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As we explore the world of custom PC building, understanding the current market landscape is essential. Prices for RAM and SSDs have surged, presenting enthusiasts with a dilemma: should they invest more for desired components or compromise on some aspects to adhere to a budget? This guide aims to strike a balance by selecting components that provide solid performance while being mindful of costs.
We will outline a gaming PC build totaling approximately $1,491, focusing on essential parts that deliver quality performance without unnecessary features. Each selection is made with compatibility and efficiency in mind, and readers should verify compatibility if opting for alternative components.
Component selections and detailed insights
Understanding the CPU choice
The heart of our build is the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X, a 6-core processor that serves as a robust entry point for AMD’s AM5 platform. While we considered the more powerful Ryzen 7 9700X, the 9600X strikes a better balance between price and performance, particularly for gaming. Currently priced just under $214, it significantly outperforms its predecessor, the Ryzen 5 7600, in various gaming scenarios.
Performance benchmarks indicate that in The Outer Worlds 2 at 1080p, the 9600X competes closely with the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K, offering a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing much on performance. The value proposition is clear: choosing the Ryzen over Intel is financially sensible for gamers.
Choosing the right GPU
Next is the NVIDIA RTX 5070, regarded as one of the best value GPUs available in early 2026. Prices for this card range from $550 to $630, but its gaming performance notably surpasses that of its predecessor, the RTX 4070. The competition from AMD’s RX 9070 is also significant, as it occasionally outperforms the RTX 5070 in certain titles, albeit at a higher price point.
When selecting a GPU, it’s crucial to consider not just raw performance but also features like DLSS and G-Sync, which enhance gaming experiences across various titles. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific games you play and their compatibility with each GPU.
Memory and storage considerations
Evaluating RAM options
The ongoing rise in RAM prices presents a significant challenge for builders. Currently, 32GB kits are priced around $300, while 16GB options start at about $200. We recommend the Crucial Pro Overclocking 32GB DDR5 RAM Kit (2x16GB) CL36 6000MHz, as it offers a balance of speed and price. If your budget is tighter, consider the Patriot Viper Venom 16GB kit, which is a decent alternative, though with slightly lower performance metrics.
Storage solutions
For storage, we recommend the Crucial P3 Plus PCIe Gen4 NVMe 2TB SSD. Although prices for flash storage have increased, this SSD provides a reliable mix of speed and capacity. For those seeking higher performance, the TEAMGROUP NV5000 2TB NVMe Gen4 M.2 SSD is also available, offering enhanced specifications at a potentially higher cost.
Finalizing the system with motherboard and power supply
Motherboard selection
We have chosen the Gigabyte B650M GAMING PLUS WIFI for the motherboard. This Micro ATX board includes essential features such as two Gen4 M.2 slots, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, and built-in WiFi 6E. While it lacks PCIe Gen5 support, this limitation is negligible for most users.
Power supply considerations
To power this system, the Rosewill VSB 750W power supply is an ideal option, combining efficiency and cost-effectiveness. With an 80 Plus Bronze rating, it meets modern compliance standards while avoiding unnecessary costs associated with higher-rated units.
We will outline a gaming PC build totaling approximately $1,491, focusing on essential parts that deliver quality performance without unnecessary features. Each selection is made with compatibility and efficiency in mind, and readers should verify compatibility if opting for alternative components.0