Building a SOLID $1200 Gaming PC!

Summary

In this PC build guide, the narrator walks through assembling a $1,200 mid-range gaming PC in 2024. He chooses affordable yet capable components like a Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, B550 motherboard, RTX 4070 Super GPU, T-Force SSD, and Thermaltake case. After detailing the build process, he benchmarks the PC in 1440p across several games, achieving strong performance around 100fps average. Despite some minor software issues, the narrator is happy with the power and aesthetics of this balanced rig, making it a compelling option for smooth 1440p gaming without breaking the bank.

Takeaways

• 😊 The recommended budget for a good gaming PC in 2024 is $800 - $1200
• 👾 You can build a balanced $1200 gaming PC without the latest/greatest parts
• 💻 A previous gen CPU like the Ryzen 5 5600X is quite affordable at $150
• ⚙️ Paired an older, cheaper CPU with a motherboard and GPU to save money
• 💡 A cheaper CPU means you likely won't need an expensive power supply either
• 🎮 Tested performance at 1440p resolution to balance CPU and GPU load
• 📈 The system scored well in benchmarks and achieved 100+ fps in most games
• 😕 Did see some compatibility issues in one game - need to debug
• 🌈 Added some color with orange cabling to contrast the black components
• 👍 Very happy overall with the $1200 balanced gaming PC build

Q & A

What is the recommended budget for a good gaming PC in 2024?

The recommended budget is around $800 to $1,200. This allows flexibility to choose good components without overspending on things that won't improve performance.

Why was the Ryzen 5 5600X CPU chosen for this $1,200 gaming PC build?

The Ryzen 5 5600X is an affordable previous generation CPU that still offers great performance. Using an older CPU allowed budget for a better graphics card without compromising too much on the CPU.

What kind of motherboard was used with the Ryzen 5 5600X CPU?

An affordable B550 motherboard was chosen to pair with the Ryzen 5 5600X. Older, cheaper motherboards can still be purchased new to save money.

What graphics card was used in this gaming PC build?

The Nvidia RTX 4070 Super was used. It offers great 1440p performance at a reasonable price point for a $1,200 budget.

How did the system perform in game benchmarks?

It performed very well overall, averaging over 100 FPS in Call of Duty and up to 200 FPS in Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 1440p. Star Wars Battlefront 2 saw more variable frame rates due to possible driver optimization issues.

What case was used for the build?

The Lian Li LANCOOL 205 Mesh C case was used. It has great airflow and cable management options.

What power supply was chosen?

A 750W power supply was used. The older CPU and efficient GPU did not need an expensive high-wattage unit.

What storage was included in the $1,200 budget?

A 512GB T-Force M.2 SSD was used for primary storage. Additional hard drives could be added later if more space is needed.

What memory was used?

16GB (2x8GB) of DDR4 memory recycled from a previous build was used to save money.

What tips are provided for choosing a power supply?

Look for adequate wattage, good efficiency rating, and long manufacturer's warranty for confidence in build quality.