You want a new PC build costing between $1000 and $1200 CAD?
You want a new PC build costing between $1000 and $1200 CAD?
I need a significant improvement. I assembled my previous system 15-20 years ago using suggestions from this forum. I'm quite inexperienced and uncertain if I can manage a build independently now.
My old setup:
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
E8400 @ 3.00GHz
4GB RAM
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460
WD HDD (three of them. I plan to connect one to the new build)
DFI Bloodiron P35-T2RL Mobo
What I'm considering:
https://www.costco.ca/gaming-desktops.html
The options range from $899 to $1299.
What I require:
Primarily for browsing, but I want to play games again. I used to enjoy DOTA2 and various Blizzard titles. CS is still supported. If it supports the games I want, I’d try the new battlefield title and subnautica 2 when it launches (my child would be interested). I’d also stream movies to my TV using PLEX, similar to before, but my current PC feels slow.
I plan to connect one of my three old HDDs as a backup, but I want a SSD as the main drive. If swapping the HDDs is simple for me, that’s a plus, though having a reliable backup connection is essential. The WD HDD model I’m thinking of is WD1002FAEX—they all use the same cables, so it’s unclear what changed.
I need Windows 11 (the last OS I installed was on DVD—how do you even install an OS these days?). My monitor is a 22" LCD and I’m okay with low graphics as long as it runs smoothly.
Am I beyond my capabilities here? Should I consider purchasing a ready-made PC instead? I’m completely new to the latest components, but I’m proud of building my current machine and it still works (just barely).
Thank you in advance for any advice or assistance!
What I'm looking at: https://www.costco.ca/gaming-desktops.html The one for $899 or the one for $1299. So these two; https://www.costco.ca/msi-codex-r2-...id...97632.html + https://www.costco.ca/ibuypower-gam...rc...76044.html? I'm really rusty and I'm not even sure if I'm capable of a build on my own anymore. I'd build a system from the ground up instead of looking at a prebuilt, whereby they make a profit by cutting corners with lackluster parts in certain areas. As it stands, you're looking at Intel 13th and 14th Gen equipped prebuilts. The 13th and 14thGen of Intel processor were plagued with oxidation and firmware issues. I'd avoid them altogether. The caveat with the MSI build, although it looks to have a good quality PSU in it, is that it comes with an RTX3050. Lastly, the cases that both prebuilts come with might no have provision for 3x3.5" HDD's. In fact the MSI prebuilt's case is a Force 120R, which can only house a single 3.5" drive. If the CyberPower prebuilt case is akin to a Lian-Li 207, then you have provision for a max of 2x3.5" drives. Tell you what, stylize your thread with info asked of in this thread; *How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice* How to Ask for New Build or Upgrade Advice First off, respect where respect is due - this is an adaptation of the Animal's *How To Ask For New Build Advice* Sticky. I created this because there's a lot of posts nowadays asking for upgrade advice both on here and on the CPU forums, and I feel... forums. and the community will chime in with worthwhile suggestions.
The decision to build or not is straightforward—many people claim they can assemble it themselves, customize the parts list, and possibly save costs. However, this overlooks several important aspects that might matter to you.
How patient are you? Do you enjoy the building process, or would you rather accept frustration more easily? Are you inclined to tinker and modify components over time, such as adding drives or swapping parts, or do you prefer keeping your setup unchanged for a longer period?
Would you rather deal with bugs in the field than manage online customer service? If I had to purchase a ready-made unit, Costco would be at the top of my list due to their excellent return policies. Eventually, though, you’d likely have to work with manufacturers instead.
It’s difficult to judge—any component can fail or become obsolete quickly. That’s just speculation.
Looking at your options: a 900 dollar PC versus a 1300 dollar PC with Intel processors. The performance gap is minimal, around 3 percent, so it shouldn’t be decisive. Both models offer 16 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and unknown configurations. There are minor differences in USB ports and monitor connections, but the Windows version is unclear.
Graphics capabilities might be significant for you—check the spec sheets for more details. Without further information, I’d lean toward the more affordable option. While I’m not particularly impressed with Cyberpower, I have limited knowledge about MSI pre-built models.
Honestly, its easier to build a pc now than it used to be, the basics are the same, its just newer parts. There are lots of tutorials on youtube to help you out if you get stuck now as well.
I dont think any of those costco pc's are a particularly good deal, but they do come with a copy of windows, and a warranty in case you have any issues. It's also worth checking out any local computer shops around you to see if they have any decent offerings.
If you were feeling adventurous, and you wanted to try to build your own pc, something like whats below could work for you:
AMD
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor
($219.95 @ Amazon Canada)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
($30.39 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard:
ASRock B850 Pro RS WiFi ATX AM5 Motherboard
($187.95 @ Vuugo)
Memory:
Crucial Pro Overclocking 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory
($167.20 @ Vuugo)
Storage:
Crucial P3 Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
($95.88 @ Amazon Canada)
Video Card:
ASRock Challenger OC Arc B580 12 GB Video Card
($326.99 @ Vuugo)
Case:
Antec AX61 ELITE ATX Mid Tower Case
($68.99 @ PC-Canada)
Power Supply:
Cooler Master MWE Gold V3 750 W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply
($101.24 @ Vuugo)
Total:
$1198.59
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2025-10-30 00:17 EDT-0400
Intel
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
Intel Core i5-13400F 2.5 GHz 10-Core Processor
($169.99 @ Memory Express)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 SE ARGB 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
($30.39 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard:
MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard
($204.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory:
Crucial Pro Overclocking 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory
($167.20 @ Vuugo)
Storage:
Crucial P3 Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
($95.88 @ Amazon Canada)
Video Card:
ASRock Challenger OC Arc B580 12 GB Video Card
($326.99 @ Vuugo)
Case:
Antec AX61 ELITE ATX Mid Tower Case
($68.99 @ PC-Canada)
Power Supply:
Cooler Master MWE Gold V3 750 W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply
($101.24 @ Vuugo)
Total:
$1165.67
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2025-10-30 00:19 EDT-0400
Probably the cheapest that i would go, you start getting pretty hard into diminishing returns below this:
AMD
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor
($103.54 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard:
Gigabyte B550 EAGLE WIFI6 ATX AM4 Motherboard
($139.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Memory:
PNY XLR8 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
($158.02 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage:
SanDisk SSD PLUS 500 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
($64.99 @ SanDisk)
Video Card:
ASRock Challenger OC Arc B580 12 GB Video Card
($326.99 @ Vuugo)
Case:
Antec AX61 ELITE ATX Mid Tower Case
($68.99 @ PC-Canada)
Power Supply:
Cooler Master MWE Gold V3 550 W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply
($74.93 @ Vuugo)
Total:
$937.45
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2025-10-30 00:56 EDT-0400
Intel
PCPartPicker Part List
CPU:
Intel Core i3-12100F 3.3 GHz Quad-Core Processor
($107.91 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard:
MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX LGA1700 Motherboard
($204.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory:
Crucial Pro Overclocking 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory
($167.20 @ Vuugo)
Storage:
SanDisk SSD PLUS 500 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive
($64.99 @ SanDisk)
Video Card:
ASRock Challenger OC Arc B580 12 GB Video Card
($326.99 @ Vuugo)
Case:
Antec AX61 ELITE ATX Mid Tower Case
($68.99 @ PC-Canada)
Power Supply:
Cooler Master MWE Gold V3 550 W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply
($74.93 @ Vuugo)
Total:
$1016.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by
PCPartPicker
2025-10-30 00:35 EDT-0400
PCPartPicker List of Components
CPU:
AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor
($219.95 on Amazon Canada)
CPU Cooler:
Thermalright Assassin X 120 PLUS V2 66.17 CFM CPU Cooler
($25.90 on Amazon Canada)
Motherboard:
Asus TUF GAMING B650M-E WIFI Micro ATX AM5 Board
($194.99 on Newegg Canada)
Memory:
Crucial Pro Overclocking 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory
($167.20 on Vuugo)
Storage:
Western Digital WD Blue SN5000 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD
($89.99 on Best Buy Canada)
Video Card:
ASRock Challenger OC Arc B580 12 GB Graphics Card
($326.99 on Vuugo)
Case:
Montech X5M MicroATX Mini Tower Case
($59.99 on Newegg Canada)
Power Supply:
Montech CENTURY II 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Unit
($129.99 on Newegg Canada)
Overall Cost:
$1215.00
Includes shipping, taxes, and applicable discounts
Created by
PCPartPicker
2025-10-30 06:13 EDT-0400