BEST PICK
BUDGET & TOP PICKS
Every PC component is important. The CPU and GPU handle performance, RAM ensures smooth multitasking, storage keeps the system fast, and a reliable power supply protects the build. Good cooling and airflow help keep everything stable and long-lasting.
PROCESSORS-CPU
If you’re building a PC on a budget, choosing the right processor is key. Here are some popular and reliable CPU options for 2026:✅ AMD Ryzen 5 5600G – Great budget CPU with integrated graphics, so you can game even without a separate GPU. Ideal for casual gaming and everyday use.✅ Intel Core i5-12400F – Excellent performance for gaming and general tasks; great price-to-performance balance.✅ AMD Ryzen 5 7600 / 7600x – Strong all-around performer with modern features and future-proof support.✅ Intel Core i3-14100 / i3-14100F – Very affordable choice for entry-level builds and 1080p gaming.Processors that stand out for their price and performance are the Ryzen 5 5600X / 7600X / 9600X.Coolers:
Air and liquid coolers perform similarly in most cases — the main difference is aesthetics. Liquid coolers look cleaner but are not permanent and need replacement over time. They are not bad, just less durable than air coolers.AM4 vs AM5 Compatibility:
AM4 and AM5 processors are not compatible with each other. AM4 CPUs work only with AM4 motherboards and DDR4 memory, while AM5 CPUs require AM5 motherboards and DDR5 memory. Always double-check compatibility before buying.
GRAPHICS CARDS-GPU
If you’re building a budget gaming PC, choosing the right GPU is key for smooth performance at 1080p and even 1440p in many games. Here are some great value graphics cards you can consider:✅AMD Radeon RX 7600 – A top budget pick that delivers strong 1080p performance and excellent value for the price. It handles most modern games smoothly and supports AMD’s FSR upscaling for higher frame rates.✅AMD Radeon RX 7600 XT – A slightly faster version of the RX 7600 with improved performance, great for gamers who want a bit more power without spending too much.✅NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 / 4060 / 5060 – A solid NVIDIA choice with DLSS support and efficient performance at 1080p. It offers good graphics quality and ray tracing capabilities for its price.✅AMD Radeon RX 7700 GRE (or similar 12GB RX models) – If available, these provide more VRAM and better future‑proofing for newer titles and higher settings.If you decide to go with a slightly more powerful graphics card than the ones listed, an honest recommendation is to choose at least 12GB of VRAM, while 16GB is the most comfortable option if possible. AMD GPUs are often recommended because they are usually more affordable and offer better performance for the same price compared to NVIDIA cards. That said, the final choice is always up to you and your personal preferences.
RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY-RAM
When it comes to RAM, you don’t need to overthink it right now. DDR5 memory is faster but still expensive and not necessary for most budget builds. For now, stick with reliable DDR4 kits – they are affordable, widely available, and provide plenty of performance for gaming and everyday tasks. Once prices drop and availability improves, you can consider upgrading to DDR5 for future-proofing.
RAM Guide:
❌4GB is not enough and should be avoided.
✅❌8GB is okay for basic everyday use.
✅16GB is ideal for most users.
✅32GB is great for heavy multitasking.
✅🔝48GB is similar to 64GB and mostly unnecessary.
✅🔝64GB is overkill, but it’s your choice.
RAM Speed & Latency:
MHz represents the speed at which the RAM operates — higher MHz means faster data transfer. CL (CAS Latency) should ideally be below 30, as lower latency results in better overall performance.
PC CASES
Picking the right PC case means getting good airflow, easy building space, and a clean look— all without spending too much. Here are some budget‑friendly cases that balance style and performance:✅Fractal Design Focus G – A solid budget ATX case with a clean design, good interior space, and airflow for modern builds. It’s simple but functional, perfect for first‑time builders.✅NZXT H510 Flow – A sleek case with a mesh front panel for better cooling and a minimalist modern look that fits most builds.✅Phanteks Eclipse P300 / P300A – Compact and stylish with a tempered glass side panel, easy cable management, and enough room for most GPUs and coolers.✅Deepcool MATREXX 40 / 55 – Budget cases with clean aesthetics and mesh fronts or tempered glass options, perfect for RGB builds or simpler systems.✅Cougar MX330 – Minimalist look with solid airflow support, tempered glass side panel, and enough space for a neat build.Remember: there are many budget PC cases available on the market, and these are just some of the options. You can find many other cases that may look better or offer similar or even better features for the same price.
POWER SUPPLY-PSU
The power supply is the heart of your PC — without a reliable PSU, all other components are at risk. A good PSU ensures stable power, protects your system from damage, and allows for future upgrades. Always choose well-known brands and high-rated units, such as Corsair, Seasonic, EVGA, or Cooler Master, preferably with 80+ Gold or higher efficiency.Before buying, it’s crucial to calculate your system’s power needs. Use an online PSU calculator to estimate how many watts you’ll require based on your CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and other components. Always leave a margin (around 20–30%) for future upgrades and extra stability.Remember: never cheap out on a PSU — it’s the most critical part of a safe and long-lasting build.
MOTHERBOARD
The motherboard is the backbone of your PC. It connects all components and determines which CPU, RAM, and GPU you can use.CPU Compatibility:
For AMD, AM4 supports DDR4 memory while AM5 supports DDR5. For Intel, make sure the motherboard has the correct LGA socket and chipset, such as B760 or Z790.Motherboard Sizes:
ATX boards are larger and offer more expansion slots and features.
Micro-ATX is smaller, more budget-friendly, and still offers good expandability.
Mini-ITX is very compact, designed for small builds, but has limited expansion.Key Features:
It should have enough RAM slots for future upgrades, support NVMe or SATA drives, and include sufficient USB and HDMI, display ports (only use if your processor has integrated graphics).Brands and Advice:
Stick with trusted brands such as ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, or ASRock. Avoid choosing just the cheapest model, as a quality motherboard ensures stability, upgrade potential, and smooth performance.
STORAGE-SSD-HDD
For modern PC builds, NVMe SSDs are highly recommended due to their much faster speeds compared to SATA SSDs. They significantly reduce boot times and game loading times. HDDs are not recommended for gaming, as they are too slow and can negatively impact performance. NVMe storage offers the best experience for gaming and everyday use.
GOOD TO KNOW
Building your own PC is usually the best option if you want full control over performance, quality, and future upgrades. Choosing each component yourself allows you to balance your budget properly and avoid unnecessary compromises. However, building a PC is not always easy for everyone, especially for beginners.If assembling a PC feels too difficult or stressful, it’s completely fine to ask someone with experience to help you. A properly built PC is always better than a rushed or incorrect build.There is also the option to buy a prebuilt PC, but this requires extra attention. Many companies cut costs by using cheap power supplies, low-quality motherboards, or poor cooling solutions. This can seriously affect system stability and long-term reliability.The most important thing to check in a prebuilt PC is the power supply. A weak or unbranded PSU can put all other components at risk, even if the CPU and GPU look good on paper.Because of this, it’s highly recommended to buy prebuilt PCs from trusted sellers or builders who clearly list all components and don’t hide corners.
One of the best ways to learn and make smarter decisions is to follow people who actually build and test PCs for a living. Many tech creators show real-world benchmarks, mistakes to avoid, and honest advice.My honest recommendation — and credit where credit is due — is to learn from creators like:
Linus Tech Tips, Zach’s Tech Turf, and many other PC-focused YouTubers. They provide valuable knowledge about parts, builds, upgrades, and common traps in the PC market.Watching experienced builders helps you understand what really matters, whether you’re building your own PC or buying a prebuilt one.Whether you decide to build a PC yourself, get help from someone, or buy a prebuilt system, always focus on component quality, balance, and reliability. Take your time, do proper research, and trust sources that consistently prove their expertise.A well-planned PC build will last longer, perform better, and save you money in the long run.
BUILD PLAN
There are many different websites where you can buy PC components, but in my opinion, these three stand out as the best options.
PCPartPicker is one of the most important tools when building a PC. It helps you check part compatibility, estimate total cost, and avoid common mistakes like choosing unsupported components or an insufficient power supply.
BuildCores is useful for finding pre-made PC builds based on your budget and performance needs. It gives you build ideas and helps you understand what kind of performance you can expect for a certain price range.
Amazon, AliExpress, and Micro Center are some of the best websites for buying PC components. They offer a wide range of parts, good pricing, and reliable availability, making them great choices for both budget and high-end PC builds.
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