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The landscape of the PC gaming hardware market has recently experienced significant upheaval, largely attributed to the phenomenon known as “RAMageddon.” As prices for memory and storage rise, gamers are questioning how this trend impacts their plans for budget-friendly gaming rigs. Despite the challenges, it remains feasible to assemble a competitive gaming computer using older components.
While exploring online retailers, I noticed the steep increase in RAM prices. However, amidst this situation, I discovered a silver lining: Teamgroup’s 16GB 3200MHz DDR4 memory is available for under £85, which is reasonable compared to the £100 average for similar products. Although prices have increased, the rise is manageable, especially considering that most modern gaming setups recommend 32GB of RAM, while 16GB remains adequate for many titles.
Choosing components wisely
Typically, starting a build with a focus on memory is unusual; however, I decided to examine options on PC Part Picker to see what I could create. Contrary to popular belief, I opted for an Intel setup. For the processor, I selected the Core i5 12400F, a reliable choice based on prior experience. To my surprise, I found that the Core i5 12600K was similarly priced on the US version of the site, although it does not come with a cooler, leading me to consider the Thermalright Assassin X Refined for cooling needs.
Evaluating the graphics card
In the UK, the Intel Arc B570 is available for approximately £180 to £190, equivalent to around $200 in the US—an impressive value compared to other graphics cards. My decision to remain with Intel was influenced by the features offered in their budget motherboards. A critical requirement for my build was m.2 storage support; surprisingly, some budget boards lack this feature, along with PCIe 4.0 support, which is essential for lower-end GPUs requiring full x16 lanes. I settled on the Gigabyte H610M K, which met my criteria, even though the absence of Wi-Fi was a minor drawback.
The storage situation has also seen price inflation, but I found a Lexar NM620 1TB SSD priced at around £80, making it a reasonable option for my build. For the graphics card, I believe the Acer Intro OC variant of the Intel Arc B570 is an excellent value at £180, featuring 10GB of framebuffer memory. While I would have preferred the 12GB B580, its current price of around £280 is not justifiable. Recommendations for alternatives like the £520 RTX 5070 12GB or Radeon counterparts are limited due to the inflated prices of 16GB models, such as the RTX 5060 Ti and RX 9060 XT.
Finalizing the build
To complete the build, I selected the Fractal Design Core 1100 case and a Corsair CX 750W power supply, bringing the total cost to £665.04. If I wanted to enhance graphics further, opting for an MSI Ventus OC RTX 5070 would raise the total to £1000.04. Regardless of the GPU selection, I consider this a solid value. Adding a Wi-Fi adapter and an affordable Windows license would finalize the setup.
While the RTX 5070 is a strong option for substantial upgrades, it was initially disappointing compared to the RTX 4090. Nonetheless, at or near MSRP, it remains a competitive choice.
Considering upgrade paths
However, potential drawbacks exist. Although the current build is viable, it has limited upgrade options. The LGA1700 socket can accommodate processors up to the Core i9 14900K, which offers significant performance improvements over the 12400F. Yet, higher-end CPUs require more power than the H610M chipset can provide, necessitating a switch to a Z690 or Z790 motherboard for enhanced capabilities. For users keen on upgrade potential, an AMD system would be advisable. I recommend the Ryzen 5 5600 series, paired with a B550 motherboard for future-proofing. This configuration allows for more powerful processors like the Ryzen 5 5500X3D or 5800X3D, although B550 boards tend to be pricier than the budget-friendly A520 models.
However, choosing AMD for its upgrade potential comes with challenges, as prices for X3D processors have surged. For instance, I previously purchased a Ryzen 7 5700X3D for £130, but it now appears to start around £300, whether new or used. Ultimately, the entire build I’ve outlined hinges on the current affordability of DDR4 memory. The fluctuations in the market are unpredictable, and we will continue to monitor developments in the coming weeks and months.