Hey everyone! I'm looking to build my first gaming PC and I primarily want to use it for grand strategy games like Crusader Kings II & III and Europa Universalis IV & V. However, I also want it to handle more demanding titles like Oblivion Remastered and Red Dead Redemption 2 fairly well. I've put together a parts list based on recommendations I found in another thread, but since I'm pretty new to this, I'm not really sure if it's a good build. Any suggestions? Thanks!
4 Answers
Check out this link I made with a suggested parts list for your build: [Part List](https://pcpartpicker.com/user/Robert000/saved/twM84D). It’s tailored for good performance with strategy games and can handle some AAA games as well. It should help you balance your budget while still delivering decent performance.
You might want to check out your GPU choice if you’re aiming to play RDR2, as it requires quite a bit of power. Grand strategy games can run on more modest setups, but for AAA games, a solid GPU is key. Consider something like the 9070 XT or the RTX 5070 Ti for future-proofing. Make sure your PSU is at least 750W, but 850W is a safer bet if you're planning to upgrade later! Also, keep in mind the resolution at which you'll be gaming, as that can drastically change your needs.
Since you’re open to spending around $1k-$1.2k, it sounds like a solid plan! If you only want a decent experience with modern games while focusing on grand strategy, a mid-range PC can save you a lot. Just remember the GPU matters a lot for AAA titles, so aim for a balanced build that caters to both aspects.
Thanks for the suggestions! I’m really trying to get the best performance for my money. Do you think I should build it myself or get a pre-built system?
If you’re mainly focusing on grand strategy, you could save some cash on the CPU and still go for the Ryzen 7 7800X, which is around $240. Use the extra funds for a stronger GPU like the RTX 5070 which is about $550. This way, you’re optimizing your budget for the performance bump on the GPU.
Got it! I’m okay with going for a better GPU to make sure RDR2 runs smoothly. What about the CPU? I was thinking of getting something like the Ryzen 7800X3D, but is there a cheaper alternative if I primarily play grand strategy games?