CPU and GPU

I did not include CPUs on dead platforms as this list is meant to be future proof. If you buy into a dead platform now, you will be unable to upgrade to a newer CPU in the future.

However, good older CPUs for an budget build include the Ryzen 5 5600, the Core i3-12100F or i5-12400F, and the Ryzen 7 5700X3D. A decent budget GPU would ideally be the B580, but if it is out of stock, the RX 7600 or the RTX 4060 are good alternatives

I did not include Intel’s 13th and 14th generation CPUs due to their microcode issues resulting in CPUs going dead. Also, they are on a dead platform.

Intel’s newest Arrow Lake CPUs actually had a performance regression in gaming compared to last gen and you have to get a new motherboard with the LGA 1851 socket, and those are expensive.

AMD’s Zen 5 processors (9xxx series) underperformed despite the higher price compared to equivalent Zen 4 processors (7xxx series), but if you find them for a similar price, they are worth it as they are a lot better in power efficiency

Good brands for AMD GPUs: Sapphire, Powercolor, and XFX (or reference models)

Good brands for Nvidia GPUs: MSI, Gigabyte, Asus, PNY, and Zotac (or Founder’s Edition models)

Just get the cheapest ones you can find, the brand doesn’t really matter. Above are just some brands that are popular online.

1080p / 1440p

  • CPU: Ryzen 5 7600 ($229 ~$190) or 7600X ($299 ~$220)
  • GPU: RX 6800 XT
  • power supply: at least 650W

The Ryzen 5 7600 and 7600X can be cooled with their included stock coolers

The RX 7700 XT underperforms in comparison to the 6800 XT. If you’re able to find the 7700 XT for a lot cheaper than it might be worth it

1440p / 4K

  • CPU: Ryzen 7 7700X ($399 ~$270)
  • GPU: RX 7800 XT / RTX 4070 Super
    • better: RX 7900 XT / RTX 4070 Ti Super
  • power supply: at least 750W

If ASRock Steel Legend is out of stock, the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX V2 is a good alternative

The RX 7900 GRE sits in between 7800 XT and 7900 XT and is a quite a good value if you can find it for just over the price of the 7800 XT

Best for Gaming Battlestations

  • CPU: Ryzen 7 7800X3D ($449)
  • GPU: RX 7900 XT / RTX 4070 Ti Super
    • better: RX 7900 XTX / RTX 4080 Super
  • power supply: at least 850W

If you find the 9800X3D ($479) for a reasonable price, it is better than the 7800X3D. It might not always be in stock, however.

Best for Productivity Workhorses

  • CPU: Ryzen 9 7900X ($549 ~$350) or 7950X ($699 ~$480)
  • GPU: RX 7900 XT / RTX 4070 Ti Super
    • better: RX 7900 XTX / RTX 4080 Super
  • power supply: at least 1000W