Best Desktop PC for around $1000+ (I Can Build It)

Geekomatic on 01/03/2023 - 02:23

My last desktop build was 2014 & I'm starting to feel it.

I'd like dual M.2 NVMe/leaning towards AMD/fan cooling is ok-not OC/need 7.1 CH HD Audio for my speaker setup/low-end GPU is fine/32GB RAM/front USB-C. Case can be anything as long as it has decent cooling & front USB-C & prefer side vs. top mounting of ports (hate dust in ports).

I'd always gone for onboard GPU, as a backup on MB's, but AMD has tossed a wrench in that with their G series being somewhat anemic according to tech info.

I use VM's, a bit of gaming (nothing hardcore), and generally have 50 tabs open in a browser.

I run Linux Mint, so don't need M$, but need things to run properly in Linux.

AM5 looks the best (newest), but is it really all that? PCIe4 is available in AM4, yes? Should I be looking at AM5 for a 2023 build?

Please let me know what you'd go for. I'm in WA, so our supply of items is generally less than in the eastern states.

Cheers & Thanks.

~G

Find Me A Bargain Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

  • Pelicannn on 01/03/2023 - 03:02
    +1

    Those specs are not possible at ~$1000 unless you want to hold out and build piece by piece by finding good deals - that might take a while. $1250 for AM4 or $1500 for AM5 is possible below:

    https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/kDCYjZ

    Motherboard - Gigabyte B650M AM5 - $249 BPCTech
    - includes 7.1 audio and dual m.2 slots, supports DDR5 and AM5.

    CPU - RYZEN 7600 - $359 MSY
    - includes stock wraith cooler.

    RAM - Team 2x16gb 5600mhz DDR5 T-force - $189 MSY

    GPU - GTX1660ti - $299 - PCByte
    - Plenty of juice if you have used onboard previously. Might even get away with a GTX1030 tbh.

    Storage- Silicon Power 1TB M.2 Drives x 2 - $170 ($85ea) MSY
    - unsure on your storage needs but 2TB is probably plenty for mot. PCIe 4.0 though slower than some Gen3 drives.

    PSU - EVGA 600w Gold PSU - $95 Amazon
    - plenty of juice for your needs.

    Case - Fractal Design S2 - $119 Scorptec
    - includes USB-C front header and and 3 x 120mm fans pre-installed. Fractal are an excellent brand and decent cooling.

    Keep in mind you’d need to pay shipping so if the price is similar from one retailer might be best to combine as required and save, or see if your local supplier can price match others.

    If you need cheaper, drop to AM4 5600 ($209), Gigabyte B550M ($199) and 2x16gb DDR4 ($150) from Umart and that will save you $250 to bring the build to $1250. If you need to save further just better off using integrated graphics on the Ryzen and not buying a GPU. Anything less than a 1050/1650/1660 etc would be worse than the iGPU if you just put that money into a better CPU.

    IF, as I said, you can buy individually during good sales, you could pick up the above AM5 deal for $1300 based on historic low, but those deals were spaced months apart.

  • Bid Sniper on 01/03/2023 - 10:06

    5600G + a750

  • dogboy on 01/03/2023 - 10:17
    +1

    Just look at the builds on pcpartpicker. Tbh though, you won't be able to build them cheaper than some of the retailers advertising on this site like TechFast or w/e. Easier and cheaper to just go with them imo.

    • Pelicannn on 01/03/2023 - 11:33

      100% - Techfast have a 5600 / 3070ti build @ $1398 right now on the front page. Only downside is no front USB C but you could probably email them directly and just pay for the upgrade. The 3070ti would smoke the 1660ti in the build I wrote above. They have purchasing power and are making pennies on the dollar trying to compete with each other and it works in our favour.

  • Geekomatic on 01/03/2023 - 16:12

    Thanks, everyone. I just went back to do a cleanout of my inventory (a small cabinet I store deals in as I go). I forgot about the TT 550wt PSU and 970 EVO+ M.2. so, won't need those & I have a spare SSD for extra storage, too.

    The Gigabyte B650M DS3H got some scathing reviews at newegg so will look around a bit more. I hear you re: techfast, I've just had shockingly bad luck over the years ordering cases— "drop & run" damaged by courier or box okay but still damaged inside the box & having to deal with the aftermath of that. That's why I now just go and get the case at least, in person.

    As I said, I'm fine with a lesser (but decent quality) GPU. I do think AM5 is where I should direct my attention.

    Has anyone here built AM5 recently with my preferred specs and is happy with the build?

    "I'd like dual M.2 NVMe/leaning towards AMD/fan cooling is ok-not OC/need 7.1 CH HD Audio for my speaker setup/low-end GPU is fine/32GB RAM/front USB-C. Case can be anything as long as it has decent cooling & front USB-C & prefer side vs. top mounting of ports (hate dust in ports)."

    Thanks again for your input, much appreciated!

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join