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Building a gaming PC used to be a much tougher job that involved picking parts from various retailers, getting a tech-savvy friend to help, and diagnosing issues with one’s build in case they mixed up the instructions. It is now much easier to build a DIY PC as PC part manufacturers make it easier to install hardware. Precise instructions and a plethora of online information (often in video format) assist first-time and intermediate-level PC builders attempting to do so on their own.
Part of what appeals to a lot of users when it comes to building a PC is the amount of customizability that is available so that they can build a PC that is specific to their needs and the games they play. Whilesome users prefer prebuilt PCssimply because of how easy they are to set up and use, others prefer the fine-grained control they get in their preferred PC. Custom-built PCs often have higher-end internal components that get overlooked by system builders,such as faster SSDs, better memory, and performance coolers.
While gaming PCs are something that many gamers know as well as the back of their hands, others might be a bit uneasy trying to put parts together to avoid making a mistake or overcomplicating their PC build. This is in particular a concern when selecting components that represent excellent value and price-performance ratios that clock in at around $1,000.
What Gaming PC Build Should I Get?
We have divided our build guides into multiple tiers to allow users to choose the best build possible, while also catering to different budget and performance classes:
Estimated build costs are based on the cheapest price available on Newegg and Amazon at the time these builds were made. Prices are subject to change by these vendors. Game Rant will strive to keep the builds up to date as better alternatives appear on the market or prices change significantly.
First Build: Well-Rounded Value-Added Performance
AMD Ryzen 5 7600
The Ryzen 5 7600 is the entry-level, yet very capable, gaming CPU from AMD that features 6 cores, 12 threads, and 32MB of L3 cache. It has a base clock speed of 3.8GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.1GHz. The Ryzen 5 7600 is an unlocked processor with a default TDP of 65W. It also has integrated RDNA 2 graphics and is the cheapest offering in the lineup with an iGPU.
G.Skill Flare X5 Series (AMD Expo) 6000MHz 32GB (CL36)
The G.Skill Flare X5 Series RAM kits are DDR5 RAMs that operate at an overclocked 6000MHz sweet spot for AMD AM5 processors with a lower latency EXPO profile available to allow users to overclock their memory with a push of a button while costing significantly lower than the competition.
ASRock B650 PG LIGHTING
ASRock B650 PG LIGHTING is a good-looking and affordable motherboard for the latest AMD Zen 4-based chips, offering overclocking support and the latest connectivity features. Its black PCB with white accents gives it a personality and the steel armor enhances and strengthens the PCI-E x16 slot for heavier GPUs. It’s perfect for budget and mid-range CPUs, and ideal for budget gaming builds.
Kingston NV2 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe Internal SSD
This internal solid-state drive from Kingston has 1 TB of digital storage capacity. The NV2 series SSD is designed to be compatible with laptops. It operates on PCIe 4.0 Gen 4x4 technology, features an M.2 2280 form factor, and delivers read speeds of up to 3,500 MB/s. It has lower power requirements, generating minimal heat, which makes it perfect for compact devices.
XFX Speedster QICK 319 Radeon RX 7700 XT Black Edition
The XFX Speedster QICK 319 Radeon RX 7700 XT Black Edition is the perfect mid-range card that features 12 GB of VRAM, boost clock speed of up to 2544 MHz, and support for the latest AMD technologies like Radeon Anti-Lag, FreeSync Technology, FidelityFX Super Resolution, and more. There are three fans to keep the GPU cool even under heavy load.
Zalman T7 ATX Mid Tower PC Case
The Zalman T7 ATX Mid-Tower PC Case features a front mesh panel for maximum airflow and a transparent side viewing window. The case includes 2 pre-installed 120 mm fans and accommodates ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards.
Thermaltake Toughpower GF A3 750W
The Thermaltake Toughpower GF A3 750W power supply is a fully modular offering in the long-running Toughpower series. It is an 80-Plus Gold-rated PSU with peak power of 750W, which is sufficient even for most high-end PCs. It features a PCIe Gen 5.0 connector to power GPUs with the new 12VHPWR cable. It also follows the ATX 3.0 standard for better power excursion and low-load efficiency. The 120mm fan has a Smart Zero Fan mode for silent operation.
The build above focuses on maximizing value for money by working with both a current-generation AM5-based hexacore CPU from AMD (The Ryzen 5 7600) and pairing it to a capable XFX Radeon 7700XT with 12GB of VRAM that delivers PS5 Pro-tier graphics capabilities for its asking price. With 32GB of EXPO RAM from G.Skill and an entry-level B650 motherboard from ASROCK, it focuses on both value for money and performance by investing the balance in the CPU/GPU combo above.
It also leverages an entry-level PCI-E 4.0 SSD (Kingston’s NV2 NVMe SSD) to cover the storage end, even as a 750W Thermaltake Toughpower PSU offers plenty of power for the current components and future upgrades alike. All of this is housed in the economical but well-designed Zalman Z5 Mid-Tower case, making for a great, well-balanced and upgrade-friendly gaming PC build in 2024.
Note: The GPU suggested is also accompanied by a promotion from AMD that offers a free copy of 2 games from a selection of Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Starfield, Lies of P, and Company of Heroes 3.
Second Build: Best CPU-Centric Gaming Build
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is AMD’s latest and greatest CPU when it comes to gaming. With an excellent and highly efficient gaming performance that tops the charts currently, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is here to stay and has a crown to claim thanks to its 3D V-Cache-enabled prowess when it comes to gaming on a PC.The octa-core CPU currently happens to be the fastest in the business for gaming even as it leads efficiency charts at the top, making it a very sought-after gaming upgrade.
ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 Snow CPU Cooler
The ID-COOLING FROSTFLOW X 240 Snow CPU Cooler is an excellent budget cooler that offers a somewhat longer tubing than most competing brands' 360 mm coolers while offering decent cooling and acceptable LED lighting that can help players build an excellent system without punching their wallet repeatedly.
G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB (AMD Expo)
G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB series is a specialized RAM kit for the AM5 platform with up to 6000 MT/s speed. The RAM kit brings exceptional RGB lighting on top of the heat spreaders and works at low latency. It’s decently stable at the advertised speed and makes an ideal choice for gaming builds.
Gigabyte B650M D3HP AX
The Gigabyte B650M D3HP AX is an affordable yet decent choice for budget builders with entry-level Ryzen CPUs. While lacking some high-end features of pricier models, it packs core upgrades like DDR5 memory support, PCIe 4.0 for graphics cards and SSDs, and compatibility with the latest AM5 socket. This makes it a great micro ATX motherboard for building a compact and capable gaming PC.
Silicon Power 1TB NVMe M.2 PCIe 2280 SSD
The Silicon Power 1TB NVMe M2 2280 SSD uses the PCIe Gen 3x4 interface with class-leading read and write speeds. Utilizing the NVMe 1.3 + HMB protocols, the Silicon Power 1TB NVMe M2 offers scalable bandwidth and low latency performance.
LIAN LI LANCOOL 216 PC Case
The LANCOOL 216 is a mid-tower case with all-around mesh panels for optimal airflow. Thanks to its modular rear panel, it can be optimized for air or water cooling. It includes 2 x 160mm and 1 x 140mm pre-installed PWM fans and an innovative rear PCIe fan bracket to maximize airflow.
XPG Core Reactor 750W
The XPG Core Reactor 750W is an 80 Plus Gold rated ATX PSU that offers full modularity. It is an all-black PSU certified by Cybenetics for its efficiency and noise levels. It features a 120mm 2400 RPM fan with an FDB (Fluid Dynamic Bearing) design. XPG, which is a gaming sub-brand of Adata, has tuned the fan to stay at 660 RPM up till 50% load. Connectivity options on the XPG Core Reactor 750W include 1 24-pin connection, 2 ATX 12V 4+4 pin connections, 6 PCIe connections, 12 SATA connections, and 4 Molex connections.
For users who already have a current-generation GPU or are planning to upgrade once the next generation shows up, the gaming PC above is one of the best bets one can make in 2024. The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the fastest gaming CPU available currently and pairs with a balanced set of components to make for a ready-to-upgrade PC for gamers waiting to splurge on a GPU for now.
With an entry-level B650 DS3H motherboard from Gigabyte and an entry-level 1 TB NVMe SSD from Silicon Power to keep costs in check, the build splurges on the RAM front, opting for 32GB of G.Skill’s Trident Z Neo kit with low latency and AMD’s EXPO profiles built in.
Other fronts where the build does not compromise include the case, where the Lian Li Lancool 216 is deployed, making for plenty of room for a future GPU and a focus on airflow and cable management. The build also leverages one of the best PSUs that money can buy under $100: XPG’s Core Reactor in a 750W trim. This should, in effect handle anything up to a modern-day RTX 4080 SUPER with ease except for in the most demanding of setups, making it a great starting point for a more expensive PC down the line.
Third Build: Crosshairs Centered On The GPU
Intel Core i5-12400F
The Intel Core i5-12400F 6-Core 12-Thread Processor is no slouch when it comes to delivering on performance, commanding a sweet spot in terms of capability and price point as it generally takes on and defeats AMD’s offerings under $200 comprehensively.
Silicon Power Value Gaming DDR4 16GB (8GBx2) 3200MHz (PC4 25600) CL16 RAM
The Silicon Power Value Gaming RAM is a DDR4 memory module engineered to enhance the capabilities of desktop PCs. It offers a memory size of 16GB and speeds of 3200 MHz. This RAM is designed to be compatible with Intel Coffee Lake processors and adheres to Intel Extreme Memory Profile (Intel XMP) standards, ensuring seamless integration with various systems.Equipped with an aluminum heat sink, the RAM efficiently dissipates heat while its 1.35V low voltage reduces power consumption for hardware components. These attributes contribute to maintaining swift and stable performance during extensive gaming periods or intensive workloads.
MSI PRO H610M-G DDR4
MSI PRO H610M-G is an entry-level LGA1700 motherboard for Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th-gen CPUs with support for basic components like DDR4 memories, a graphics card, M.2 SSDs, and SATA drives. Despite being entry-level, the board comes with EZ Debug LEDs for troubleshooting and will be ideal for ultra-budget gaming/office builds.
Kingston NV2 500G M.2 2280 NVMe Internal SSD
The Kingston NV2 500G SSD uses Gen 4x4 NVMe PCIe technology. This drive delivers read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,800 MB/s. It’s designed for systems requiring fast performance, in both laptop and desktop builds. It is suitable for most applications thanks to the compact, single-sided M.2 2280 design. And the low power requirements mean that it produces minimal heat.
ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER Twin Edge OC
The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER Twin Edge OC features 12GB GDDR6X VRAM, a boost clock speed of 2490 MHz, and a compact dual-fan cooling system. It also has a rounded edge design which makes it look even smaller. It still comes with three DisplayPort 1.4a ports and one HDMI 2.1a port. It is a fairly low power-consuming GPU with 220W at load.
GAMDIAS ATX Mid Tower Gaming Computer PC Case
The GAMDIAS Aura GC2 is another great mid-tower ATX PC case. It comprises a tempered glass casing through which users can view all the components inside. Besides enabling users to view inside, the PC case is suitable for RGB connection with a compatible motherboard. It has four built-in 120mm ARGB fans, which help cool down the PC while working hard during gaming sessions. Also, unlike other PC cases that require tools during installation, this case is completely tool-free.
For those opting for a more “custom” gaming PC with a focus on a hefty GPU, the build above is perfect, pairing Intel’s 12th generation Core i5 12400F CPU with a powerful RTX 4070 SUPER in a Zotac Twin Edge trim. To keep costs low, the build opts for a DDR4 motherboard and cost-effective DDR4 RAM, allowing it to allocate more money towards the $600+ GPU it incorporates.
While the PSU in play, the XPG Core Reactor 750W, remains an expensive pick, it is one that is sure to pay dividends over time versus cheaper PSU options in terms of longevity and upgrade potential, the build does cut corners on the SSD and enclosure alike, opting for a 500GB SSD drive and a budget-friendly case from GAMDIAS.
The build above can run most games at a 2K resolution or higher but does offer restrictive storage and memory options as it limits spending to allow for a GPU that costs over 60% of its allocated budget. At the same time, the Intel Core i5 12400F is a capable CPU in its own right and should handle gaming reasonably well while also offering upgrades to other 12th/13th/14th generation CPUs should users need to do so in the future.
Other Considerations When Building A Gaming PC
What Memory Capacity Should Buyers Aim For?
A gaming PC generally needs more memory than standard computers shipping with 8-16GB of memory. While most PC games recommend up to 16GB of memory, recent games likeHogwarts Legacy(at ultra settings) and other titles tend to push for 32GB of memory. While 16GB of memory will work for most users, it can’t hurt to have more, especiallygiven that memory prices are considerably lowernow than in the past.
Users should ideally aim for 32GB of memory if their budget allows for it. There are currently not many use cases for 64GB of memory, even if one can afford it. However, if budget constraints apply, 16GB of memory should tide users over until games get demanding to the point of one needing more memory to meet specifications.
Should Gamers Buy A High-end Power Supply?
Most PSUs work most efficiently when running at about 50% load. With power costs rising, this is an important consideration. More importantly,higher-end PSUs have significant protectionfor PCs, such as OVP (Overvoltage Protection) and OCP (Overcurrent Protection), which can safeguard their components from adverse internal and external issues.
A PSU is probably a component of one’s PC that is (hopefully) not going to need regular upgrades or replacements. It makes sense to get one that can handle higher-end or more demanding PC hardware down the line, allowing for easy upgrades without needing it to be swapped, while ensuring reliable power is available to one’s system. Most high-end PSUs last many years with many clocking in up to a decade of service before requiring a replacement or repair.
How To Build A Balanced Gaming PC For $1000
Building a balanced gaming PC can be a challenge for even the most seasoned of PC builders. This is because dealing with any sort of budget when building a PC that can have as many as seven or more key components nearly always means compromising one way or another. This is particularly true for builds that are considerably more restricted in terms of pricing at certain price points (such as $1000). However, prospective PC builders can consider some of the key factors that make a gaming PC balanced and functional:
Needs-Based Choices: At $1000, prospective gamers and system builders have a fair amount of budget to play with to ensure they end up with a balanced gaming PC, but what is required by the gamer and the titles they play is key to determining what specific components will be purchased. For example, some titles benefit from faster CPUs while others find themselves bottlenecked by GPUs. Making tradeoffs that favor the games one intends to play means building around their needs as a gamer instead of going with more generic builds.
Target Resolutions: Gamers may have different performance demands. CPU/GPU needs vary based on the titles and their target resolutions. Higher resolutions require considerably beefier GPUs and memory as opposed to more balanced PC builds, which would see more spending on ancillary PC parts such as a PSU/Case/Cooler.
A Quality PSU: Power supplies (PSUs) are often the most easily overlooked aspect of any PC build. They are, however, some of the most important given that they ensure stability, performance, and future upgrade potential for a gaming PC.
Aesthetics: While it is tempting to get the latest and greatest when it comes to RGB lighting and premium AIOs and cases, one must consider the performance implications of reallocating a significant amount of a user’s budget towards how a PC looks rather than how it performs, especially when working with a limited $1000 budget.
Upgrade Potential: Most PCs see multiple upgrades across their lifecycle. Having a more future-proof or easier-to-upgrade gaming PC in terms of upgradeable CPUs, memory, storage, and GPUs does therefore play an important role in the recommendations offered by Game Rant to its audience.
FAQ
Q: Can anyone build a PC?
Yes, building a PC is not a complicated endeavor. It does however mean having to research the PC parts you need to pick up to avoid getting incompatible hardware by mistake.
Q: Can a gaming PC be upgraded over time?
Yes, users can build a gaming PC part by part on an existing PC system or simply by ordering some of the parts recommended and upgrading them one by one.
