I'm building my first PC and aiming for a budget of around $1500. However, after using PC Parts Picker and browsing Amazon, my build is coming out to about $2000. I'm going for a sleek minimalist black design, as I want to play higher-end games and do some video editing. Here's the part list I've put together:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9700X 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor
- CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 5
- Motherboard: Gigabyte X870E AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ATX AM5
- Memory: Corsair Vengeance RGB 32 GB DDR5-6000
- Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB NVME SSD
- Video Card: Asus PRIME OC Radeon RX 9070 XT 16 GB
- Case: Fractal Design North XL ATX Full Tower
- Power Supply: MSI MAG A850GL 850 W 80+ Gold
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home (OEM)
Total cost is approximately $2104.90. Could you guys please share your thoughts and suggestions? I've never built a PC before and would really appreciate any help!
3 Answers
I noticed your storage choice, the Samsung 990 Pro is great but can be pricey. You can find solid alternatives like the SK Hynix Platinum P41, which performs well at a lower price point. Just make sure it fits your needs!
Good call on comparing the prices, helps a ton!
If your budget allows, it’s better to go for CL30 RAM since it performs better with Ryzen CPUs. Also, think about the storage choices. You might find better deals on reliable SSDs that perform similarly to the Samsung at a lower price.
Your build definitely has some good components, but I think you're overspending on some parts that won't significantly boost performance. The 9700X and the Dark Rock Pro 5 cooler might be over the top—especially for gaming. Also, consider a less expensive motherboard like the B850, which is more than enough for your setup. You could save some cash and get a similar performance with a Ryzen 5 9600X for gaming. Plus, the regular Fractal Design North case might suit you better if you don't need the larger size of the XL.
Thanks for the tips! I didn’t realize the motherboard was that overkill for gaming.
And remember, opting for the retail version of Windows could save you some activation headaches down the line!
Thanks! I’ll look into the Hynix SSD, I appreciate the heads up!