Hey, everyone! I'm wrapping up purchasing parts for my girlfriend's gaming PC, and I need some advice. She's already got all the components except for the graphics card—her previous setup was gifted by a client. Here's what I need help with:
- **Graphics Card**: I'm considering options but looking for recommendations.
- **Additional Storage**: The SSD in her build is pretty old, and I think she needs at least another 500GB, maybe even 1TB, and something more current would be great.
- **CPU Cooler**: The stock cooler's wire seems to be misaligned and potentially hitting the fan. If you know of an affordable upgrade, I'd appreciate it.
I'm not quite sure if I'm missing anything else to enhance her setup. I'd like to keep the total cost between $700-$800, though I'm open to compelling alternatives.
Just to clarify, she doesn't need top-of-the-line performance—4K gaming isn't a requirement. She's used to the graphics and FPS from her Switch and only wants a decent experience. This might also evolve into a PC that can connect to the living room TV down the line.
Thanks in advance for any insights or suggestions!
4 Answers
If you want a budget-friendly option, consider a Nukbox K12 or K11 and pair it with an extra GPU you have lying around. I use a 3060 myself, and it works fantastic for 1440p gaming!
You might want to check out something like the RX 6600 or its Nvidia equivalent. It could really boost her gaming experience without being over-the-top expensive!
Honestly, the GPU you were thinking isn't ideal for the build since it might get crippled by the motherboard limitations. I'd recommend going for a used RTX 2060 Super, 2070, or 3060 for solid performance without breaking the bank. For storage, maybe hold off on adding a new SSD until she fills the current one, as prices are pretty steep right now. About the CPU cooler, a 120mm tower cooler for around $20 should do the trick and offer better performance than the stock one.
Just a thought—do you already have the i7 and motherboard picked out? It feels like a somewhat odd combination unless you really have a reason for going with that setup.
Added a clarifying note in my post! But yes, the only part we need now is the GPU.
Will look into that! Thank you!