Building a Gaming PC with AMD Ryzen 5 1400, GTX 1060, and More

Are you in the market for a new gaming PC with an AMD Ryzen 5 1400 processor, 16GB RAM, 1TB HDD, and a GTX 1060-6GB graphics card? Let's break down the costs and provide a detailed breakdown of what such a build might look like.

Current Market Prices

As of the time I'm writing this, the cost of assembling such a rig is approximately 700 USD, provided you don't include the motherboard. The price of motherboards can vary significantly based on brand and features.

A Personal Build Example

I recently upgraded my desktop and decided to equip it with an AMD Ryzen 5 1600 CPU, a MSI X370 motherboard, and two sticks of DDR4 RAM from the Ripjaw V series, each with 8GB at 3000MHz. Here's a detailed look at my build:

Current Build Breakdown

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1600 - $214 MSI X370 Motherboard - $120 2x 8GB DDR4 Ripjaw V RAM - $138 Raid-Max Ninja Case - $75 (including a decent 600W PSU) SSD and HDD - $100 for a new pair (SSD: $60, HDD: $40)

Total cost so far: $647 - Let's round it up to $650, considering free shipping from New Egg was a plus.

Graphics Card Upgrade

The most expensive part of the build is the graphics card. I'm currently running a GTX 660, which I've overclocked to near its limits. It's performing well, with Witcher 3 running at 60FPS on max settings and CS:GO hitting a stable 220FPS with V-Sync off. However, I'd recommend upgrading to a GTX 1060-6GB (MSI Armor OC) for an additional $200, as it will offer better performance and stability.

Cost Estimations

The final build will range from about $800 to $1000, depending on the exact parts you buy and the deals you find. In my home country, the cost would be around $1200 to $1400. Keep in mind, the cost can vary based on your location and the specific deals available.

Optimum Build Recommendations

While 16GB of RAM is overkill for gaming, 8GB is plenty, and upgrading to 120-256GB of SSD storage can significantly enhance performance. For a total of $80, an SSD can dramatically speed up system boot times and application loads.

DIY vs Pre-Built PC

Building the PC yourself is likely to cost between $700 to $800. I advise against buying a pre-built PC unless it's a necessity, such as a laptop. Time and care in the build process often yield optimal results.

Conclusion

To sum it up, a high-performance gaming PC with the specs provided can be assembled for around $650 to $800. However, don't skimp on the essential components, especially the graphics card. A little extra cost can go a long way in enhancing your gaming experience.