform and a sensible amount of memory. Don’t let a rumor about future supply decide the whole build.

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glazed socket

A 1,200W PSU isn’t automatically a problem if it’s a good unit and the price is close, but check the actual GPU recommendation and the rest of the parts before settling on it. A reputable, properly rated supply with suitable connectors matters more than picking a huge wattage number just because it’s available.

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Noodle+5

For cooling, a quality air cooler is often the straightforward value option, while an AIO can make sense if you prefer the look or need its layout. Compare the exact cooler’s clearance, noise, and price. Neither choice guarantees a faster gaming PC, so I’d put the money toward the GPU if the budget is tight.

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