I'm planning to build a gaming PC with an RTX 5060 Ti so I can play Doom: The Dark Ages. Currently, the cheapest build I've found totals $1049. I'm wondering if there are any suggestions for parts that could help me lower the cost. Any recommendations?
4 Answers
If you already own a retail copy of Windows, you can transfer the license over, which saves some cash. But if you're in the EU, you can find a second-hand license. Alternatively, you could just install Windows without activating it for now, even though you'll have a watermark.
Looking at your parts, I think you might want to upgrade your RAM and power supply. You've skimped a bit there, which may hinder performance. Consider a solid list I found online with prices totaling around $980. You can get a decent setup like:
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600
- ASRock B650 PRO RS Motherboard
- 32GB DDR5-6000 RAM
This way, you get a reliable build that performs well with your graphics card!
Honestly, the setup you've got might be the lowest you can go with the graphics you're using. If you're looking to cut costs, consider ditching Windows 11 for a Linux distribution like Fedora, which can be cheaper. But keep in mind that performance might not be quite as good as on Windows.
I'd actually recommend spending extra on getting 32GB of RAM instead of downgrading any other components. Expect to pay roughly around $1100 for a good 5060 Ti build. Some folks suggest swapping the 5060 Ti with an RX 9060 XT for around $80 less, but since you specifically want the 5060 Ti, that’s probably your best bet!
Going with Linux is a valid point! It might take a bit of adjustment, but could save you some bucks. Just remember to research compatibility for the games you want to play. That can be a game changer!
You could definitely save some money by swapping out to a cheaper B650 motherboard. That one’s on the pricier side. And seriously, don’t settle for less than 32GB DDR5-6000 RAM; you’ll appreciate having the extra power later on.
If you want to go really budget, think about picking up used parts from the AM4 Ryzen 5000 series. But honestly, sticking with an AM5 setup is the way to go for better future-proofing.
Just a heads up, be cautious about skateboarding over to the grey-market for cheaper software keys. It’s not a good route to go, and you might run into issues down the line if you get flagged. Always better to stick with legit licenses!
The RX 9060 XT can definitely hold its own for games like Doom: The Dark Ages at 1080p and even 1440p. I’ve heard Linux can improve performance as well. I tried dual booting Mint and didn’t notice a huge difference, but it’s worth trying. Let’s see how SteamOS shapes up for desktops!