> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/modernharp/PCPartsPicker/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Budget planning
> Plan your PC build across different budget tiers with PCPartsPicker template configurations
PCPartsPicker offers four pre-built template configurations spanning different price tiers and use cases. Understanding these tiers helps you set realistic expectations and make informed trade-offs.
## Template tiers overview
Each template is carefully balanced to deliver optimal performance at its price point.
Entry-level computing and light gaming
**Featured CPU**: Intel i5-12400F
Balanced 1080p gaming performance
**Featured CPU**: AMD Ryzen 5 8500G
High-performance for creation and gaming
**Featured CPU**: AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
Top-tier performance for demanding workloads
**Featured CPU**: Intel i9-13900K
## Detailed tier breakdown
### Target users
* First-time PC builders
* Students and office workers
* Casual gamers playing esports titles
* Budget-conscious users who can upgrade later
### Processor: Intel i5-12400F
The i5-12400F is a 6-core, 12-thread processor offering excellent value:
* **Base clock**: 2.5 GHz
* **Boost clock**: Up to 4.4 GHz
* **TDP**: 65W (low power consumption and heat)
* **No integrated graphics**: Requires dedicated GPU
### Performance expectations
Capable of 60+ FPS in esports titles like Valorant, CS:GO, and League of Legends at 1080p
* Smooth web browsing and office productivity
* 1080p gaming at medium-high settings in modern titles
* Basic photo editing and light video work
* 4K video streaming
### Typical configuration components
* **RAM**: 16GB DDR4
* **Storage**: 500GB NVMe SSD
* **GPU**: Entry-level graphics card (GTX 1650 / RX 6500 XT class)
* **PSU**: 450-550W 80+ Bronze
* **Cooling**: Stock CPU cooler
### Cost-saving strategies
Start with 500GB storage and a single 8GB RAM stick, then upgrade as budget allows. This gets you started at minimum cost with a clear upgrade path.
* Use stock CPU cooler (adequate for this TDP)
* Choose Micro-ATX motherboard (cheaper than ATX)
* Skip RGB lighting and premium aesthetics
* Consider previous-generation components for discounts
### Upgrade path
This tier provides solid foundation for future improvements:
1. Add second RAM stick for dual-channel (instant performance boost)
2. Upgrade to better GPU for gaming performance
3. Add larger SSD or HDD for storage capacity
4. Improve cooling and case fans for quieter operation
### Target users
* Dedicated gamers focused on 1080p
* Streamers starting their channel
* Users wanting integrated graphics flexibility
* Balanced performance and value seekers
### Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 8500G
The Ryzen 5 8500G stands out with powerful integrated graphics:
* **Cores/Threads**: 6C/12T
* **Boost clock**: Up to 5.0 GHz
* **Integrated GPU**: Radeon 740M (RDNA 3 architecture)
* **TDP**: 65W
### Unique advantage: Integrated graphics
The Ryzen 5 8500G's integrated graphics are capable enough for 720p-1080p gaming in many titles. This provides two budget strategies:
1. **Skip dedicated GPU initially**: Save \$200-400, add GPU later when budget allows
2. **Pair with mid-range GPU**: Keep integrated graphics as backup or for troubleshooting
### Performance expectations
**With integrated graphics only**:
* 60+ FPS in esports titles at 1080p medium settings
* 30-60 FPS in modern AAA games at 720p-1080p low settings
* Excellent for all productivity tasks
* Hardware-accelerated video encoding
**With dedicated GPU added**:
* 60-120 FPS in modern games at 1080p high-ultra settings
* Entry-level 1440p gaming capability
* Streaming while gaming with minimal performance impact
### Typical configuration components
* **RAM**: 16-32GB DDR5 (faster memory benefits both CPU and integrated GPU)
* **Storage**: 1TB NVMe SSD
* **GPU**: Optional initially, RX 6600 / RTX 3060 class when added
* **PSU**: 550-650W 80+ Gold (allows GPU upgrades)
* **Cooling**: Quality air cooler or stock
### Strategic component allocation
Since you can skip the GPU initially, redirect budget to:
* **Faster RAM**: The integrated GPU shares system RAM, so faster memory (DDR5-5600 or better) provides significant performance gains
* **Larger SSD**: 1TB allows comfortable game library without constant management
* **Better motherboard**: More upgrade options and features
* **Quality power supply**: Ready for future GPU addition
### When to add a dedicated GPU
Consider GPU upgrade when:
* You want to play AAA games at high settings
* You need 1440p gaming capability
* You're doing professional content creation
* You want consistent 120+ FPS for competitive gaming
### Target users
* Serious gamers targeting 1440p
* Content creators and streamers
* Professionals doing 3D work or video editing
* Enthusiasts who want strong all-around performance
### Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
High-core-count processor from AMD's latest generation:
* **Cores/Threads**: 8C/16T
* **Boost clock**: Up to 5.5 GHz
* **TDP**: 105W
* **Architecture**: Zen 5 (latest generation)
* **PCIe 5.0 support**: Future-proof connectivity
### Performance expectations
Handles any current gaming or productivity task with room to spare. Built for users who demand high performance without compromise.
**Gaming**:
* 100+ FPS in modern AAA titles at 1440p ultra settings
* 1440p high-refresh-rate gaming (144+ Hz)
* VR gaming with headroom
* Entry-level 4K gaming capability
**Content creation**:
* Smooth 4K video editing timelines
* Fast rendering for 3D modeling
* Streaming at 1080p60 while gaming
* Multiple VM instances for development
### Typical configuration components
* **RAM**: 32GB DDR5 (16GB x2 dual-channel)
* **Storage**: 2TB NVMe SSD Gen 4
* **GPU**: High-end graphics (RX 7800 XT / RTX 4070 class)
* **PSU**: 750-850W 80+ Gold modular
* **Cooling**: High-quality air cooler or 240mm AIO
* **Case**: Mid-tower with good airflow
### Component priorities
At this tier, balance is key:
* **Don't skimp on RAM**: 32GB is important for multitasking and future-proofing
* **Quality cooling matters**: The 105W TDP and boost clocks benefit from good thermal management
* **Fast storage**: Gen 4 NVMe provides noticeable improvements in game loading and file operations
* **Robust power supply**: Quality PSU with overhead ensures stable operation under load
### Where to allocate extra budget
If you have additional funds:
1. **Better GPU**: Largest impact on gaming performance (RTX 4070 Ti / RX 7900 XT)
2. **More storage**: Add 2TB secondary SSD or 4TB HDD
3. **Premium cooling**: 280mm/360mm AIO for quieter operation and aesthetic
4. **Quality peripherals**: High-refresh monitor, mechanical keyboard
5. **Case with features**: Better cable management, RGB, tempered glass
### Target users
* Professional content creators
* Competitive gamers wanting maximum FPS
* Developers running complex simulations
* Hardware enthusiasts and overclockers
* Users wanting best-in-class, no compromises
### Processor: Intel i9-13900K
Intel's flagship processor with hybrid architecture:
* **Cores/Threads**: 24C/32T (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores)
* **P-core boost**: Up to 5.8 GHz
* **TDP**: 125W base, 253W turbo
* **Overclockable**: Unlocked multiplier for manual tuning
### Hybrid architecture explained
The i9-13900K uses Performance cores (P-cores) for demanding tasks and Efficient cores (E-cores) for background processes. This architecture excels at both single-threaded performance and heavily multithreaded workloads.
### Performance expectations
**Gaming**:
* Maximum FPS in competitive titles (300+ in esports)
* 4K gaming at ultra settings, 60+ FPS
* 1440p ultra-high refresh rate (240+ Hz)
* VR at maximum quality settings
* CPU bottleneck eliminated in virtually all scenarios
**Professional workloads**:
* 8K video editing and rendering
* Complex 3D scene rendering
* Software compilation and development
* Virtual machines and containerization
* Scientific simulations and data analysis
### Typical configuration components
* **RAM**: 64GB DDR5 (32GB x2)
* **Storage**: 2TB+ Gen 4 NVMe primary, additional drives as needed
* **GPU**: Top-tier graphics (RTX 4080 / RTX 4090 / RX 7900 XTX)
* **PSU**: 1000W+ 80+ Gold/Platinum modular
* **Cooling**: High-end 360mm AIO or custom loop (253W TDP requires serious cooling)
* **Motherboard**: Z790 chipset with robust VRM for overclocking
* **Case**: Premium with excellent airflow and cable management
### Critical considerations
The i9-13900K's 253W turbo power draw requires excellent cooling and power delivery. Budget appropriately for a high-end cooler and quality motherboard with strong VRM.
**Cooling is mandatory**:
* Stock coolers insufficient
* 360mm AIO minimum recommendation
* Custom water cooling for overclocking
* Quality thermal paste essential
**Power supply sizing**:
* CPU: 253W under load
* GPU: 350-450W for top tier cards
* Other components: \~100W
* **Minimum**: 850W with high-end GPU
* **Recommended**: 1000W for headroom and efficiency
### Where to allocate budget
At this tier, every component should be premium:
1. **GPU**: Pair with RTX 4080/4090 to eliminate bottlenecks
2. **RAM**: 64GB DDR5-6000+ for professional workloads
3. **Storage**: Multiple NVMe drives, consider PCIe 5.0 for future-proofing
4. **Cooling**: Premium 360mm AIO or custom loop
5. **Motherboard**: Z790 with excellent VRM, connectivity, and features
6. **Peripherals**: 4K 144Hz or 1440p 360Hz monitor, premium audio
### Who should choose this tier
Choose the Enthusiast Build if you:
* Need maximum performance for professional work
* Want the absolute highest framerates in competitive gaming
* Plan to keep your system for many years
* Have the budget for supporting components (cooling, PSU, GPU)
* Understand that supporting components must match the CPU's capabilities
## Choosing the right tier
Use this decision framework to identify your ideal tier:
### By use case
| Use Case | Recommended Tier |
| -------------------------------------------- | ---------------- |
| Office work, web browsing, media consumption | Budget Build |
| Esports gaming, light content creation | Budget Build |
| 1080p AAA gaming, streaming | Gaming Build |
| 1440p gaming, video editing | Excellent Build |
| Content creation professional work | Excellent Build |
| 4K gaming, 3D rendering | Enthusiast Build |
| Maximum FPS competitive gaming | Enthusiast Build |
| Professional video production | Enthusiast Build |
### By budget philosophy
**Choose**: Budget Build or Gaming Build
Focus on:
* Best performance per dollar
* Upgrade path for future improvements
* Meeting current needs without overspending
* Proven, mature components
The Ryzen 5 8500G in the Gaming Build offers exceptional value through integrated graphics, allowing GPU budget reallocation.
**Choose**: Gaming Build or Excellent Build
Focus on:
* Strong performance today
* Future-proofing for several years
* Comfortable multitasking
* Room to grow without immediate upgrades
The Excellent Build hits the sweet spot for most enthusiasts who want high performance without extreme cost.
**Choose**: Excellent Build or Enthusiast Build
Focus on:
* No performance compromises
* Latest technology and features
* Premium components throughout
* Maximum longevity
The Enthusiast Build eliminates bottlenecks and provides headroom for any current or near-future use case.
## Budget optimization strategies
### Maximizing value at any tier
Allocate budget where it matters most for your use case:
**Gaming priority order**:
1. GPU (largest gaming performance impact)
2. CPU (avoid bottlenecks)
3. RAM (16GB minimum, 32GB ideal)
4. SSD (fast loading times)
5. Everything else
**Content creation priority order**:
1. CPU (rendering performance)
2. RAM (32GB+ for professional work)
3. GPU (accelerated rendering)
4. Fast, large storage (active project space)
5. Everything else
Don't buy components you won't use immediately. Technology improves rapidly, so your upgrade dollar goes further if you wait until you need it.
**Start essential**:
* CPU, motherboard, RAM (can't be added incrementally)
* Single SSD for OS
* Power supply sized for future GPU
**Add as needed**:
* GPU (Gaming Build can start with integrated graphics)
* Additional storage
* Better cooling
* More case fans
* RGB and aesthetics
PCPartsPicker shows pricing for your selected region (currently US and India supported).
Component pricing and availability vary by region. Use PCPartsPicker's regional pricing to get accurate budget estimates for your location.
**Regional factors**:
* Import taxes and duties affect component costs
* Local retailer availability changes options
* Some components may be region-specific
* Warranty and support considerations
## Moving between tiers
### Upgrading from a lower tier
If you start with a lower tier and want to upgrade:
Determine what's limiting your performance:
* GPU for gaming FPS
* CPU for rendering and multitasking
* RAM for large projects and multitasking
* Storage for load times and capacity
Focus on the bottleneck:
* GPU upgrade provides immediate gaming improvement
* RAM addition (8GB → 16GB or 16GB → 32GB) helps multitasking
* CPU upgrade requires motherboard compatibility check
Use PCPartsPicker to verify new components work with your existing build before purchasing.
### Scaling down from a higher tier
If budget is constrained:
* **Enthusiast → Excellent**: Still flagship performance, save \$300-500
* **Excellent → Gaming**: Maintain 1080p gaming capability, save \$500-800
* **Gaming → Budget**: Essential functionality, save \$200-400
Each step down reduces cost while maintaining core functionality for less demanding use cases.
## Related guides
Step-by-step guide to creating your configuration with your chosen tier
Learn about each component category to make informed decisions