Hey everyone! I'm excited to share my current mockup for my first-ever PC build and would love your input. I'm just a super casual gamer—honestly, I probably won't fully utilize my rig's potential, but I want something decent for gaming and reliable for working from home. There are some new games coming out that I'd like to experience without having to shell out for new consoles anytime soon.
I'm aiming for a setup that can last me a decade, and while my friend, who's experienced with PCs, is guiding me through the process, I believe that more perspectives could be valuable.
Here's what I have so far:
- **GPU:** 5060 Ti 16GB (already purchased)
- **CPU:** Intel 14600k
- **PSU:** Seasonic 650w
- **Motherboard:** Likely a B760-P with Wi-Fi, but I've heard it might require a BIOS update. I need USB-C and plenty of ports, but future-proofing isn't a priority.
- **RAM:** 2x16GB Kingston DDR4 (I got these for free, which is a great bonus considering current prices!)
- **SSD:** 2TB Samsung
- **Case:** Fractal North
- **Cooler:** Thermalright Phantom Spirit
- **Fans:** Planning to add a Noctua rear fan, but I believe the Fractal case comes with some fans already.
I'm keeping my budget around $1000 and just want something reliable and worth the investment. I chose Intel based on positive feedback, and I stuck with DDR4 because I got a good deal on the RAM.
If I had the budget, sure, I'd go for AM5, DDR5, and a liquid cooler, but I'm keeping it manageable! I've done some research but could definitely use more opinions or recommendations. Thanks in advance for your help!
3 Answers
Just a heads up, I think the PCPartPicker link you shared might be broken. You can create a permalink by editing your part list on the site. It's also a great idea to check out how to format it for better visibility if you're sharing it around!
Here's a quick and reliable build using Intel LG1700 or AMD AM5, just in case you'd like to compare:
- For Intel: i5-12600KF, Thermalright cooler, MSI motherboard, and you’re good under $1200!
- For AMD: Ryzen 5 7600X, along with a decent cooler and a solid storage option.
Look into the prices, and it might help you adjust if you go over your budget! Also, you might want to double-check your motherboard options as some might still require older BIOS updates.
Getting those 2x16GB sticks of DDR4 for free was definitely a smart move—prices have skyrocketed! Your build looks solid overall. Make sure to use PCPartPicker to check for compatibility and find the best deals on components. It’s super handy!
Thanks for the tips! A coworker gave me those sticks as he upgraded to 4x32GB DDR5 for his 3D modeling work. I also scored my GPU, a 5060 Ti 16GB, during a Black Friday sale for around $333, and it really kickstarted my PC build plans! I used PCPartPicker, and it mentioned possibly needing a BIOS update on the motherboard—any pointers on that?