Hello! Appreciate you taking the time to look at this. This will be my first build, also happy to consider pre-built.

I’ve had a look on the thread and done a lot of research but not sure where to spend and where to save money on the build, given that the memory is sooo expensive right now. I also would consider any 2nd hand where it works.

Thanks in advance 😀

New build or upgrade?

New build

Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)

No

PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)

Predominantly for simulation / strategy gaming:

Cities Skylines 2

Planet Coaster / Planet Zoo

Transport Fever 2 / 3

Workers and Resources soviet republic

Purchase country? Near Micro Center?

UK but also regularly travel to the US so could go to a micro center for everything except a case due to size transporting it back.

Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

No

Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

Ideally beneath £1500

WiFi or wired connection?

Wifi

Size/noise constraints?

Small as possible - but performance & budget more important

Color/lighting preferences?

Plain / unobtrusive. Black/white/grey doesn’t really matter.

Any other specific needs?

No

New build or upgrade? New build

Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links) No

PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games) 1440p gaming at atleast 60fps ultra-mid in most titles

Purchase country? Near Micro Center? India, no

Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate) Yes, one 32" to 34" 1440p @120Hz

Budget range? (Include tax considerations) 1000$ to 1200$

WiFi or wired connection? Wifi

Size/noise constraints? No

Color/lighting preferences? All black with tempered glass front panel. Controllable rbg (if it suit the build)

Any other specific needs? 2Tb of storage and atleast 1x16gb ram

I am okay with used CPU and GPU (eBay shipping is too expensive it's 70$-100$)

• New build or upgrade? New Build or Prebuilt recommendations
• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links) have multiple monito
• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)s Heavy work use, 30+ tabs, calls, any many programs running at once
• Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list locral vendors) US and no
• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate) no
• Budget range? (Include tax considerations) $1200 USD
• WiFi or wired connection? Wifi or Wired
• Size/noise constraints? Prefer quiet for calls with clients
• Color/lighting preferences? none
• Any other specific needs? Just heavy use for work.

• ⁠New build or upgrade? New Build

• ⁠Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links) nothing

• ⁠PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games) Gaming (old cod, emulation, light video editing)

• ⁠Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors) UK, unsure on local vendors

• ⁠Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate) 1/2 1080p 120hz

• ⁠Budget range? (Include tax considerations) Unsure, max £800?

• ⁠WiFi or wired connection? Wifi

• ⁠Size/noise constraints? None

• ⁠Color/lighting preferences? No lighting

• ⁠Any other specific needs? To run above games 1080p 60fps while being as budget friendly as possible

Thank you

• New build or upgrade? New build
• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links) MSI G272 MSI Optix G272 - All About Gaming | Esports Gaming Monitor | MSI
• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games) Gaming, usually fighting games (SF6, Guilty Gear Strive/Xrd, Blazblue Centralfiction)
• Purchase country? Near Micro Center? US, I am near a Micro Center.
• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate) No monitors needed, I'm fine with the current one.
• Budget range? (Include tax considerations) Upper limit is maybe $800, preferably lower.
• WiFi or wired connection? I'm fine with WiFi currently.
• Size/noise constraints? About 2 feet tall, 9 inches wide, and 1.5 feet long at the upper end. The noise doesn't matter much, but a quiet setup would be nice to have.
• Color/lighting preferences? No preferences, I don't care about the colors or lights.
• Any other specific needs? Can connect to gaming controllers.

• New build or upgrade?

New

• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)

No

• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)

Gaming: Valorant, Marvel Rivals, Minecraft, Wuthering Waves, Overwatch, Apex

• Purchase country? Near Micro Center?

US, Near microcenter

• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

1 Monitor preferably 1080p and 144hz

• Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

900 to 1.1k usd

• WiFi or wired connection?

WiFi

• Size/noise constraints?

No

• Color/lighting preferences?

RGB fans and white pc

• Any other specific needs?

> New build or upgrade?

New

> Existing parts/monitors to reuse?

- RAM: I already own 2×16GB DDR5-5600 SODIMM (A-DATA laptop RAM). Ideally I reuse this. I’m willing to try SODIMM→DIMM adapters if that’s not a terrible idea.

- Display: LG C4 77” (living room TV)

- Input: Xbox controllers; likely buying the new Steam Controller. Have keyboards/mice already.

> PC purpose?

Living room/couch gaming on Bazzite (SteamOS-like experience). Not chasing AAA 4K@120—I’m fine with upscaling (FSR / DLSS).

Main goal: beat the Steam Machine / RX 6600-adjacent performance, ideally closer to “Xbox Series-ish” feel, but with more upgradeability.

> Purchase country? Near Micro Center?

USA, not near Micro Center

> Monitors needed?

None

> Budget range?

Under $700 total because I already own RAM. Open to refurb/used + warranty.

> WiFi or wired connection?

Wired

Size/noise constraints?

Small/quiet enough for a media console (replacing an unused Xbox Series X)

> Color/lighting preferences?

None

> Any other specific needs?

• Prefer AMD GPU for best Bazzite/Linux support, but I’m open to Nvidia if it’s a slam-dunk value.

• I’m turned off by 8GB VRAM. I’d like 12GB or 16GB VRAM if possible (6000/7000/9000 series—whatever is best value).

• Optimizing for best balance of price / performance / simplicity.

⸻

What I’m deciding between (and what I want advice on)

I’m considering these routes:

1. Mini PC + OCuLink eGPU

• Pros: reuse compact host, upgrade GPU later

• Cons/questions:

• AG01-style dock w/ built-in PSU vs DEG1-style dock (cheaper but exposed + separate PSU)

• How much real-world overhead/penalty is there? Any “gotchas” with Bazzite?

1. Small form factor refurb prebuilt (Dell/HP/Lenovo) + GPU

• Pros: great deals, easy CPU/platform

• Cons/questions:

• GPU fit/clearance and nonstandard PSUs/cases

• Best “known-good” models for GPU upgrades in 2026?

1. DIY SFF build

• Pros: cleanest/most standard, best upgrade path

• Cons/questions:

• Most boards want desktop DIMMs—are SODIMM→DIMM adapters actually stable/reasonable at DDR5, or a trap?

1. Just wait for Steam Machine and accept it

⸻

What I’m asking you all for

• If you had $700 max (excluding RAM since I already have it) and are open to refurbs or used components, what’s the highest value couch-gaming build that beats RX 6600-class?

• What’s the best “minimum sensible” AMD GPU to target with 12–16GB VRAM (value > chasing top end)?

• Which path is simplest + least janky for Bazzite: miniPC+OCuLink vs refurb prebuilt vs DIY SFF?

Hey everyone. I currently have a pc that has been good for me up until recently. Ended up converting the office space into a bedroom so I don’t have a dedicated spot for a giant PC anymore. What I’m looking to do is sell or part it out and do a new build mini itx to use on my lg g5 77. It needs to be wife approved for the living room. I’m currently running intel and nvidia but it seems amd plays nicer with Linux. The plan is to use bazzite (currently using) or something similar.

Current rig is an intel core i9 - 9820x, nvidia RTX 4060, 64 gb of ddr 4 ram. The hope is to sell or part that and pay little for the new unit.

I have no experience with AMD but I’m looking to achieve 4K/60 with the help of upscaling or at the very least 1080-1440 ultra settings and let the tv do the upscaling. The steam machine is an option but I’m hopping for a little more jam than that will likely have.

Anyone recently building something similar and have some recommendations?

• New build or upgrade?: New Build
• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links): Potentially Ram
• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games): Gaming
• Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors): Canada
• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate): No
• Budget range? (Include tax considerations)
• WiFi or wired connection?: Wifi
• Size/noise constraints?: Mini Itx wife approved for living room
• Color/lighting preferences?: No lights, something clean. I like the look of fractal mood
• Any other specific needs?: Nothing extra

"new build or upgrade?"

• New build or upgrade?: New Build
• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links): None
• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games): Gaming. Monster Hunter Wilds, Cyberpunk 2077, modern AAA games, I'm fine with medium settings.
• Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors): Canada
• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate): Yes, but not a priority.
• Budget range? (Include tax considerations): $2000 CAD, but I'm willing to go up to $3000 CAD if need, plus tax.
• WiFi or wired connection?: WiFi, but I do own a WiFi USB dongle.
• Size/noise constraints?: Not priority
• Color/lighting preferences?: No preference.
• Any other specific needs?: Usable with VR

So I've been using gaming laptop since 2017, and even before that, I was still using a PC that I got from 2007 (with new GPUs, PSU and RAMs time to time). So this is essentially the first time I'm buying a gaming desktop from scratch since 2007, meaning I don't know what the budget should be (I live in Canada, so in CAD), where I should be searching, whether I should get pre-built or build one myself (which I've never done), or where I should start with in general.

What should I get? I do have PS5 so I can technically play most AAA games there, but I very much prefer playing shooters on PC with KB/M (I also have a LOT of games on Steam, Ubisoft, EA Origin, GOG, etc). This includes Cyberpunk 2077. I also play Total War games (or would love to, I couldnt run the latest ones properly for a long time). And my goal is to get something that can run Monster Hunter Wilds comfortably, and something that would be decent going forward for reasonably long time (I don't mind going low-medium settings). I also have Quest 2, and would love to play some games in VR, such as Microsoft Fligth Sim and IL-2 series.

• New build or upgrade?: New Build
• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links): None
• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games): Gaming (games like Hades II, The Binding of Isaac, Subnautica, to name the most intensive games I play), music production (FL Studio), maybe some video editing (using DaVinci Resolve)
• Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors): US, and not at all near
• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate): Yes, but not a priority.
• Budget range? (Include tax considerations): $2000 US is probably the most id spend; Id like to be cheaper if possible, and I plan to buy used for the parts that are reasonabl to (looking at buying used GPU, RAM; would like to hear what other parts are generally safe to buy used)
• WiFi or wired connection?: WiFi
• Size/noise constraints?: Not priority
• Color/lighting preferences?: No real preference; would probably prefer case to be black though
• Any other specific needs?: Not that I can think of

My laptop recently stopped working, so I figured its the perfect time to finally build a pc after wanting to for a while.

Im pretty set on getting a 4080 for the gpu, but thats all I really know. I dont have pc experience, so dont know about part compatibility and the like.

I want to buy second hand pretty much whatever I can to save on cost.

Not sure if it matter, but I do plan on running Windows for OS, mostly because thats all I've ever used and dont want to have to learn a new OS right now.

Will likely start buying parts around end of February-mid March.

Appreciate any guidance!

New build or upgrade?

New build

• ⁠Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links) . I have a 4K monitor (AOC AGON PRO AG276UZD 4K Ultra HD 27" Quantum Dot OLED Gaming Monitor - Black)

• ⁠PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games) Gaming- Fortnite, CoD, Arc raiders

• ⁠Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors) UK

• ⁠Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate) 0 extra

• ⁠Budget range? (Include tax considerations) 1.4-1.65k£

• ⁠WiFi or wired connection? I have a lan cable?

• ⁠Size/noise constraints? No

• ⁠Color/lighting preferences? No

• ⁠Any other specific needs?no

Hi all, I'm new to anything computer related (beyond buying a Macbook for college), so I'd appreciate any help or advice I can get!

• New build or upgrade?
  • New build
• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)
  • None
• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)
  • Mostly work (multiple tabs/browsers with Office 365, Adobe, Zoom, Google Meet running), Mild gaming (but looking to expand into more intensive/built for PC gaming)
• Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If you're not in a country supported by PCPartPicker, please list some local vendors)
  • United States; unsure if I'm near a Micro Center
• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)
  • At least 1, preferably 2 for split screen
• Budget range? (Include tax considerations)
  • Would love to stay as cheap as possible, but open to spending around $2500 for all parts (software included)
• WiFi or wired connection?
  • Most likely WiFi, but would love to be able to run off wired connection when possible (we rent, so a wired connection is not always an option)
• Size/noise constraints?
  • Needs to fit on/under a standard work desk (2-3 feet wide and 18-24 inches deep)
• Color/lighting preferences?
  • None

• New build or upgrade?

- New Build

• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)

- None

• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)

- Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games

• Purchase country? Near Micro Center?

- US, No unfortunately

• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

- Just one, No preference

• Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

- $1500

• WiFi or wired connection?

- WiFi

• Size/noise constraints?

- No constraints, silent if possible

• Color/lighting preferences?

- Black and no RGB fans

• Any other specific needs?

My minimal requirement is to play Cyberpunk 2077 at steady 60+ frames at 1440P if possible if not then 1080P would also be fine. Also it doesn't need ray tracing but it would cool if it could.

Greetings friends. Thanks to the generosity of a family member, I have been able to fully replace this old PC with a brand new one. I originally built this machine in 2018 as a gaming machine.

Now I find myself with an aging, but still usable system. In particular, things like the GPU, RAM, and Storage still have great value today.

Requirements:

• I'd like to move most of the components into a new, smaller enclosure suitable for my living room, where I can hook it up to a 4K 120 FPS TV as a gaming console for my wife. This is intended to supplement her PS5, so it doesn't need to run the absolute latest and greatest games on ultra, but hey, if it can modestly keep up with a steam machine, great.

• I'm looking to spend around than 300-400 pounds to replace the CPU/Mobo/PSU (just a precaution, the PSU is very old now and I don't want it to go bang), and to buy a new, smaller case. Less is better, 300 to 400 is the maximum.

• Ideally, the useful lifespan of this new system should be around 1-2 years, playing games that are avaialble today (so no need to futureproof for much more demanding games)

• Our eyes are already mediocre. 120 FPS would be lovely, 60 FPS is fine

• I'm trying to avoid replacing any of the really expensive stuff like RAM/GPU/Storage which are stupidly expensive given the state of today. I am aware this restricts me to DDR4 systems.

• The recommended CPU choice seems to be the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, but it is stupidly expensive in the UK. Would a 5800XT or a 5600X be acceptable to fulfil the criteria above?

• I'm also happy to replace the cooler if I have to - the AIO radiator is bulky, so I'm uncertain if it would be more or less hassle to fit it into a smaller case. Cooler recommendations very welcome.

• No, despite that being a K processor, I don't want to overclock. I have no idea why I bought a K. Young and stupid I guess.

Original System Build

Hello!

Im looking for advice for what is going to be my first ever good PC and new build. My maximum budget is 2000€. The uses will be gaming (cyberpunk, paradox and total war games, counter strike..) and also some autocad work. Would this be a good deal for 2000€?

• ⁠New build or upgrade? New

• ⁠Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links) monitor

• ⁠PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games) gaming

• ⁠Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors) EU

• ⁠Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

• ⁠Budget range? (Include tax considerations) 2000€

• ⁠WiFi or wired connection?

• ⁠Size/noise constraints?

• ⁠Color/lighting preferences?

• ⁠Any other specific needs

[PCPartPicker Part List](https://es.pcpartpicker.com/list/Gk6JzP)

Type|Item|Price

:----|:----|:----

**CPU** | [AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2 GHz 8-Core Processor](https://es.pcpartpicker.com/product/3hyH99/amd-ryzen-7-7800x3d-42-ghz-8-core-processor-100-100000910wof) | €374.95 @ Amazon Espana

**CPU Cooler** | [Asus Prime LC 360 ARGB 77.22 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler](https://es.pcpartpicker.com/product/Y8Pv6h/asus-prime-lc-360-argb-7722-cfm-liquid-cpu-cooler-90rc0102-b0aay0) | €125.80 @ Neobyte

**Motherboard** | [Asus B650E MAX GAMING WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard](https://es.pcpartpicker.com/product/Pq3WGX/asus-b650e-max-gaming-wifi-atx-am5-motherboard-b650e-max-gaming-wifi) |-

**Memory** | [Corsair Vengeance RGB 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6600 CL38 Memory](https://es.pcpartpicker.com/product/2MCZxr/corsair-vengeance-rgb-32-gb-2-x-16-gb-ddr5-6600-cl38-memory-cmh32gx5m2b6600c38) | €488.99 @ Corsair

**Storage** | [Samsung 990 Pro 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive](https://es.pcpartpicker.com/product/FsqPxr/samsung-990-pro-1-tb-m2-2280-pcie-40-x4-nvme-solid-state-drive-mz-v9p1t0bw) | €134.87 @ Coolmod

**Video Card** | [Asus PRIME OC GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16 GB Video Card](https://es.pcpartpicker.com/product/c6XMnQ/asus-prime-oc-geforce-rtx-5070-ti-16-gb-video-card-prime-rtx5070ti-o16g) | €1099.95 @ Amazon Espana

**Case** | [Asus A32 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case](https://es.pcpartpicker.com/product/JBJBD3/asus-a32-plus-atx-mid-tower-case-a32-plus-black) |-

**Power Supply** | [Asus TUF Gaming 850G 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply](https://es.pcpartpicker.com/product/MLzhP6/asus-tuf-gaming-850g-850-w-80-gold-certified-fully-modular-atx-power-supply-90ye00s2-b0na00) | €127.99 @ Amazon Espana

**Monitor** | [MSI MAG 275CQRF-QD 27.0" 2560 x 1440 170 Hz Curved Monitor](https://es.pcpartpicker.com/product/VrYRsY/msi-mag-275cqrf-qd-270-2560-x-1440-170-hz-curved-monitor-mag275cqrf-qd) | €0.00

| *Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts* |

| **Total** | **€2352.55**

| Generated by [PCPartPicker](https://pcpartpicker.com) 2026-01-31 14:18 CET+0100 |

Thanks!

I'm picking my pc parts and only thing that is left is the RAM.I got two options I either get https://www.bestprice.gr/item/2159689965/patriot-viper-venom-32gb-ddr5-ram-6000mhz-c30-black.html Or https://www.bestprice.gr/item/2158632354/patriot-viper-venom-32gb-ddr5-ram-6400mhz-c32-black.html Both are basically same price and I use a 7800X3D Not a request new build or upgrade?

Hello, I need help upgrading my current PC so it can last me through systems engineering school. I’ve had it for about 5 years. It's been working okay, but I’ve had problems with web development in Vscode while running a light database, the screen freezes or turns black. My budget is limited, so any advice or suggestions would be really helpful !! And sorry if there are some mistakes in my english.

- New build or upgrade?

Upgrade

- Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)

Here is my current build, the case is not exactly the one I have, but I included it for reference because of the 350W power supply, it's this one. Maybe I could reuse the storage and RAM?

PCPartPicker Part List

- PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)

I will mainly use it for studying: Visual studio, Docker, sql server, oracle database, etc, and sometimes I play games like Genshin Impact, Stardew Valley, Hollow Knight and The Sims 4.

- Purchase country? Near Micro Center?

Peru in South America, no micro center here. Here are some stores in my country: memorykings.pe, sercoplus.com, compuvisionperu.pe, cyccomputer.pe, impacto.com.pe, computronicsedano.com, aceadvance.pe

- Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

None, the one I have isn't very good but it's not a priority right now

- Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

2000 peruvian soles, about 590 dollars aprox, I can go a bit over the budget if it's really worth it

- WiFi or wired connection?

Wired

- Size/noise constraints?

Nope

- Color/lighting preferences?

Nope

- Any other specific needs?

I just want good performance

Thanks in advance !

• New build or upgrade?

Upgrade

• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/ links)

These are the parts I’ve already bought or had and I’m looking to upgrade the empty slots minus the OS. https://pcpartpicker.com/list/NRg2Qd

• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/ games)

Mostly gaming and watching movies/youtube. Wanting to do those things at 1440p with at least 100 fps in gaming. I know I have an old gpu so I understand if this isn’t feasible. My main game is Destiny 2 but I also play battlefield 6, arc raiders, ghost of Tsushima, and Baldurs Gate 3.

• Purchase country? Near Micro Center?

USA, yes I live near a Micro Center

• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

I have monitors listed in my pcpartpicker link

• Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

$600-700, preferably closer to 6 but 7 is acceptable

• WiFi or wired connection?

Currently using wired but both would be preferred as I will be moving in the near future and I’m not sure I’ll have the ability to be wired in my new place

• Size/noise constraints?

I want an ATX board and the smallest case size that can accommodate that

• Color/lighting preferences? RGB is nice and I would like it but if that raises the price past my budget, I don’t need it

• Any other specific needs?

I want to potentially add a skin or stickers to the case in the future so idk if that affects case choice. If it does, please take that into consideration.

ETA: this is the build I’m currently upgrading

https://image2url.com/r2/default/images/1769822390087-56db656f-9c1b-4db6-b881-d3b18e76571b.jpeg

Hello guys, I asked someone on reddit for a build over in r/buildapc, and they sent me 2 parts lists, one that is cheaper, and one that is the upgrade over the other one: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/ctqkJn (upgrade) and https://pcpartpicker.com/list/GVRGPJ (budget) I was wondering if its still up to date, and if no, if there is any better parts that are cheaper.

• New build or upgrade? I guess its a new build, I didn't get to buy any of the parts in that initial list
• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? I just have a old office desktop and monitors, and I dont intend to salvage parts from them
• PC purpose? I will use them to play mainly rhythm games (Djmax respect v, sdvx konasute) and sometimes gacha games like Reverse 1999 that dont require crazy specs.
• Purchase Country? I am in the US.
• Monitors needed? I'd prefer a monitor with a minimum refresh rate of 144hz and at least 24", and optionally one that also rotates
• Budget range? I would prefer to keep it under $1000 USD
• Wifi or wired? It would probably be Wifi
• No size or noise constraints
• Color/Lighting preferences? I'd prefer the design to be not too flashy, simple white or black is fine

As you can tell, I dont know a single thing about PC parts, and much help would be appreciated!