For over a decade, I’ve been planning to build my very first PC. For reasons not worth mentioning, I never could, but now that I’m more financially stable, I feel it's finally time.
I’ve saved up some money and started checking out parts to see what’s currently on the market that fits my needs.
My goal is to build a setup that won't need major upgrades for the next 7 to 12 years. The PC will be mainly for couch gaming in the living room, playing either solo or split-screen/co-op with my girlfriend. My budget is between $800 and $1,500 USD, though I can go a bit over if necessary.
Since I’ve dreamed about this for so long, I’ve done tons of research on PC building. Up until now, I stayed strictly on the theoretical side—watching reviews, build logs, and keeping up with new tech—until I finally got the funds to make it happen.
Because I've always used a low-end "potato" PC, my current game list might make you wonder why I need a mid-to-high-end build. The answer is yes and no: while I love these titles, having a solid PC will finally let me branch out into more demanding games.
The games I currently play the most are:
Project Zomboid
Minecraft
Skyrim
Elite Dangerous
Monster Hunter: World
Stardew Valley
Cities: Skylines
Risk of Rain
With that context out of the way, here are the two builds I'm currently considering:
AMD: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/24bjNp
Intel: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/7B2Rg3
Notes on specific components:
Case (DarkFlash C275P): Picked this specific model because its dimensions allow it to fit right inside an IKEA Kallax shelf unit.
Cooler (be quiet!): Selected this AIO because it’s one of the few that allows you to refill the coolant, extending its lifespan. That said, I’m not opposed to switching to an air cooler instead.
My main concern is making sure every dollar is spent wisely so I don't have to make any major upgrades in the short term. Any feedback on the components I’ve chosen would be greatly appreciated!
Note: All parts will be purchased via Amazon as I don't live in US