Optimize your 2k Gaming setup with high-medium configurations.
Optimize your 2k Gaming setup with high-medium configurations.
I’m searching for a good value build, in the middle range, for gaming.
It’s my first custom build, so I’d like advice on upgrading to enhance it…
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I currently have:
CPU i7 12700k
GPU MSI RTX 4060 Ti 16 GB
RAM Kingston 4x8 GB 5200mhz Fury Beast
MBD Rog Z690 E gaming Wifi
PSU 1000 Watt Tuf
SSD WB Black 1TB PCie 4.0
Case Tuf GT501
Radiator LC II Tuf
OS Windows 11 Home
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I’m upgrading for a normal gamer who wants to keep data safe, planning to use more storage in the future. I have space for extra HDDs since the motherboard has six SATA ports and I want to add all M.2 slots.
My preferred games are 2k 1440p.
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I already own the case and motherboard, and I plan to buy the rest by March. My current build is a prebuilt model with a Rog GDK10 3060 12GB, 32 GB DDR4 2500mhz, and a Ryzen 7 5700G. I’ll be selling it soon.
Suggest improvements for me…
Where do you intend to purchase this? The USA?
- G.Skill Ripjaws S5 32 (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30
I recommend opting for this memory instead of your 4x8 option. It offers better speed and compatibility.
For gaming, consider a 4070 GPU. The 4060 suits less demanding titles. Go with the 13600K and a B760 motherboard. Also reduce the power supply from 1000w to 850w. Invest the remaining budget in a 4070.
Affordable WD Blue 4Tb or 6Tb HDDs are available. The 5400rpm model is quieter and more durable.
I don’t suggest buying components ahead of time, as that limits your return options.
The recommended build includes a 4070 Super or RX7800 XT with a minimum of 7900 GRE.
This suggests you’re likely tied to Intel as well. Instead of focusing on the quantity of SSDs, opt for bigger capacities when budget allows.
4TB or 8TB NVMe SSDs have been available for some time; larger SATA drives are becoming less common, which pushes up their prices. Stay alert to price changes and promotions.
If you’re planning bulk storage, choose larger drives—8 to 18TB models are reasonably priced and can act as backups for your SSDs.
I’ve stopped using hard drives for active storage long ago (though I still have a single 2TB SSD for gaming).
The 13600k is ideal for gaming, but the 14600K offers similar performance at a lower price.
200Mhz is free to use.
12700K and KF models are occasionally discounted, sometimes as low as $200—great deals when you’re savvy.
The price gap between 1000W and 850W is minimal, but it’s not necessary for these systems. A 750W unit would suffice.
You don’t need to rely heavily on ASUS for all components; choose higher-rated parts that fit your budget.
Liquid cooling isn’t essential and can be costly. Top-tier air coolers from Thermalright are the preferred option today. Even swapping to RGB fans is more affordable than an AIO.
Good remarks from Eskimo.
Wait until you purchase something before seeking advice.
Avoid cheap processors on the processor side—try to cut about $25 off a F suffix chip without integrated graphics.
Integrated solutions have helped a lot by solving GPU problems, even when the PSU is faulty (my experience).
Here is your rewritten text:
Thank you for your thorough response.
I’m pleased with your feedback and the effort to achieve the best performance possible.
I invested $1050 after taxes at the end of Q3 into a prebuilt system featuring an RTX 3060, 12 GB RAM, a 1 fan, and a Ryzen 7 5700G. The only upgrade I made was adding two RAM sticks, which allowed me to install 32 GB of DDR4 memory at 2300-2400 MHz on a very affordable motherboard that isn’t available for sale.
With this setup, I can now play most games smoothly, achieving decent frame rates. Those were the times when PC gamers complained about the high GPU costs and ended up buying overpriced models—this prebuilt option was a smarter choice, and luckily I managed to get it after waiting two months.
Since the price isn’t too high, I can still sell it with minimal loss after use.
When I opened the 550-watt PSU, I was surprised—it performed poorly. The Wi-Fi was terrible, and the RGB LED lights were either absent or very basic.
Still, this machine is quite capable.
My current plan is to spend as little as possible on CPU and GPU while maximizing the return when selling it back.
My ultimate goal is to acquire an i9 14K at a price around $400 within two years, if that’s realistic.
Next year we’ll likely get an RTX 5000 with PCIe 5 Express at the same or lower price than the current models, and I’ll also need to purchase 4K 144Hz OLED monitors. In that case, the latest Alienware 4K curved QD OLED might not live up to expectations compared to a more affordable OLED TV C2.
Ray tracing is still in its early stages; the monitors don’t quite match the promised value for their price. Even the RTX 4090 struggles to maintain optimal FPS at maximum settings in graphics-intensive games.
But an i9 5000 would be a better choice.
I can buy an AMD system, but in the US it’s difficult to sell it for a reasonable price.
In the long run, I’m aiming for a premium build.
Over time, I’ll have opportunities to upgrade and grow.
i14 and i15 are quite similar, while i14 offers AI enhancements of 10-15%.
But after all, I’m spending around $1000 and selling my old PC for $800 to a friend next month.
I believe people who bought a 3080 or higher model can’t get back half their investment in just two years.
Thanks.
By the way, I’ve been a gamer since 2002, completed over 800 games, and have followed your channel since 2017.
I’m planning to launch my YouTube channel soon, so I need a well-equipped PC.
Right now, it’s really important.
Thank you again, and please accept my apologies if I came across as unkind or didn’t meet your expectations.
As a new member, I’m working on correcting my mistakes.
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