Holiday PC Build Guide: Build On a Budget under $1000 – Sales May Vary

Are you on the journey to assemble a powerful and budget-friendly PC this holiday season? Look no further! Our carefully curated PC build list caters to holiday buyers, and families eager to find the perfect tech gift. Packed with performance that won’t break the bank, this build comes in at under $1000, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an affordable yet impressive computing experience. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a thoughtful gift-giver, or a family in search of the ultimate holidays surprise, this budget-friendly PC build is sure to bring joy and cutting-edge performance to your holiday celebrations.

Current Price All-Together: $867

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G 3.9 GHz

Explore a powerhouse processor that takes your gaming experience up a notch without the need for a dedicated graphics card. Boasting top-notch graphics performance in the desktop processor realm, this gem offers a seamless 1080p gaming experience. Equipped with 6 cores and 12 processing threads, it comes bundled with the AMD Wraith Stealth cooler, ensuring optimal cooling for those intense gaming sessions. With a max boost of 4.4 GHz and unlocked for overclocking enthusiasts, this processor means business. The 19 MB cache and DDR4-3200 support further solidify its position as a go-to choice for the advanced Socket AM4 platform.

Step into the realm of gaming excellence with a processor that doesn’t hold back. This beast of a chip not only delivers unparalleled graphics performance for a smooth 1080p gaming escapade but also packs a punch with its 6 cores and 12 processing threads. The AMD Wraith Stealth cooler ensures things stay cool under pressure, and with a max boost of 4.4 GHz, this processor is ready for overclocking adventures. Boasting a 19 MB cache and support for DDR4-3200, it’s tailor-made for the advanced Socket AM4 platform, making it a solid choice for gamers who demand nothing but the best.

GPU: MSI Ventus GeForce RTX 3060 12GB

Dive into the gaming world with the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060, a dedicated graphics card that takes visual experiences to the next level. Powered by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 with 12GB of GDDR6, this card boasts a GPU clock speed of 1710 MHz and a memory clock speed of 1807 MHz. Its prowess extends to the connectivity realm, featuring three DisplayPort (v1.4a) and one HDMI 2.1 output interfaces, allowing for versatile multi-monitor setups.

Immerse yourself in the finest details with a maximum display resolution of 7680 x 4320. This graphics card is not just about raw power; it’s a complete package that caters to the demands of modern gaming setups, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite titles at their best. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or diving into the gaming world for the first time, the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 brings a visual feast to your desktop, making every gaming session a truly immersive experience.

PSU: Thermaltake Smart Series 600W SLI

Embark on a reliable power journey with the Thermaltake Smart Series 600W, delivering a continuous output of 600W even under the demanding conditions of up to 40℃. This power supply unit proudly complies with Intel ATX 12V 2.31 and EPS 12V 2.92 standards, ensuring seamless integration into your system. It achieves 80 PLUS certification, boasting an 80% efficiency under typical load conditions and signaling its commitment to energy-conscious performance.

Equipped with (2) PCI-E 6 plus 2pin connectors, this power supply unit embraces active Power Factor Correction (PFC), ensuring optimal power efficiency. With a robust MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of 100,000 hours, it stands as a testament to its durability and reliability. Safety is paramount, featuring industry-grade protections such as Over Power Protection (OPP), Over Voltage Protection (OVP), and Short Circuit Protection (SCP). The hold-up time is a minimum of 16 milliseconds within a 60% load, and it operates within an input frequency range of 50 – 60 Hz. With high-quality components and a powerful plus 12V rail, this power supply unit guarantees superior performance across a spectrum of system loads. Backed by a 5-year warranty, it provides peace of mind as you navigate through your computing endeavors. The maximum output capacity of 600 Watts ensures a steady and robust power supply for your system.

Motherboard: ASRock B550M

Unlock the potential of your system with the ASRock B550M motherboard, designed to support 3rd Gen AMD AM4 Ryzen processors and future AMD Ryzen processors. Boasting a 6 Power Phase Design, this motherboard ensures stable and efficient power delivery for optimal performance. Compatible with Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit, it seamlessly integrates into your operating system environment, providing a smooth and responsive user experience.

Experience enhanced memory capabilities with support for DDR4 4733+ (OC), allowing you to push your system to its limits. The motherboard features 1 PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and 1 PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, offering versatile expansion options to meet your specific needs. Enjoy flexibility in graphics output with HDMI, DVI-D, and D-Sub options, catering to various display preferences. Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast or a content creator, the ASRock B550M motherboard delivers the performance and flexibility you need to take your computing experience to new heights.

Case: Cooler Master HAF 500

Elevate your PC cooling game with the Cooler Master HAF 500, featuring a mesh front panel that not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes high airflow. This design choice ensures that internal components run at their optimal temperature, contributing to a smooth and efficient performance. The HAF series is renowned for its iconic 200mm ARGB fans, and the HAF 500 continues this legacy with dual 200mm ARGB fans. These fans, with their substantial size, effectively move high volumes of air while maintaining a quiet operation, ensuring a cool and serene environment for your components.

Dedicated GPU cooling takes center stage with a thoughtful addition – a 120mm rotatable fan positioned on top of the HDD cage. This feature allows for maximum GPU performance by providing targeted cooling where it’s needed most. The inclusion of USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C support in the I/O panel brings a modern touch, enabling streamlined and multi-purpose data transmission. Additionally, the HAF 500 embraces user-friendly design with a screwless and tool-free tempered glass side panel. Secured with pins, the side panel can be easily removed without the need for additional tools, making component upgrades and maintenance hassle-free. With the Cooler Master HAF 500, you’re not just getting a case – you’re investing in a cooling solution that blends performance, style, and convenience seamlessly.

CPU Cooler: DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB Single-Tower CPU Cooler

Introducing the DeepCool AG400 BK ARGB Single-Tower CPU Cooler, an all-black ARGB edition from the GAMMAXX AG400 series that adds a touch of high-performance black samurai style to your gaming rig. This CPU air cooler is not just a visual upgrade; it packs a punch with four 6mm direct-contact heat pipes, maximizing heat dissipation and boasting an impressive 220W TDP cooling capacity. The unique “Chessboard” all-black heatsink design not only enhances aesthetics but also optimizes the overall heat dissipation capability, making the DeepCool GAMMAXX AG400 BK ARGB highly recognizable in the gaming community.

Experience efficient air cooling with the high-speed DeepCool 120mm PWM fan, reaching 2000RPM and offering a robust 75.89CFM airflow. Remarkably, the noise level is kept under 31.6dB(A) even under full load, ensuring a quiet and focused gaming environment. The 5v-3pin ARGB lighting on the fan allows you to showcase your style with a stunning visual display. Standing at a height of 150mm, this CPU air cooler is compatible with most ATX/M-ATX gaming cases, but it’s advised to check the CPU cooler height limit of your case before purchasing. With full RAM clearance, the GAMMAXX AG400 BK ARGB ensures excellent compatibility without blocking most RAM slots. It supports a wide range of sockets, including Intel LGA 1700/1200/1151/1150/1155 and AMD AM5/AM4, making it a versatile choice for the latest gaming setups.

Hard Drive: SAMSUNG 870 EVO Series 2.5″ 1TB

Meet the SSD all-star, the SAMSUNG 870 EVO Series 2.5″ 1TB, boasting indisputable performance, reliability, and compatibility grounded in Samsung’s cutting-edge technology. With S.M.A.R.T. support, this SSD stands out for its excellence in performance, delivering professional-level speeds that push the SATA interface limit to 560 MB/s sequential read and 530 MB/s sequential write speeds. It’s designed to cater to the needs of gamers and professionals dealing with heavy workloads on high-end PCs, workstations, and NAS systems.

Experience industry-defining reliability as the 870 EVO tackles tasks ranging from everyday computing to 8K video processing, offering up to 600 TBW under a 5-year limited warranty. Compatibility is a non-issue, with the SSD undergoing rigorous testing for major host systems, chipsets, motherboards, NAS, and video recording devices. Upgrading is a breeze; simply plug the 870 EVO into the standard 2.5-inch SATA form factor on your desktop PC or laptop, and let the renewed migration software handle the rest.

Enhance your SSD management with the Samsung Magician 6 software, providing easy drive management, updates, health monitoring, and performance optimization. As the world’s #1 brand for flash memory since 2003, Samsung ensures top-tier quality with all firmware and components, including their renowned DRAM and NAND, produced in-house. The 870 EVO Series 2.5″ 1TB is a testament to Samsung’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge SSD solutions with unmatched performance and reliability.

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB)

Enter the world of high-performance memory with the G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB), meticulously designed for optimal compatibility with AMD Ryzen 3000 and X570 Series, as well as Intel Z390 and newer platforms. This 16GB kit comprises two 8GB modules, utilizing DDR4-3600 technology with a 288-Pin configuration and CAS Latency CL18 (18-22-22-42) at 1.35V. Dressed in a sleek black color, this memory kit is part of the Ripjaws V series, identified by the model F4-3600C18D-16GVK.

Tailored for high-performance and gaming, this dual-channel kit is free from ECC (Error-Correcting Code) and comes with XMP 2.0 profile support. This feature allows you to reach the rated overclock speed effortlessly or run at the default JEDEC profile speed. Keep in mind that the rated XMP frequency and stability depend on the capabilities of your motherboard and CPU, so it’s advisable to check the G.Skill QVL or RAM Configurator on the G.Skill website for validated motherboards.

When it comes to memory kit integrity, G.SKILL emphasizes the importance of not mixing kits. These kits are meticulously matched to run seamlessly together, and attempting to combine different kits may lead to stability issues or even system failure. With the Ripjaws V Series 16GB, G.SKILL delivers a reliable and powerful memory solution for those seeking top-notch performance in high-end computing and gaming environments.

Fans and Extra Cooling: Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 V2 $30-60 (Up to 3 for the top) (If you go with liquid AIO you do not need these fans)

Immerse your system in a vibrant glow with the Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 V2 ARGB, offering signature cooling performance coupled with individually customizable ARGB lighting effects. This fan is an ideal choice for users seeking both efficient cooling and eye-catching aesthetics. With a new blade design featuring a revised curve, the SickleFlow 120 V2 enhances airflow and air pressure, ensuring optimal cooling performance. The refreshed blade not only contributes to improved cooling but also enhances the overall lighting effect, adding a touch of sophistication to your system.

The Enhanced Fan Frame of the SickleFlow 120 V2 is a key element in its design, featuring a reinforced structure that reduces turbulent flow noise while simultaneously increasing efficiency. This results in a quieter operation without compromising on cooling effectiveness. Additionally, the fan employs a Sealed Bearing Structure, providing a secure and sealed fan bearing that prevents dust and lubricating oil leakage. This not only ensures a cleaner and more stable operation but also contributes to an extended fan lifespan. For those who prioritize both performance and aesthetics, the Cooler Master SickleFlow 120 V2 ARGB stands as a reliable choice, offering a perfect blend of cooling prowess and customizable lighting effects.