Building a PC is an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or just need a reliable system, there’s a PC build for every budget. This guide breaks down the best PC builds in 2024 for entry-level, mid-range, and high-end budgets, with a focus on performance, value, and future upgradability.
Entry-Level Build (Under $700)
Perfect for beginners and casual gamers, this build provides great performance for 1080p gaming and everyday tasks.
Components
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (~$120)
- Includes integrated Vega graphics for solid gaming performance without a dedicated GPU.
- Motherboard: MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi (~$110)
- Affordable with built-in WiFi and upgrade potential.
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200 (~$50)
- Plenty of memory for multitasking and gaming.
- Storage: Kingston NV2 500GB NVMe SSD (~$30)
- Fast load times and enough space for your OS and games.
- Case: NZXT H510 (~$70)
- Sleek design with good airflow.
- Power Supply: EVGA 600 W1, 600W (~$40)
- Reliable and budget-friendly.
- Optional GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT (~$180)
- Adds a significant boost for dedicated gaming.
Performance
- Gaming: Runs most modern games at 1080p with medium settings.
- Everyday Use: Perfect for web browsing, streaming, and productivity tasks.
Mid-Range Build (Around $1,200)
This build balances power and affordability, offering great performance for 1440p gaming and multitasking.
Components
- CPU: Intel Core i5-13600KF (~$280)
- Exceptional gaming and multitasking performance.
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti (~$400)
- Handles 1440p gaming at high settings with ease.
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG STRIX B760-F Gaming WiFi (~$200)
- Packed with features like WiFi 6 and PCIe 5.0 support.
- RAM: G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 (~$160)
- Future-proof with fast speeds for gaming and productivity.
- Storage: Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB NVMe SSD (~$80)
- Plenty of space for games and programs.
- Case: Lian Li Lancool II Mesh (~$110)
- Excellent airflow and cable management.
- Power Supply: Corsair RM750x 750W (~$100)
- Fully modular and efficient.
Performance
- Gaming: Smooth 1440p gaming at high to ultra settings.
- Productivity: Great for video editing, streaming, and demanding tasks.
High-End Build (Over $2,000)
For those who want the best, this build is designed for 4K gaming, content creation, and future-proofing.
Components
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X (~$600)
- Incredible performance for gaming and multitasking.
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 (~$1,600)
- The ultimate powerhouse for 4K gaming and ray tracing.
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero (~$600)
- Premium features with extensive overclocking support.
- RAM: Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5-6600 (~$400)
- Overkill for gaming but ideal for heavy multitasking.
- Storage: Samsung 990 PRO 2TB NVMe SSD (~$180)
- Lightning-fast storage for games and large files.
- Case: Fractal Design Meshify 2 XL (~$230)
- Spacious with top-notch airflow and aesthetics.
- Power Supply: Seasonic PRIME TX-1000 1000W (~$250)
- Handles the power demands of high-end components.
- Cooling: NZXT Kraken Z73 RGB AIO (~$300)
- Keeps temperatures low with a stylish LCD display.
Performance
- Gaming: Ultra settings in 4K with ray tracing enabled.
- Content Creation: Ideal for 3D rendering, video editing, and streaming.
Tips for Building Your PC
- Compatibility Check: Use tools like PCPartPicker to ensure components work together.
- Invest in Cooling: Even for mid-range builds, good cooling ensures longevity.
- Cable Management: Organize cables for better airflow and aesthetics.
- Future-Proofing: Choose components with room for upgrades, such as a motherboard with PCIe 5.0 support.