In recent times, I have found myself taking longer than intended to update our PC building guide. While I could attribute this delay to a busy schedule, the truth is that the lack of updates often coincides with challenging periods in the desktop PC building landscape. Throughout 2025, we have seen fluctuating and inflated graphics card pricing combined with limited availability, transforming what should be an enjoyable hobby into a frustrating experience. This has led many to consider alternatives like the Steam Deck, diverting attention from traditional desktops.
However, three significant factors have motivated me to update this guide. First, there has been a slight improvement in GPU pricing and availability since early 2025. Second, while the pricing of PC parts remains high, the cost of pre-built systems—often with inferior specifications—is also unreasonable, making it essential for consumers to understand their options. Lastly, I personally feel the urge to build again; it’s been too long since I last assembled a PC or assisted someone else in the process. So, here we are—offering five distinct build suggestions across various budgets and needs, from casual browsing to high-end 4K gaming, including a spectacular "God Box" for those looking to invest heavily.
A major aspect of building a PC is customizing its appearance to reflect your style. We've chosen cases that will accommodate the motherboards and components we recommend while also considering aesthetic appeal. Remember, there are many available options, and our selections are merely suggestions.
Future-proofing is another critical aspect to consider when building a PC. One of the primary benefits of the PC platform is the ability to upgrade individual components over time without needing to replace the entire system. Investing a little extra in components that will remain supported for an extended period is wise. Currently, AMD's socket AM5 ecosystem offers advantages over older platforms like AMD's socket AM4 and Intel's LGA 1700.
When it comes to power supplies, we recommend selecting 80 Plus certified units from reputable brands with positive user reviews. The same applies to RAM—while we'll suggest capacities and speeds, there are numerous kits available that may suit your needs just as well. For SSDs, we primarily recommend drives from well-known brands, including Samsung, Crucial, Western Digital, and SK hynix. Our builds will also feature integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing for easy connectivity without the hassle of Ethernet cables. We will not include the cost of peripherals like monitors, keyboards, or mice, as many users may choose to reuse existing components or purchase them separately.
Ideal for: General browsing, schoolwork, light photo or video editing, and casual gaming.
Not suitable for: Running modern games at high settings.
Estimated Cost: $479 to $504, depending on the case selected.
Specifications:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 8500G - $160 (6-core CPU)CPU Fan: AMD Wraith Stealth (Included) - $0Motherboard: Gigabyte B650M Gaming Plus WiFi - $130GPU: Radeon 740M iGPU (Included) - $0RAM: Patriot Viper Venom 16GB DDR5-6000 - $49SSD: Western Digital WD Blue SN5000 500GB - $45Power Supply: Thermaltake Smart Series 600W - $45Case: Thermaltake Versa H17 Black, Phanteks XT Pro, or Fractal Design Focus 2 - $50 to $75The entry-level price for a basic desktop PC from major brands like Dell, HP, and Lenovo typically ranges from $400 to $500. However, building your own can offer superior specifications and future-proofing at a comparable price. The AMD Ryzen 5 8500G provides sufficient processing power for everyday tasks and light gaming, while the Radeon 740M GPU can handle less demanding titles like Roblox and Minecraft.
Ideal for: Solid all-around performance with good 1080p (and sometimes 1440p) gaming capabilities.
Not suitable for: Future-proofing and top-tier CPU performance.
Estimated Cost: $793 to $828, depending on components.
Specifications:
CPU: Intel Core i5-13400F - $130 (10-core Raptor Lake CPU)CPU Fan: Intel Stock Fan (Included) - $0Motherboard: Asus B760M-AYW WiFi D4 II Micro ATX - $100GPU: AMD Radeon 9060 XT 16GB - $370 to $380RAM: Silicon Power 16GB DDR4-3200 - $34SSD: Western Digital WD Blue SN5000 1TB - $64Power Supply: Thermaltake Smart Series 600W - $45Case: Thermaltake Versa H17 Black, Phanteks XT Pro, or Fractal Design Focus 2 - $50 to $75Budget gaming PCs face challenges today, but the core advice remains: prioritize the GPU. The Intel Core i5-13400F offers a competitive edge with its E-cores, making it suitable for mid-range gaming. By opting for a 1TB SSD, you ensure ample space for modern games, with an additional M.2 slot available for future upgrades.
Ideal for: Excellent all-around performance with ample memory and storage, plus room for upgrades.
Not suitable for: Higher frame rates than the budget build.
Estimated Cost: $1,070 to $1,110, depending on components.
Specifications:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X - $243 (8-core Zen 4 CPU)CPU Fan: Vetroo V5 CPU Cooler - $25-30Motherboard: Gigabyte B650M Gaming Plus WiFi - $130GPU: AMD Radeon 9060 XT 16GB - $370 to $380RAM: Team T-Force Vulcan 32GB DDR5-6000 - $82SSD: Western Digital WD Blue SN5000 2TB - $115Power Supply: Thermaltake Smart Series 700W - $55Case: Thermaltake Versa H17 Black, Phanteks XT Pro, or Fractal Design Focus 2 - $50 to $75This build aims to provide a better balance of performance for both gaming and non-gaming tasks, featuring the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X for superior processing power. The 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage ensure you are well-equipped for modern gaming and multitasking.
Ideal for: High-resolution gaming and demanding applications.
Not suitable for: Achieving top-tier bragging rights.
Estimated Cost: $1,829 to $1,934, depending on components.
Specifications:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D - $367 (8-core Zen 4 CPU)CPU Fan: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE - $50Motherboard: Gigabyte X870 Gaming Wifi6 (ATX) - $190GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16GB - $810 to $850RAM: Team T-Force Vulcan 32GB DDR5-6000 - $82SSD: Western Digital WD Black SN7100 2TB - $130Power Supply: Cooler Master MWE Gold V3 850W - $110Case: Lian Li Lancool 207, Fractal Design North - $90 to $155This build is designed for enthusiasts who want a solid gaming experience at 4K resolutions. The RTX 5070 Ti offers excellent performance for modern titles, while the Ryzen 7 7800X3D ensures smooth multitasking and gaming performance.
Ideal for: Everything and anything—top-tier performance.
Not suitable for: Being budget-friendly.
Estimated Cost: $4,891 to $5,146.
Specifications:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D - $700 (16-core Zen 5 CPU)CPU Fan: Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro A-RGB - $96Motherboard: ASRock X870E Taichi (eATX) - $470GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 - $2,400 to $2,600RAM: 64GB (Team Delta RGB DDR5-6400) - $380SSD: Western Digital WD Black SN8100 4TB - $450Power Supply: Asus ROG Strix 1200W - $255Case: Fractal Design North XL or Lian Li O11 Vision - $140 to $195This ultimate build is a powerhouse for any task, featuring the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 for unparalleled graphics performance. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D ensures you can handle anything from gaming to demanding productivity tasks without breaking a sweat.
In conclusion, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly build or the best of the best, this PC building guide provides options tailored to various needs and price ranges. With the right components, you can create a system that not only meets your current requirements but also adapts as your needs evolve.
