I'm building a gaming PC for my son, and I'm trying to keep costs down while still getting decent performance. He has some old 1440p 144Hz monitors, and I want to make sure we can play games like Fortnite, Spider-man, Call of Duty, and Battlefield smoothly. I've picked out most parts but need to find ways to save money. We're aiming for around a $1000 budget and buying in the USA. Here's my current build: [PCPartPicker Part List]. Any suggestions for cuts without sacrificing too much performance?
4 Answers
You could definitely cut costs by not going with the Samsung SSD; brands like Crucial or TeamGroup have cheaper options that perform well. Also, that 1000W power supply is way overkill for this setup—750W is more than enough. Try to focus on quality without overspending!
I’d be cautious with cheap PSUs though. It's better to invest a bit more for reliability. Consider a certified tier one brand.
I put together an alternative build that fits your budget better. Check this out: [PCPartPicker Part List]. It uses a Ryzen 5 9600X for slightly better performance, and I included DDR5 RAM; it's definitely worth the upgrade. Plus, it's still under $1005 after mail-in rebates!
Is there a big difference between the 9600X and the 5600X? I want the best bang for my buck.
Absolutely, the 9600X generally offers better performance in gaming, especially at higher settings!
Overall, your parts are solid, but I'd keep an eye on the case pricing. You don’t have to stick with the expensive one your son picked—it might be worth it to look for an alternative that fits the style without the high price tag. Also, consider getting a motherboard that supports AM5; it might give you better upgradability in the future.
Good point! I’ll check out cheaper options while ensuring it still matches his aesthetic.
You might want to consider using a cheaper SSD and PSU. A 650W PSU would suffice for your build, and I found a good one that's under $80. If you have a Microcenter nearby, their combos for CPU, motherboard, and RAM can be a great deal!
Thanks! The nearest Microcenter is a bit far, but I might make the trip for those deals.
Definitely worth it! Those combos can save you a lot, especially if you're on a budget.
Thanks for the tips! I’m definitely switching to the Crucial SSD and looking for a 750W PSU that won’t break the bank.