I've saved about $2,500 CAD and want to move from console to PC gaming. I have no experience choosing parts or assembling a computer, so I'm looking for either a recommended parts list or advice on whether a prebuilt would be the better choice. I'm not concerned about 4K resolution or ray tracing—I mainly want smooth 1080p or 1440p gameplay in modern games at 60 FPS or higher. The budget is for the PC itself, and I'm located in Canada.
2 Answers
A custom build should fit your goals well. A current six-core AMD processor, 32 GB of DDR5 memory, a 1 TB NVMe SSD, and a modern graphics card with around 16 GB of VRAM would be a strong combination for 1440p gaming. The graphics card should receive most of the budget, while a quality 750 W Gold-rated power supply and decent airflow are also important. Compare the final parts list carefully, since memory and SSD prices can vary wildly and some listings are poor values. Building is very manageable if you follow a detailed guide and take your time.
Since you’re new to both parts and assembly, check Canadian retailers such as Memory Express and Canada Computers for CPU, motherboard, and memory bundles. Those deals can make a custom PC noticeably cheaper, especially when memory prices are high. A prebuilt is reasonable if you don’t want to learn assembly, but compare its exact components rather than judging it only by the processor or graphics card. Make sure it includes 32 GB of RAM, an NVMe SSD, a reputable power supply, and a case with proper airflow.
By zero experience, I mean I’ve only used consoles and don’t really know how the parts fit together or which components are compatible.