Apple Enthusiast Constructs a $2500 Gaming PC – A Joyful Journey
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The Journey into PC Gaming
Escapism is the perfect word to describe my fondness for video games; they provide a unique joy that revitalizes my spirit. As a dedicated PlayStation and Xbox gamer, I was eager to explore the expansive realm of PC gaming.
Upon making the decision to construct my own PC, I realized that careful planning was essential, as the process involves more than just selecting components from a store. In this piece, I will share my experiences of building a gaming PC through the lens of a long-term Mac user.
Why Build a PC?
Three compelling reasons motivated my decision to build a gaming PC:
- They are visually stunning, representing the pinnacle of personal computing.
- They elevate the concept of fun to new heights.
- The process instills a sense of empowerment and boosts my confidence.
Let me elaborate on each of these points to provide clarity on my motivations.
Empowerment Through Building
My fascination with puzzles, particularly creating something from scratch, is a key reason I pursued engineering in university. The intricate engineering behind modern computers excites me and fills me with pride for human ingenuity.
After watching numerous tech videos on YouTube showcasing creators assembling their gaming rigs, my desire to build my own was ignited.
The Fun of Video Games
While gaming consoles serve many well, I cherish the freedom that PC gaming offers, especially the ability to modify various game elements. Although console modding is possible, it often demands significant time and effort with older hardware, which can void warranties and lead to stability issues. On a PC, however, the modding opportunities are both safer and more abundant.
I should also mention that I own both next-gen consoles, each with its unique advantages.
Aesthetic Appeal
If you search for "High-End Gaming PC" on Pinterest, you'll find an array of beautifully crafted PC builds that combine aesthetics with functionality. Each gaming PC seems to possess its own character, bursting with personality rather than being just a lifeless hunk of metal. They are, in essence, living creations illuminated by RGB lighting.
The blend of artistic design and innovative engineering makes gaming PCs true masterpieces, worthy of display on any desk.
Key Specifications
Let me highlight five critical components of my PC, detailing my choices and the rationale behind them.
CPU: Intel Core i5 13600K — $300
When constructing a gaming PC, you typically choose between two CPU manufacturers: Intel or AMD. I opted for Intel, rooted in my positive experiences with the brand. My old Pentium III PC, equipped with an Intel chip, still functions after 20 years, showcasing the longevity of their products.
The Core i5 13600K is a powerful processor at a reasonable price, and I expect it to serve me well for the next several years.
GPU: ASUS TUF Gaming RX 6900 XT — $1200
Today, you have three major options for powerful gaming GPUs: Nvidia, AMD, and Intel. Unfortunately, only Intel offers budget-friendly options.
Here’s a quick summary of graphic cards:
- Nvidia produces the most powerful GPUs but at a steep cost.
- AMD delivers strong performance at a lower price point, yet still expensive.
- Intel focuses on budget-friendly GPUs, which perform decently but may not excel in 4K gaming.
I chose the AMD RX 6900 XT from ASUS, which allows me to play most games at 4K with maximum settings and over 60 FPS. For competitive gaming, I prefer 1440p at 100 FPS, but I generally stick to 4K.
SSD: Samsung 980 Pro — $60
My motherboard has four M.2 slots that support PCI-e 4x4 speed, and the Samsung SSD I selected boasts impressive read and write speeds. It significantly improves the loading times for applications, the operating system, and games compared to my previous Mac.
RAM: Corsair DDR5 32 GB — $110
Beyond its RGB lighting, the reliability of this RAM is crucial for my gaming needs. I’ve yet to face crashes or freezes, and it pairs exceptionally well with my CPU.
Case: Lian Li O11 Air Mini — $110
The case of a gaming system is just as important as its internal components. I chose Lian Li due to its stellar reputation. This case offers ample room for a full ATX motherboard and features excellent airflow and aesthetics.
Gaming Experience
The primary purpose of this PC build is gaming, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying it. Most games run smoothly at 4K with maximum settings, though some frustrations arise. Transitioning from consoles to PC, I anticipated a seamless gaming experience, but the current landscape of game purchasing can be quite cumbersome.
Video Game Distribution Platforms
Gone are the days of simply buying a disk to install games. Now, every game requires its publisher’s app, leading to a fragmented and frustrating experience.
I’ve found the Xbox GamePass service to be a helpful alternative for accessing games on PC, but I wish for a unified platform to manage my library.
Performance with Popular Titles
Here’s how my setup performs with a few notable games:
- GTA V: This classic still impresses with its graphics, running smoothly in 4K at max settings and achieving around 74 FPS. With mods, I can push it to over 100 FPS in 2K.
- BF 2042: My competitive edge in this game comes from a high refresh rate monitor. At max settings in 2K with ray tracing, I achieve over 120 FPS.
- Atomic Heart: I enjoyed playing this in 4K at maximum settings without taxing my GPU.
- Far Cry 5: Despite its repetitive nature, this game runs exceptionally well on my system, exceeding 120 FPS at max settings in 4K.
Windows Experience
While I appreciate Mac for its polished experience, Windows offers an attractive and efficient option for gaming. After installing Windows 11, I was pleasantly surprised by its responsiveness and performance.
Challenges with Windows
Despite my admiration for Microsoft’s contributions to technology, I often feel uneasy using a PC for daily tasks.
Bloatware: Windows installations often come pre-loaded with unnecessary software, requiring extensive effort to remove.
App Quality: Transitioning from macOS, I've noticed many Windows applications lack the polish and performance of their Mac counterparts.
Future Aspirations
Building a PC offers the incredible advantage of future upgrades. Here’s what I plan to do next:
- Upgrade to Windows 12: I’m eager to explore new features and hope for a decluttered version specifically for gaming.
- Add More Storage: With a 1 TB SSD, I’ve already used half my storage for just six games.
- Upgrade the GPU: I’m interested in an NVIDIA GPU for its DLSS technology and superior path tracing capabilities.
- Implement Water Cooling (AIO): While my air cooler is effective, I’d like to free up space and enhance accessibility with a liquid cooler.
Thank You
I’m passionate about technology and the joy it brings to life. If you have thoughts on my build, feel free to share in the comments; I’ll respond promptly. This PC build set me back nearly $3000, but the gaming experience it offers is invaluable.
In this video, the creator showcases their gaming PC build journey, sharing tips and insights that can inspire others contemplating a similar project.
This video documents the creator's initial experience building their first gaming PC, detailing challenges and triumphs along the way.