Unleash Your Gaming Potential: Top $1000 PC Builds of 2023
Discover the ultimate gaming PC builds under $1000! We bring you three unbeatable options that deliver high-performance, processor-centric power, and top-of-the-line graphics Get answers to your FAQs and learn how to upgrade your PC over time
Building a gaming PC used to be a daunting task that required sourcing parts from different retailers, seeking help from a tech-savvy friend, and troubleshooting any issues that arose from a mix-up in instructions. However, advancements in technology have made it significantly easier for DIY PC builders to install hardware with precise instructions and access online resources, including instructional videos, to assist them in their endeavors.
One of the primary draws of building a PC is the level of customization available to users, allowing them to create a system that meets their specific needs and gaming preferences. While prebuilt PCs offer ease of setup and use, some users seek the detailed control and ability to choose higher-end internal components, such as faster SSDs, improved memory, and performance coolers, that are often overlooked by system builders.
For those unfamiliar with building gaming PCs, the task can seem daunting and overwhelming. That's why we've curated a selection of three PC builds that offer excellent value and performance for around or under $1000. It's worth noting that we've included power supply units that exceed the power requirements of the builds, as we believe they will outlast multiple PC iterations and accommodate potential upgrades in the future. Our builds prioritize NVME SSDs with a minimum capacity of 1TB and 16GB of RAM across all systems, while some builds may not include additional hard drives. Please keep in mind that prices are subject to change and we will update these builds accordingly.
Our First Build: Well-Rounded Performance
Our First Build: Well-Rounded Performance
The ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 Motherboard is a budget-friendly M-ATX motherboard that utilizes the H610 chipset. Originally designed to support 12th generation Intel CPUs, it has since received a BIOS update to also accommodate 13th generation Intel processors. At $159 on Amazon and $157 on Newegg, it offers a cost-effective option for those looking to build a new PC without breaking the bank.
For gamers seeking a midrange GPU, the MSI GeForce RTX™ 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC is a popular choice, with a price tag of $290 (original price $460) and a savings of $170. This GPU boasts a high number of CUDA Cores, solid gaming benchmarks, and ample GDDR6 memory, making it a great option for gamers who prefer playing at Full HD and 2K resolutions with reliable frame rates. It's no surprise that the MSI GeForce RTX™ 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC is the best-selling GPU on both Amazon and Newegg for April 2023.
The Corsair Carbide Series SPEC-DELTA RGB mid-tower case stands out with its unique angular design, setting it apart from the standard box-shaped cases. It comes with three award-winning Corsair RGB fans that are even more impressive when viewed through the black-tinted tempered glass side panel. Despite its smaller size compared to other mid-tower cases, the SPEC-DELTA RGB can accommodate up to four hard drives and seven expansion slots. Get it for $290 on Amazon or Newegg.
The Crucial P5 Plus M.2 SSD is the perfect choice for demanding workloads, including gaming and creative applications. With a transfer rate of up to 6600MB/s, this SSD delivers exceptional speed and top-notch data protection. While it performs best in a Gen 4 slot, it's also compatible with Gen 3.0 slots. Get the 1 TB version for just $105 on Amazon and save $90 off the original price of $160.
The Silicon Power Value Gaming RAM is a powerful DDR4 memory module designed to enhance desktop PC capabilities. With a memory size of 16GB and a speed of 3200 MHz, it's compatible with Intel Coffee Lake processors and adheres to Intel Extreme Memory Profile (Intel XMP) standards. The RAM also features an aluminum heat sink that efficiently dissipates heat, while its low voltage of 1.35V reduces power consumption. These features help maintain swift and stable performance during extensive gaming periods or intensive workloads. Get it for just $30 at Amazon and $35 at Newegg.
The EVGA 850 GQ 80+ GOLD 850W Semi Modular PSU is a high-performance power supply unit that delivers exceptional value and quality. With an impressive efficiency level of 90% (115VAC) and 92% (220VAC~240VAC) or higher under typical loads, it reduces energy consumption and optimizes system performance. This PSU features a 135mm Fluid Dynamic Bearing fan that ensures quiet and effective cooling during operation. It's also NVIDIA SLI Ready, making it suitable for powering systems with multiple graphics cards in an SLI configuration. The semi-modular design provides a clean and organized appearance, as well as enhanced airflow within the computer case. Get it now for just $30 at Amazon.
The processor of choice for our PC builds is the exceptional Intel Core i5 12400F, which we pair with the MSI RTX 3060 Ventus 2X 12GB. This GPU is currently a top seller on both Amazon and Newegg, and offers impressive performance, access to Nvidia's DLSS 2.0 and 3.0 software solutions, and superior ray tracing capabilities compared to its competitors. Additionally, its price has been significantly reduced after the launch of the 4060TI.
The Silicon Power bundled budget RAM kit, clocked at 3200MHz DDR4 speeds, is the perfect match for 12th-generation Intel processors. Paired with the Crucial P5 Plus 1TB PCI-E 4.0 SSD, this build offers excellent storage options and decent memory. To top it off, the EVGA 850W PSU is a great addition to this well-balanced rig, capable of handling an RTX 3080TI/4070TI with ease in case you want to upgrade in the future.
The Corsair Carbide Spec Delta is an ideal PC case that allows for expansion and future upgrades. Although we opted for a smaller motherboard, the ATX motherboard support gives us the option to upgrade later on. The case comes with three RGB fans, eliminating the need for custom fans for cooling, or you can add up to six fans to customize your PC. Plus, the small budget surplus of under $1000 can be used towards this customization.
UPDATE: 2023/06/01 RAHIM AMIR
New Prices for First BuildThe latest update for our first build includes some exciting news - we've managed to secure a cheaper RTX 3060, resulting in a sub $100 discount from its previous price. This means that the build now offers even more value for gamers looking to upgrade their setup since the launch of the RTX 4060TI.
Total Estimated Build Cost: $901
Our Second Build: Leaning On the Processor
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D processor has proven itself as a formidable competitor in the gaming market, holding its own against even the best-in-class CPUs from both AMD and Intel. Its staying power is a testament to its impressive performance, and it remains an excellent choice for gamers looking to upgrade their PC's processing power. Paired with the ID-COOLING SE-214-XT ARGB CPU cooler, which offers efficient cooling for CPUs with a TDP of up to 180W at an unbeatable price, this combo is a steal that no gamer should ignore.
The Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro RAM kit is a great investment for those looking for high-quality performance and aesthetics. With dynamic multi-zone RGB lighting and 10 ultra-bright RGB LEDs per module, the RAM provides a striking visual appeal. Users can easily control the lighting through the CORSAIR iCUE software and sync it with other CORSAIR RGB products, such as CPU coolers, keyboards, and fans. The custom-performance PCB ensures optimal signal quality for stable performance, and each memory module is carefully screened with selected ICs to enhance overclocking potential. Designed for maximum bandwidth and tight response times, this RAM kit is optimized for use on the latest Intel and AMD DDR4 motherboards.
The Gigabyte B550M K Micro ATX AM4 motherboard is a reliable and sturdy option for those in need of a compatible motherboard for their AMD Ryzen CPUs. Supporting a variety of series, including the Ryzen 5000 and 4000 G-Series as well as the Ryzen 3000 Series family, the motherboard features a sturdy power design and offers support for HDMI 2.1 for the latest standards in 4K video playback with HDR.
The NZXT C1000 PSU is a versatile power supply that is compatible with any ATX case and can support most of the latest NVIDIA 30 series and AMD 6000 series GPUs. Its DC-DC technology allows for reduced heat generation, resulting in lower fan RPM and quieter operation. With a 135 mm PWM silent fan, the C1000 can operate at a high load while remaining whisper-quiet. Additionally, the fully modular design eliminates clutter in the case and helps keep your PC cooler. At $85 on Newegg and $108 on Amazon, it's a great choice for budget-conscious builders.
If you're looking for a powerful GPU upgrade without breaking the bank, the XFX Speedster SWFT 210 Radeon RX 6600 CORE is a fantastic option. Priced at $210 ($280 normally), it's significantly cheaper than the RTX 3050 while performing up to 15% faster. This makes it a no-brainer for Team Red users who want to upgrade their rig this year. At $180 on Amazon, it's a great value proposition for anyone looking to get more out of their gaming experience.
The Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB SSD is a top-of-the-line solid-state drive that offers enhanced performance and storage capabilities. With the latest V-NAND technology and firmware optimization, it maximizes NVMe bandwidth for unparalleled computing power. Its compact M.2 (2280) form factor provides increased storage capacity while conserving space, enabling users to do more. The 970 EVO Plus achieves sequential read/write speeds of up to 3,500/3,300 MB/s, making it 53% faster than its predecessor. It also boasts exceptional endurance with a 5-year limited warranty and up to 1,200 TBW, thanks to Samsung's advanced V-NAND technology.
The Thermaltake Versa H15 is an ideal choice for new PC builders or gamers seeking a compact, energy-efficient setup. This Micro-ATX case comes with an acrylic side window that provides a clear view of the impressive builds inside. The mesh front panel ensures efficient airflow, and the cable routing gap makes it easy to conceal unsightly cables behind the motherboard. The hidden drive bays have space for two 2.5-inch and two 3.5-inch storage devices.
Consider this alternative build if you're a gamer who prefers CPU-intensive games like CS: GO, Valorant, and DotA. It features a powerful processor with exceptional single-core performance and is paired with capable PC parts that deliver well-rounded performance. If you're looking to upgrade your GPU in the future and want to save some money in the meantime, this build is a great option.
For our second build, we've opted for the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, widely considered one of the top CPUs for gaming, and paired it with a budget-friendly Gigabyte B550M motherboard that still delivers impressive results. Since the 5800X3D doesn't come with a cooler, we've chosen the ID-Cooling SE-214-XT as a reliable and cost-effective alternative that can handle its TDP with ease. To complete the setup, we've added the RX 6600 Core GPU, a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers that can hold its own until you're ready to upgrade to a higher-end GPU.
For the PC build we are suggesting, we have included a 1000W NZXT PSU which may seem excessive, but it allows for potential upgrades in the future. However, if budget is a concern, a cheaper PSU can still suffice. To complement the AMD 5000 Series processors, we have included 32GB of Corsair Vengeance DDR4 memory running at 3200 MHz. The build also comes with a Thermaltake Versa H15 mITX/mATX case, but there are larger case options available such as the NZXT H5 Flow. Overall, with top-of-the-line components, there is little room for improvement within budget limitations.
UPDATE: 2023/06/01 BY RAHIM AMIR
Updated Build with Current Prices and RAM Choice ChangesAs the XPG D50 RAM kit faced availability issues at reasonable prices, we have replaced it with a Corsair offering to ensure the build's smooth functioning. Additionally, we have managed to source cheaper GPU and CPU options, which have resulted in a reduced final cost for the build.
Total Build Cost: $992
Our 3rd Build: Mild GPU Overkill
Save $18 when you buy the Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4-3600 memory at Newegg for $85 instead of $108 at Amazon. This memory is compatible with many Intel and AMD DDR4 motherboards, and its solid aluminum heat spreader and high-quality PCB make it ideal for overclocking and gaming rigs. Its low profile height of 34 mm also makes it perfect for compact systems. On the other hand, the ASRock Challenger D Radeon RX 6700 XT is an excellent mid-range GPU that can handle modern games at a respectable frame rate at FHD or 2K resolutions. It's priced lower than Nvidia's RTX 3060/3060TI offerings and can do justice to 1080P and 1440P gamers. While it offers Ray Tracing, the performance overhead is significantly higher than Nvidia's 2nd and 3rd gen RT-core enabled RTX 3000 and 4000 GPUs, which tend to be at least a generation ahead of the 6700XT's own implementation. Get it for $310 at Amazon or $45 cheaper at Best Buy for $330.
The Enermax Makashi MKII is a gamer's dream, offering ample space for Extended ATX motherboards, up to 6 hard drives, and 8 fans. What's more, the tempered glass side window allows users to admire their precious components, while LED strips lining the front of the case provide a unique look with addressable RGB effects. At $310 on Newegg and $379 on Amazon, this full-tower case is a great investment for anyone looking to build their own PC.
For those in need of a high-performance solid-state drive, the Crucial P3 Plus 1TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD is the way to go. With impressive sequential read speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s and random read/write speeds of 650K/800K IOPS, this SSD outperforms its competitors by up to 43%. Plus, with a rated mean time to failure of over 1.5 million hours, users can expect extended longevity. And at $80 on both Walmart and Amazon, it's a steal. Don't forget - the Crucial P3 Plus is also backward compatible with Gen3 systems, so you can use it in a variety of setups without sacrificing performance.
The MSI MPG A1000G PCIE5 PSU is a top-of-the-line power supply that fully supports the ATX 3.0 specification and is also PCI-E 5.0 compatible. Its modular design makes it easy to install and customize, and its affordable price point sets it apart from other similar products on the market.
We opted to prioritize the GPU for our third build, selecting the AMD 6700XT to complement the system. Along with the reliable Ryzen 5 5600X and 16GB of Corsair DDR4 low-profile memory, this setup is primed for high-performance tasks. Although the PSU is costly, it boasts PCI-E 5.0 compliance and is natively compatible with the new ATX 3.0 spec.
For storage, the Crucial Gen 4 SSD (P3) is an optimal choice, serving as an exceptional primary drive for your OS, games, and software necessities. The Enermax Makashi MK II case is also a sturdy option, accommodating larger E-ATX motherboards in the future and effortlessly supporting the entire ATX spec.
For those who prioritize stunning visuals in single-player games over achieving high frame rates in e-sports titles, our third build is an outstanding choice. With a powerful GPU and a competitive CPU platform, this build is ideal for running graphics-intensive games. While it comes at a slightly higher cost, it boasts the best GPU and PSU among all of our current selections, making it a smart investment for gamers who plan to play more demanding titles. Additionally, this build offers easy upgrade paths for future improvements. At a total cost of $927, it's an excellent option for those looking to enhance their gaming experience with exceptional visuals.
UPDATE: 2023/06/01 BY RAHIM AMIR
Lower GPU Prices Benefit Unchanged BuildDespite the Ryzen 5 5600X processor slightly increasing in price, the build remains unchanged and now benefits from lower GPU prices following the announcement of the RTX 4060/4060TI.
What Memory Capacity Should I Aim For In My PC Build?
If you're looking to build a gaming PC, keep in mind that it typically requires more memory than a standard computer. While 8 to 16 gigabytes of memory may be sufficient for most PCs, many recent games, like Hogwarts Legacy on ultra settings, recommend having at least 32GB of memory. While 16GB of memory may work for most gamers, it's always better to have more if you can afford it, especially since memory prices have dropped significantly in recent years.
Ideally, investing in 32GB of memory would be a wise choice if your budget permits. However, unless you have specific use cases that require it, 64GB of memory may not be necessary even if you have the means to purchase it. If budget constraints do apply, 16GB of memory should suffice for a certain period of time until games become more demanding and require more memory to meet specifications.
Should I Buy A High-end Power Supply For My PC?
We have provided an extensive list of PSU recommendations, and there's a good reason why. Efficient PSUs operate best at around 50% load, which is crucial to keep in mind as energy costs continue to rise. Additionally, premium PSUs offer advanced protection features like OVP and OCP to safeguard your system from potential internal and external damage. It's also worth noting that a PSU is typically not a component that needs frequent replacement, so investing in a high-quality one now can future-proof your PC and provide reliable power for years to come. Many of the best PSUs on the market are built to last for multiple years, with some even lasting up to a decade before needing repairs or replacement.
FAQ:
Q: Can anyone build a PC?
A: Yes, building a PC is not a complicated endeavor. It does however mean having to research the PC parts you need to pick up to avoid getting incompatible hardware by mistake.
Q: Can I Upgrade A gaming PC Over Time?
You have the option to gradually build a gaming PC by either incorporating parts into an existing system or purchasing recommended components and upgrading them individually based on your budget limitations.
