I'm planning to build my first gaming PC with a budget of about $1000, give or take $150. I want to play some demanding games like Baldur's Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and the upcoming GTA6, aiming for a balance between performance and slightly above-average visuals. Since I'm making this investment, I'd love it to last around 5-6 years before needing any significant upgrades. Based on my research, I've put together a parts list: [https://pcpartpicker.com/list/BywHKq](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/BywHKq). I'm pretty new to this, so any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
3 Answers
Honestly, the term 'future proof' might be a bit of a misnomer. Just pick the best hardware you can within your budget, as technology changes fast. But if you really want to maximize your options, sticking with a newer socket (like AM5) may help—and you can always keep upgrading individual components over time!
It looks like you've got a great start! Here's a PCPartPicker list I found that fits your budget: [https://pcpartpicker.com/list/FQZHKq](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/FQZHKq). It includes an Intel Core i5-13400F, which is solid for gaming, along with a nice micro ATX motherboard and 32 GB of RAM to future-proof your memory capacity. Just a heads up, your total comes to about $1034.53. Definitely worth checking out if you're serious about keeping it updated for years!
When it comes to future-proofing, it's more about making smart choices with your components. Instead of focusing too much on the latest tech, consider your motherboard's longevity. For instance, an AM4 chipset is nearing its end, so investing in an AM5 platform with a CPU like the 7600x could give you more upgrade options down the line without needing a total overhaul of your system.
Thanks for the insights!