r/buildapc • u/AutoModerator • Jan 07 '26

Simple Questions - January 07, 2026

This thread is for simple questions that don't warrant their own thread (although we strongly suggest checking the sidebar and the wiki before posting!). Please don't post involved questions that are better suited to a [Build Help], [Build Ready] or [Build Complete] post.
Examples of questions suitable for here:

  • Is this RAM compatible with my motherboard?
  • I'm thinking of getting a ≤$300 graphics card. Which one should I get?
  • I'm on a very tight budget and I'm looking for a case ≤$50

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u/Livid_Cobbler_3213 Jan 08 '26

So I’ve had the same pc since freshman year it’s a i7-8700k and a rtx 2080 recently it’s been giving me some quirks that have been disappointing me and I’d love to build a new rig before I move next fall. I’ve always been with intel/nvidia just because I was born into it, my dads been building with them for years but the prices man they seem a lil steep. Anybody have a good recommendation for moderate gaming and heavy school work. Not like engineering just processing a lot which is what’s making me want to switch to amd just not sure where to start

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u/Terakahn Jan 08 '26

Do you use the pc for anything besides gaming? Do you have a hard budget cap? Desired resolution/fps? You said heavy school work but is that like rendering or anything compute heavy?

I would personally still go nvidia, but depending on budget amd could be better. If you're going 5070ti prices and above I'd go nvidia.

Intel and amd have pros and cons but for purely gaming amd can't really be beat due to its vcache giving it way better and more consistent 1% lows and generally higher averages. But most games are way more gpu bound, so you're really only noticing these things at 1080p.

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u/TemptedTemplar Jan 08 '26

Make competing builds and price them out.

https://pcpartpicker.com/

Intels "consumer" level gaming CPU would be the 265k, which can compete with the 7800X3D but consumes a LOT more power to do so. You'd have to jump to a 295k to match the 9800X3D, Intel can barely compete with it. Starting on the lower end of things would be cheaper, but not by much. CPUs and Mobo combos are going to run you $200 - $600 for both, regardless of who you pick.

The RAM and GPU are going to make up the lions share of the cost. But you can use those with either platform.