What a challenging question! How do you even construct a computer these days?
What a challenging question! How do you even construct a computer these days?
I don't want to begin with any kind of complaint. It's just a genuine question. I really enjoy assembling PCs. I've only managed to build two myself so far. The first one was when the GTX 280 was released. The second was with the 1080ti. I'm still using the build for that model. I haven't had the funds recently to create a new one, but used to be that around 3k could buy a top-of-the-line gaming machine. I thought I'd put in some effort and check online at my local microcenter. I was interested in seeing what it would be like to construct a gaming PC that was older, but not as outdated as my current setup. I couldn't locate any suitable GPU for sale. None with as much RAM as my old 1080ti. What makes it possible to assemble a PC these days? Is it still as difficult to obtain a new motherboard, power supply, RAM, and CPU? On both of my earlier builds I would wait for the appropriate GPU to be released before assembling everything. What's the process now?
Thanks for your time.
Another related question, but I'm not trying to upset anyone. My current setup isn't up to the requirements for the Windows transition this fall. Even if I could afford new parts, I can't locate them. What happens to services like Steam when people can't run their PCs anymore and can't set up a new one? I'm looking forward to a fresh Borderlands release, but I worry I might end up with a PC that won't work by then.
Graphics cards are a bit pricey these days, but with Microcenter they offer great value. For instance, you can find a Ryzen 7 7700x, B650 board, and 32GB DDR5 memory for around $400. If you're on a tight budget, I'd likely consider the Intel B580 GPU.
I wonder how one obtains a GPU. Microcenter offers options under $300 with up to 8GB of RAM, and it seems purchasing a bundle might be the only option available right now. At Best Buy, similar prices are found, with no higher RAM limits and a maximum of $300.
Our MC has 7600XT in stock, quite a few available. (They also had 3060/4060.) I visited MC today and got a 5070TI without issues. It wasn’t cheap, but it was a bit lucky. That’s my experience.
Now I’ll note that GPU prices over the past five years have been tough to secure. I can’t buy online, and I’ve bought four from MC in-store: 6700XT, 3070, 4070TI, and 5070TI.
A few months ago, when you could easily get four from the 4000 series, that might have been a better time. Around launch time they stopped making older cards and switched to new ones, which are always in shortage and quite expensive.
The best option seems to be purchasing a used 4070/4080 from someone you trust.
If you’re still using a 6700 CPU, you might want to build a new case. Consider moving your 1080TI over or using onboard graphics, and keep an eye out for the card. That CPU isn’t officially supported on Windows 11 and tends to be slow for modern games. You don’t need the GPU to upgrade your setup.
I haven't purchased any new PC parts in a long time due to the high prices. When assembling a PC, I usually look at used parts, ideally with warranty, and select from them. Sometimes I buy damaged graphics cards and repair them myself, or I take them to a technician for repairs if I'm unsure. My current build is an Intel 5-13600KF on a Gigabyte Z690 UD DDR4 with an Inno3D RTX 4080 Super, all used and at a much lower cost.
Here’s a suggestion. If you’re not playing at 4K resolution, you won’t require as much VRAM. 8GB should suffice for 1440p and 1080p. The 1080Ti performance is comparable to entry-level cards from a few generations back, like the 3060 and 6600XT. Generally, anything from a 3060Ti onward will outperform a 1080Ti, and if you’ve already built your system, most CPUs will be better upgrades. I’d even suggest PCIE 3 isn’t sufficient anymore.
I would create a backup of your data, erase the storage units, reinstall Windows, and sell the entire setup. Air cooling works well and is affordable. Just construct a new enclosure without the GPU until you locate one suitable. I expect you might manage to acquire a GPU if you stay close enough to follow up with MC. A custom loop is costly and unnecessary (they look impressive), but air coolers are much simpler—replacing a fan after ten years is straightforward.
16GB is recommended for 1440P gaming, though it may last longer than expected. For 1080P, 8GB should suffice.