My old computer recently died, and repairing it is difficult because it uses outdated parts that are no longer easy to find. I'm planning my first PC build and would appreciate advice on suitable specifications or parts. I need the system primarily for coding and recording my screen while I work, but I also play games and want enough graphics performance for shader-heavy titles. My budget is approximately $4,000–$5,000 USD, including any necessary peripherals. I'm open to recommendations for specific components or reliable brands.
3 Answers
A parts-list compatibility tool is useful for planning a first build. It lets you compare completed builds, check whether components work together, and track prices. You probably don’t need to spend the full budget on the computer itself—modern midrange or high-end hardware can already handle coding, recording, and shader-heavy games comfortably. Consider putting the extra money toward a good monitor, storage, microphone, or backup drive.
Your requirements are fairly easy for a current PC, especially with a $4,000–$5,000 budget. Even several-generation-old hardware with a capable processor, 32 GB of memory, an NVMe drive, and a strong GPU can handle recording and gaming well. For screen capture, a recent graphics card’s built-in encoder can reduce the performance impact, so you shouldn’t need a second laptop just to record your coding sessions.
With that budget, you’ll have plenty of performance for coding, screen recording, and gaming. A modern high-end CPU, 32–64 GB of DDR5 memory, a fast 2 TB or larger NVMe SSD, and a strong graphics card with good hardware encoding would be more than enough. A quality 850–1200 W power supply, a well-ventilated case, and a decent CPU cooler are also worth budgeting for. Don’t forget that the monitor and other peripherals can take a significant portion of the total cost.
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