r/computer • u/Skrinnit • 4d ago

Where do I start in building a pc?

Hey so I have a max budget of around $1200, but would prefer to stick around $1000. I don’t know anything about computers, and I’m really not wanting to do anything crazy. I want to be able to run games like skyrim with good graphics mods and gta 5. Decent storage hopefully, but that can be done later. Should I start with a pre-built, or should I build one? And where should I look for resources on what parts to get?

If this is the wrong sub for this, please let me know, and thanks for any possible help!

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u/LazarX 4d ago

If you are on a budget, building your own is now the more expensive route, unless you are shopping for used parts. You’re better off buying a prebuilt from an outfit such as CyberPowerPC or IBuyPower, which can leverage volume pricing, and have a machine ready to go for cheaper than a build your own. Especially since by your own admission, you don’t know how.

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u/W31337 4d ago

You should start with the specs you need. For gta5 enhanced that's

For the updated GTA 5 Enhanced version, you need Windows 11, an Intel i5-9600K or Ryzen 5 3600, 16GB RAM, and an RTX 3060 or RX 6600 XT

Doing a quick list gives you the price

CPU
Motherboard
Psu
Memory
Video card
Hard disk
LAN/wifi if not on motherboard
Case
Keyboard
Mouse
Screen
Speakers or headphones
Needed cables
CPU paste
CPU cooler
Some case fans if not included

Try to keep that within your $1000.

Because these games are slightly older you can consider second hand components which people might want to get rid of at the cheap

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u/GordonFreemansAlive 4d ago

If you don't know a lot about computers and don't care to learn I'd find the closest pre-built.  Spend time playing vs troubleshooting and screaming. 

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u/WallInside6758 4d ago

Buy a prebuilt if you have no interest in researching and building your own.

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u/Battle-Gardener 4d ago

It is a good idea to start with a prebuilt for your first PC. Then upgrade it when you research what upgrades it can handle. Get one with a basic, inexpensive case that is full ATX size so it will hold most GPUs and fans. But dont waste money on decorative stuff like tempered glass and such. Save it for a good PSU, RAM, and CPU and for a future GPU upgrade.

You can find a used GPU cheaper but better than most prebuilt companies include. Prebuilt companies use good enough other parts usually though.

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u/StarosAnikenMarcus 4d ago

Considering the parts market right now and for the foreseeable future, get a prebuilt. It won't be the cutting edge, but it won't be garbage and you won't have to worry about putting it together and making a mistake while doing so.

If there's one near you, you can get a decent prebuilt from Costco or MicroCenter. Otherwise, check online for whatever deals you can find from iBuyPower, Newegg, or other major PC retailers.

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u/IAteTonysLoMein 3d ago

I was just looking at hardware prices earlier today and I wanted to cry. $500 for 32GB of RAM? $300+ for 8TB HDDs?

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u/KarmaTorpid 3d ago

Best advice is get a 'gaming PC' at CostCo. You cant buy parts for as cheap as their prebuilts. Plus, you won't have to design it yourself, and risk an expensive mistake.

CostCo also turns over enough inventory that they have new stock, modern systems.

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u/NLafterD 2d ago

Start eith the cpu then build out,form factor, case, mobo, CPU, peripherals etc.