I'm really eager to build my first PC since I've noticed that prices seem to keep climbing. My goal is to create a system with 16GB of VRAM so I can enjoy Cyberpunk 2077 with ray tracing on and have something reasonably future-proof. However, my current build amounts to around $4,000 CAD, which feels a bit excessive. I've put together a part list, and I'd love your feedback on how I might save some costs without sacrificing too much performance. Here's the list I came up with: [https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/DxsPb2]. Just to add, I chose the Asus TUF GPU for its reliability—I really want to avoid issues with my graphics card.
4 Answers
Honestly, the brand of GPU matters less than you'd think, especially in terms of performance. Looks matter more if you're set on aesthetics.
Consider getting a 1TB M.2 SSD for your OS and favorite games; it’s super fast! Then, you could grab a more affordable SATA SSD for everything else. Also, if RGB isn't a priority for you, switching to non-RGB RAM and a cooler can help cut costs, too.
I was thinking about something like this for you: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7VWj8Q
Do you have any recommendations for good RAM without RGB? I'm not sure what to look for.
Are you purchasing parts in Canada or the States? That link you shared is for the US site.
I'm in Canada—thanks for the heads-up! I’ve switched the link.
You could opt for a smaller AIO cooler, like a 240 or even 280mm, since the 7800X3D isn’t that demanding. A decent air cooler should keep it cool too. Also, you might not need the extra single thermalright fan since the case fans and AIO should be sufficient. Swapping to a smaller NVMe drive for your OS and a 1TB SATA SSD for games can save you some cash without sacrificing much performance. Lastly, unless you plan on doing something specific with your PCIe lanes, a B650 motherboard could be a budget-friendly choice while still giving you what you need for gaming.

Are you sure? I've heard mixed things about GPU brands from different sources.