I'm planning to visit a computer store in Tustin around Black Friday to buy parts for my first gaming PC. My budget is about $1,300, and I want a system that can run Fortnite, Rocket League, Rainbow Six Siege, Minecraft, Call of Duty, and future games smoothly at 1080p on a 180Hz monitor. I'm new to building PCs and would appreciate a complete, beginner-friendly parts list with compatible components.
2 Answers
For competitive 1080p gaming, prioritize a strong gaming CPU, especially an X3D processor if the store has a discounted CPU, motherboard, and RAM bundle. Pair it with a graphics card such as an RX 9060 XT 16GB, RTX 5060, RX 7600, or Intel B580. The 9060 XT 16GB would give you more room for newer games and even some 1440p gaming later. An RX 9070 could also be worth considering if it is only slightly more expensive and you can find a bundle deal. Look for AM5 with DDR5-6000 CL30 memory, a 2TB SSD if the budget allows, and check open-box parts—especially graphics cards—for additional savings. I wouldn’t wait specifically for Black Friday; good bundles may sell out, and current deals could be better than an uncertain future sale.
Another possible route is an Intel 250K bundle with a motherboard and 32GB of RAM, paired with an RX 9070 GRE around the $479 range. Add an inexpensive case, a reliable roughly 1000W or appropriately sized power supply, and an affordable 240mm liquid cooler or quality air cooler. A setup like that could potentially handle 1440p and even some 4K gaming while staying near your $1,300 budget. Check whether the store can price-match eligible parts and ask about open-box components.
I’d really appreciate a full example build, since I’m not familiar enough with PC parts to assemble the list myself.
Could someone put together a complete parts list for me? I’m new to PC building and recently switched from an Xbox One S, so I’m not sure how to choose compatible parts.