Create a solid gaming setup for $1500.
Create a solid gaming setup for $1500.
Hello specialists, I constructed my most recent gaming computer in 2012 (refer to the link below): https://forums. It has performed excellently for more than a decade. I can still install and run games, though not at the maximum settings. It remains impressively quick to boot and is generally very user-friendly. Recently, it has encountered some issues: it needs several restarts to connect to the internet (which undermines its fast startup advantage), and early on it would randomly crash while playing games—producing a black screen accompanied by an extremely loud humming noise that is as intense as the speakers, frightening me each time. Thus, after ten years, it seems reasonable to upgrade to a new gaming machine. Ideally, with components that will last around ten years as well. I plan to keep my existing monitor (budget depends on whether I need a replacement). I own a 27'' ASUS PB278Q with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels and 60Hz, which I purchased in 2014. If you believe a new monitor is necessary, it must be at least a 27'' 4K model. Purchase Date: next week (ordering will begin as soon as I confirm the details) Budget: Maximum $1500 before rebates and shipping (excluding monitor cost if a new one is required). Not counting OS—I intend to install Windows 11 Home (approximately $40 at lizenzguru.ch right now). Usage: I aim to play Genshin Impact at the highest settings, including the new global illumination effect. Still, I want to be able to run games comfortably in 10 years without needing top-tier performance. Besides gaming, I use it for browsing occasionally. Required components: Keyboard and Mouse Preferred retailers: I’ll order from Swiss online stores; any Swiss shop is acceptable. I’m eligible for a 7% rebate on: https://www.microspot.ch/de and https://www.interdiscount.ch/de plus a 4% rebate on https://www.mediamarkt.ch/de/ Preferred SSD: Minimum 500GB capacity, totaling at least 2TB. Overclocking: Not required SLI or Crossfire: Uncertain, likely unnecessary 🙂 Additional notes: - I’m considering the recommended build at 1500$ ( At 60FPS (the cap for Genshin Impact), I’d be able to play in 4K. This should deliver an excellent experience. - If you think this is excessive, let me know. - It needs adequate cooling (even if it gets noisy). Since it will be placed under my desk, aesthetics aren’t a priority. - I need at least two USB 3.0 ports on the front of the case, as I’ll frequently switch between my work PC and gaming PC. - I’d like to retain my old optical drive (Asus DRW-24B5ST) or add a new one. However, I require an optical drive capable of writing CDs (I’m aware of that). Thank you in advance! Tamara
Only a handful of current models include a DVD drive bay. You'd have to rely on an external optical drive or choose from the limited options that support a DVD drive.
Gaming at high settings in 4K remains quite challenging, and I’m uncertain if your budget could support such an ambitious project. Your 1440 monitor should still function adequately and provide a solid foundation for a well-balanced build. I don’t have the exact pricing details in your area, but I’d suggest beginning with an RX7800XT or 6800XT, a reliable power supply, and allocating the rest of your funds to the best motherboard and CPU you can afford. You should also consider RAM and a new storage drive. Unless there are problems with your existing drives, you might reuse the 1TB drive for non-essential storage or similar purposes. I believe it would be wise to keep the old system fully operational enough to sell as a working unit, or at least demonstrate its functionality, and possibly repurpose it for tasks like web crawling, storage, or an HTPC.
I haven't considered that before. Luckily, external optical drives appear to be quite affordable, allowing me to acquire one.
For the main competitors I’d say the brand itself isn’t crucial as much as the product choice, especially regarding availability and quality. Generally, I think the look, size, and functionality are more important factors. For example, comparing MSI Ventus with Gaming X lines. From a budget standpoint, AMD’s current offerings stand out in terms of performance for their price. The RTX lineup offers impressive features but comes at a higher cost. If you’re aiming for a system within that price range, it’s possible to compromise on some components without significantly affecting gaming performance at 1440p.
CPU - Ryzen 7600 - 234 -
https://www.microspot.ch/de/compute...00...0013763996
Mobo - MSI B650E Edge - 234 -
https://www.microspot.ch/de/compute...-b...0013767552
Cooler - Dark Rock 4 - 66 -
https://www.microspot.ch/de/computer-gam...0001511418
Ram - CL32 6400mhz 32gb - 121 -
https://www.microspot.ch/de/compute...16...0013751901
SSD - MSI M480 pro 2tb - 110 -
https://www.microspot.ch/de/compute...48...0014015650
GPU - Myabe try getting a RX 7800 XT from germany if possible? OR RX6750XT - 410 -
https://www.microspot.ch/de/compute...du...0006979193
Case - Corsair 4000D - 93 -
https://www.microspot.ch/de/computer-gam...0002530610
PSU - RMe 850 - 135 -
https://www.microspot.ch/de/compute...le...0013860213
Overall cost - 1403 euros
However, I recommend considering the RX 7800 XT for a slight increase. It adds value.
Missing case fans:
https://www.microspot.ch/de/computer-gam...0002693203
It would be better to install an external optical drive.
or this alternative case:
https://www.microspot.ch/de/computer-gam...0002530610
PSU - RMe 850 - 135 -
https://www.microspot.ch/de/compute...le...0013860213
I appreciate the feedback and the links to my website. I plan to explore price searches on various sites and share the findings later. For a gaming setup, allocating roughly a third to the GPU seems reasonable, with a budget of 500-600$ looking suitable. I’m leaning toward the RX7800XT, though Amazon.de doesn’t offer significantly better prices there. I prefer the Case model (Corsair is reliable), but it only provides one USB-A on the front, which means I’d need to purchase an additional mouse. This isn’t a major issue since I recently upgraded to a high-quality mechanical keyboard, so the next upgrade would likely be the mouse.
It could be routed from the back of the case, which looks tidy without cables coming out from the front. You should use a Type C front panel connector and a Typce A in the 4000D for your phone and external HDD/pendrives. Regarding the choice of the 7800XT: GPU Benchmarks and Hierarchy 2023 show how graphics cards from Nvidia, AMD, and Intel are ranked. We've tested hundreds of these cards and compiled the results in our detailed list.
i'm not sure about local stock, but pcpartpicker lists 102 options with multiple external bays and positive ratings.