I'm a beginner looking to build a budget gaming PC and need some advice on my current selection of components. Here's what I have in mind:
- AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D
- MSI B850M-VC Pro WiFi motherboard
- G.Skill Flare X5 Series 16GB DDR5-6000 RAM for $300
- Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE ARGB cooler for $60
- 1TB M.2 SSD for $80
- ASRock Radeon RX 7600 8GB GPU for $270
- Montech XR ATX Mid Tower Case for $70
- Cougar VTE 600 W 80+ Bronze Certified Power Supply for $50
- Razer Viper Mini mouse for $30
- SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard for $30
- Acer KG241Y 24" 165Hz Gaming Monitor for $100
I plan to play games like Red Dead Redemption 2, Minecraft, Siege, and Valorant. What do you all think? Is this a solid build for a beginner on a budget?
3 Answers
Hey! Why not go with an AM5 CPU instead of sticking with AM4? It might give you better upgrade options later down the line!
Yeah, it's an AM5 chip! You're good with that choice.
This is a good start, but I think you're a bit CPU-heavy for your GPU. The Ryzen 5 7500X3D can outpace the RX 7600 in most scenarios. Instead, you might want to consider a Ryzen 5 7600 and use the extra funds to grab a stronger GPU, like a 6700 XT or RX 6800. If you're limited on parts, though, your current setup will still perform decently.
Also, I'd recommend upgrading your power supply to a reputable brand—something like a Corsair RM or CX series would be better than just focusing on a 'Gold rating'. Everything else seems solid!
I agree! Or you could keep the RX 7600 and maybe go with a slightly cheaper CPU, which would free up cash for more storage or just a little extra savings overall.
If there's a Microcenter near you, check for a bundle with the 7500X3D for around $350. That would free up your budget for the rest of the build while keeping a solid CPU.
Just a heads up, that motherboard model is decent for your current CPU but it may not be great if you plan to upgrade in the future. You might want to consider something more robust if flexibility is a concern.

7500X3D is actually AM5, so I'm on the right track! Thanks for the input.