Videos
INTRODUCTION
Hey, members of the PCMR, and members who wish to join the PCMR! After the success of my previous post, I’ve decided to make an updated one, with current pricing, after the release of more CPUs and GPUs. Like last time, I’ll be doing lists starting from 400$ up to 4000$, with builds in around 250$ increments. There will be a gaming list and productivity list at each budget, to suit your needs. I’ll also be mentioning the resolution and refresh rate of the monitor that would suit each build. All prices here are for the US market, lists will vary if you're not from the US. Anyway, let’s get into it!
400$ builds
Gaming: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/zGCPjZ
Productivity: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/GcXqcb
At this budget, I don’t recommend buying a new system. For either gaming or productivity, you would be better off getting a cheap, used, Dell OptiPlex or similar prebuilt and upgrading the components in that. If you must buy new, you won’t be getting a graphics card, but you can add one in later down the line (I recommend a used RTX 2080, or a new RX6600). You get a decently powerful CPU with integrated graphics. For the monitor, if you’re adding in a graphics card down the line, get a 1080p 144hz monitor. Otherwise, just get a basic 1080p 60hz display.
700$ builds
Gaming: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/9CTxXy
Productivity: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/WPCPjZ
I’ve swapped out a CPU and added a GPU, as well as a higher wattage PSU. The 12100f is faster than the 5600g but misses out on the iGPU. As for the graphics card, I went with the 6650XT, as AMD is unbeatable for price to performance at the moment. There’s no difference between parts for the gaming and productivity lists, just looks. However, if you’re working with the Adobe suite, a 3050 might work better instead of the 6650XT. For the monitor, I’d recommend a 1080p 144hz display.
1000$ builds
Gaming: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/PVk36r
Productivity: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/JR7Fzf
I’ve swapped out the GPU, CPU and PSU again, but there’s a few differences between the gaming and productivity lists this time. The gaming list gets a 12400f, with a RX6800 GPU. It’s a powerful duo that will handle most games at high settings, at 1440p. The productivity list gets a newer 13400f (more cores) with a 3060ti (consider getting a used 3070), for apps that benefit from CUDA cores. Also, the saved money gets you 32gb of RAM, and a 2tb SSD. For the monitor, I’d recommend a 1440p 144hz display.
1250$ builds
Gaming: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/pRrsqm
Productivity: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/v9436r
The gaming and productivity builds are almost identical this time, with both using the 13400f and 4070. Both get DDR5 RAM this time, and a better motherboard to match. For the gaming build, you can consider finding a used RX6950XT, for insane FPS in games (this will require at least a 750W PSU). A 650W PSU is enough for this config, but to fit these into budget I had to downgrade to a 1tb SSD for both. For the monitor, I recommend a 1440p 144hz display.
1500$ builds
Gaming: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/rK6g2m
Productivity: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/VD6g2m
Once again, the gaming and productivity builds are very similar. The main difference is the GPU, with the gaming build getting a 6950XT, which is a much better card for 4K than the 4070 in the productivity build. Both builds get a 2tb SSD, a good quality case, and a really good 750W PSU with a 7-year warranty. For the monitor, I recommend either a 1440p 144hz or a 4k 120hz, depending on whether you want good graphics or good FPS.
1750$ builds
Gaming: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/h4KQtn
Productivity: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/3tVPjZ
There are a few differences between the two this time, with the gaming build getting a 7700X paired with a 7900XT, and the productivity build getting a 13600kf paired with a 4070ti. Both builds also get faster RAM, as well as better coolers. The productivity builds also gets some fans, for added cooling. I’d recommend either a 1440p 144hz or a 4k 120hz display for these (if you’re going for 4k, consider getting a 7600X and spending the savings on a 7900XTX).
2000$ builds
Gaming: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/pJF93y
Productivity: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/TBPWxs
The gaming build gets an upgraded GPU, to the 7900XTX, and the productivity build gets an uprated CPU, to the 13700k. I wouldn't recommend getting the 4070ti in the productivity build, because used 3090s are the same price and have double the VRAM. I went with a decent AIO for looks in the gaming build, although you can stick to the same air cooler if you'd rather have that, and added a 2tb HDD and a new case to the productivity build. Both builds also get an uprated, 850W PSU. I'd recommend a 4k 120hz for both builds.
2250$ builds
Gaming: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/QmGz2m
Productivity: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/r99Ztn
At around this budget, you can start spending money on looks as well as performance. The gaming build gets a 7800X3D, the fastest gaming CPU right now, paired with the 7900XTX. The productivity build keeps the 13700k, but gets upgraded to a 4080, but to get that you lose the 2tb HDD. The gaming build also gets RGB RAM and a really nice case, as well as a quality 240mm AIO. At this budget, I recommend either a 1440p 240hz display, a 4k 144hz screen or a really nice 1440p ultrawide like the Alienware AW3420DW.
2500$ builds
Gaming: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Tjy2H2
Productivity: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/vMZ36r
Both builds at this price get a white theme, with the gaming build getting a ton of RGB, and the productivity build getting a minimalist look with the Fractal North case. The specs remain the same as the previous builds, except the productivity build gets a 4tb HDD added. These builds would only matter if you're going for a looks oriented setup, with a white theme. Monitor recommendations remain the same as above.
3000$ builds
Gaming: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/qMQ2H2
Productivity: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/MVQ2H2
Absolute top of the line systems, both using the 4090. The gaming build uses the 7800X3D, whereas the productivity build uses a 13700k. Gaming build gets a ton of RGB, productivity build is completely stealthy, with an all black theme. Monitor recommendations for both are 4k 144hz top of the line displays.
Insanity
Gaming (black): https://pcpartpicker.com/list/bwv7zf
Gaming (white): https://pcpartpicker.com/list/DLgc2m
Productivity (black): https://pcpartpicker.com/list/sWsFzf
Productivity (white): https://pcpartpicker.com/list/z82MRv
The gaming systems get top of the line 7950X3Ds, and the productivity ones get 13900K's. All builds are absolutely maxed out. The white productivity build has a lot of RGB, the black one does not. Both the gaming builds do have a ton of RGB, so it really comes down to your personal preference. Anyway, if you're spending this kind of money, first of all, you're insanely rich, and secondly, get a really nice monitor, or this is a waste. Like actually, get the Odyssey G9 OLED or something.
CONCLUSION
Well, that's everything! If you have any doubts, feel free to ask me and I'll try my best to respond as fast as I can. Other commenters of this subreddit, if you find any mistakes, or think I could have made better choices somewhere, please let me know, and I'll try to correct it. I hope this was useful!
I don't have a limit on my budget. I want to build the best pc possible for me without adding unnecessary things like too much space (TB) or something extra that I won't use. Please help me guys, I don't know anything about computers, but I have a lot of money to spend, just don't add things that would be considered overkill and not necessary. I spend the whole day on the computer working on digital marketing, and reading graphs for stock market. I always have 10+ tabs opened on my pc and right now it lags so much. I also love playing video games, I have the money to spend, so go ahead guys, tell me the best!!!
THIS GUIDE IS OUT OF DATE, PLEASE VISIT THE MOST UP TO DATE ONE ON THE FRONT PAGE!
As it's been asked a lot over DM's: If you want to buy me a coffee, you're more than welcome to. These guides will ALWAYS stay free for everyone, and I will never directly ask for any payment. PayPal or BuyMeACoffee are both possible.
Hi everyone, it's been a while! Welcome to the Summer 2025 PC best buy guide!
I've been out of the running due to injury on my arm, but the fast few months also haven't been great for those wanting to buy a PC - or a GPU in particular. As prices have been slowly going and stock going up, I'm hesitantly optimistic on making a new guide. Although it's far from where prices were, and with tarriffs going left and right, there's no telling where things will go, the Winter 2025 guide is now so out of date it warrants replacement.
Before commenting, please read the following:
I have been getting a lot of comments of people being confused what the lists are actually for, and how the parametric selections work on PCPartpicker.com . Please use this flowchart to guide you through the website before commenting some frequently ask questions
I want to reiterate that these lists are here to give you an indication on what you can expect for a certain budget; what kind of value you can get for your money with that budget. That does not only mean pure performance, but also features, expandability, and future upgradability. Some of these are hard to quantify in words, but I have tried my best through my own judgment to make some weighted decisions on each list.
To give you an example, in the $1100 list I might recommend a Ryzen 7600(X) with an RTX 5060 Ti, 32GB RAM, paired with a 1TB SSD, and a relatively value-oriented case, cooler & motherboard. This is my vision of the best 'value' PC you can get, but if you have a different PC with a high end case with RGB, expensive cooler, and 2TB SSD, that is 100%, utterly and completely, fine! I just want you to have a reference point.
Gaming PCs
| Budget | Note / compared to previous budget | Possible upgrades with leftover budget (in order of priority) |
|---|---|---|
| ~ $400 | This is the cheapest gaming PC I can somewhat recommend. Do note that this PC does NOT have WiFi, and if you do need WiFi you need to either buy a WiFi enabled motherboard or add a (preferably PCIe x1) WiFI module. This PC uses the Arc A380 which is a pretty basic GPU. | A faster - but second hand - GPU like a used RTX 2070 (Super) or RX 5700XT. WiFi / Bluetooth capabilities on the motherboard, 1TB SSD, extra RAM (2x16GB) |
| ~ $500 (iGPU) | If you're planning on buying a GPU later on, or are only a very light gamer, this might be interesting for you. You're getting an AM5 CPU with 32GB of DDR5 RAM which means great upgradability in the future. This list also ensures a fast Wi-Fi connection (as opposed to just wired Ethernet) | Ryzen 8700G (which has 8 cores and a faster iGPU). 1TB SSD. |
| ~ $650 | With $250 extra to spend compared to the $400 list, you're getting a huge upgrade, mainly in the form of the AMD Radeon RX 7600. As the stock and availability of the Radeon RX 6600, 6600XT, and 6650XT withers over time, the 7600 comes the more logical choice, even though it's quite expensive. You're also getting 32GB RAM which is really nice to have in 2025. | My first priority would be getting a 1TB SSD. We have a motherboard that supports as least 2 M.2 SSDs, so you can also add another SSD later on. If you have the i5 12400F selected, you could get a DDR5 motherboard and DDR5 RAM for better longevity as DDR5 is continuously getting faster than DDR4 in games. |
| ~ $850 | We're making a few nice to have upgrades here. The Intel Arc B580 is a fantastic value GPU, though it's still too expensive to be added in more budgets. If you can find a good deal on an RX 6750XT, 7600XT4060 Ti (16GB), or 7700XT, I'd pick that instead. We're also guaranteeing a 1TB SSD (finally), a much quieter cooler, 32GB RAM, a roomier case and a better quality power supply. The con of using the B580 with this specific build would be that the B580 really likes having more CPU overhead. | As mentioned, I'd prefer a 7700XT here if possible. A DDR5 motherboard + RAM is also a nice upgrade to make here. A better case would also be nice. |
| ~ $1000 | The main jump we're making here is in terms of CPU gaming performance, future upgradability, and DDR5 RAM. The Ryzen 7600(X) / 9600(X) are still the best overall value CPUs out there. They have fantastic gaming performance, a great upgrade path (to the 9800X3D or future AM5 socket generations), and are great to use. The starting price is a lot higher though, and we don't have a ton of GPU overhead anymore. I would love to add the 7600/9600 to lower lists, but that's hard to justify with current GPU prices. | You could 'future proof' the PSU to an 850W model. |
| ~ $1100 | Although the $1000 is a nicely rounded budget, I think that this $1100 list is a noticeably better PC due to the 16GB RTX 5060 Ti. Even though there's been a lot of drama on the 5060 Ti due to the 8GB variant, objectively speaking the 16GB version is one of the best Nvidia cards you can currently get in terms of value. With current prices that's not saying much, but it's something. All in all you're getting a nicely rounded PC | 2TB SSD, dual tower cooler (like a Thermalright Phantom Spirit) |
| ~ $1300 | The AMD RX 9070 would be a nice upgrade over the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB. It's currently still a bit too overpriced, but would be a nice middle-of-the-road upgrade nonetheless. | Check the price on the AMD Ryzen 5 9600(X). If it's within $25 of the 7600(X), I'd upgrade tot that if you have the slack. 2TB SSD, dual tower cooler (like a Thermalright Phantom Spirit), higher end case. |
| ~ $1500 | Upgraded to the RTX 5070 Ti. If the 9070 XT is much cheaper, I'd grab that instead. | Check the price on the AMD Ryzen 5 9600(X). If it's within $25 of the 7600(X), I'd upgrade tot that if you have the slack. 2TB SSD, dual tower cooler (like a Thermalright Phantom Spirit), higher end case. |
| ~ $1800 | Upgraded to the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D for much faster CPU gaming performance, with the added bonus of a much beefier cooler. Also upgraded the motherboard to an ATX model with at least 3 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 6E, and a 2TB SSD. | For $100 extra you could consider the 9800X3D. Also look into a higher end case. |
| ~ $2000 | Upgraded to the 9800X3D and an extra 2TB SSD. Also clamped down the PSU to a more limited selection of premium brands | Higher end case, liquid cooling. |
| ~ $2250 | Upgraded to the RTX 5080. | |
| ~ $3000 | High end liquid cooling, a higher end motherboard, double the RAM, a larger single SSD, a higher end power supply and a higher end case. | |
| ~ $5000 | RTX 5090, an extra (PCIe gen 5) 2TB SSD, an even higher end motherboard, and top of the line power supply. | Anything you want! |
Workstations
| Budget | Note / compared to previous budget | Possible upgrades with leftover budget (in order of priority) |
|---|---|---|
| ~ $850 | Very fast and high quality Workstation without 3D acceleration. Although the new Intel Core Ultra CPUs aren't that interesting for gaming, with the reduced prices they're quite appealing for workstations. | If you want a 3D accelerated machine, you can add any GPU you like. For a high end (70-class and higher) you might want to consider a higher capacity PSU. If 2D is all you need but have budget left over, the Core Ultra 9 285K is a good upgrade too. |
| ~ $1700 | Upraded to the Core Ultra 9 285K added the 16GB RTX 5060 Ti. This gives you a relatively large VRAM buffer that's nice to have for 3D workstation applications. | Extra RAM, more storage, higher end case. |
| ~ $3000 | Upgraded to a 360mm radiator for CPU cooling, extra 2TB storage, an RTX 5080, a crap-load more RAM, and a much higher end case. If you don't need such a high amount of RAM, you can remove a set, or even go for a faster set of 2x32GB if that's enough for you. | RTX 5090 if you can stomach it. Spend more budget on storage if you don't need the RAM. |
| ~ $5500 | Changed to the Noctua NH-D15 G2 for ultimate air-cooling. Motherboard with Wi-Fi 7 and faster networking. Set of 4x48GB to guarantee stability over 2 sets of 2 x 48GB. More RAM. RTX 5090. More storage. Titanium rated power supply. | Anything you want! |