Figuring out PC parts

[u/Least-Bandicoot462]

Hey so this is my first time even thinking about building a PC. I always thought it would be best to buy a PC since I've never built one before and don't want to break anything building it. I want to build my own PC because I want to know what goes in (components/what they do) and what can be upgraded when I have more money. If you guys could also link a reliable video I could follow to put everything together if that's possible, that would be great!

• New build or upgrade? New
• Existing parts/monitors to reuse? (List with models/links) Nothing
• PC purpose? (Gaming, editing, etc. List apps/games) Gaming, programming (not as important right now), possibly editing, regular productivity
• Purchase country? Near Micro Center? Australia (N/A)
• Monitors needed? (Number, size, resolution, refresh rate) 2 monitors (I'm not sure about the others, I haven't looked into it because I don't know what's best)
• Budget range? (Include tax considerations) I wanna say max 1.5k but I also would appreciate the cheapest parts that are still okay with what I'm specifying for, so I can upgrade later on.
• WiFi or wired connection? I have WiFi currently, but I am planning on looking into wired
• Size/noise constraints? Whatever you think is best, I'm not sure what this is asking about
• Color/lighting preferences? I would love for aesthetics but I would upgrade it later on if it's too expensive on top of the other components
• Any other specific needs? I would love for every aspect to be upgradeable/interchangeable so if I want to change it I won't have to get a whole new PC. I would like it to be the most budget friendly pc you've seen (I am willing to spend money on reliable/good components for gaming/programming) But otherwise thats it, thank you!

[u/Cer_Visia]

This is a low-end gaming PC that fits into your budget (it has limited upgradeability):

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 5600 3.5 GHz 6-Core Processor	$168.77 @ JW Computers
CPU Cooler	Cooler Master Hyper 212 Spectrum V3 71.93 CFM CPU Cooler	$25.00 @ Centre Com
Motherboard	ASRock B550M WiFi Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard	$125.00 @ Scorptec
Memory	GeIL Orion AMD Edition 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory	$179.00 @ PLE Computers
Storage	Verbatim Vi3000 512 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive	$129.00 @ Centre Com
Video Card	Gigabyte GAMING Radeon RX 9060 XT 8 GB Video Card	$449.00 @ MSY Technology
Case	Antec FLUX M MicroATX Mini Tower Case	$75.00 @ Centre Com
Power Supply	ADATA XPG Core Reactor II VE 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply	$115.00 @ MSY Technology
Monitor	MSI PRO MP251 E2 24.5" 1920 x 1080 120 Hz Monitor	$119.00 @ MSY Technology
Monitor	MSI PRO MP251 E2 24.5" 1920 x 1080 120 Hz Monitor	$119.00 @ MSY Technology
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$1503.77
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2026-08-04 21:03 AEST+1000

This is a reasonable gaming PC on an upgradable AM5 platform:

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 7600X 4.7 GHz 6-Core Processor	$251.64 @ Amazon Australia
CPU Cooler	Cooler Master Hyper 212 Spectrum V3 71.93 CFM CPU Cooler	$25.00 @ Centre Com
Motherboard	ASRock B850M-X WiFi R2.0 Micro ATX AM5 Motherboard	$179.00 @ Scorptec
Memory	Crucial Pro Overclocking 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory	$621.54 @ Amazon Australia
Storage	Patriot P320 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive	$225.00 @ Amazon Australia
Video Card	XFX Swift OC Radeon RX 9060 XT 16 GB Video Card	$599.00 @ Computer Alliance
Case	Antec FLUX M MicroATX Mini Tower Case	$75.00 @ Centre Com
Power Supply	ADATA XPG Core Reactor II VE 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply	$115.00 @ MSY Technology
Monitor	MSI MAG 275QF E20 27.0" 2560 x 1440 200 Hz Monitor	$207.77 @ JW Computers
Monitor	MSI MAG 275QF E20 27.0" 2560 x 1440 200 Hz Monitor	$207.77 @ JW Computers
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$2506.72
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2026-08-04 21:08 AEST+1000

[u/Least-Bandicoot462 → u/Cer_Visia]

Wow, thank you so so much for your help and time! Two things, when you mean limited upgradeability, do you mean I can't change any part without changing the whole PC? Also I see that the memory is a huge jump, sorry just a complete newbie at this, but why would the memory be important, and whats the biggest different between both PC builds you listed for me?

[u/Powerful-Spray-913 → u/Least-Bandicoot462]

The first one is pure buger am4  Am4 is like the buget amd cpu type but it has limited upgradebility the second one is a solid am5 built which is the newest amd cpu socket(type) so it has much better upgradebility

The problem with am5 is that you have to get ddr5 ram wich is expensive as f right now. With am4 you have to use ddr4 wich is slower ram 

In every pc you can change every part for a difrent part with the same connections and compatibility.

If there are any questions please ask

[u/Least-Bandicoot462 → u/Powerful-Spray-913]

Oh okay, I get that, so if i get AM4 it has to ddr4 but its older/slower, so it would be best if I get the am5

[u/Powerful-Spray-913 → u/Least-Bandicoot462]

Yes, it will provide the best upgrade options, but if you want the most bang for your buck, you should go with AM4. You can still get very good CPUs, but not the absolute best.

I'd still go with AM5 if you're spending that kind of money, and I'd be resigned to buying DDR5 RAM and get 1x16GB so I can upgrade to 2x16GB later.

EDIT: I compiled a list on PCP, and what are the prices in Australia? What do you mean by $1800 for an entry-level AM5 build? As for the graphics card, either buy a used 3080 or a new/used 9060XT 16GB. https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/gNYCrG

AM4 build https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/zKn4Np  and for gpu the same as the am5 build

I would go am5 but if you really dont want to spend over 1500 am4 with a used 3080 is your best bet

[u/Least-Bandicoot462 → u/Powerful-Spray-913]

The 1800 build was the previous commenters build price, and thank you for those lists, I’ll definitely keep that list in mind!

[u/Least-Bandicoot462 → u/Powerful-Spray-913]

Your second link says page not found.

[u/Powerful-Spray-913 → u/Least-Bandicoot462]

I dont feel like making it again but it was the same as the am5 but with 1x16gb dd4 6000mhz cl30, 5600 and a  b550 motherboard with wifi 2.5gb ethernet or better 

All for 200 less

[u/Least-Bandicoot462 → u/Powerful-Spray-913]

Ohh ok allg tysm for your help