This is what $1500 gets you in 2024! - PC Build Challenge

Summary

The video follows a PC builder purchasing components at Micro Center to build a high-performance gaming/modeling PC for his friend on a $1,500 budget. He scores an incredible deal on a 12th gen Intel i9 CPU bundle and combines it with an AMD Radeon 7800 XTX GPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and other parts in a compact, non-RGB case, staying precisely on budget. He interacts with fans at the store, gifts mousepads, and plans to surprise his friend with the powerful Valentine's Day build capable of high FPS 1440p gaming.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video host is building a PC for his console gaming friend who also does 3D modeling
• 💻 The PC needs to handle 1440p high FPS gaming and 3D modeling software under a $1500 budget
• 🤑 The host gets an insane bundle deal on a 12900K CPU, motherboard and RAM for only $400 at Micro Center
• 📷 The host interacts with fans at Micro Center and gives out free mousepads for participating in his quiz
• 👾 The host picks other components like an AMD 7800 XTX GPU, power supply, cooler and case while sticking to the budget
• 🎮 The finished PC handles 1440p gaming very well, hitting high FPS in Apex and Modern Warfare
• 🎁 The host will surprise his friend with the new PC as a free Valentine's Day gift
• 😎 The small, minimalist case design has no RGB lighting per the friend's request
• ⚙️ The host runs into some trouble fitting the motherboard but solves it by adjusting the case's rear bracket
• 🤐 The friend won't see the PC build video, so the Valentine's Day surprise won't be spoiled

Q & A

What is the budget for building the new PC?

The budget is $1,500 including tax.

What CPU and GPU did they end up getting for the build?

They got an Intel Core i9-12900K processor and an AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT graphics card.

Why did they need a small form factor PC?

The request was for a powerful but small PC that could fit on a desk and handle gaming and 3D modeling workloads.

What concessions did they make to fit within the budget?

They went with a smaller SSD capacity and cheaper power supply to cut costs and fit within the $1,500 budget.

What case did they choose and why?

They chose the Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P maxi because it could fit full-sized components in a compact size.

What tips did they mention for saving money at Micro Center?

Looking for bundle deals on CPUs/motherboards/RAM and buying open box items can help save a lot on parts at Micro Center.

How did they get Windows 10 for cheap?

They bought a discounted OEM key for Windows 10 from UrCdKey for around $16.

What performance were they able to achieve?

In testing they got over 300 FPS in Apex Legends at 1440p max settings, and around 170 FPS in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.

Who was the PC being built for?

It was a surprise Valentine's Day gift for the builder's friend who wanted to switch from console gaming to PC.

Did they stay under the $1,500 budget limit?

Yes, the final build with tax came out to $1,497.64, just under the budget.