I'm helping a friend set up her first PC budget build and could really use some advice from those with more experience. Here's the link to her part picker list: [https://pcpartpicker.com/list/YkzC9C](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/YkzC9C). She's planning to get a secondhand 2060 Super for the graphics card, but we're also considering a downgrade to a 1660 Ti if we can't find it or need to save more money. We found a bundle deal on Newegg for the motherboard, CPU, and memory, but I'm not super familiar with US prices since I'm not from there.
Are there any parts in her list that you would suggest swapping for more budget-friendly alternatives? Overall, the build seems solid to me, but I'd appreciate any pointers to make it better within a budget. She plans to play games like Final Fantasy 14, Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and It Takes Two, maybe some Baldur's Gate 3 too. Also, she's interested in a white case for aesthetics, and while I picked one with good reviews on ventilation, I'm open to more affordable options that still perform well.
3 Answers
Honestly, the 2060 and 1660 Ti are not the best choices right now. You should consider an RX 6600 instead; it’s usually similarly priced but offers better performance and more VRAM. If you're able to budget a bit more, the Intel Arc B580 is also a strong contender for faster performance.
You don’t really need that high-end cooler for the Ryzen 5500, since if you get the boxed version, it already comes with one. Also, the Lian Li Lancool 207 might be more than necessary. If you’re looking for a good white case, I suggest the Lian Li A3 White Wood. It’s mesh, looks nice, and it’s harder to break compared to glass. That’s why I built my mom’s PC in a CH160 Mesh, so appearances didn’t matter as much for me.
Oh, I didn’t know the 5500 came with a cooler! That’s great to hear. Switching the case might save us some cash too, thanks!
For the motherboard, I'd recommend going with a full ATX size instead of micro ATX. It gives you a lot more flexibility for future upgrades with just a slight price increase. You can find second-hand x570 boards at a good price, which can really boost your options without breaking the bank.
Actually, I meant to specify the 2060 Super, sorry about the mix-up!