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Last month we did our first Windows PC Build Guide, and it had quite the response. I did however note that in the very near future AMD Nvidia would be launching new GPUs and CPUs, This will be that build.
The next generation consoles have already announced their specifications will both be using a 7nm Zen 2 CPU, Navi GPU and NVMe SSD. We will be going for something similarly specced for around $1,000 USD.
This build will have a few options for “upgrades” when possible if you want a bit more and it only includes the tower, since some users may be using an existing monitor or even hooking it up to their TV.
You can find our building+buying guide below:
PC Hardware
The Ryzen 3600 is a 6 core 12 threaded part with a max boost of 4.2GHz that is on par with the best CPUs of last year in gaming and stays very close in performance to the top tier CPUs in gaming that are more than twice the cost. Though if you want a bit more extra power and long term performance you can pick up the Ryzen 7 3700X for another $130.
The next generation consoles have been confirmed to use the same Zen 2 architecture with 8 core CPUs though clock speed will undoubtedly be lower which is why I think the 3600 should provide a similar if not slightly better experience. Also are worried about sound you can pick up an aftermarket cooler or the faster Ryzen 5 3600X with the Wraith cooler
The Tomahawk is a solid choice for those looking for a motherboard that will provide most of the features you would need without going too far overboard. It also has BIOS Flashback+ so even if it is old stock that would not support the 3000 series CPUs you can flash it with a USB stick and without the CPU in the motherboard. That being said if this board is out of stock for a bit more you can take a look at the MSI X470 Gaming Plus which is slightly better and uses the slightly better X470 chipset.
The newly released RX 5700 is a bit overkill for 1080P gaming, though is a very strong 1440P card with the ability to play 4k with some settings turned to high.
This should be comparable to what they will eventually put in the next generation consoles though final specs still haven’t been announced. We do know that whatever they put in the next gen consoles will have better ray tracing support, as AMD has said their next Navi based GPUs will have better ray tracing support.
The Vengeance RAM we choose is low profile and should be fast enough for most uses and will likely be compatable with just about every motherboard you could choose. though those looking to spend more can find some pricer but faster options from G.Skill
The WD Blue SN500 should be comparable performance wise to what will be used in the PS5 and Scorpio, while those drives are stated to be PCIe 4.0 drives the gap between them and older drives like this one will be very small.
The Barracuda is often used in the current generation consoles though this one is a full size 3.5 inch HDD which will be faster, also at under $60 you grab an extra 2TB though you can buy a 4TB for under $90 if you want more capacity.
This Power Supply is made by one of the brands in power supplies and is semi modular (some cables that are unnecessary can be removed) which will make cable management easy, though if you are looking to save a bit of cash the Evga 500 BR is almost half as much but isn’t as high grade.
A solid budget case, though a case is very much a personal preference thing. This is something you can swap out with pretty much any other ATX case and be fine. I have always had good experiences with Phanteks cases though again its up to you.
Niche Gamer is regularly building out our Niche Gamer Tech column with more news, guides, and soon – benchmarks! Please let us know if you want us to check out other hardware, products, and more.
