I'm a bit out of the loop on current computer builds for kids, and I'm looking for some suggestions for a first computer for my 14-year-old. His gaming interests right now are mostly limited to Minecraft and Fortnite, but that could change anytime. My previous builds were mostly focused on running demanding software, and I'm leaning towards using AMD since I've had a good experience with it on Linux. I'd love to hear the community's thoughts on suitable builds, especially in the AMD family, and I'm open to recommendations for graphics as well! Here's a link to my current parts list for reference: [PCPartPicker List](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/yh2nWc)
2 Answers
Given that he’s mainly playing Minecraft and Fortnite, the suggested setup might be a bit overkill. But getting familiar with tweaking settings to optimize performance is definitely a plus! Plus, the Linux choice is a fantastic way to broaden his tech skills; it’ll open up more possibilities for him in the long run.
If you're considering a slight budget increase, check out this build. It includes a solid AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, which should handle gaming like a champ. You could also save a bit by just sticking with an alright RAM kit right now instead of going all out. Also, the Gigabyte B650M motherboard and a decent GPU like the RX 9060 XT would be perfect for his gaming needs! Overall, this setup should keep up well for several years ahead.
Honestly, besides the RAM, I don't see a huge need to switch to the suggested build. RAM prices are pretty high, and it might be smarter to grab a decent kit for now and wait for prices to drop over the next couple years.
Why not just go for the non-X version of the 7600 and use the stock cooler? That could save you some bucks!
Yes, learning to optimize the system will be beneficial! If you think downgrading the CPU/GPU slightly could save some money without losing performance, that might be a smart move.