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MURRRAAAAY's avatar
MURRRAAAAY

Ok here is what I would recommend for a FIRST TIME PC builder who wants to get some good gaming on the go with their shiny new PC! Total spend £997.27

I have made it here on PC part Picker so the pricing is legit (not hypothetical) and for a first system this would be a pretty impressive one performance wise and looks wise!

The CPU is a solid AMD Ryzen 5 5600x which is more than enough for current day mid tier gaming, also by selecting AMD's previous socket you save some cash! (AM4 for the budget win but for future proofing you may want to look at AM5) !

For the GPU the other main part of a gaming rid we have went for the more than capable 4060 TI (16gb variant so there is a decent amount of VRAM to play with over the 8gb cheaper variant) !

To store all your glorious games we have went for a 1tb NVME SSD from Adata, i can vouch for this one as its in the machine im currently typing this up on lol

Then we have fired in some 3200 mhz RAM from Corsair which also has some RGB on it as that is ESSENTIAL for any first time gaming rid, like seriously has anyone ever build a gaming rid and had NO RGB on it? lol

Then to package all this gaming awesomeness up and so you can flex on your buddies we have it sitting nicely inside this White gaming tower which ahs RBG fans from ANtec!

And to run it all we have included a licence for Windows 11 Home (You could probably save some coins here by trying to buy a key from somewhere online but as this is a first time builder guide id say just go the simple route as if this is new to you it can be very daunting!)

Also the boring stuff is ticket off with a safe and effective PSU to power your rig from Corsair and a nice quiet cooler from Be Quiet funnily enough!

Now download steam and dive into that Spring sale that is on right now and get some games to test out your beautiful new gaming machine! Enjoy! :)

PS Also I could have done this again to include peripherals but they were not mentioned in the bounty so i assume they have a monitor and keyboard / mouse lying around!

Sturmer's avatar
Sturmer

There is a lot of assumptions in this bounty. 'Very first gaming PC' - could mean the person doesn’t own anything in that regard, so you need to plan for peripherals like a mouse, headphones or speakers, a monitor, a keyboard, and maybe a mic. Most likely, you'd also need a table and chair, as they play a crucial role in the user’s health, and this is not the place where you can take shortcuts. That can eat at least $400 from the budget, meaning we’ve got around $600 for the 'box' and everything inside it. Another major factor is the availability of stores and discounts/promos; for instance, in the US you can build about 20-35% cheaper than in the EU most of the time. So, I’ll focus more on methodology, which can be used when you are building a PC. There are components where you can go cheap, and some are deterministic, dictating the grade of the whole build. With a $1000 budget, we are looking at 1080p gaming. Now, let's take a deeper look:

  1. GPU: This is the number one priority for any gaming build. I personally try to set a goal of 36-40% of the budget exclusively just for this component. We’re down to a single choice here: the 4060ti, and I highly recommend going for the 16GB version as new gaming tech trends are shifting towards utilizing GPU memory (Interleaved VRAM). That extra $50 is a good future-proof investment. Also, go for a 2-fans version; there’s no need for more cooling at this power level.

  2. CPU: In this rig segment, I recommend going up to an i5 level (or Ryzen equivalent). If you go lower, you might bottleneck your GPU or other components. Going higher won’t justify the price increase; again, we need to stay balanced and on the same level as other components, specifically the GPU. Also, ~$1000 rigs are not for overclocking, so there's no need to pay extra.

  3. Motherboard: Again, since there's no overclocking, you don’t really care about VRM and power sockets. An i5 will be fine on a 4+4 power setup. I also do not recommend paying for extra features like built-in WiFi or premium sound. In both cases, you can buy additional PCIe devices for about the same price, but since they are discrete, their performance will be better. It is also protection from faults (if the WiFi module fails, you don’t have to trash the whole mobo since it's soldered to the board).

  4. PSU: My personal recommendation is always to take an 80+ GOLD for efficiency and overall lower electricity bills. Always choose reputable brands (my favorite is Seasonic with a 10-12 years warranty, sadly I’m lacking $20 in the budget this time, and I selected EVGA). There’s no need to pay extra for modular cables, especially if your case has a shroud for the PSU where you can hide them.

  5. RAM: Go for DDR5; it’s a future investment. As for clocks and timings... well, don’t worry about it if you’re tight on budget. Again, try to snap up something from a good brand like G.Skill, Corsair, etc., and prioritize that over fancy LEDs (which might build extra heat, by the way).

  6. Storage: My personal recommendation is to aim for an NVME with Gen4x4. Again, a reputable brand is a good approach: Samsung, WD, and Crucial are my usual recommendations. Double check that your mobo provides a full Gen4 slot with 4 PCIe lines which are not shared with anything else!

  7. Case: On a tight budget, I’d say don’t bother with fancy stuff; just make sure the internal dimensions are ready to accept your GPU and CPU cooling tower. The PSU location should be at the bottom for separate airflow. A shroud is a good way to hide the mess. The back space (behind the mobo) should be at least 2 fingers wide to route all cables.

  8. Cooling: Usually, most PC cases come with 2-3 fans, which are okay for the first time, but my recommendation is to plan for a small upgrade towards Noctua. Their SSO2 bearings and other tech are just insane! They are silent, they do great pressure, squeezing air through any filter or radiator with no problem, and they last for decades. This is the Rolls-Royce in the fans world, and this component usually survives 3-4 generations of upgrades. Since we’re not overclocking, for the CPU you can get any 2-3 heatpipes 150W+ TDP tower; again, as fans start rattling, just buy any generic Noctua fan.

  9. For the paste, I recommend Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut; if not available, the next best option is ARCTIC MX-4. Use it over OEM paste and you will reduce temperature by a couple of degrees. If warranty allows, slap that paste on GPU too.

Now, considering all the above, I combined a shopping list on Newegg.com with a total budget of $999.86, including delivery. By the way, I recommend this site even if you are in another country; the ratings and customer reviews provide a lot of information about any component, so you can use it as a knowledge base.

Total $999.86, including 5.95 Shipping

avrona's avatar
avrona

For a $1000 budget, your price-breakdown should be something like this

  • CPU and motherboard: Roughly $300-350 in total. Aim for a B-series motherboard and a 3 or 5 tier CPU. If you can get a used combo for cheap, even better.

  • Cooler: For a lower-TDP CPU at this price range, a good $30-50 cooler is enough.

  • Graphics card: Roughly $350-400 in total. Again, if you can go used, you can get a lot more value at this price-point.

  • RAM: 16GB minimum, go DDR4 to make it even cheaper, but make sure you have a DDR4 platform. However even 16GB of DDR5 can be had for around $70 nowadays, and then you can carry it forward to future builds.

  • Storage: 2TB gen 4 SSDs can be had for as little as $120 now, and that's about the minimum amount of storage I'd recommend. If you have any existing hard drives or SSDs from an existing build, carry them over.

  • PSU: 650W minimum from a reputable brand, can be gotten for as little as $60.

  • Case: Up to personal preference, can be had for as little as $50.

  • Extra fans: as we already reached that $1000 point, extra fans are a luxury on top of that, as some basic fans usually come with the case, so you can replace those as you have the money down the line.

BeyondBelief's avatar
BeyondBelief

Building a computer on a budget is always a challenge! Especially if you're looking to create content or game on a system for £1000 is very difficult. I think there's always components you can fiddle around with to sacrifce or eventually upgrade over time. Of course each component has it's own unique benefit, but here's what I came up with.

Case: CyberPowerPC Ark Panoramic Gaming Case - Black

Fans & ARGB Upgrades: 4x Corsair AF120 ELITE High-Performance 120mm PWM Fluid Dynamic Bearing Fan

CPU (Processor): AMD Ryzen 5 5500 - 6-Core 3.60GHz, 4.2GHz Turbo - 16MB L3 Cache Processor, Pro OC Compatible (No On-board Graphics)

Graphics Card (GPU): GeForce RTX™ 4060 - 8GB GDDR6 - HDMI, DP - Real-Time Ray Tracing, NVIDIA DLSS 3 (Single Card)

CPU Cooling: CyberPowerPC Master Liquid LITE 240 ARGB AIO Liquid Cooler, Ultimate OC Compatible

Motherboard: ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus: ATX w/ USB 3.2, 2x M.2

Memory (RAM): 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4/3200MHz Corsair Vengeance LPX Memory

PSU (Power Supply): InWin B65E 650W 80+ Certified Gaming Power Supply

Primary Storage (NVMe Drives): 2TB WD Green SN350 M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD - 3200MB/s Read & 3200MB/s Write (1 Drive)

Wireless Networking: None Selected

Wireless USB Adaptor: None Selected

Wired Networking: ONBOARD 10/100/1000 GIGABIT LAN PORT -- As standard on all PCsSound Cards: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD AUDIO

£990 including VAT

Kane Carnifex's avatar
Kane Carnifex

Do we need to buy everything from scratch?

No, so skip it.

Much needed >> Office Desk  Good Power Extension Monitor Keyboard Mouse Headset and or Speaker? Gaming Chair Mousepad Webcam (For Cyber) Monitor Arm ^^Less needed

You have everything above and we just need a gaming PC.

This my suggestion with the followup logic:

CPU (Boxed) AMD Ryzen 5 5600X ~110€ -> You Buget, my choiche. Is enough for now. You coul spend more time to may get something better in the 10% Range maybe...

Graphic RTX 4070 650€ -> Solid Monster, like a 10k Bass Machine in a Polo

Mainboard ASUS Prime B450M-K, S 50€ -> As said next time you go one higher to AM5.

RAM DDR4 16GB ~40€ -> will work

SSD Samsung 512GB NoName ~40€  -> will work, also in the next machine

PSU  Seasonic B12 BC 750W 70€ -> Could work with bigger system but need to be checked.

Case ~ 29€ (cheapsted i found in 15 sec of google)  -> Will live longer than you, trust me.

990€ Take it or leave it.

You have everything above and we just need a gaming PC. Does your Monitor support either Gsync(Nvidia) or Freesync(AMD)?

-> this bounds you to a graphic card

Do you want to be able to upgrade(Recommend) this system in the future?

Mainly this is about how long the CPU Sockel on the Mainboard is supported. If you get an AM4 Mainboard now and later you want to upgrade to AM5 you would need to swap out the Mainboard. But if you get an AM5 now, with a cheap CPU… in case of update you swap the CPU not the whole board.

For example AM4 has existed since 2016 and AM5 since 2022. AM4 just recently got some new CPUs to honor the longtime AM4 Users.

So which parts of the PC will you continue to use multiple times?

Will be reused if possible: SSD (if it fits it fits) Cooling (as long it still matches)

PSU (as long you have enough power)

These Parts are the heavy swap:

Mainboard + CPU + RAM Best case you hit new DDR Version if you update.

(Currently DDR5 ~2021 &  DDR4 ~2014) Graphics, you want to get one of HD,HD2 (if you have 2k Monitor or HD4 (4k Cinmatic TV, whatever)

Since we have Bugest from 1000 Bucks you can´t go into fancy reusable platinum 1200W PSU, we focus on the NEED.

So we stick to AM4, because it's probably around the END of its lifetime. Also it was in my last system and i could have just swapped the graphics into 4090 instead upgrading everything.. other story..

Also for AM5 or in special PCIv5 is currently only for SSD Sticks so you should skip that out.

Tada xD

Damien Mason's avatar
Damien Mason

Building a PC is a lot like playing with LEGO, but every component has a unique place to sit. It's pretty difficult to get it wrong, and in the unlikely event you do, there are protective measures in place to prevent you from harming your components. You won't start a fire. It won't unexpectedly explode. Just have a little confidence if it's your first time.

Here are the components you need to build a PC and the considerations to make:

  • Motherboard - every part you buy sits on top of the motherboard. This determines what processor you select because every chipset is different, meaning you'll pick between Intel and AMD. You'll also need to think about RAM, as random access memory is split between generations. DDR4 isn't forward compatible with DDR5, for example. And, finally, you'll need to pay attention to how many M.2 slots are included, as this decides how many SSDs you can run. This can get a little complicated when factoring in bandwidth, as PCIe storage shares it with the graphics card, but your motherboard's manual will tell you all you need to know.

  • Processor (CPU) - this is the brain of your computer. More gigahertz (GHz) means it's faster, but you'll want to focus on core and thread count if you're a multi-tasker.

  • CPU cooler - much like us humans, you don't want your CPU overheating. There are built-in protections that'll shut down the system if it gets too toasty but there are two types of coolers that can help prevent that: air coolers that are cheaper and use fans to chill the processor and AIO (all-in-one) coolers that pump liquid to and from a radiator.

  • Graphics card (GPU) - the part responsible for everything you see on screen and the single most important part for gaming. We're gradually moving away from the hardware being the most important to upscalers. AMD tends to have better rasterised (natural) performance over Nvidia, but Nvidia has a secret weapon with its DLSS upscaler. Intel also has graphics cards now, but they're fledgeling.

  • RAM (memory) - you can think of this as your PC's short-term memory. Any task filters through the RAM before being forgotten. Browsers like Google Chrome are infamous for the amount of memory it guzzles. Nowadays, it's worth sticking with 32GB or more, as game system requirements continue to climb higher.

  • Storage (SSD and hard drive) - you can think of this as your PC's long-term memory. This is where you store all of your files and install your games and software. Hard drives are antiquated and bulky but cheap per gigabyte. SSDs are much faster, regardless of whether you go for the larger 2.5in SATA models that plug in via a wire or zippy M.2 SSDs that plug directly into the face of the motherboard. Keep in mind that you have a limited number of M.2 slots to use.

  • Power supply (PSU) - this feeds energy to everything in your system. There are two things to consider here: wattage and rating. Wattage is the unit of measurement, determining how much power it can deliver. Rating is split between unrated, bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and titanium, with each showcasing how efficient it is. The higher the rating, the less energy it wastes.

  • PC case (chassis) - this isn't just a place to house your components, but the part that aids cooling. You'll need to make sure your graphics card and CPU cooler fits inside.

  • PC fans - how many fans you can kit your PC out depends on your case. These come in several different sizes and you'll want to pay attention to the airflow they bring in. The most important thing here is configuration, with how many intakes you have versus exhausts. Ideally, you want more intakes as it creates a positive airflow, which helps with dust management.

With so many things to balance, you can make a DIY system easier using PCPartPicker.com. This outlines all the mandatory and optional components, shows you local prices, and highlights compatibility issues if you choose two that don't gel well together:

https://pcpartpicker.com/

General buying advice:

  1. AMD is known for its budget CPUs, but Intel Core i5-14400F is a great penny-pinching alternative.

  2. AMD graphics cards are cheaper than Nvidia and can net savings, but Nvidia holds more value with DLSS. Unfortunately, GPUs are so prohibitively expensive with the latest generation that they'll tear through a $1,000 budget. You might be better off looking at previous generation RTX 3XXX series like an RTX 3060 or 3070.

  3. When budget is a factor, aim for an 80+ bronze-rated power supply. Gold and above is nice for efficiency, but more for those with spare cash. Unrated is also an option, but there's a level of extra quality assurance with a rated power supply of any kind.

  4. Don't cheap out on the case. It's easy to think of it as the place to chuck your parts into but tight spaces create for poor airflow. That's partly why laptops don't run as quick as desktops.

  5. You don't need to spend a great deal on your motherboard. Bigger and more expensive motherboards simply net you more USBs, more M.2 ports, and better bandwidth. You can compensate for these using expansion cards, cheaper 2.5in SATA SSDs, and balancing bandwidth strategically.

  6. You can save on RAM and storage in the initial build and upgrade later. If you choose 16GB of RAM now and leave two slots empty, you can fill them with another 16GB on your next payday. The same goes for storage.

  7. Stick with an air cooler. CPU coolers are important, but most do the trick nowadays, and you don't strictly need an AIO liquid cooler unless you run a hungry Intel Core i9 processor. I recently reviewed the Arctic Freezer 36 and that gives unbelieveable performance for under £20.

My suggestion:

  • Intel Core i5-14400F ($209.99)

  • Arctic Freezer 36 ($25.40)

  • PNY GeForce RTX 4060 ($299)

  • Gigabyte B760M DS3H motherboard ($99.99)

  • Crucial Pro RAM, 32GB at 3200MT/s ($56.99 on sale)

  • Corsair RM850e (2023) power supply ($116.99 on sale)

  • Phanteks Eclipse G360A case ($69.99 on sale)

  • WD_Black 1TB SN850X 1TB NVMe SSD ($84.99 on sale)

  • One Corsair iCUE SP120 RGB Elite Performance fan ($19.68 on sale)

This comes to $983.02. The case comes with three fans; the single Corsair fan is optional as an exhaust, as you can position the Arctic CPU cooler as your exhaust anyway. If you minus the fan and bolster the budget by around $30, you could upgrade to an RTX 4060 Ti.

Sturmer's avatar
Sturmer

Hey Boomer just to clarify, are you looking for:

  1. A guide on 'how to select PC components for a custom build', like a general strategy or algorithm?

  2. Tips on choosing parts, highlighting what to avoid and consider?

  3. Or an actual 'ready to build' shopping list that fits within a $1,000 budget?

Understanding the main focus will help ensure the submission is relevant and within the word limit.

Boomer's avatar
BoomerMod
Sturmer

If I were to make a submission it'd be somewhere between:

  • a ratio for an approximate spend per component type (10% PSU, 25% HDD etc.)

  • Specific make and model for each component ($... for [size] solid state drive from [brand], etc.)

Historically, detailed submissions with supporting media (photos, videos, links etc.) tend to do the best, but there's also room for individual interpretation.

Kane Carnifex's avatar
Kane Carnifex

This sounds like fun :)

Damien Mason's avatar
Damien Mason

Some feedback here: it's difficult to set a budget of $1k and ask people to recommend parts because it'll depend on their location of residence. Prices even vary per state, discounts don't last forever despite being the best way to shop, and costs of things are fluctuating rapidly (just look at the rising price of DRAM). There are bits of sweeping evergreen advice, but this circumvents specific budgets. I can amend my answer if you give more clarity on the brief here.

Boomer's avatar
BoomerMod
Damien Mason

That's fair, and it's something Rich and Alex Sinclair might want to weigh in on as well.

You do point out something we'll need to be aware of for similar bounties, and hopefully my reply to Sturmer might help with this specific one.

If I were to make a submission it’d be somewhere between:

  • a ratio for an approximate spend per component type (10% PSU, 25% HDD etc.)

  • Specific make and model for each component ($… for [size] solid state drive from [brand], etc.) Historically, detailed submissions with supporting media (photos, videos, links etc.) tend to do the best, but there’s also room for individual interpretation.

Damien Mason's avatar
Damien Mason
Boomer

It's always a tough one to tackle, so I can appreciate it. I'm always around if you want advice on any of it (then to disqualify me from said bounty due to fairness).

Alex Sinclair's avatar
Alex SinclairMod
Damien Mason

Thanks Jason, thanks Damien. Points well taken. The only thing I'd add is that for the sake of this bounty, consider the $1,000 as your target and challenge, but don't worry about those prices not being permanent or global. What we're really looking for is a budget PC build, though granted, my phrasing of "$1,000 and not a penny more" probably didn't help here.

Damien Mason's avatar
Damien Mason
Alex Sinclair

You just wanted to add some flair. No harm in that! Haha

D
Dean

Head to PC Part Picker and look at completed builds, which also links out to the relevant stores - along with powerful filters, you won't need to stress about it being a great purchase for the budget.

Horror and Cats's avatar
Horror and Cats

Where was this thread when I was shopping for a PC two weeks ago?? lol

Boomer's avatar
BoomerMod
Horror and Cats

I can neither confirm nor deny the inspiration for this bounty...

FluXHound's avatar
FluXHound

HMmm

Ryzen series 5600 ( £120/140)

Msi/gigabyte b550 elite board (£100-120)

16 gb ddr4 corsair vengeance (£40)

Nice and practical case (£40/50)

Corsair 750w PSU (£65-75)

Nmve 1tb (£50/60)

Gefore 4060 (300-350)

Should cover it

L
Laser-Bicep

So, you're thinking about getting into PC gaming without maxing out your credit card – smart move! Building your own rig can be a bit of a challenge and for some people, all the build can be overwhelming.

There's a solution that might just make your life a whole lot easier. Ever heard of Palicomp? They're a company that'll let you pick out all the parts for your PC. The cool part? They'll put it all together for you at no extra cost.

What are the steps.

Step 1: Budgeting

Let's start by setting a budget – keep it under £1000 to keep things wallet-friendly.

Step 2: Handpicking Your Parts

Head over to Palicomp's site (or any another similar retailer, really) and start browsing for parts. Graphics card, CPU, RAM – the whole shebang. Choose what fits your budget and needs.

Step 3: Choose Wisely

For gaming, prioritize a decent graphics card and CPU. Aim for something mid-range to get the best bang for your buck.

Step 4: Tackling the Assembly

Now, if you're feeling brave, you can tackle the assembly yourself. Just be prepared for a bit of trial and error. Or, if you'd rather leave it to the experts, companies like Palicomp are there to lend a hand.

Step 5: Powering Up and Gaming Away

Once your rig's all set up, it's time to dive into the world of PC gaming. Install your favourite games, crank up the settings, and enjoy.

So there you have it – a suggestion on how to build a gaming PC without breaking the bank. Whether you tackle it yourself or enlist a bit of help, just remember: the end result is totally worth it. Happy gaming!

Lanah Tyra's avatar
Lanah Tyra

This is very useful, thank you all! Even though I'm not on a tight budget, but looking to upgrade my PC as I noticed since I started playing in 1440p the game performance is not as good as I would want it to be, even with having my laptop to do the streaming. Based on the suggestions here definitely I'll have to upgrade my GPU first and possibly the Radeon RX 6650 XT is not up to the task of 2k gaming that much. I'll probably get an Nvidia RTX 4060/4070.

Nice to see still AMD CPU suggestions with an AM4 socket, as that's what I have with a Ryzen 5 3600. Probably will have to upgrade the CPU as well at some point, but gives me hope that I might be able to upgrade with keeping the old motherboard.

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