I'm diving into building my first desktop PC, but I feel a bit overwhelmed with current prices. I'm aiming to keep the budget under 4000 CAD, ideally closer to 3000. Right now, I'm using a laptop with a 3060 GPU, and I've been itching to upgrade, especially since my laptop struggles with DX12 games like Monster Hunter World. On top of that, I've been dealing with power supply issues that lead to crashes. I realize it's not the best time to buy due to price hikes, but I'm ready to take the plunge and build something solid. I'm looking for suggestions on how to maximize my price-to-performance ratio, especially since I'm not well-versed beyond CPU, RAM, and GPU. I'd prefer to order everything from one place to simplify the process, but it seems like I'm very limited right now. I've spotted a couple of potential setups on Newegg, but I'd love some expert insights!
3 Answers
I suggest mixing and matching parts from different retailers. Newegg may have some steals, but Amazon can also have better options for certain parts. Just to throw in a few ideas: if you opt for a Ryzen 7 9800X3D, pairing it with a good air cooler like the Peerless Assassin could really boost performance without breaking the bank, plus consider going for an upgraded storage solution.
First off, are you aiming for 1440p or 4k gaming? I suggest 1440p as it might be a better fit for your budget. 4k could be too much unless you can score a great deal on parts.
I agree! Sticking to 1440p would probably yield the best experience without overspending. Plus, you can always upgrade later if your budget allows.
Don't box yourself in by only looking at Newegg. Price comparisons with other retailers can save you a lot. Check out sites like PCPartPicker for a wider view of what's out there. Some components may be cheaper at different places, so keep your options open!
Exactly! I found that components like CPU coolers and cases can vary significantly in price from one retailer to another. It’s worth browsing around.

Definitely look at total storage needs! With modern games taking up more space, a 2TB NVME will be beneficial, and it's often better to plan for the future.