I'm planning a new PC build and prices are really high right now. I'm looking at a budget of about 1250 to 1300 euros, focusing on everyday productivity and casual single-player gaming. My goal isn't to max out FPS or run games on ultra settings, but I do want to be able to game comfortably for the next 3-5 years without worrying about minimum specifications. I'm also keen on future-proofing and making sure it's easy to upgrade later on. Can anyone suggest areas where I could cut costs? For example, is my motherboard choice overkill? Should I opt for a B850 around 200 euros or go for a cheaper B650? And is my CPU too powerful for the current GPU and overall setup? I've picked the cheapest low-latency 2x16 6000mhz DDR5 RAM I could find locally since RAM prices are crazy right now. It's been years since my last build, so I'd really appreciate any insights!
3 Answers
If you're mostly focused on productivity and considering Intel, the 12700 CPU is a great choice. However, if you're planning to upgrade within the next four years, AMD is probably the better route for you.
I found that in Germany, prices are pretty competitive. During Black Friday, I could piece together a decent build for around these prices:
1. CPU - 250
2. GPU - 350
3. Mobo - 180
4. RAM - 200
5. PSU - 90
6. SSD - 100
7. Case - 100 (I like to invest a bit in a good-looking case)
Upgrading to a better GPU like the 9070xt might stretch your budget too thin, though.
Which EU country are you located in? The pricing on PCPartPicker can vary quite a bit depending on your market. You might be overpaying for some premium parts, like the case, PSU, NVME, RAM, and possibly the motherboard. Consider focusing your budget more on the CPU and GPU for better performance. The decision between going for a B850 or a B650 motherboard should depend on the specific models and their prices locally.

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