I'm new to building PCs and looking for some guidance on my parts list. I've been gaming on a very old laptop and want to upgrade to a setup that can handle games better, especially titles like Skyrim, Cyberpunk, and Baldur's Gate. I'm aiming for at least 60fps at 1440p and would love to record gameplay with friends. My budget has shifted from 1000 to 1200 euros due to rising RAM prices. I'm using the Ryzen 5 7600X processor, RX 9060 XT graphics card, and I'm concerned about my RAM, cooler, motherboard, and power supply (PSU). Here are my main questions: 1. Are the cheaper RAM and storage options worth the investment given their performance? 2. Can I find a cheaper CPU cooler that won't damage my CPU? 3. Is there a better motherboard for the same price? 4. How reliable is a 650-watt PSU for future upgrades? Thanks for any advice!
2 Answers
Here's a different parts list that might save you some money while enhancing performance. Switch to the AMD Ryzen 5 7500F for around 153 euros, which is cheaper and still great for gaming. You can get a 2TB NVMe SSD which will drastically improve load times for just a bit more. The PSU you're looking at is good enough for now, but consider a 650W bronze-certified PSU which should handle everything for years unless you plan major upgrades. Always nice to have a bit more headroom, though!
Typically, yes! Make sure to check the airflow and compatibility with fans when choosing your case.
Your list looks pretty decent for a beginner! I recommend considering the Ryzen 5 7500F instead of the 7600X, as it can save you some cash while still offering good performance. With the extra money, you could invest in better RAM, which is crucial for gaming and future upgrades. For the motherboard, I’ve found options that provide better power delivery and features for a little more money. As for the case, make sure it's spacious enough for future upgrades and has solid airflow, but you can go with a cheaper model without sacrificing too much.
Thanks for the tips! I didn't even think about the 7500F, I’ll look into it.
Do you think I’d need to buy additional fans for the case you suggested since it only has one?

I like the sound of that! But will I need another set of fans for that case?