Gaming PC builds: Starter, Intermediate and Advanced parts lists

We picked every part from published reviews and manufacturer specifications, then checked the fit and power numbers against each maker’s spec page. We have not built or tested these PCs. Prices change often, especially for memory, so check each part’s current price. Tiers are based on manufacturer list prices.

How we checked compatibility

For each build we checked:

1. CPU socket and chipset. All three builds use AMD’s AM5 socket, which Tom’s Hardware’s current gaming CPU picks are built around.
2. Memory type and profile. DDR5 kits with AMD EXPO profiles, at DDR5-6000 CL30, two sticks.
3. Power supply wattage and connectors. At least the graphics card maker’s recommended wattage, with the right 8-pin or native 12V-2x6 cable.
4. Case clearances. Graphics card length, CPU cooler height, radiator support and power supply length against the case maker’s limits.
5. Form factor. ATX motherboards in ATX cases.

Starter build: compatibility checks

Why these parts: Tom’s Hardware names the Ryzen 5 7600X its best budget gaming CPU, and PC Gamer names the RX 9060 XT its best-value graphics card; the 16 GB version avoids the memory limits of 8 GB cards at 1080p. The 750 W power supply leaves room for a faster card later. The Ryzen 7600X works on any B650 BIOS; if you swap in a Ryzen 9000 chip, update the BIOS first.

Upgrade path: Swap the CPU for a Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the graphics card for an RX 9070 XT or RTX 5070, and this PC moves up to the Intermediate class. Add a 2 TB drive when your library grows.

Intermediate build: compatibility checks

Why these parts: The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is still one of the fastest gaming CPUs in Tom’s Hardware’s hierarchy. Tom’s Hardware’s first mid-range graphics card pick is the RTX 5070, for DLSS 4.5 upscaling and Multi Frame Generation. Tom’s names the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi II its best-value AM5 board. Prefer AMD raw performance and 16 GB of VRAM? Swap in the Sapphire Pulse RX 9070 XT (320 mm, two 8-pin cables, 750 W minimum), which also fits this case and power supply.

Advanced build: compatibility checks

Why these parts: Tom’s Hardware names the Ryzen 7 9800X3D its best CPU for gaming. The RTX 5080 is the fastest card in our graphics card guide, for buyers who want more 4K headroom than the RTX 5070 Ti. Tom’s Hardware picks the NZXT H9 Flow as its best large showcase case. For more value, swap in the MSI RTX 5070 Ti VENTUS 3X OC (303 mm, 16-pin, 750 W), which fits the same case and power supply.

Shop the parts by category

Each part above comes from one of our part guides, where you’ll find alternatives at every tier:

• Best gaming CPUs
• Best gaming RAM
• Best gaming SSDs and storage
• Best gaming PC cases
• Best gaming power supplies
• Best gaming graphics cards

Check current prices

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Parts used in more than one build are listed once.

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FAQ

Do these builds include Windows, a monitor or peripherals? No. Budget for an operating system, monitor, keyboard and mouse separately. See our gaming keyboard and mouse guides on the gaming page.

Can I use an Intel CPU instead? Yes, but you’ll need an Intel 800-series motherboard instead of the AM5 boards here. The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus is Tom’s Hardware’s best mid-range gaming CPU; see our CPU guide.

Is building a PC hard? It takes an afternoon and a screwdriver. Follow your motherboard and case manuals, turn on the memory’s EXPO profile in the BIOS after the first boot, and plug the 16-pin GPU cable in fully.

Verdict

The Starter build is a solid 1080p PC with room to grow. The Intermediate build is the value sweet spot for 1440p high-refresh gaming. The Advanced build pairs the fastest gaming CPU with an RTX 5080 for 4K. Every part links to its category guide if you want to swap in an alternative.