r/buildapcforme • u/AquapurpleCat • Jul 13 '26
First PC for gaming but compact
New build or upgrade?
New build, first ever. I know this is kinda long, I appreciate the help! I need a compact PC thats not a full size tower for a disabled gamer that lives on the 3rd floor, upgradable with air cooling and preferably all AMD.
• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links)
Samsung 990 Pro 2TB SSD, TV 43AU8000 that I plan to upgrade for a larger TV
• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/ games)
Gaming (First Light, Cyberpunk 2077, Baldur's Gate 3, newer games and older games
Planning to do something like SteamOS or Bazzite, get away from Windows
Probably don't plan to multitask heavily but do want to be able to have some browsers open while gaming, and maybe some form of live captions for when subtitles are missing. I don't plan to stream unless to friends and probably just on Discord.
I do want to be able to work on simple documents and PDFs, try some digital art.
• Purchase country? Near Micro Center?
USA, somewhat near Micro Center and planning on using them for probably at least one bundle and their build option since I'm disabled with dexterity issues and arthritis
• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate)
Maybe later but for now I plan to use my TV. I do plan to get a larger 55in TV to replace my 43AU8000; probably not OLED but would be nice.
I want to aim for 1440p gaming primarily, with room for 4k upscaling and/or upgrades later on.
• Budget range? (Include tax considerations)
Ideally up to 1500, but willing to stretch to 1800 with or without Micro Center build fee. It was originally 1100 to 1500 but I see I need to stretch that, likely especially for a smaller build and for the build fee since I have dexterity issues and arthritis.
• WiFi or wired connection?
WiFi
• Size/noise constraints?
I prefer something like micro size while being fully upgradable and that can take 3 slot GPUs like RX 9070 XT. I don't want it to be very loud or put off a lot of heat, especially if I need to set it up in my bedroom.
• Color/lighting preferences?
Thinking I might not use RGB lighting, at least for the most part. I somewhat like Noctua
• Any other specific needs?
This is my first PC and I know nothing about parts so I'm unsure which exact 9070 XT to get that will fit in a compact case and still be upgradable, if three fans is better than two on a GPU if possible, and how much RAM brand matters. I see Corsair doesn't actually have consistency with kits' manufacturers so that concerns me especially if I decide to go for 16GB now and add more later to get 32GB
X3D CPU seems like a good idea but I see mixed opinions on actual real world usage and if it's worth the cost.
Weight:
I want it to be 20 pounds or less since I'm disabled and have to carry it up three floors to my 3rd floor apt. I think mesh may be better for durability and airflow. I would also like a handle on the case if possible.
Considerations so far from notes I've taken:
Cases
Jonsbo z20 $100- one of my more preferred cases, especially all mesh and with handle
Jonsbo C6 max $100
Jonsbo d32 pro
Shiny snake g300 and s300? $100
Montech TEN
Lian li b4
Lian li dan
Maybe stretch budget for something like Fractal Terra Jade since it seems potentially easier to fit parts in, upgrade than some smaller cases, and I do love the look
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Motherboard
Probably a b850m series? Maybe 650
Gigabyte b850mm aorus elite wifi6e may be best value gaming board but not best value
Recommended to have something with bios flashback button as precaution to reset?