Know what to prioritize
Whether as a hobby or for a specific task, building a desktop is an expensive endeavor, especially in today’s market. It’s easy to get caught up in pulsating RGB lights, nifty liquid cooling systems, and gorgeous glass cases—not to mention high-end components you might not even need. Trust me, I’ve been there.
My advice? Really think about how you’re going to use the PC for and stick to your budget. Remember, you can always upgrade your system in the future and potentially recoup some cash by selling used parts. As I mentioned before, use PCPartPicker to find the lowest prices for each part and ensure that they are compatible. Another useful resource is Slickdeals, which aggregates the best deals on…well, everything. Filter your search for PC parts and you can score some killer deals, especially around holidays.
There are certain things you don’t want to cheap out on. One of those is a good PC case that will last you through several builds. Seasoned PC builders will recommend a high airflow case, meaning something with lots of mesh and lots of fans—ingredients needed to prevent your system from overheating. There are endless options out there, but this Fractal Design Mesify 2 case is a good place to start…
