Components:
Ryzen 5 2600 CPU
Video Card:
Starter (Budget): Geforce GTX 1050 Ti 4 GB
Geforce 1060 6 GB (Medium)
Geforce 1070 ti 8 GB (Higher End)
Geforce 1080 ti (if wanting 1080p res)
RAM: 8 GB Minimum for gaming rig
Hard Drive: Only buy SSD or M.2
Processor:
If you’re looking to build a Gaming Rig, go with a Ryzen. The processor is moderately affordable
($238) and the thing to remember is it stacks up quite well against the core i7 7700k ($489).
You’ll get 6 cores, 12 threads out of the Ryzen 5 2600. Something to consider is that yes, this Ryen
5 second gen chip holds up to the Intel core i7 at about half the cost. Plus, you get a cooler
with the processor purchase – so that’s a worthwhile mention as well.
Notable mentions: https://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i7-7700K-vs-AMD-Ryzen-5-2600/3647vs3955
Video Card:
So the video card purchase starts with the Geforce 1050 Ti 4 GB version ($179.99 for a Gigabyte
card). This card, much like the other Geforce cards have come down in price significantly. This
is likely due to the bitcoin mining craze levelling off now for the past one year. The digital
currencies like BitCoin, Etherium and other alt coins likely are experiencing a degradation
of the currency due to all of the bandwagon jumpers who got into the craze thinking they could
make some quick money. However, that’s a conversation for another time.
The Geforce 1050 Ti 4 GB GPU will run many of the current games. If you are a RTS player
(real time strategy) this card will likely suffice your needs. If you are looking to play some
of the more up to date FPS games (first person shooters) like the latest Black Ops, Call of Duty,
Resident Evil, Left for Dead, etc. you may want to instead invest in a step up like the
Geforce 1060 ti @ 6 GB.
A 1070 card or 1070 Ti is pretty high end and likely all you’ll ever need if you want to spend
the $479.99 USD (Gigabyte). As you can see with Geforce cards, the RAM increments go from 4 with the
1050, to 6 with the 1060 and 8 GB DDR5 RAM with the 1070 Ti.
The 1080ti and up are reserved for those that need or want to have 1080p resolution. The keyword in that sentence should really be want though, not need as it’s unlikely anyone really -needs- 1080p resolution.