Hey everyone! My fiancé has been using the same laptop for 16 years, and it's finally time to upgrade as it's struggling to run his favorite games. I'm looking to surprise him with a new laptop or desktop for Christmas. He enjoys games like Crusader Kings, Civilization, and other strategy titles, mostly ones that focus on maps and menus rather than first-person shooters.
Given that we just bought a house and finances are a bit tight, I'm hoping to find something budget-friendly but also upgradeable for the long run, ideally under $700. I'm leaning towards a desktop since they're generally more upgradable. What are some good options for a basic but flexible gaming PC? Are there any stores to watch for holiday deals, and should I consider a fully built system or building it myself? Any help would be appreciated!
1 Answer
Building a PC yourself can save you money, but it does require some time and effort. Do you have a specific budget in mind?

I don’t have a specific budget set because I’m not exactly sure what to expect! I’d love to keep it under $700. I’m thinking about making upgrades later as gifts for him, so I’m okay with being a little frugal now.