Hey everyone! I'm gearing up to build my first gaming PC and have a budget of $1250. I've already got 16GB of RAM from a friend, but I'm looking for feedback on my current parts list, which you can check out here: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/PTmYJw. Any suggestions for improvements or how to make this rig even better would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!
3 Answers
I think your build is decent, but I've got a couple of pointers. First, the cooler you're using is getting outdated. Consider upgrading to the Thermalright Peerless Assassin for better cooling without breaking the bank. Also, your power supply is rated as 'C tier'—you might want to aim for at least a 'B tier' PSU for better reliability to protect your expensive parts. RAM prices are crazy right now, so grab what you can at a fair price. Ideally, a 32GB kit is better for multitasking, but 16GB will still serve most gaming needs well.
For a first-time builder, this parts list is quite balanced! The pairing of the 9600X with the 9060 XT is great. The Montech XR case is also a solid choice. One thing to think about is your PCIe 5.0 SSD; you could save some cash with a Gen4 SSD without losing noticeable speed in actual use. Also, the MSI A650BN power supply is decent for budget builds, but a higher-tier PSU might be a smart investment in the long run. Don’t forget to budget for peripherals like a keyboard and mouse; those can add another $50 to $100 to your total.
Your list looks pretty solid! Just curious, what type and speed of RAM are you using? Is it DDR4 or DDR5?
It's DDR5 6000, CL38. Not sure what that means though.
Thanks for the feedback! Any suggestions for a good SSD and power supply? I'm also considering a Royal Kludge keyboard and getting a Logitech G305 mouse from a friend.