I'm trying to put together a PC build for my girlfriend who's building her first gaming rig. My experience was a lot easier back in the day when I didn't have to stick to a strict budget. Right now, I have a list of components that seems decent, but I'm really unsure about what to do for storage. We're thinking of starting with a 1TB NVMe SSD and possibly adding an external SSD later when prices drop. I'm looking for some guidance on reliable brands and any other suggestions for the build. I already have a spare 32GB DDR5 RAM kit from a previous project, so that won't be included in the budget. I'm also considering switching from a 9600X to a 7600X depending on price changes. Thanks in advance for any advice!
5 Answers
Sounds like you're doing well picking parts. Just a heads up, while the 7600X is tempting, the performance leap versus the 9600X isn't huge. Also, keep in mind some newer games might not yet support Intel's XeSS, which could limit performance in those titles.
Good catch! It's crucial to know what games have compatibility issues. I'll do more research on that.
If you're okay with used parts, definitely check out some local trade or swap groups online. You might find some good deals that can save you a lot on components without skimping on quality.
Your build is looking solid! If you want a bit more performance, consider upgrading to the 9060 16GB GPU, but the B580 is a great choice as is. Just keep in mind that SSD prices aren't expected to drop significantly soon, so you could decide to get a 2TB SSD instead of a 1TB if you want to avoid future upgrades.
I'd recommend going for a 1TB or 2TB NVMe SSD from brands like Samsung or Western Digital for quality assurance. For instance, the WD Black SN850X is about $130. Choosing the right SSD can definitely keep your build around that $900 mark, especially with your selected parts in mind!
Awesome! I'll definitely add the Samsung 990 EVO Plus 1TB since it's around $104 and has great reviews.
I think your setup looks good overall! Just make sure to double-check for any Micro Center bundles if you're near one; sometimes they have great deals. As for the power supply, upgrading to a fully modular 750W unit would only cost you about $10 more—you won't regret it!
Good point! I’ll get the fully modular PSU since it’s only a bit more. I wasn’t yet aware that not all are fully modular, haha. I would love to get that 9060 XT, but it's slightly over budget. Thanks!
Thanks for that; I’ll definitely keep an eye on game support for XeSS, especially since I want to avoid hiccups with performance!