Build Advice New PC Build on a $900 budget ?

[fhoshow]

Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: asap

Budget Range: 900

System Usage from Most to Least Important: I use mostly for internet and work related tasks which doesn't use much compute. I do like to play city builder type games but not much shooters. mostly older stuff atm. Looking for best bang for buck type of build thanks if its cheaper than budget even better.

Are you buying a monitor: No using current monitor ASUS TUF GAMING 32' 1440P HDR Curved Monitor VG32VQ1B - QHD (2560 x 1440) 165Hz ( support 144Hz), 1ms. HDMI BLACK



Parts to Upgrade: full PC Build

Do you need to buy OS: Yes
Please note that if you're using an OEM license of Windows, you will need a new one when buying a new motherboard.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: any

Location: Vegas, NV

Parts Preferences: any

Overclocking: no

SLI or Crossfire: no

Your Monitor Resolution: 2560 x 1440

Additional Comments: Any case is fine less RGB if its cheaper is good.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: PC Is old due for an upgrade.



Thanks.

 

[Why_Me]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *Intel Core i5-12400F 2.5 GHz 6-Core Processor ($132.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: *Thermalright Assassin X 120 Refined SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($17.89 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: *ASRock Z690 Pro RS ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: *TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($55.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: *TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 1 TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($56.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: *MSI GeForce RTX 3060 Ventus 2X 12G GeForce RTX 3060 12GB 12 GB Video Card ($279.99 @ Newegg)
Case: *Montech AIR 903 BASE ATX Mid Tower Case ($65.00 @ B&H)
Power Supply: *be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.90 @ Amazon)
Operating System: *Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM - DVD 64-bit ($124.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $943.73
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-04-25 00:03 EDT-0400

 

[beyondlogic]

Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: asap

Budget Range: 900

System Usage from Most to Least Important: I use mostly for internet and work related tasks which doesn't use much compute. I do like to play city builder type games but not much shooters. mostly older stuff atm. Looking for best bang for buck type of build thanks if its cheaper than budget even better.

Are you buying a monitor: No using current monitor ASUS TUF GAMING 32' 1440P HDR Curved Monitor VG32VQ1B - QHD (2560 x 1440) 165Hz ( support 144Hz), 1ms. HDMI BLACK



Parts to Upgrade: full PC Build

Do you need to buy OS: Yes
Please note that if you're using an OEM license of Windows, you will need a new one when buying a new motherboard.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: any

Location: Vegas, NV

Parts Preferences: any

Overclocking: no

SLI or Crossfire: no

Your Monitor Resolution: 2560 x 1440

Additional Comments: Any case is fine less RGB if its cheaper is good.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: PC Is old due for an upgrade.



Thanks.

2k best a lil over target
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7V2pkJ


2k closest to target
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Dm2pkJ


you can undercut the gpu a bit further but i would strongly suggesting not to.

 

[Niklas_13]

Flash BIOs before the OS install

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 3.7 GHz 6-Core Processor ($152.60 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI B550-A PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard ($104.00 @ MSI)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($36.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Blue SN580 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($74.00 @ iBUYPOWER)
Video Card: XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX 7600 XT 16 GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg Sellers)
Case: Zalman S2 ATX Mid Tower Case ($52.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $838.58
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-04-25 00:57 EDT-0400

 

[fhoshow]

2k best a lil over target
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7V2pkJ


2k closest to target
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Dm2pkJ


you can undercut the gpu a bit further but i would strongly suggesting not to.

Thanks guys. when you say 2k you are refering to 2k resolution? so you're saying the top link is best for 2k and the bottom one is a bit cheaper but also compatible for 2k?

Sorry if a noob question.

 

[fhoshow]

Flash BIOs before the OS install

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 3.7 GHz 6-Core Processor ($152.60 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI B550-A PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard ($104.00 @ MSI)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($36.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Blue SN580 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($74.00 @ iBUYPOWER)
Video Card: XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX 7600 XT 16 GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg Sellers)
Case: Zalman S2 ATX Mid Tower Case ($52.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: MSI MAG A750GL PCIE5 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $838.58
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-04-25 00:57 EDT-0400

good price, but you are excluding the OS. I currently have win 10 license I wonder how hard it is to transfer and upgrade to 11 if possible... hmmm anyone know if its fairly simple or even possible?

 

[Lucky_SLS]

I would suggest this for 2k gaming:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-12600KF 3.7 GHz 10-Core Processor ($154.65 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($35.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z690 Pro RS ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Silicon Power GAMING 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($52.97 @ Amazon)
Storage: ADATA XPG GAMMIX S7 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Speedster QICK 319 Core Radeon RX 6750 XT 12 GB Video Card ($329.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Phanteks XT PRO ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS GX-750 ATX 3.0 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ B&H)
Case Fan: Thermalright TL-C12C X3 66.17 CFM 120 mm Fans 3-Pack ($11.90 @ Amazon)
Total: $905.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-04-25 01:12 EDT-0400

 

[Niklas_13]

You don’t need a license to use windows, if you can live with a water mark and some personal settings disabled.

 

[kira-faye]

good price, but you are excluding the OS. I currently have win 10 license I wonder how hard it is to transfer and upgrade to 11 if possible... hmmm anyone know if its fairly simple or even possible?

Gray market Windows keys are like $10, and you can run 11 indefinitely with no meaningful features disabled and no key as long as you don't care about the nagging messages.

That, and you might try something like System 76's PopOS. It's Linux, but very well put together, their integrated software "store" makes finding and installing stuff really easy, and depending on what games you play and what software you need for work it may be as simple as installing Steam and just... Using it like you always have.

 

[35below0]

good price, but you are excluding the OS. I currently have win 10 license I wonder how hard it is to transfer and upgrade to 11 if possible... hmmm anyone know if its fairly simple or even possible?

Hold on. Is that license an OEM license? Or did you buy Windows yourself and have the license key?

Windows 10 and 11 share license keys, so your existing license will be good for your new Win 11 machine.
You should unlicense Win 10 before retiring the machine, because the rule is 1 license per PC. You cannot have two.

 

[logainofhades]

A little over, but spending the extra for the IGP is worth it. It can be useful for GPU troubleshooting, and your system is still usable in the event your GPU dies.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-12600K 3.7 GHz 10-Core Processor ($177.20 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler ($33.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z690 Extreme ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Silicon Power UD90 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: ASRock Radeon RX6700XT CLD 12G Radeon RX 6700 XT 12 GB Video Card ($319.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman S2 ATX Mid Tower Case ($52.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS GX-750 ATX 3.0 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ B&H)
Total: $922.04
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-04-25 07:36 EDT-0400

 

[35below0]

I'll undercut the other suggested builds and offer a lower price option at ~$545 if you're reusing your Win 10 license ($675 if buying a new license).
Call it a "this is all you need until you know for sure you need something more powerful" build.


The motherboard is previous gen flagship chipset model but for a lot less money than it's original price. It's still good and has enough features to have a future.
One day when you see an intel 14700K for around $150, slot it in an enjoy the upgrade.

The starting 12100 is a "weak" CPU but it's perfectly fine for older games, city builders and the like. It isn't really weak, just sits at the bottom rung of the ladder. It has it's own stock cooler and doesn't need an aftermarket cooler at all.
(I have an i5 13600K, and it doesn't even break a sweat when i play older games. I play a lot of those.
The difference is the i3 12100 costs approx ~$115 and the 13600K ~$325. This is why i suggest you upgrade to a 14th gen i7 in one leap instead of overspending on a "better" CPU today. You won't really be able to sell a used CPU and recoup the cost. And how do you know you need a "better" CPU anyway?)

RAM is DDR4, and it's again good enough for years to come. 32Gb is safe. 16Gb would be too but why skimp on this and go through the trouble of upgrading RAM?

Case is nice, and not too expensive. Has room for long GPUs, tall CPU coolers, extra fans or whatever you may want to add in the future.

Speaking of GPUs, there isn't one. You will run everything off the integrated graphics. But if that proves too slow, you can pickup something for ~$280-350 which will bring the total price in line with your budget.
You have the option.
Just be aware that pickins are kinda slim right now, and next gen GPUs are expected to bring more bang for the buck.

PSU is well above and beyond what the build needs, but it's covered by a long warranty, is reliable and efficient. Should you stick more power hungry CPUs and GPUs into your PC, you will not have to upgrade the PSU.
If you buy a less powerful PSU, you'll barely save $20, so i suggest you go with this one or one that is equally capable. Heck, go for a Platinum efficiency model if you like. Makes more sense in the long run.

Not much to say about the SSD. It's reliable and slightly slower than more modern drives, hence the lower price.
There's a slot on the motherboard for another one if you need it later.

The build:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i3-12100 3.3 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($115.98 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z690 PG Riptide ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-4000 CL18 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial P3 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($68.98 @ Amazon)
Case: Antec C8 ATX Mid Tower Case ($61.58 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS GX-750 ATX 3.0 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ B&H)
** provisional - Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - Download 64-bit ($138.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $675.50
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-04-25 07:21 EDT-0400

 

[beyondlogic]

Thanks guys. when you say 2k you are refering to 2k resolution? so you're saying the top link is best for 2k and the bottom one is a bit cheaper but also compatible for 2k?

Sorry if a noob question.

2k res correct

The top link is better overall because it has more vram for games will have more life down the road. The platform can be further improved by a CPU swapp to Ryzen 5700x down the road but the CPU in the build is good enough .

The second is ok but would require a upgrade of both CPU and GPU in few years.

You could also do master of non build
Which is a balanced build which is just a mix of both builds but balanced

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/yMxydH

The second link from previous .

The first will link build will probly need a cpu upgrade later on if the performance is a bit lacking

 

[fhoshow]

Thanks all for the replies!

Also if I want a 2TB instead of 1 does brand matter much or any will do?

 

[beyondlogic]

Thanks all for the replies!

Also if I want a 2TB instead of 1 does brand matter much or any will do?

You can do 2tb would recommend that at

Yes brand can matter the one I've listed is speed of 7000 on PCI gen 4 they do require a m.2 heatsink. You can infact get the same drive in 2tb with heatsink. Just that was what I cut to keep it close to your budget

 

[Lucky_SLS]

Thanks all for the replies!

Also if I want a 2TB instead of 1 does brand matter much or any will do?

https://www.tomshardware.com/features/ssd-benchmarks-hierarchy