Hi everyone! I'm trying to piece together an affordable PC for my child that can handle 1440p gaming and ideally last 5-8 years without needing major upgrades. Here's the situation: I've already picked up a second-hand Corsair Dominator 32GB CL16 3200 MHz DDR4 RAM, which was a good deal, but I faced some unexpected customs fees while buying it. I also got a cheap desk for around €119 and an MSI Forge M100 case. I've already purchased a BeQuiet Pure Rock Slim 3 CPU cooler, suitable for a TDP of up to 130 W. However, I'm still deciding on the CPU, GPU, and monitor options—should I go with the Arc B580 or the R7 5700? I'm considering the AMD AM4 platform since DDR5 pricing is quite steep, and getting 32GB of memory with AM5 could break the bank. I'm also thinking about an 850W Gold PSU—does that seem reasonable for a build expected to last that long? I'm facing some challenges with rising AM4 prices in Spain, and overall, my budget isn't where I hoped it would be. My previous experience with an AM5 build was cheaper for RAM and allowed for 64GB at full speed, so I'm left wondering if AM4 is the right choice or if I should switch to Intel. Here are my main questions: 1) Which CPU and GPU would you recommend for longevity? 2) Is AM4 the best route, or is Intel worth considering? 3) How can I optimize costs while ensuring decent long-term performance? 4) Is an 850W Gold PSU a wise choice? Any guidance would be super helpful! Thanks a lot!
4 Answers
Choosing AM4 will give you good affordability, but I'm unsure it'll last the entire 5-8 years without a hitch. The 5700X3D or 5800X3D are great, but they come at a premium. If your budget allows, consider them, but don't be shocked if you're dialing back settings in a few years since game demands will rise.
I'd keep in mind that both AM4 and Intel LGA 1700 are now being phased out, which means you won't see new CPUs made for them anymore. It's totally fine to stick with AM4 if you're on a tighter budget. Just try to focus on CPUs like the 5700X3D or 5800X3D if you can; they might be pricier but should give good performance for years to come. If you want more specific advice, let me know your budget, and I can help further!
Thanks! I’m thinking around €850. I’ve already committed to the 32GB DDR4 RAM, so I guess I'm limited to AM4.
For your build, you might want to consider an Intel 14600K paired with a B760 motherboard along with a 5060 Ti with 16GB or more RAM. If you prefer AMD, check out the 9060 XT with 16GB. Don't forget to grab at least a 1TB NVME SSD—those will fill up fast with modern games, but having a 1-2TB HDD for additional storage helps preserve your SSD's lifespan and keeps everything organized. Overall, these choices should fit your gaming needs well!
Thanks for the suggestions!
You might find great deals on used parts. A friend recently scored a 13600K with a Z790 motherboard for about €260! However, keep in mind that the market in Spain has surged lately, so double-check prices to ensure you're getting a bargain.
Sounds interesting, but I've noticed prices for used parts are often higher than new ones on platforms like Wallapop.
Definitely agree that while the x3D CPUs are strong, their high prices make them less attractive compared to new-gen options.