I'm looking to build my first PC after finishing school, and I'm a bit overwhelmed with where to start! My friends, who are somewhat experienced builders, are ready to help me, but I'm in charge of selecting and purchasing the parts. I know some basics about compatibility but could really use your advice on picking the right components.
I have a budget of around $850 to $900 and want to create a mild entry-level gaming setup. Any tips or guidance on how to choose parts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot for your help!
3 Answers
Compatibility is key when you're picking parts. Start with your CPU and GPU, as everything else revolves around them. Make sure to choose components that meet your gaming needs.
Don’t skimp on the power supply—opt for a good quality one! I suggest using PCPartPicker to plan out your build, and leave some headroom in wattage (100-200W) on your PSU.
Also, establish a budget for each individual component rather than just the whole build; this makes managing your spend much easier. And don’t forget to consider airflow in your case; you want better intake than exhaust! Make sure to check reviews from multiple sources for everything you choose.
Start by identifying what you want to do with your PC. Determine the most important components for your primary use. Set a budget for the CPU and GPU, then check out PassMark benchmarks for performance rankings. Start with the highest-rated parts within your budget, and fill in the rest from there. Just like everyone else mentioned, make sure you don't skimp on the power supply!
One important tip is to focus on performance rather than just how cool something looks. At your budget, I’d recommend steering clear of NVIDIA graphics cards; they tend to be pricey for the performance you get in that price range.
Also, avoid cutting corners on critical components like the PSU, RAM, and motherboard. Splurge a bit on the GPU and CPU if needed, but make sure the foundation of your build is solid!
You're right! I need to consider reviews on specific models before making a choice.
What about an MSI RTX 3060? Is there a better option out there for my needs?