reddeadplace.com – Building a gaming PC requires balancing performance, cost, and future-proofing. A standard gaming PC build for 2024 ensures smooth gameplay at 1080p, with some capability for 1440p and entry-level 4K gaming. Here’s a guide to a balanced, mid-range PC that provides great gaming performance for most modern titles.
| Component | Model | Estimated Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | AMD Ryzen 5 7600X | $240 |
| Intel Core i5-13600K | $290 | |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 | $600 |
| AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT | $550 | |
| Memory (RAM) | Corsair Vengeance 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) 6000 MHz | $80 |
| Storage | Samsung 980 Pro 1 TB NVMe SSD | $100 |
| Crucial P5 Plus 1 TB NVMe SSD | $80 | |
| Motherboard | MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi (AMD) | $200 |
| ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-PLUS WiFi D4 (Intel) | $190 | |
| Power Supply Unit (PSU) | Corsair RM750x (750W, 80+ Gold) | $110 |
| EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G6 (750W, 80+ Gold) | $100 | |
| Case | NZXT H510 Flow | $80 |
| Fractal Design Meshify C | $100 | |
| Cooling | Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition | $40 |
| Noctua NH-U12S Redux | $60 | |
| Operating System | Windows 11 | $140 |
Total Estimated Cost:
- AMD Build: Approximately $1,540 – $1,600 (depending on the CPU and GPU choice)
- Intel Build: Approximately $1,590 – $1,640
1. Processor (CPU)
For gaming, the processor needs to balance multi-threading and single-core performance. Two great options for a standard gaming PC in 2024 are:
- AMD Ryzen 5 7600X: This 6-core, 12-thread processor from AMD offers strong gaming performance thanks to its high clock speeds and energy efficiency. It excels in multi-threaded workloads and keeps future-proofing in mind with support for DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0.
- Intel Core i5-13600K: Intel’s 13th-generation Core i5 is another strong option, with 14 cores (6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores). It provides excellent single-threaded performance, crucial for gaming, and handles multitasking well.
Both CPUs deliver excellent performance for modern games at 1080p and 1440p.
2. Graphics Card (GPU)
The graphics card is the most important component for gaming performance. For a mid-range gaming build:
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070: The RTX 4070 delivers great 1440p performance, with solid 1080p gaming capabilities at high frame rates. It also offers ray tracing and DLSS 3.0 support, improving visual fidelity in supported games.
- AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT: This is a solid competitor from AMD, offering similar performance to the RTX 4070 but often at a slightly lower price. It’s a strong choice for 1440p gaming and handles ray tracing decently well, though AMD’s ray tracing performance isn’t as mature as NVIDIA’s.
Both GPUs can handle modern AAA games smoothly, with support for future titles that leverage ray tracing and AI-based performance enhancements.
3. Memory (RAM)
For most gaming builds, 16 GB DDR5 RAM is considered the sweet spot. It’s enough to handle modern games and multitasking, and opting for DDR5 ensures future compatibility as more games and applications leverage the faster speeds.
- Corsair Vengeance DDR5 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) 6000 MHz: With DDR5 prices becoming more reasonable, going for a high-speed kit like this offers improved bandwidth and performance in both gaming and other applications.
4. Storage
An NVMe SSD is a must for fast load times and snappy system performance. At least 1 TB of storage is recommended for gaming, as modern titles can take up significant space.
- Samsung 980 Pro 1 TB NVMe SSD: This high-speed SSD offers blazing-fast read/write speeds, making it ideal for gaming and general system performance. With PCIe 4.0 support, it provides excellent bandwidth for quick load times.
- Crucial P5 Plus 1 TB NVMe SSD: Another solid, slightly more budget-friendly alternative, with PCIe 4.0 support and fast transfer speeds.
5. Motherboard
Choosing a motherboard depends on your CPU choice and desired features like Wi-Fi or additional ports.
- MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi (AMD): This AM5 motherboard supports the latest Ryzen processors, DDR5 memory, and PCIe 4.0/5.0 for future-proofing. It also includes built-in Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity.
- ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-PLUS WiFi D4 (Intel): A well-rounded option for Intel builds, offering support for the 12th/13th Gen Intel processors, PCIe 5.0, and DDR4 RAM. It also comes with Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless networking.
6. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The power supply should provide enough wattage for all components with some headroom for future upgrades.
- Corsair RM750x (750W, 80+ Gold): This fully modular power supply is a popular choice for mid-range gaming builds. 750W is sufficient for most gaming PCs, even with a power-hungry GPU.
- EVGA SuperNOVA 750 G6 (750W, 80+ Gold): Another solid option, offering similar power and efficiency with a modular design for better cable management.
7. Case
A mid-tower case with good airflow is crucial for keeping components cool during intense gaming sessions.
- NZXT H510 Flow: This case has a sleek design, solid airflow, and ample space for modern GPUs and cooling solutions. It’s also budget-friendly and easy to build in.
- Fractal Design Meshify C: Known for its excellent airflow, the Meshify C is ideal for keeping your components cool during long gaming sessions. It has a modern design and plenty of space for cable management and future upgrades.
8. Cooling
While most mid-range CPUs come with stock coolers, upgrading to a more efficient cooling solution can help with performance and noise reduction.
- Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition: A popular and affordable air cooler that works well for most mid-range CPUs.
- Noctua NH-U12S Redux: For those who prioritize quiet performance and efficient cooling, this is a great option for maintaining optimal CPU temperatures during extended gaming.
9. Operating System
- Windows 11: Windows 11 offers improved support for gaming features like DirectStorage, which reduces load times for games, and AutoHDR, enhancing visuals for a more immersive experience.
Conclusion
A standard gaming PC build in 2024 should comfortably handle modern games at 1080p and 1440p, with some 4K capabilities depending on the settings. With an optimal balance of performance, future-proofing, and price, this build is designed to meet the needs of gamers while allowing for easy upgrades in the future. Whether you opt for Intel or AMD, both offer strong mid-range options that ensure excellent gaming performance for years to come.
