As the holiday season rolls around, it might be the perfect time to do some of the big shopping on your bucket list because of all the great deals. One of these things might be getting that computer that you always dreamed of.
Getting a new computer can be confusing if you’ve been using the same computer for a couple of years without keeping in touch with the market. Which processor is the best? What graphics card should you pair with your CPU? You need answers to these questions before you can start shopping for a new computer.
Today, you’re in luck. This guide will go over the best for each of the components that you’d need to build a computer that maximizes performance while being efficient. Let’s begin.
The Best PC Components to Buy in 2024
This guide will offer two different kinds of suggestions. One will be entirely focused on the top-end stuff. The other advice will be about the best value for money.
If you’re into casino games like slots, you won’t need to go overboard with your setup. Having powerful RAM should be enough to get the optimum performance. For instance, you won’t need the best things to play games such as slots like Money Train 2. But having a powerful setup gives you more options.
With that in mind, here are the PC components you should buy in 2024.
It All Starts with the CPU
The processor is where most of the magic happens. The faster your processor, the better overall performance you’ll get. It’s not just for playing games in Ultra settings. A powerful processor can speed up tasks like video editing or animation tasks.
If you’re looking for the absolute best, then you should go with the Ryzen 9 7950X3D. This 16-core processor can take everything you throw at it. Playing high-end games, 4k editing work, you name it. Some might even say that it’s too overkill to go for a processor that costs around $560 dollars (at the time of writing).
If you’re looking for an option that’s cheaper but delivers killer performance, then a Ryzen 5 7600X or a Ryzen 7 7700X should do the trick. There’s also the Intel Core i5-13700K or Core i7-14700K.
As you’re less likely to upgrade your processor in the near future, it’s better to future-proof yourself in this regard to save some money in the long run. But if you’re going to stick to gaming, 6-cores should be enough.
Make Sure the Platform Is What You Want
After the processor, it is essential to have the housing to store everything, aka the motherboard. In 2024, it’s an important decision because there are now new things like DDR5 and PCIe 5.0. It’s important to consider these things for the future.
Technically, you’d be okay for the next couple of years running DDR4 memory and PCIe Gen 4.0 boards. But if you don’t plan to upgrade your motherboard in 2-3 years, it’s best to go with the latest stuff.
But that would also mean that the rest of your components will need to be using the latest technology as well. But keep in mind that DDR5 RAM is going to cost more. So, if you’re short on budget, you should reconsider.
For storage, go the Gen 5.0 route. But in terms of performance, you won’t be getting much improvement over the Gen 4.0s. So, if you care about the performance and want to save a few bucks, a Gen 4.0 SSD should do the trick.
Choosing the GPU
Embarking on the quest for the perfect choice can be an exciting yet challenging journey. In a market filled with a rich array of options, encompassing both brand-new and pre-owned alternatives, the task of pinpointing the ultimate decision becomes an exhilarating challenge. To enhance your decision-making adventure, it’s essential to immerse yourself in the exploration of various factors before sealing the deal. Let the thrill of discovery guide you toward making a decision that perfectly aligns with your preferences and needs.
The whole debate about GPUs is whether or not to get RTX cards. Ray-tracing technology has completely changed the way we enjoy video games. If you look at comparison videos on YouTube, you’ll be left speechless by the amount of change it makes.
However, everyone would agree that you should at least get a mid-range RTX card if you can’t afford the 40 series. But if you’re going to go all out, getting a 40 series is the way to go.
But don’t think the latest RTX 4090 will give you the best performance because it costs the most. It’s only 20% better than the RTX 4080, which costs half the price. With the 4080, you’ll be able to get most of your tasks done with ease.
And if you’re wondering whether this card can run Crysis, some benchmarks showcase that it can run the Crysis Remastered Version without breaking a sweat.
Other Components
With the basics covered, there are a few remaining tasks to finalize your setup. Begin with the PC case selection, where personal preference plays a crucial role, as there isn’t a definitive guide for the perfect choice. However, prioritize a case that facilitates optimal airflow to accommodate the robust hardware you’ll incorporate.
When it comes to the cooling system, while a custom liquid-cooled setup may seem appealing from online visuals, its maintenance can be cumbersome. Opting for an air-cooled system or an AIO cooler is often a more practical choice, providing the advantages of both worlds.
Concluding the setup considerations, consider the importance of selecting an appropriate power supply. Ensure you calculate the combined power requirements of all your chosen components. Given the potentially high costs of these components, it’s advisable to opt for a power supply with a rating exceeding the minimum requirement. This precautionary measure safeguards your components against sudden power surges, ensuring their safety and longevity.
Wrapping Up
Embark on a seamless journey to acquire your dream PC with the help of this guide. Elevate your experience by heeding a valuable tip: ensure compatibility between your processor and GPU. Striking the perfect balance between these two components is critical to unlocking maximum performance. By embracing these insights, you pave the way for crafting a powerful computer that effortlessly tackles many tasks. Get ready to build a system that’s not just functional but exceptional.
