Hi, I'm looking to build a new gaming PC. I am in the US and near a Micro Center if that helps. My budget is around $1500 - $2500. I want my system to last me for at least a few years if possible. Looking for parts that are "value parts" and not something where I spend extra $500 for minimal performance increase if that makes sense. I had someone suggest a build like this. Can anyone suggest builds for me? I already have a PC case, gaming monitors, and all peripherals.
Build Advice Help me build new gaming PC ?
- Thread starter dn002
- Start date
Darkbreeze
Retired Mod
- Jun 24, 2014
- 82,629
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You understand that RIGHT NOW, there really aren't any "value" parts, right? Because, everything is made in China, or somewhere that's getting walloped by tariffs, and so it's all VASTLY more expensive than it was before the current situation.
What case do you have?
Do you have ANY other parts you THINK are able to be repurposed on this build or is it only the case?
What case do you have?
Do you have ANY other parts you THINK are able to be repurposed on this build or is it only the case?
Darkbreeze
Retired Mod
- Jun 24, 2014
- 82,629
- 8,300
- 176,790
That's ridiculous. Unless you simply have a bunch of money you're wanting to part with and care more about that than being realistic. Crazy. Pfffffft.
ohio_buckeye
Illustrious
- Jan 5, 2015
- 5,632
- 2,002
- 41,740
I’d probably start out with this.
https://www.microcenter.com/product...d-triple-fan-16gb-gddr6-pcie-50-graphics-card
I have a 9070xt, but I got it at the same price as that 9070. The 9070 is still supposed to be pretty good though.
https://www.microcenter.com/product...ies-32gb-ddr5-6000-kit,-computer-build-bundle
It’s late here so I digress but those are basics of where I’d probably start. Personally I’ve got a ryzen 7 7700 non x with a b650 board, 32gb ddr5 6000 and a 9070xt. It’s a pretty good combination, so something similar for 1440p is going to be good. I’m on a 180hz 1440p monitor. If you wanted you could always spend more for an x3d cpu. I’ll probably wait until they come up with a 10800x3d.
https://www.microcenter.com/product...d-triple-fan-16gb-gddr6-pcie-50-graphics-card
I have a 9070xt, but I got it at the same price as that 9070. The 9070 is still supposed to be pretty good though.
https://www.microcenter.com/product...ies-32gb-ddr5-6000-kit,-computer-build-bundle
It’s late here so I digress but those are basics of where I’d probably start. Personally I’ve got a ryzen 7 7700 non x with a b650 board, 32gb ddr5 6000 and a 9070xt. It’s a pretty good combination, so something similar for 1440p is going to be good. I’m on a 180hz 1440p monitor. If you wanted you could always spend more for an x3d cpu. I’ll probably wait until they come up with a 10800x3d.
thestryker
Judicious
- Apr 19, 2016
- 5,829
- 4,018
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What resolution and refresh rate are you looking to play games at?
Looking at the linked build it basically appears to be cutting every corner possible except CPU and GPU. Depending on how you're planning on using it there may be some better options that lower prices and end up with an overall better build.
Generally speaking X3D parts are important for two things in gaming: CPU limited games and CPU longevity. The 5800X3D kept up with the regular 7000 series processors fairly well. The 7800X3D is faster than the regular 9000 series and I suspect will keep up with whatever comes next, and the 9800X3D might even be faster.
The 5080 is a 4k/1440p (high refresh rate) card so it might be possible to get something that isn't a third over the MSRP to suit your needs.
Looking at the linked build it basically appears to be cutting every corner possible except CPU and GPU. Depending on how you're planning on using it there may be some better options that lower prices and end up with an overall better build.
Generally speaking X3D parts are important for two things in gaming: CPU limited games and CPU longevity. The 5800X3D kept up with the regular 7000 series processors fairly well. The 7800X3D is faster than the regular 9000 series and I suspect will keep up with whatever comes next, and the 9800X3D might even be faster.
The 5080 is a 4k/1440p (high refresh rate) card so it might be possible to get something that isn't a third over the MSRP to suit your needs.
Why_Me
Titan
- Jan 17, 2008
- 17,285
- 2,947
- 72,340
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: *AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor ($289.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: *ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE ARGB 58 CFM CPU Cooler ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: *Gigabyte B850 GAMING X WIFI6E ATX AM5 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: *TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($92.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: *MSI SPATIUM M461 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($99.99 @ MSI)
Video Card: *Gigabyte WINDFORCE SFF GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card ($837.98 @ Newegg)
Case: *Montech AIR 903 MAX ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.97 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: *Super Flower Leadex III Gold UP 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1749.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-02 16:41 EDT-0400
https://www.tomshardware.com/software/windows/windows-11-free-or-cheap
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Why_Me
Titan
- Jan 17, 2008
- 17,285
- 2,947
- 72,340
Non ARGB version of that build up above.
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: *AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor ($289.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: *ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE 58 CFM CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: *Gigabyte B850 GAMING X WIFI6E ATX AM5 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: *TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($92.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: *MSI SPATIUM M461 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($99.99 @ MSI)
Video Card: *Gigabyte WINDFORCE SFF GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card ($837.98 @ Newegg)
Case: *Montech AIR 903 BASE ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: *Super Flower Leadex III Gold UP 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1714.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-02 16:42 EDT-0400
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: *AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor ($289.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: *ID-COOLING FROZN A620 PRO SE 58 CFM CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: *Gigabyte B850 GAMING X WIFI6E ATX AM5 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: *TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($92.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: *MSI SPATIUM M461 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($99.99 @ MSI)
Video Card: *Gigabyte WINDFORCE SFF GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card ($837.98 @ Newegg)
Case: *Montech AIR 903 BASE ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: *Super Flower Leadex III Gold UP 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1714.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-02 16:42 EDT-0400
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Why_Me
Titan
- Jan 17, 2008
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- 2,947
- 72,340
The 5070 Ti is usually more expensive (Nvidia tax), but it's the better card imo. It uses less power and runs cooler while giving you more fps not to mention the DLSS factor.
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It depends on the price, if they're close in price, go for the 5070 TI as it is a bit better. If you can get the 9070 xt for a good bit less, go for that, as it can give you 97% of the performance of a 5070 TI.
helper800
Judicious
- Aug 12, 2011
- 5,954
- 2,957
- 35,140
There are plenty of value options available. Graphics card prices are what they are, and in my opinion, none of them are a good deal. Beggars cannot be choosers. If you want a gaming PC there really is no choice. Here would be my picks for the best performance per dollar:
Grab the CPU in store at microcenter for a discount at the below price:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor ($359.99)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Royal Pretor 130 BLACK 81.88 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.69 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B850 GAMING X WIFI6E ATX AM5 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Venom 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Inland Performance Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($75.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial P3 Plus 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte WINDFORCE SFF GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card ($837.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Pop Air ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Best Buy)
Power Supply: Super Flower Leadex III Gold UP 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2083.59
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-02 15:24 EDT-0400
Or you can get a bit worse of a motherboard, and less slightly slower RAM with the microcenter 7800X3D bundle for 579.99:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor ($579.99)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Royal Pretor 130 BLACK 81.88 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.69 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING B650-E WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard (Purchased For $0.00)
Memory: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory ($0.00)
Storage: Inland Performance Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($75.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial P3 Plus 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte WINDFORCE SFF GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card ($837.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Pop Air ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Best Buy)
Power Supply: Super Flower Leadex III Gold UP 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1963.61
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-02 15:29 EDT-0400
Grab the CPU in store at microcenter for a discount at the below price:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor ($359.99)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Royal Pretor 130 BLACK 81.88 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.69 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B850 GAMING X WIFI6E ATX AM5 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Patriot Venom 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Inland Performance Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($75.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial P3 Plus 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte WINDFORCE SFF GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card ($837.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Pop Air ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Best Buy)
Power Supply: Super Flower Leadex III Gold UP 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $2083.59
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-02 15:24 EDT-0400
Or you can get a bit worse of a motherboard, and less slightly slower RAM with the microcenter 7800X3D bundle for 579.99:
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor ($579.99)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Royal Pretor 130 BLACK 81.88 CFM CPU Cooler ($49.69 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING B650-E WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard (Purchased For $0.00)
Memory: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory ($0.00)
Storage: Inland Performance Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($75.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial P3 Plus 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte WINDFORCE SFF GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card ($837.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Pop Air ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Best Buy)
Power Supply: Super Flower Leadex III Gold UP 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1963.61
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-02 15:29 EDT-0400
Last edited:
Why_Me
Titan
- Jan 17, 2008
- 17,285
- 2,947
- 72,340
A couple of need-to-know questions: What is your main gaming monitor (resolution and refresh rate), do you use wifi or ethernet, and what are the typical games you normally play?
Why_Me
Titan
- Jan 17, 2008
- 17,285
- 2,947
- 72,340
If you play any heavily modded games such as City Skylines, Minecraft, etc ... then look at a set of low profile AMD EXPO 64GB of RAM.
PCPartPicker Part List
Memory: *G.Skill Flare X5 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory ($184.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $184.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-02 20:53 EDT-0400
Why_Me
Titan
- Jan 17, 2008
- 17,285
- 2,947
- 72,340
That's not a bad deal although that board doesn't support PCIe 5.0 for the gpu and CL36 RAM.
Not having Pcie 5.0 shouldn't be an issue in the near term, at least not until the whole platform has to be upgraded anyway. It's a bigger deal for nvme ssd's, but even then, by the time it's a big issue you'll likely have to upgrade everything else as well. The CL36 Ram is a bit of a bummer, but it also wouldn't be a night and day difference, you're looking at maybe 1 - 2% difference, but it would maximize your performance for the platform.
https://www.techpowerup.com/review/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5090-pci-express-scaling/29.html
https://www.techpowerup.com/review/ddr5-memory-performance-scaling-with-amd-zen-5/17.html
Why_Me
Titan
- Jan 17, 2008
- 17,285
- 2,947
- 72,340
Microcenter is notorious for bundling boards and RAM that doesn't move off the shelves otherwise. Great cpu matched with a chipset that's being phased out and CL36 RAM.
https://www.techpowerup.com/337421/...chipset-insider-predicts-q325-stock-depletion
Darkbreeze
Retired Mod
- Jun 24, 2014
- 82,629
- 8,300
- 176,790
Well, there are plenty of people slinging builds at the wall to see what sticks, so I'll just bow out. But, good luck. If you want any of my input, let me know. Otherwise, best of luck to you. Really.
helper800
Judicious
- Aug 12, 2011
- 5,954
- 2,957
- 35,140
Slinging builds as opposed to what? I personally wanted to get a couple out there because the money was much better spent on our suggested parts lists than the OP's initial parts list. I would rather put a good list out quick before someone jumps the gun and pays for their less optimized list before getting feedback on it. We are also not "seeing what sticks." I carefully make all of my lists, as does @Why_Me. As long as I have either a point of comparison/budget, or a resolution and monitor frequency and game type to go off I can put together at least a starting point until more information is presented about requirements.
Make sure to let us know if there is any apprehension regarding any particular mentioned parts, building and setting up the PC with an OS, or any other such relevant questions! We may be slinging builds, but that is because, at least in my case, a build was provided that was not optimal. You wrote above that you are targeting 1440p and 240hz. I assume that you want that kind of performance in the builds we provide, and all of the above builds will do about as good as they can within the budget.
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