F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Need suggestions for improving your Gaming PC without spending more than 1,000 USD?

Need suggestions for improving your Gaming PC without spending more than 1,000 USD?

Need suggestions for improving your Gaming PC without spending more than 1,000 USD?

T
Tawnt
Member
62
07-07-2025, 01:35 PM
#1
Last year I upgraded my PC to the current model, and so far I’m quite satisfied with its performance when running AAA games at ultra or high settings:
PCPartPicker Part List:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/BJjkLc
CPU: *Intel Core i5-14600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor ($214.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 64.95 CFM CPU Cooler
Thermal Compound: ARCTIC MX-6 4 g Thermal Paste ($7.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI MAG B760M MORTAR WIFI II Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Kingston FURY Beast 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL40 Memory ($184.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD ($119.00 @ iBUYPOWER)
Video Card: Zotac GAMING Trinity GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER 16 GB Video Card
Case: Asus Prime AP201 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($89.99 @ Walmart)
Power Supply: Corsair RM850e (2023) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($114.00 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM - DVD 64-bit
Case Fan: ARCTIC P12 PST 56.3 CFM 120 mm Fans 5-Pack ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Dell S2716DG 27.0" 2560 x 1440 144 Hz Monitor ($399.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: LG 25UM58-P 25.0" 2560 x 1080 75 Hz Monitor
Monitor: Samsung T350 22.0" 1920 x 1080 75 Hz Monitor ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Keychron K5 SE Bluetooth/Wired Slim Keyboard
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Elite Wired Optical Mouse ($53.60 @ Amazon)
Headphones: HP HyperX Cloud Revolver S 7.1 Channel Headset
Speakers: Logitech Z407 40 W 2.1-Channel Speakers ($114.30 @ Amazon)
Total: $1603.81
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts selected based on the given criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-01-22 00:47 EST-0500
I’m planning to receive a bonus soon, which would let me allocate around $1,000 for PC upgrades.
Some suggestions come from others—should I consider replacing my main display? My current Dell monitor shows a watermark on the top, and adding another M.2 SSD could boost storage. My headset is also showing signs of wear; the foam cups are damaged and the microphone isn’t working well. Should I invest in a new headset or opt for dedicated speakers used by streamers?
Any further advice would be greatly appreciated.
T
Tawnt
07-07-2025, 01:35 PM #1

Last year I upgraded my PC to the current model, and so far I’m quite satisfied with its performance when running AAA games at ultra or high settings:
PCPartPicker Part List:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/BJjkLc
CPU: *Intel Core i5-14600K 3.5 GHz 14-Core Processor ($214.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 64.95 CFM CPU Cooler
Thermal Compound: ARCTIC MX-6 4 g Thermal Paste ($7.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI MAG B760M MORTAR WIFI II Micro ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Kingston FURY Beast 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL40 Memory ($184.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD ($119.00 @ iBUYPOWER)
Video Card: Zotac GAMING Trinity GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER 16 GB Video Card
Case: Asus Prime AP201 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($89.99 @ Walmart)
Power Supply: Corsair RM850e (2023) 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($114.00 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Pro OEM - DVD 64-bit
Case Fan: ARCTIC P12 PST 56.3 CFM 120 mm Fans 5-Pack ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Dell S2716DG 27.0" 2560 x 1440 144 Hz Monitor ($399.99 @ Amazon)
Monitor: LG 25UM58-P 25.0" 2560 x 1080 75 Hz Monitor
Monitor: Samsung T350 22.0" 1920 x 1080 75 Hz Monitor ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Keychron K5 SE Bluetooth/Wired Slim Keyboard
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder Elite Wired Optical Mouse ($53.60 @ Amazon)
Headphones: HP HyperX Cloud Revolver S 7.1 Channel Headset
Speakers: Logitech Z407 40 W 2.1-Channel Speakers ($114.30 @ Amazon)
Total: $1603.81
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts selected based on the given criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-01-22 00:47 EST-0500
I’m planning to receive a bonus soon, which would let me allocate around $1,000 for PC upgrades.
Some suggestions come from others—should I consider replacing my main display? My current Dell monitor shows a watermark on the top, and adding another M.2 SSD could boost storage. My headset is also showing signs of wear; the foam cups are damaged and the microphone isn’t working well. Should I invest in a new headset or opt for dedicated speakers used by streamers?
Any further advice would be greatly appreciated.

S
S0ul_Taker
Junior Member
25
07-07-2025, 01:35 PM
#2
It seems your system is already highly capable, so I’d recommend going all out with a high-end OLED display.
S
S0ul_Taker
07-07-2025, 01:35 PM #2

It seems your system is already highly capable, so I’d recommend going all out with a high-end OLED display.

D
Designx
Member
219
07-07-2025, 01:35 PM
#3
Consider changing the CPU to an AMD model because of the 14th generation problems.
D
Designx
07-07-2025, 01:35 PM #3

Consider changing the CPU to an AMD model because of the 14th generation problems.

G
Gorofex
Junior Member
27
07-07-2025, 01:35 PM
#4
Do you have any ideas about which monitor would suit you best? I'm considering a 144hz 27-inch model, and if possible, a 240hz one as well.
G
Gorofex
07-07-2025, 01:35 PM #4

Do you have any ideas about which monitor would suit you best? I'm considering a 144hz 27-inch model, and if possible, a 240hz one as well.

P
pooh_bear6
Member
192
07-07-2025, 01:35 PM
#5
There have been reports about CPUs malfunctioning on Intel 13th and 14th generation models. Personally, one reason I didn’t upgrade from my i5 12600kf to a newer Intel CPU was those reports. However, if you consider the 9800x3d for gaming purposes, it might be worth thinking about. The positive side is you could probably sell your old gear and receive a significant refund to help purchase an OLED monitor.
P
pooh_bear6
07-07-2025, 01:35 PM #5

There have been reports about CPUs malfunctioning on Intel 13th and 14th generation models. Personally, one reason I didn’t upgrade from my i5 12600kf to a newer Intel CPU was those reports. However, if you consider the 9800x3d for gaming purposes, it might be worth thinking about. The positive side is you could probably sell your old gear and receive a significant refund to help purchase an OLED monitor.

S
SUPPERFLUFFY
Member
161
07-07-2025, 01:35 PM
#6
This product received excellent feedback from customers.
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SUPPERFLUFFY
07-07-2025, 01:35 PM #6

This product received excellent feedback from customers.

L
Lelle9911
Member
76
07-07-2025, 01:35 PM
#7
Link
Basically there's a decent chance of them degrading. They've tried to help the issue with microcode updates but as its a physical issue it's only mitigation not a full fix.
Regardless AMD CPUs have better performance and AM5 will have a longer shelflife meaning you could potentially upgrade to the last available chips released for the platform in a few years and still gets years out of it.
L
Lelle9911
07-07-2025, 01:35 PM #7

Link
Basically there's a decent chance of them degrading. They've tried to help the issue with microcode updates but as its a physical issue it's only mitigation not a full fix.
Regardless AMD CPUs have better performance and AM5 will have a longer shelflife meaning you could potentially upgrade to the last available chips released for the platform in a few years and still gets years out of it.

P
PlanktsBR
Member
58
07-07-2025, 01:36 PM
#8
I wouldn't replace the CPU right now. Make sure your bios is current for the Intel updates. Your warranty on the chip is still valid, so everything seems fine. Adding another 2tb ssd would be helpful, and some updated monitors could also be beneficial.
P
PlanktsBR
07-07-2025, 01:36 PM #8

I wouldn't replace the CPU right now. Make sure your bios is current for the Intel updates. Your warranty on the chip is still valid, so everything seems fine. Adding another 2tb ssd would be helpful, and some updated monitors could also be beneficial.

S
SuperDankito
Member
51
07-07-2025, 01:36 PM
#9
Do you know any budget-friendly microphones under 150 USD?
S
SuperDankito
07-07-2025, 01:36 PM #9

Do you know any budget-friendly microphones under 150 USD?