Create a new guide for gaming.
Create a new guide for gaming.
I tend to keep costs low and prefer what offers the best value for money. With today’s game options, you’ll likely be satisfied with much cheaper alternatives. Many in this generation believe the new cards aren’t groundbreaking compared to what came before. I’d definitely consider a solid CPU/MOBO/MEM setup. The GPU is just an extra feature. Would you be comfortable with 70-100 FPS at medium-high settings on a 1440 resolution? A slight drop from 9070 XT would work well.
Purchase at a low price twice. Acquire what fits your budget, and savor it longer. Avoid spending on current titles, and prepare for tougher challenges in upcoming games.
I always aim for the top quality parts I can afford. If the CPU, motherboard, RAM, and power supply are high-end, they usually last much longer. During that time, I typically run two GPU cycles.
Recently, I chose a 9800x3d knowing it would provide a long-lasting build. I’m currently running a 4070 Super at 1440p, which I’ve had for years and plan to keep using for another couple of years, if not more. I’ll be able to upgrade my GPU later, as that will be the only change needed. I also purchased a new 1000W Corsair RMx, which should last just as long as the CPU and motherboard. Probably even longer.
Looking ahead, I’d probably opt for something like the 9070xt and either a 7800x3d or a 9800x3d if available. I know it might feel limiting to make early sacrifices, but if you have to start with compromises, it can be discouraging when upgrading later. It seems you have the budget and these premium components are worth investing in.
For monitors, I’d prefer a high refresh rate (up to 180Hz), 1440p IPS or possibly OLED, depending on your budget. A 27-inch size at 1440p strikes the best balance for me. Check out some videos from Monitors Unboxed on YouTube—they often review top monitors across various price points. You can also revisit last year’s roundup to compare older models with current options in your area.
A monitor is also an investment, but you don’t need to spend excessively. There are excellent, reasonably priced choices available.
A monitor is considered an investment because it lasts longer than other parts and doesn’t usually need upgrading, except perhaps for your case. Pick the one you prefer. A nearby shop would be ideal to compare models on display. I’m leaning toward 1440p with at least 144hz. Beyond that, it depends on personal preference. I had a 1440p 60hz Lenovo model a few years ago and liked it a lot. The price influenced my choice. I currently use an Acer Nitro 5 27" myself. This one seems to be the latest with 180hz.
I used a Viewsonic 27" for many years before switching to a BenQ 34" Ultrawide. It was a significant improvement for gaming and browsing at 1440p, and I’d recommend going beyond 27". The price in the $400-500 range seems reasonable. I made sure to include speakers and it has a USB hub which is handy. The search process was frustrating but it’s clearly a worthwhile investment that should last more than five years.
I'm not sure if gaming has always been such an expensive hobby! Maybe when I was a teenager, three to four years felt like a long time, and getting a new system every six years seemed like a big deal. Now it's almost instant! I hope to build a solid core system so upgrades remain a realistic choice later on. While I'd love an Intel CPU for nostalgia, AM5 looks promising with its upgrade options. The 7800X3D is significantly cheaper than the 9800X3D right now, so I think that's what I'll choose (unless circumstances change before I decide). The 9070 XT is also much more affordable compared to the 5070 Ti, making it hard to justify the latter. After all, I'd rather spend extra on a good monitor. I'll keep in mind the monitors you suggested and check some reviews from Monitors Unboxed.
But yes, I'll have to consider my budget. Once the new PC is ready, I'll need to start purchasing games, which probably won't be cheap either.
By the way, are there any major new releases expected for Q4 2025? Any new CPUs or GPUs? Should I wait a bit longer? Or will it really make a difference? Prices usually don't drop sharply right after new products launch.