I'm looking to build my first gaming PC, but I'm a bit lost when it comes to choosing the right parts. I've watched some videos and read a few articles, but the technical jargon is pretty overwhelming. I'm primarily interested in gaming (not competitive) and doing some schoolwork with Excel and Word. Some specific games I want to play include the Resident Evil series, Silent Hill series, Fatal Frame series, and The Evil Within. My main goals are to have good graphics, smooth gameplay, and an immersive experience.
My budget is around €2500 to €3000, and I want to make sure I pick the right CPU, GPU, and motherboard without overspending on unnecessary features. I'm also looking for a setup that will last for a few years without needing upgrades. Any guidance on what to focus on would be greatly appreciated! By the way, I'm located in the Netherlands.
3 Answers
Since you have a decent budget, consider these specs: Ryzen 7 9800X3D for the CPU, a solid 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and make sure to get a quality 1000W power supply. For cooling, a 360mm water cooler can help keep temps down during heavy gaming. Don’t skimp on the motherboard; a good X670E or B850 board from reputable brands is key. Storage-wise, I'd suggest at least 2TB of NVMe SSD for quicker loading times.
For your budget, I'd recommend the Ryzen 7 7800X3D combined with a GPU like the RX 9070 XT or the RTX 5070 Ti for great performance in your games. Pair it with a B650E WiFi motherboard to keep things well-connected. Just a heads-up about RAM: go for DDR5, ideally around 6000 MT/s. This should give you good value without going overboard.
With a budget like yours, you can aim high! The Ryzen 7 7800X3D alongside an RTX 5080 would crush most games even at 4K. If you need to save a bit, the RX 9070 XT is also a beast. A good ATX case is essential for cooling and compatibility. Stay clear of second-hand parts for your first build, as it can lead to headaches with missing pieces.
Check out part lists on sites like PCPartPicker for optimal builds. Good luck!

Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely check part lists; they seem so helpful!