I'm based in Belgium and want to build my first proper gaming tower after years of using a gaming laptop. My target is current games at 1080p on high settings around 120 FPS, and I don't need peripherals. Ideally, I'd like a system that could eventually handle 1440p, but a strong 1440p ultra build plus a suitable monitor seems difficult under €800.
I'm unsure whether PC prices are currently inflated because of component shortages and AI-related demand, so I'd appreciate advice on realistic parts and where to find affordable new or used components in Belgium or elsewhere in the EU. If 1440p isn't practical at this budget, I'd be happy with an upgradeable 1080p build for now. Used parts, discounted prebuilts, and display models are all options.
2 Answers
For the second-hand market, local pricing and availability matter a lot, so check Belgian computer shops for discounted prebuilts, returned systems, or display models. Local classified listings can also be useful, but make sure to test the parts and verify the power supply and graphics card condition.
For a value-focused build, look for a Ryzen 5 5600 or 5600X, or possibly a Ryzen 7 5700-series chip, paired with an RX 6700 XT or RX 6750 XT. That combination should handle 1080p high or ultra settings well and can manage 1440p with adjusted settings. If you find an unusually good deal, an RX 6800 or RTX 3080-class card would provide more 1440p performance. Avoid the Ryzen 5 5500 and most G-series processors if gaming performance and future upgrades are priorities. An affordable AM5 bundle with DDR5 memory could also be worth considering if one appears.
You may need to stretch the budget closer to €980 for a new build with a powerful modern graphics card. A card with 16GB of VRAM should be a solid 1440p option, but spending more than €500 on the GPU alone will take up most of your budget. It’s worth comparing prices across Belgian and EU retailers instead of assuming the first listed store is cheapest.
That GPU price is definitely hard to justify for me. I’ll compare more retailers and look into used cards before increasing the budget that much.