I'm building my first custom PC and live in Australia, with a budget of around $2,500 AUD, although I can stretch it if the upgrade is worthwhile. I'd like a mostly white build, but I'm fine if a few components don't match perfectly. The PC should handle FPS games, Elden Ring, GTA, and similar titles smoothly at good settings, with enough storage and a reasonable upgrade lifespan.
My current MSI MPG Trident AS 12th uses an Intel Core i5-12400F, an RTX 3060, and a 1TB SSD, but it has developed motherboard and boot problems. Rather than repair or replace another prebuilt, I'd like to build something myself for better performance, flexibility, and longevity. I'm overwhelmed by the number of parts and would really appreciate advice on what components to choose and how to get started.
2 Answers
Your existing prebuilt’s i5-12400F, RTX 3060, and SSD are useful reference points, but the small-form-factor parts and power supply may not transfer easily into a normal custom build. I’d treat the new PC as a fresh build unless you confirm the exact parts are standard and worth reusing.
A sensible starting layout would be a modern AMD gaming CPU, a B650/B850 motherboard, 32GB of DDR5, a 2TB TLC NVMe SSD, a quality 750W-or-so power supply, a well-ventilated white case, and the strongest current GPU that fits the remaining budget. Check the GPU length, CPU cooler height, motherboard size, and power connectors before ordering.
Use performance charts from reputable hardware-review sites when comparing CPUs and GPUs rather than relying only on model names. Also leave some room in the budget for a decent tower cooler, extra case fans if the case needs them, and possibly Windows if you don’t already have a transferable license.
Start by using an Australian PC parts comparison tool so you can check compatibility and local pricing. It’s useful for planning the build, checking whether the parts fit together, and finding current examples.
For a gaming-focused system, AMD’s current CPUs are strong choices, especially if you want a platform with future upgrade options. A B650 or B850 motherboard with two M.2 slots, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth if needed, adequate USB ports, and decent VRM heatsinks should be plenty; you don’t need to spend heavily on motherboard features that won’t improve gaming performance.
For memory, aim for 32GB as two 16GB sticks. DDR5-6000 is generally a good target for an AMD system, although DDR5-5600 or 6400 can also work if the price is right. Lower latency is preferable, but it usually isn’t worth paying a large premium for.
For storage, choose an NVMe M.2 SSD using TLC NAND where possible. PCIe 4.0 is already fast enough for gaming, and PCIe 5.0 drives usually don’t provide a noticeable benefit outside of specialized file-transfer workloads. A 1TB drive is usable, but a 2TB model may be more comfortable for a modern game library.
Put as much of the budget as possible toward the graphics card. AMD cards currently tend to offer better value than similarly performing NVIDIA cards, though compare Australian prices at the time you buy. Choose a quality power supply from a reputable model line and check it against a reliable PSU tier list. A white case, white fans, and white cable extensions can give you the look without requiring every internal component to be white.
This is incredibly helpful, especially the advice about prioritizing the graphics card and not overspending on the motherboard. I can go a little over budget if it gives me better longevity, so I’ll compare a few AMD GPU options and look for a 2x16GB DDR5 kit.