New build for my nephew for Xmas?
New build for my nephew for Xmas?
My nephew asked for a computer for XMAS, so I wanted to check if I could create something within a $500 budget. I tried a few builds but the GPU is really expensive and I’m unsure what would fit. We already have the necessary accessories and a GSYNC ultra wide monitor for him. I’m planning to assemble a new machine myself and was considering using my old 4690k/1080 GTX system, though it’s quite outdated and sometimes causes problems. He mainly plays Minecraft and will probably move on to games like Raft and Enshrouded. I don’t want his gaming setup to start with poor performance and I’d like the ability for him to expand into other titles as well.
The 1080 remains a solid option for 1080P and especially for that game. Given the price point, it might make sense to look at something from the 12th generation if you manage to find suitable motherboards and other components at a reasonable cost. With the ongoing Cyber Monday and Christmas season, selection and pricing are usually getting tougher. It could be worthwhile to borrow your current setup after a refresh, and then revisit the build in January when stores will be urging you to purchase.
A build requiring just an i3-12100 would offer roughly double the processing power of your 4690. Consider incorporating the GTX1080; it's a classic choice. For more details on general GPU performance, you can check this link:
It might not be the best time to search, but those 1080 cards are nearly the same cost as a 4060. I was aiming for a $500 range, but if I raise it slightly to $700, I could find something durable that should last and expand his gaming options significantly?
It could be possible to explore options like an i5 12400, which might allow you to purchase a DDR4 board if you’re looking to save some money. For the graphics card, an RX 6600 would likely suffice and still provide a solid 1080p performance. If you’re open to newer options, an AM5 chipset such as a Ryzen 5 7500f or 7600 could be a good starting point, as AMD has indicated support for AM5 models through 2027. This would likely pave the way for additional CPU upgrades on the same platform. You could also consider other configurations.
Possible choices include:
- 7500f at $169.99
- AsRock B650 board at $99.99
- RX 6600 at $189.99
Including extra components like 16GB RAM would bring the total closer to a functional setup.
Using the approach you began with is what I have in mind. It currently stands at $800, but I find it challenging to pinpoint exactly what’s required for a power supply or cooler since the gap between the 7500F and 7600X is only about $20. I’m not sure what additional components are necessary.
I prefer this cooler.
I have the older peerless assassin from the same brand, but this one seems better. It almost matches the look. I use it with my i5 12600kf and it performs well.
The power supply appears to be a tier C model. This list can assist when shopping to find the right one.
PSU Tier List rev. 17.0g - Cultists Network