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Gaming PC Budget Builder

The graphics card matters most for gaming, but skimping on the power supply or memory can cause trouble later. Enter your total budget for the PC parts, the resolution you play at and whether you also stream. The builder splits the money across parts using common builder guidelines and shows what tier to look for.

How it works

• Start shares for 1080p gaming: graphics 35%, CPU 18%, motherboard 11%, RAM 7%, storage 8%, power supply 8%, case 7%, cooler 6%
• 1440p and 4K move 5-10 points from CPU, case and storage to the graphics card
• Streaming or editing moves points to the CPU and RAM
• The power supply never drops below 8% and RAM stays at 16 GB or more

Check that parts work together: CPU socket and motherboard, graphics card length and case, and power supply wattage for the graphics card.

Three things this tool can't see

• Today's prices. Part prices move fast. Use a parts list site to check compatibility and current prices.
• Games you play. Some games lean on the CPU (strategy, simulation), others on the graphics card.
• Building safely. Turn off and unplug the power supply before working inside, and ground yourself.

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