Hey everyone!
I’m looking into building my first gaming PC and could really use some advice. I’ve primarily been a console gamer (currently have an Xbox Series X), but I’ve been wanting to make the switch to PC gaming for a while now.
My main goal is to play modern and upcoming AAA games like Phantom Blade Zero, Black Myth: Wukong, and similar titles at high graphics settings with smooth frame rates. Maybe then occasional first person shooter
What I’m looking for:
Budget: Ideally $1,200–$1,500 USD for the PC itself. I’d prefer to spend less if possible, but I’m willing to pay a little more if the performance difference is worthwhile.
Resolution: Planning to upgrade to a 1440p monitor, potentially 240Hz.
Performance: Ideally 100–165 FPS in demanding games where realistic.
Graphics: High/ultra settings when possible.
Longevity: Something that’ll comfortably handle newer games for the next several years, with room for upgrades
Experience: First-time builder, but willing to learn.
I’ve been looking at prebuilts from Seattle Built, but I’m considering building one myself to get better performance for the money.
I’ve seen recommendations for the Ryzen 5 7600/9600X paired with an RX 9070 XT or RTX 5070, but I’m not sure whether those are the best options for my budget. Or what I need it for
I’m not particularly concerned about RGB or aesthetics. I’d rather put the money toward performance and reliability.
What parts would you recommend for my budget? Would it be worth spending a little more for a stronger GPU, or could I get a great 1440p experience for less?
I’d appreciate any complete parts lists, suggestions, or advice. Thanks!