I'm helping a friend put together her first budget PC, and I could use some advice from those with more experience. We've created a parts list on PCPartPicker, which includes a second-hand 2060 Super, but we're considering downgrading to a 1660 Ti if we can't find the 2060S within budget. The CPU, motherboard, and RAM are part of a discount bundle on Newegg, but since I'm not located in the US, I'm unsure about their pricing reputation. I'm mainly looking for suggestions on budget-friendly replacements for any of the components in our list. The build seems okay to me, but I don't have extensive knowledge in this area. We're aiming to play games like Final Fantasy 14, Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and possibly Baldur's Gate 3. Also, she prefers a white case, so I've stuck with one that has good ventilation and reviews, but I'm open to suggestions for cheaper options.
3 Answers
Honestly, both the 2060 and 1660 Ti are pretty lackluster choices. You could find an RX 6600 for a similar price, and it outperforms both of those cards while offering more VRAM. If you can stretch the budget a little more, look into the Intel Arc B580, which is a lot faster!
For the CPU cooler, you really don’t need anything fancy for the 5500. It comes with a stock cooler if you get the boxed version, so you could save some cash there. Also, the case you picked (Lian Li Lancool 207) might be overkill too. I suggest the Lian Li A3 White Wood case. It’s stylish, has good airflow, and would look nice without the risk of a glass side breaking and showing off any lower-end parts. I used a mesh case for my mom’s build for the same reason!
Ohhh I didn't know about the cooler coming with the 5500! That makes it even better. Thanks for the heads-up!
I’d recommend going for a full ATX motherboard instead of a micro ATX. It gives you way more upgrade options down the line and the price difference is usually minimal. You can find a second-hand X570 board for a really good deal, too!
Just to clarify, the original post mentioned the 2060 Super, not the standard 2060. That might change some considerations!