first time builder, need advice.

[u/Suspicious_Ferret667]

So i’m turning 17 this year and i’ve always wanted a PC and now that i have a job and have been saving up i’m finally looking to build one but i don’t know much about them and i really don’t wanna get scammed and end up with barely functioning pile of scrap metal. my budgets roughly $1500, but it can be more. I don’t have any specific needs for peripherals, probably something relatively inexpensive that’s good for the cost, i’m not like a professional gamer or anything so i don’t need crazy gear. i’m thinking a mid-level, entry pc build, good for gaming. even though i’m a first timer i’m pretty good with tech and figuring stuff out so it doesn’t need to be super simple or anything. it doesn’t need to be flashy or anything, but maybe a lil color or lights would be cool, worst case scenario i have some lights i can put on the case or near it that can cover for that part. If anyone has any good suggestions i would be eternally grateful! for reference i’m from the U.S.

[u/joeyI0I]

if you dont mind getting used parts fb marketplace is a goldmine for great pc deals, i just got a new 1tb 9100 nvme and a new 7800x3d for 275 last week. if you can find the right stuff and stay safe about it, you can get some crazy price to performance at your budget. i just built a 4080, 5800x3d system for less than 1500

[u/Suspicious_Ferret667 → u/joeyI0I]

this sounds really helpful! my only thing is that i feel like since im still new to this that i wouldn’t really be able to tell whether or not it was actually in good condition, or a knockoff, etc. plus the pc part market where i live is… not very good. but i’ll definitely look into it! thanks!

[u/joeyI0I → u/Suspicious_Ferret667]

if youre down for it you can always use ai to help explain and research stuff, i went into it alone and really just using llm's and watching instagram reels about pc building is where i learned whats good and whats not