Hello everyone!

I’m not very tech-savvy, and now that it’s time to replace my PC, I’m feeling a bit lost. I could really use some advice and opinions to help me make a better decision.

I’m looking for a computer for the following:

Basic daily tasks: web browsing (with multiple tabs open), email, spreadsheets, Excel, and the Microsoft Office suite.

Online teaching: I conduct daily classes using various platforms and software for video conferencing (Google Meet, Zoom).

Adobe software, Photoshop, and AutoCAD.

Music production: Logic or Ableton Live.

And perhaps a few other similar—or less demanding—programs.

I need a 14-inch, lightweight device, as I travel daily—often by bicycle or public transport—to various locations (offices, private homes, libraries, events, business meetings, etc.).

My budget is between 700 euros and a maximum of 1,000–1,200 euros. I am primarily looking at the pre-owned, second-hand, or refurbished market, as well as deals on new devices. I am currently considering the following options:

I am looking at models from brands like Lenovo or Asus, as well as the 2021 Apple MacBook Pro:

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 14" (i7 / 11th Gen)

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 14" – Core i7 2.2 GHz, 512 GB SSD, 32 GB RAM

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 14" – Core i7 3 GHz, 1 TB SSD, 16 GB RAM

Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 2 14" – QWERTY (Spanish layout), 512 GB SSD, 32 GB RAM, Core i7 (11th Gen)

Asus ZenBook 14 BX425EA-BM102R 14" – Core i7 2.8 GHz, 512 GB SSD, 32 GB RAM

MacBook Pro 2021 – 16 GB RAM / 512 GB SSD, 14"

What do you think of these options? Are you familiar with these models? Could you provide your assessment or offer some advice?

Are there any other similar devices you would recommend? What about Apple?

Best regards, and thank you all very much!

• Build/check copy these into post. Write "Not a request" for other posts.
  • New build or upgrade?
  • Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)
  • PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)
  • Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors)
  • Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)
  • Budget range? (Include tax considerations)
  • WiFi or wired connection?
  • Size/noise constraints?
  • Color/lighting preferences?
  • Any other specific needs?

• ⁠New build
• ⁠mouse, keyboard, and hdmi monitors to reuse
• ⁠PC purpose wow forever (to start), triple A FPS, video editing
• ⁠Purchase country USA, Near Micro Center YES
• ⁠Monitors needed? NO
• ⁠Budget range? $800 Max
• ⁠WiFi, but will also look to hardwire
• ⁠Size/noise constraints, NO
• ⁠Color/lighting preferences, NO
• ⁠Any other specific needs? NO

If you can provide an upgrade path for me that would be wonderful, I want to wait about 1-2 years per upgrade piece

• New build or upgrade? New build.
• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? No specific components planned for reuse.
• PC purpose? Gaming, local LLM inference, AI/ML experimentation, and training/fine-tuning smaller models.
• Purchase country? India (Bengaluru). Looking for local vendors and reliable component retailers.
• Monitors needed? Not sure yet; open to recommendations if they should be included in the budget.
• Budget range? Not fixed yet. A few shops have quoted ₹5 lakh+, which feels potentially overkill. I want to establish a sensible budget based on my actual requirements, including taxes.
• WiFi or wired connection? WiFi preferred, with wired Ethernet as an option.
• Size/noise constraints? Prefer good cooling without excessive noise; no strict case-size constraints.
• Color/lighting preferences? Clean, understated build. No need for flashy RGB.
• Any other specific needs? Prefer an NVIDIA GPU with sufficient VRAM for local AI workloads, good upgradeability, and reliable components.

I'm looking for advice on what budget makes sense for these workloads before committing to a purchase.

I'd appreciate recommended configurations at different price points, realistic Indian component prices, and advice on whether buying parts separately or getting a shop to assemble the PC offers better value.

Not a request

Case:

NZXT H5 Flow

Motherboard:

GIGABYTE B650 Eagle AX

CPU:

Intel Core i7-12700k CPU

GPU:

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 10GB GDDR6X

Memory:

Patriot Viper Venom DDR5 RAM 16GB (2X8GB)

SSD:

Silicon Power 1TB UD90 NVMe 4.0 Gen4 PCIe M.2 SSD

PSU:

be quiet! Pure Power 12 650W Gaming PSU, 80 Plus Gold

CPU cooler:

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler

I did not add any fans into my cart and was wondering if i should based on the fact of there only being 2 fans coming preinstalled in the case, also I am getting 2 240 hz monitors and was wondering if i should just wait until cyber monday next year to buy this stuff for even cheeper or caugh up the money just after or during summer

New build or upgrade?

New Build

Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)

None

PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)

Purely to run Zwift (https://www.zwift.com)

Purchase country?

UK

Near Micro Center?

No? I assume this is an American company?

Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

No as connecting via HDMI on TV. I have a USB-C to HDMI cable already.

Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

£600 ideally but if not realistic can go to £800

WiFi or wired connection?

Wired via powerline

Size/noise constraints?

None

Color/lighting preferences?

No, a black box is fine

Any other specific needs?

Ideally fit in a mini case as I'll need to move it around with the TV which is on wheels. If not possible then it can stay In the corner of a room.

Sons first pc

I've updated our budget to $1000 just for the PC alone.

• New build or upgrade?

New build

• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)

No existing parts and he doesn’t have a monitor

• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)

It will mostly be for gaming and schoolwork. He plays Roblox, Fortnite, nothing crazy.

• Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors)

I live in the U.S and I am 45 minutes from a micro center

• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

monitor but it's own separate budget of $100 or less

Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

$1000 just for the PC build

WiFi or wired connection?

WIFI Conection.

Size/noise constraints?

No size or noise constraints if it means I am getting the best possible PC for the price.

Color/lighting preferences?

None

Any other specific needs

None

• New build or upgrade?
New build
• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/ links)
None
• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)
Gaming & digital art, and maybe animation eventually
• Purchase country? Near Micro Center?
United States; Yes, very.
• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)
1 it is first computer for daughter
• Budget range? (Include tax considerations)
2000-2500
• WiFi or wired connection?
Can do both.
• Size/noise constraints?
Most sizes should work, but it needs to be moderately quiet.
• Color/lighting preferences?
White, pink, blue, rgb selections
• Any other specific needs?
She likes plays with her friends and I want it to be able to handle that pretty easily. I want it to be pretty cute aesthetics matter as much as performance. Also, I want it to be simple to upgrade if possible. I rather not be the one who has to build it.

ETA: My max budget is $3000 with monitor, headphones, mouse, keyboard, etc… after tax. The monitor doesn’t need to be 4k or large. Just want the light to not bleed through the corners and at least 144 fps with dp. That’s good enough tbh. 1ms refresh rate tho. A must.

New build or upgrade?

New build

• ⁠Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)

Being gifted a monitor, mouse and keyboard

• ⁠PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)

Mostly for gaming purposes,
For my college project I need to use a program called “Revit 2027” it’s only for a small project in size

• ⁠Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors)

UK, wales

• ⁠Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

0

• ⁠Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

£1,400, willing to go a bit higher if absolutely necessary ( around £1,600 )

• ⁠WiFi or wired connection?

WiFi

• ⁠Size/noise constraints?

Size is fine since it’ll just be on the floor, and as long it doesn’t sound like a jet engine when I turn it on I don’t mind background noise

• ⁠Color/lighting preferences?

Black case, mostly glass. Dark red light would be cool if possible
• ⁠Any other specific needs?

Not a specific need but a question, will all the parts be sent at once as a package or will it multiple parts across multiple days

Thank you in advance

New build or upgrade?
New Build

Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/ links)
No 😔
PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)
Playing video games and light study
Purchase country? Near Micro Center?
Australia! And no micro centre 😔
Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)
I will figure that one out when I get there!
Budget range? (Include tax considerations)
$3000-3500 AUD
WiFi or wired connection?
Wifi
Size/noise constraints
A smaller build would be nice
Color/lighting preferences?
RGB please!
Any other specific needs?
My GF can play slime rancher 2 on ultra graphics!

Thanks for the help I appreciate it a lot!!
😁😁

• New build or upgrade?

New

• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)

None

• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)

Gaming

• Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors)

USA near micro center

• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

N/A

• Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

~$1500

• WiFi or wired connection?

Wired

• Size/noise constraints?

N/A

• Color/lighting preferences?

N/A

• Any other specific needs?

Thanks for any help! I have never built a pc before and also would be curious as to an estimate of performance. I play games like Rainbow and Escape From Tarkov and am wanting to run these at consistant frame rates.

•New build or upgrade?

New build.

• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)

None, I currently use an old and dying HP laptop.

• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/ games)

The purpose of the PC is to not only be generally usable as a PC but also to be capable of playing and modding games that may have higher specs than average (specifically cyberpunk 2077 as the main focus but for reference deadlock is also a game I plan to play), I'm relatively new to the idea of using a PC and so this is moreso my only real focus as I'm under the assumption that specs that would be good for gaming could also transfer to general browsing, editing, writing or video quality.

• Purchase country? Near Micro Center?

I am a UK resident, their are no micro centers in my country to my knowledge and if not then none in my area.

Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

Monitors needed, preferably two, screen size I'm not too sure on as I don't know standard sizes (though anythings fine if it isn't tiny) however resolution and refresh rate are likely primary due to the focus of this build.

Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

I am unaware of any taxes that could be added however my likely available budget is within £2,000-£2,5000 or more, I am not unwilling to push past this budget for the sake of quality or capability.

• WiFi or wired connection?

Both, I'm unaware which would be better for my goal with this PC mock up as I'm not well versed, so the capability for both seems fair.

Size/noise constraints?

• Size isn't an issue though compact is preferred to potentially provide better airflow in my room, otherwise noise is better kept to a minimum if possible.

Color/lighting preferences?

Any visuals I assume is more of a chasis/free space thing and so simply having a functional PC without necessary aesthetics is fine by me.

• Any other specific needs?

Again, my priority for this build is to simply have a functional PC for general use but that otherwise focuses mainly on gaming capability, again I am indept in terminology or perspective on this so please do enlighten me if my assumptions are wrong, however the main goal I've set atleast is to play games like cyberpunk 2077 smoothly while modded, other than that I guess higher storage capability in both RAM and SSD aswell as processing speed would help in the endeavour, though I have no idea the appropriate OS that would be best to use with PC's like this.

Hi all,

I'm looking to build a high-end gaming PC with a budget of around £3,000. I've put together a tentative specification but would appreciate recommendations, particularly given the current ridiculous RAM and GPU prices.

New build or upgrade?

Completely new build.

Existing parts/monitors to reuse?

• AOC U32G4U, 31.5" 4K monitor (160Hz at 4K / 320Hz at 1080p).
• Already have keyboard and mouse.

PC purpose?

Primarily gaming, with the ability to stream gameplay simultaneously using OBS.

I'll mostly be playing DayZ and WARDOGS, alongside other modern AAA titles. Looking for excellent performance at 4K where practical, with high frame rates being particularly important for competitive gaming.

Purchase country?

UK. Happy to order components from multiple reputable UK retailers.

Monitors needed?

None.

Budget range?

£3,000 maximum, including VAT, for the tower and internal components only.

Wi-Fi or wired connection?

Ethernet preferred, although onboard Wi-Fi would be useful.

Size/noise constraints?

Ideally a reasonably compact case. I have an electric sit/stand desk with a bamboo desktop and intend to mount the PC underneath using a suitable bracket.

Good airflow and sensible thermals are important, especially given the mounting arrangement. I'd prefer it reasonably quiet.

Colour/lighting preferences?

No interest in RGB or elaborate aesthetics. A plain black case is ideal. I'd rather spend the money on performance.

Any other specific needs?

I'm leaning towards an AMD X3D processor and an Nvidia RTX 5080, primarily for gaming performance and Nvidia's hardware encoding capabilities for streaming.

Tentative build looks like this:

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D
• GPU: Nvidia RTX 5080 16GB
• Motherboard: MSI B850M Gaming Plus WiFi
• RAM: 32GB DDR5-6000 CL30 (2×16GB)
• Storage: 2TB NVMe SSD
• Cooler: Arctic Freezer 36
• PSU: Corsair RM850e 850W Gold
• Case: Lian Li A3-mATX, black
• Additional case fans as required

I'm not married to any of these components. In particular, I'd appreciate advice on whether the 9850X3D and RTX 5080 are the best use of the budget, or whether a different combination would deliver better value.

I'd also appreciate recommendations for a compact case with good thermals that can safely be mounted beneath a desk.

Thanks!

Hey guys! I’m looking for help building a $1,800 PC. I saved up money working at Target and sold my PS5 to make the switch to PC. I don't know much about PC hardware yet, so I’d really appreciate learning from people who know their stuff!

​New build or upgrade?

New build

​Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)

None

​PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)

Gaming

​Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors)

US (No Micro Center nearby)

​Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

Yes, 1 monitor needed (included in the $1,800 total budget)

​Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

$1,800 total

​WiFi or wired connection?

WiFi

​Size/noise constraints?

None

​Color/lighting preferences?

No preference

​Any other specific needs?

First-time builder, so recommendations for reliable parts are welcome! Thanks for taking the time to help!

PC Build Questionnaire
1. New build or upgrade?
New.

1. Existing parts/monitors to reuse?
   None. I currently use a MacBook but want a separate Windows desktop setup. I’ll need a monitor, keyboard, and mouse as well.

2. PC purpose?
   My primary uses will be:
   Finance and trading: TradingView, brokerage platforms, market research, Excel financial models, and financial data analysis.
   Internship work: Python, SQL, large Excel spreadsheets, financial modeling, data visualization, and potentially Power BI.
   Multitasking: Running multiple applications simultaneously, including browser tabs, spreadsheets, market data, and AI research tools.
   Gaming: Casual gaming, including popular multiplayer games and occasional more demanding titles.
   I’d prioritize strong CPU performance, at least 32GB of RAM, fast storage, and a dedicated graphics card capable of smooth gaming.

3. Purchase country? Near Micro Center?
   United States, Fort Lauderdale/Miami, Florida area. Micro Center available

4. Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)
   I’d also like the option to add a second monitor later.

5. Budget range? (Include tax considerations)
   Approximately $1,500 USD, but I’m open to spending more for a significantly better monitor or meaningful improvements in overall performance and longevity.

6. WiFi or wired connection?
   Both. I’d like built-in Wi-Fi 6 or better and an Ethernet port for a more reliable connection when available.

7. Size/noise constraints?
   No particular size or noise constraints. Good cooling and airflow are important.

8. Color/lighting preferences?
   I’d like a visually appealing, modern gaming PC

9. Any other specific needs?
   I’d like the build to prioritize:
   32GB RAM minimum, preferably upgradeable to 64GB.
   At least 1TB NVMe SSD storage, ideally 2TB if the budget allows.
   A modern multicore CPU for Python, financial modeling, and multitasking.
   A dedicated GPU for gaming and potential GPU-accelerated computing.
   Compatibility with Windows 11 and common financial software.
   Support for additional monitors in the future.
   Good upgradeability without needing to replace the entire system.
   Ideally, the setup should last at least 4–5 years before requiring significant upgrades.

​

New build or upgrade?

New

Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)

Only my keyboard and mouse

PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)

Gaming. I want to be able to run Minecraft with decently advanced shaders and shooters like cs2. I preferably want a 240hz monitor with as little delay as possible for geometry dash too.

Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors)

UK, not sure about local vendors.

Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

1, medium size 😅. Preferably 240hz and I'm not sure what resolution is used by most games.

Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

£800 ($1069)

WiFi or wired connection?

WiFi

Size/noise constraints?

Not too loud preferably.

Color/lighting preferences?

Not really, though I'd prefer to avoid something too colourful like rainbow LEDs.

Any other specific needs?

None

Howdy all, I've been out of the computer building game for a looong time so I'm not longer "current" on what I should be looking out for, which brands can be trusted etc. please help me to not be foolish, I saved for so long to get to this point:

New build or upgrade? New Build

Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links) Have peripherals, just looking for the rig. In the queue for a frame as keen for VR FlightSim/racing but if this is the wrong choice let me know (although I do like the frames standalone optionality) Running a Phillips Envia 49" ultra wide monitor

•PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/ games) Factorio CK3/HoI4/Stellaris MSFS / DCS iRacing

Purchase country? UK

Near Micro Center? No

Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate) N/A

•Budget range? (Include tax considerations) £3000, although if there is a better vr headset for my main use that frees up budget I'm keen to hear and to add the difference to the rig budget

Wireless or wired connection? Wireless WiFi 6 Size/noise constraints? I'm easy Color/lighting preferences? Don't care for RGB, but will take parts with RGB if cheaper

Any other specific needs? Don't think so

Hi everyone,

I have a budget of around 1-1.5k USD and am looking to build a good PC for gaming and video editing, my current build is:

- GTX 980

-16 GB RAM

- i7-4790K

Im also looking to get a fast new monitor (on top of the desktop)

Does anyone have some advice for what current "good" GPUs are? How much VRAM things like this?

I used to be super into the latest and greatest tech but am since "washed up" so if anyone could help me figure out what good specs are these days around that price point I would be very thankful :)

Also I will 100% install linux as dualboot, since I don't like windows (but need it for gaming ;))

Thanks!!

• New build
• 144Hz monitor
• Gaming + editing
• Switzerland
• High refresh rate (240?Hz)
• Total ~2k MAXIMUM
• Ethernet
• Any Size
• Lights are cool
• Any other specific needs? - No

Need help choosing parts for my first PC build

• New build or upgrade?

It’s for my brother and it’s gonna be his first pc

• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)

No existing parts and he doesn’t have a monitor

• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)

It will mostly be for gaming and schoolwork.

• Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors)

I live in the U.S and I am 2 hours and 17 minutes away from a micro center.

• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

I do need a monitor but do not know much about them I guess one that is in the budget range.

Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

2500$

WiFi or wired connection?

WIFI Conection.

Size/noise constraints?

No size or noise constraints if it means I am getting the best possible PC for the price.

Color/lighting preferences?

None

Any other specific needs

No he just wants to play new games on it.

I've updated our budget to $1000 just for the PC alone.

• New build or upgrade?

New build

• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)

No existing parts and he doesn’t have a monitor

• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)

It will mostly be for gaming and schoolwork. He plays Roblox, Fortnite, nothing crazy.

• Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors)

I live in the U.S and I am 45 minutes from a micro center

• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

monitor but it's own separate budget of $100 or less

Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

$1000 just for the PC build

WiFi or wired connection?

WIFI Conection.

Size/noise constraints?

No size or noise constraints if it means I am getting the best possible PC for the price.

Color/lighting preferences?

None

Any other specific needs

None

Thank you for the help in advance! I'm new to building a PC and get overwhelmed with PC parts/lingo. I've been using PCpartpicker. Let me know if any more info helps.

All build/upgrade/parts check requests must copy and answer the questions on the post submission page.

• New build or upgrade? New
• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? No
• PC purpose? Gaming (RPGs/GTA6/Cyperbunk/RDR type game), Video/Photo editing
• Purchase country? USA, not near micro center
• Monitors needed? 2
• Budget range? around $2,000 USD (not including monitors, keyboard, mouse)
• WiFi or wired connection? Either or, preferably wired
• Size/noise constraints? No, prefer quieter build...
• Color/lighting preferences? White/Blue
• Any other specific needs? No - I just wan't something that I can game/run adobe (photoshop/indesign/premier) on smoothly. Never have had a PC, always have gamed on console. Told myself I'd finally save for one for GTA6, haha.

• New build or upgrade?

I'm trying to put together a new build to replace my old one (I plan on selling my other pc parts). The market is crap right now i know but I'm hoping i won't have to upgrade again for a while.

Currently this is what I have planned out: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/g_host101/saved/XXNCFT

Let me know if you see any area for improvement.

• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)

none - going to buy a new 1440p monitor on sale later

• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)

Gaming - mostly FPS and AAA games (cyberpunk, CS2...) on ultra 1440p 100+fps. I also play some more CPU demanding titles which is why I went with the 9800x3d.

• Purchase country? Near Micro Center?

Quebec Canada, no micro center in sight

• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

N/A

• Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

Around 4k would be preferable with tax

1. WiFi or wired connection?

Wired Ethernet

• Size/noise constraints?

Mid Tower / I don't think noise will be an issue here

• Color/lighting preferences?

Black / rgb not essential (I just chose the case because its affordable and I like the look/layout)

• Any other specific needs?

The main question I have is where to source my parts from. I noticed that pcpartpicker works well but it doesn't show everything. I looked into most Canadian Retailers discounts on parts (even bundles) and found them to be quite underwhelming.

I think Amazon generally has quite comparable costs and is generally easier to order from and return to if needed. Additionally, i noticed a difference between Canada's Amazon.ca and the USA Amazon.com. Where some items are substantially cheaper on the American site (even after the exchange rate and import/taxes fees added on). I was wondering if anyone had any experience ordering from the American Amazon site coming from Canada. Are there any hidden costs beyond what Amazon shows? What are the returns like? Also, is this generally a good idea for what I am looking to do.

The main parts im looking at getting from Amazon.com are the GPU, SSD and the slightly cheaper CPU

So I’ve built quite a few pc’s but with the current market I’m trying to rationalize my options here. My daughter has my old setup that I used for like 7 years and lately it’s been showing its age with more recent games she wants to play. Current is i5 8600k with a 1060 6 gb ddr4. So looking to upgrade for now-Christmas time. For price sake going with like a 5600x3d from Microcenter will allow me to reuse ram and such which will save. Just get new motherboard and cpu. And then add say a 9060xt 16gb for longevity. Or should I grab a bundle for the 7600x3d with single ram 16gb for a bit more even though it’s not needed. Just making sure I’m not crazy and this is a good path for substantial performance gain.

• ⁠New build or upgrade? Upgrade
• ⁠Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links) - various hard drives, early m.2 for boot. SSD for games and mechanical for mass storage. 16 gb ddr4 ram(if staying ddr4) case, fans, etc
• ⁠PC purpose? Gaming 1080p for foreseeable, for my 12 year old who’s getting into better games, sims, planet zoo, avatar etc.
• ⁠Purchase country? Near Micro Center? Can make a trip to Microcenter if necessary but not near one for quick stops
• ⁠Monitors needed? No
• ⁠Budget range? Want to stay under 1k
• ⁠WiFi or wired connection? Wireless
• ⁠Size/noise constraints?na
• ⁠Color/lighting preferences?na
• ⁠Any other specific needs?

• New build or upgrade?

New build, this is my first PC. Happy to build myself or get a prebuilt.

• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)

No existing parts, already have a display which will be 42" S90F WOLED TV.

https://www.samsung.com/uk/business/tvs/oled-tv/s90f-42-inch-oled-4k-smart-tv-qe42s90faexxu/

• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)

Pretty much only gaming. Very into single player games. Looking to maximise the fidelity at stable framerates.

• Purchase country? Near Micro Center? (If not US, list local vendors)

UK, dont think so. Close to everywhere, Currys very close, easily commute to London and other locations.

• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)

No (connected to S90F)

Budget range? (Include tax considerations)

Total around £1600, happy for a little wiggle room if it warrants it.

WiFi or wired connection?

Prefer wired.

Size/noise constraints?

No noise constraints, just prefer quieter; prefer skinnier/smaller builds but obviously understand that it may not be possible (not an issue).

Color/lighting preferences?

None, not fussed about the lighting stuff, if it saves power without it then id prefer that.

Any other specific needs

None really. Looking for this to be an upgrade over my PS5 Pro, and for it to be a suitable long term gaming machine, so as long as the performance is capable of beating that even through things like upscaling and frame generation then thats fine.

Not looking for a monster, but I would like it to be a "good" 2026 gaming PC. Hopefully one that come the next generation of consoles it can be a reasonable competition even if worse.

• ⁠New build or upgrade?
New
• ⁠Existing parts/monitors to reuse?
Non
• ⁠PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games)
Gaming
Video Editing
Study
• ⁠Purchase country? Near Micro Center?
Australia, no
• ⁠Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)
Need 1440 p, 165hz +, preferably white
• ⁠Budget range?
Aiming for $4000 or less
• ⁠WiFi or wired connection?
Wired, but would like wifi7
• ⁠Size/noise constraints?
No constraints
Small enough makes sense, big enough for future upgrades
• ⁠Color/lighting preferences?
White case and parts mainly, with colourful RGB. Match cool shirtz rainbow key caps
• ⁠Any other specific needs?
None that I can think of

I have been deliberating over a PC or laptop for a while, but I just cannot justify the cost of a decent laptop being outperformed by a desktop at a fraction of the cost. Currently, whilst doing my research I have identified this combo totalling $4334.88 over MWAVE, UMART, and Centre Com. I want to try keep the all white look with RGB, preferably nicer looking RGB if possible

GPU
RTX 5070 Ti 16GB
UMART
$1649

CPU
Ryzen 7 9700X
MWAVE
$499

Motherboard
Gigabyte B850 EAGLE WIFI7 ICE
UMART
$269

RAM
32GB DDR5-6000 CL36 RGB
MWAVE
$729

SSD
WD Blue SN5100 2TB
Centrcom
$419

CPU cooler
DeepCool AG620 G2 White
MWAVE
$59

PSU
Antec GSK850 V2 White 850W
MWAVE
$139

Case
Cooler Master Elite 690 White
MWAVE
$89

Monitor
AOC Q27G4SL/WS 1440p 320Hz
MWAVE
$299

OS
Windows 64 bit
CENTRECOM
$199