gaming PC build $1000

Hey there, I’m looking to put together a gaming PC build $1000. I spent some time scrolling through the various threads on this forum yesterday, and it got me thinking about the trade-offs. Specifically, what’s the actual difference between an Intel Core i3 and an Intel Core i5, or choosing between a GeForce GTX 1050 Ti and a GeForce GTX 1060? Is it smarter to go for a more powerful processor paired with a 1050 Ti, or should I stick with an Intel Core i3 and bump it up to a 1060?

For that kind of money, you could probably snag an Intel Core i5-8400 along with a GeForce GTX 1060, which I guess would give you a pretty solid processor paired with a decent graphics card overall.

Ryan Hayes82 said:For that kind of cash, you can grab an Intel Core i5-8400 and a GeForce GTX 1060, giving you both a solid processor and a decent graphics card.

So, tell me—is it actually worth holding off on this purchase for maybe three weeks? I'm wondering if something new might drop that fits right into this budget.

It’s definitely a possibility. You could almost call the current selling market for mining rigs a total panic mode. Used 580 8GB cards aren't even moving for $700 anymore—though let's be real, prices haven't hit the sweet spot yet. Between the news about a new Ethereum ASIC making GPU mining basically obsolete and the rumors of a new NVIDIA generation dropping in July, there are plenty of reasons why we might see a dip in prices soon.

That said, seeing a GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB priced at $2700-$933 in stores isn't actually that crazy. Historically, specific models have never really dipped below the $2400-$833 range anyway.

Timothy Kim60 said:Maybe so. You could almost call the current sale of mining rigs "panic selling" at this point. Used 580 8GB cards aren't even moving for $700 anymore (let's be real, prices haven't dropped much yet), there's an ASIC announced for Ethereum (which basically makes GPU mining obsolete), and NVIDIA is supposedly dropping a new generation in July. So, those few factors alone might actually drive new card prices down a bit eventually.

To be fair, seeing a GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB in shops for anything under $2700 isn't exactly a steal, though specific models have never really dipped below $2400-$$933 $833
.

Yeah, I hear you. I was just looking at what Ryan Hayes82 suggested. Honestly, it’s ridiculous—the motherboard for an Intel Core i5-8400 is actually $83 more expensive than one for an AM4 build, even though both sets of parts are hovering around $467. On another note, regarding the graphics card: is it actually worth shelling out extra cash for the 6 GB version over the GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB? Is the jump from 3 GB to 6 GB actually noticeable in real-world use?

VRAM sensitivity really kicks in when you're running memory-intensive titles at high or ultra settings; I've seen usage spikes up to 30-35% in those cases, whereas if you aren't pushing the limits, it's barely noticeable—maybe 5-10%. The 6GB model is definitely more future-proof (it also packs a few extra cores), and since the 3GB version is already trading for over $667, I’d strongly suggest going for the 6GB if your budget allows. Bottom line: prioritize the GPU for gaming; it matters much less whether you pick an Intel Core i5-8400 or a Ryzen 5 1600. Keep in mind that with the Ryzen refresh coming in April, I don't expect the Ryzen 5 2600 to drop below the price of the Intel Core i5-8400, but we might see a price dip on the Ryzen 5 1600
.

Timothy Kim60 said:You’ll really feel the difference in titles that are memory-hungry, especially when you’re cranking the settings up to High or Ultra. In those cases, I’ve seen a performance jump of about 30-35%; otherwise, the gain is pretty negligible, maybe 5-10% at most. Honestly, the 6GB model is much more future-proof—it actually has extra cores too. Given that the 3GB version is already pushing past $667, I’d definitely aim for the 6GB if it's within reach. Bottom line: prioritize the GPU for gaming; whether you grab an Intel Core i5-8400 or a Ryzen 5 1600 matters less in the grand scheme. Also, keep in mind the Ryzen refresh is coming in April. I doubt the Ryzen 5 2600 will be significantly cheaper than the Intel Core i5-8400, but we might see the price of the Ryzen 5 1600 drop a bit.

Got it, thanks. I'm definitely going to hold off until mid-to-late April before placing my order.

1x Kingston Technology A400 SSD 120GB 120GB 2.5 Serial ATA III - $34.15
1x Seagate Barracuda 1TB 1000GB Serial ATA III HDWD110UZSVA - $38.25
1x MSI GeForce GTX 1060 6GB GDDR5 V809-2234R - $361.45
1x Ryzen 5 1600 3.2GHz 16MB L3 Box Processor YD1600BBAEBOX - $172.50 though I'll grab it from a different shop
1x ASRock AB350 Pro4 MicroATX Motherboard 90-MXB3P0-A0UAYZ - $59.35
2x Crucial CT4G4DFS824A 4GB DDR4 2400MHz memory - $84.15
1x XFX P1-500B-XTFR 500W ATX Black Power Supply - $41.40
1x Inter-Tech K1 Desktop Case Black 88881289 - $39.55
TOTAL: $830.80

I managed to squeeze this into a $1,000 budget, and I have the chance to pick up the whole setup in Italy. What's the verdict?

Go with either an ASRock AB350 Pro4 or a Gigabyte gaming motherboard; one of those should do the trick. I'm not sure about the case, but a Zalman would probably be your best bet—though honestly, it isn't a huge deal.

You might want to look into a slightly better motherboard, and maybe grab a power supply with a longer warranty—though I guess what you have will work fine enough.

Which of these should I go with?

Motherboards:
https://www.hw1.it/asrock-ab350m-amd...t-1689963.html
https://www.hw1.it/gigabyte-ga-ab350...t-1698840.html
https://www.hw1.it/msi-b350m-pro-vd-...d-1677393.html
https://www.hw1.it/gigabyte-ga-ab350...0-1600067.html
https://www.hw1.it/asrock-ab350m-pro...0-1689962.html

Power Supplies:
https://www.hw1.it/corsair-cp-902017...o-1691234.html
https://www.hw1.it/corsair-cx450-450...o-1586030.html
https://www.hw1.it/corsair-cp-902017...o-1691235.html
https://www.hw1.it/thermaltake-smart...x-1675316.html

And here is the case from my gaming PC build $6000
https://www.hw1.it/inter-tech-k1-scr...e-1698364.html
It already comes with two fans installed, which is basically the bare minimum, and it looks decent enough.🙂

This:

https://www.hw1.it/asrock-ab350m-pro...0-1689962.html

https://www.hw1.it/corsair-cx450-450...o-1586030.html

crimsonstag84 said:This:

https://www.hw1.it/asrock-ab350m-pro...0-1689962.html

https://www.hw1.it/corsair-cx450-450...o-1586030.html

Will 450W be enough to power the whole setup?

The system isn't going over 250W under any circumstances 😉

crimsonstag84 said:There isn't any scenario where this system pulls more than 250W 😉

Tooo. Thanks 😉😉

So, I've run into some minor hiccups with this order, which means my dad needs to switch retailers. Here’s what we've got lined up:

SKU YD1600BBAEBOX - CPU AMD AM4 Ryzen 5 1600
Qty. 1 x $180.00 = $180.00
-----------------------
SKU 7B38-004R - MB AMD AM4 MSI B350M Pro-VD plus
Qty. 1 x $65.00 = $65.00
-----------------------
SKU NE51060015J9D - VGA Palit GeF. GTX1060 DUAL 6GB GDDR5
Qty. 1 x $375.00 = $375.00
-----------------------
SKU WD10EZRZ - HDD WD Blue 3.5" SATA3 1TB 64MB 5400Rpm
Qty. 1 x $42.00 = $42.00
-----------------------
SKU SA400S37/120G - 120GB A400 SATA3 2.5 SSD 7MM
Qty. 1 x $36.00 = $36.00
-----------------------
SKU CT4G4DFS824A - DDR4 4GB 2400 C17 Crucial
Qty. 2 x $42.00 = $84.00
-----------------------
SKU CP-9020120-EU - PSU 450W Corsair CX450 new
Qty. 1 x $45.00 = $45.00
-----------------------
SKU ITGCL01 - Case DEFENDER - gaming Middle Tower, USB3, 3x12cm fan, 2xfan control, Trasp Wind, Docking pz
Qty. 1 x $35.00 = $35.00
-----------------------
Total amount: $857.00

Does this look alright to you guys?

You didn't really need to go with the slower 5400 rpm HDD, but I suppose it'll get the job done for now.

Ideally, you should look into a larger SSD or pick up a motherboard with four RAM slots. Once you eventually realize you need more than 8GB of RAM for a build like this, you’re going to hit a wall since you've already filled every available slot.

Timothy Kim60 said:You didn't really need to go with the slower 5400 rpm HDD, but I guess it'll get the job done.

Maybe look into a larger SSD or a motherboard with four RAM slots. Eventually, you're going to hit a wall when you realize 8GB isn't enough for this setup, and you'll find all your slots are already filled up.

I'll try swapping out the drives, and as for the RAM, I'll just grab a 2x8gb kit whenever the need actually arises.

Matthew White6 said:I'll try swapping out the drives, and when the time is right, I'll just toss in some 2x8GB sticks for the RAM.

The issue is you’re going to have to sell off those two current sticks since they're hogging both slots. Honestly, I don't know why you rushed this order; you basically made a massive, unnecessary mess, but hey, it is what it is. And that 5400 rpm HDD 🤮 Since you have an SSD, it’s not the end of the world, but still—totally pointless.

Adam Moore3 said:The issue is you’re going to have to offload those two current sticks since they’re hogging both slots. I’m not quite sure why you rushed this order—you basically pulled a stunt that was entirely unnecessary, but hey, it is what it is. And that 5400 rpm hard drive... 🤮 You’ve got an SSD, so it’s not a complete disaster, but still—totally redundant.

Successfully swapped the 5400 RPM HDD for a 7200 RPM one and traded the 2x4GB setup for a single 8GB stick.