DIY PC Rig Recommendations For 2025

[soreloser]

need some recommendations for a new PC build, budget maybe 1.5 to 2k?

for context, mainly use my PC for web browsing, MS office and various stock market trading platforms. I've managed to run everything on my 2023 LG gram laptop (on intel integrated graphics) with 3 external monitors (2x 34" ultrawide and 1x 24"). Thinking of getting a new desktop instead of torturing that laptop

I probably don't need the highest end GPU but one of my specialized trading platform recommends having nvidia GPU for better openGL support. As I do not game at all, which nvidia GPU is most value for money now that can support 4 or more monitors?

you can just get a prebuilt from invader pc. A 5600 + RTX 5060 setup will do just fine for your use case. Although I dont know what the requirements are for this kind of trading platform, ensure to get 32GB of RAM to be safe and at least 1TB SSD so don't need to upgrade. Otherwise should be fine. Should cost 900-1.1k, no need for 1.5k-2k for this kind of use

 

[iceblendedchoc]

need some recommendations for a new PC build, budget maybe 1.5 to 2k?

for context, mainly use my PC for web browsing, MS office and various stock market trading platforms. I've managed to run everything on my 2023 LG gram laptop (on intel integrated graphics) with 3 external monitors (2x 34" ultrawide and 1x 24"). Thinking of getting a new desktop instead of torturing that laptop

I probably don't need the highest end GPU but one of my specialized trading platform recommends having nvidia GPU for better openGL support. As I do not game at all, which nvidia GPU is most value for money now that can support 4 or more monitors?

a simple 1660 gpu can support 4 monitors already that shouldn't break the bank. If want 5, then you better check the gpu.

 

[bellick]

a simple 1660 gpu can support 4 monitors already that shouldn't break the bank. If want 5, then you better check the gpu.

yeah i was thinking if my laptop with integrated gfx can already support 3 external monitors + the laptop screen itself with a thunderbolt dock, i definitely won't need the highest end nvidia GPU..

but if i intend to potentially upgrade to dual 49" ultrawide, what is the minimum gfx card i should get?

 

[iceblendedchoc]

yeah i was thinking if my laptop with integrated gfx can already support 3 external monitors + the laptop screen itself with a thunderbolt dock, i definitely won't need the highest end nvidia GPU..

but if i intend to potentially upgrade to dual 49" ultrawide, what is the minimum gfx card i should get?

you dun game so there is no need to spend on much on GPU, second hand market $50 can get you a card good enough for lighting up your multiple screens already. More importantly you need to check the hdmi and display ports are working

 

[BlackCube]

The RAM cost will kill u already. U can go check how much is 32GB x 2 DDR5.
If really on a budget, go for RTX 4060 will do. Some builder still have 4060.
Just go to any pc builder site n u will know the quote.

Not exactly on a tight budget, but just trying not to spend unnecessary money. for eg, @NightRaven49 mentioned that if not gaming/3d then just use igpu. so that's alright with me I think. but spending the $300 for 32 x 2 DDR is necessary. I'm currently doing ok-ish on a 8-10 years old rig but could fail anytime. and hard to do work with very limited RAM, so looking for upgrade.

64gb ddr5 is ~$300, 7700 + b650m starts at $500, 5060 another $450, 5070 $900. but if ur just gonna do dev work and no gaming/3d apps, u could probably be just fine with the 7700 igpu, no need to spend extra hundreds of dollars on a gpu u wont be using.

thanks for the info. since I'm planning to run dual screen 2k monitor, does using igpu support dual screen for 2k? as in does that b650m mobo have 2 like hdmi output?

 

[abstrax]

Not exactly on a tight budget, but just trying not to spend unnecessary money. for eg, @NightRaven49 mentioned that if not gaming/3d then just use igpu. so that's alright with me I think. but spending the $300 for 32 x 2 DDR is necessary. I'm currently doing ok-ish on a 8-10 years old rig but could fail anytime. and hard to do work with very limited RAM, so looking for upgrade.



thanks for the info. since I'm planning to run dual screen 2k monitor, does using igpu support dual screen for 2k? as in does that b650m mobo have 2 like hdmi output?

It seems we both have the same mentalilty value over performance. But I more to stablility. If thats the case, what is ur old rig config?
Just do a upgrade will do if the m/b or ram can use back. Add a GPU will do to support dual monitor.
Actually, I am think about dual monitor too. Still planning yet.
iGPU normally support single monitor.

 

[NightRaven49]

since I'm planning to run dual screen 2k monitor, does using igpu support dual screen for 2k? as in does that b650m mobo have 2 like hdmi output?

most motherboards only offer 1 dp and 1 hdmi, but usually both are able to drive 4k displays. u can refer to the mobo product page for more details.
if ur comfortable with unique parts from taobao, i do see mobile zen 4 cpus soldered onto motherboards that do come with 2 hdmi + 1 dp coming in at very attractive prices (about half the price of a 7700 + b650). if ur not concerned with cpu upgradeability, then u can consider.

 

[BlackCube]

It seems we both have the same mentalilty value over performance. But I more to stablility. If thats the case, what is ur old rig config?
Just do a upgrade will do if the m/b or ram can use back. Add a GPU will do to support dual monitor.
Actually, I am think about dual monitor too. Still planning yet.
iGPU normally support single monitor.

Intel i5-4460
MSI H81M-E35
2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GT 730 (ZOTAC International)
16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3

Probably not going to use back ba. What's the minimum GPU I can get to support dual monitor?

 

[BlackCube]

most motherboards only offer 1 dp and 1 hdmi, but usually both are able to drive 4k displays. u can refer to the mobo product page for more details.
if ur comfortable with unique parts from taobao, i do see mobile zen 4 cpus soldered onto motherboards that do come with 2 hdmi + 1 dp coming in at very attractive prices (about half the price of a 7700 + b650). if ur not concerned with cpu upgradeability, then u can consider.

Don't think I'm good with the taobao order ba. Does it matter if I run dual monitor using 1 dp and 1 hdmi if that's what the mobo (igpu) supports?

 

[Bardiel]

Don't think I'm good with the taobao order ba. Does it matter if I run dual monitor using 1 dp and 1 hdmi if that's what the mobo (igpu) supports?

Just my thoughts

i think u can consider the mini pc. i have some client doing trading only and went ahead with mini like the beelink. the igpu i alsom think more than enough for ur usage

i set up a dual monitor for them. 1 dp 1 hdmi. 1 type c display in case u wanna go higher newer monitor that support type c display. 3 display output. ram u can do 16/32/64 upto u. ssd storage own time own target how big u wan u can add

 

[abstrax]

Intel i5-4460
MSI H81M-E35
2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GT 730 (ZOTAC International)
16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3

Probably not going to use back ba. What's the minimum GPU I can get to support dual monitor?

Dun tik any parts can reuse. Need to get new parts.
Minimum GPU u can try RTX 3050 if no gaming. Good for dual monitor.

To save even more, use a m/b with DDR4 RAM will do. U can try Z690 with intel cpu. more than enuff for ur usage.

 

[Blitzzzz]

Hi all, need some help with "right sizing" my desktop budget for my kid doing Media Post Production. From what I understand, quite a bit of work is done with Unreal Engine, Autodesk Maya, Adobe (and so on)...

I browsed through Aftershock (Yes, I know the bad rep concerning them but I am just looking for a price comparison reference point) and the specs below are what I thought would be sufficient.

However, I feel like it might be overkill and I can definitely cut down the budget significantly. Would love to hear some input, especially from those who've had experience doing 3D work.

(Or have I completely lost touch with computers and something way more powerful is needed?)

Thanks!

AMD Ryzen 7 7700 Processor
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070Ti 16GB | [Select PALIT/GIGABYTE Models]
32GB Patriot SL Sig DDR5 6000MHz CL34 Low Latency (16x2)
1TB Lexar NQ780 Gen4 SSD
Select from B650M/B850M Motherboards [Gigabyte/ASROCK options]
ID Cooling SE 214 XT
750W Thermalright 80+ Gold (ATX3.1; PCIe5.1)

SGD $1,949

 

[abstrax]

Hi all, need some help with "right sizing" my desktop budget for my kid doing Media Post Production. From what I understand, quite a bit of work is done with Unreal Engine, Autodesk Maya, Adobe (and so on)...

I browsed through Aftershock (Yes, I know the bad rep concerning them but I am just looking for a price comparison reference point) and the specs below are what I thought would be sufficient.

However, I feel like it might be overkill and I can definitely cut down the budget significantly. Would love to hear some input, especially from those who've had experience doing 3D work.

(Or have I completely lost touch with computers and something way more powerful is needed?)

Thanks!

AMD Ryzen 7 7700 Processor
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070Ti 16GB | [Select PALIT/GIGABYTE Models]
32GB Patriot SL Sig DDR5 6000MHz CL34 Low Latency (16x2)
1TB Lexar NQ780 Gen4 SSD
Select from B650M/B850M Motherboards [Gigabyte/ASROCK options]
ID Cooling SE 214 XT
750W Thermalright 80+ Gold (ATX3.1; PCIe5.1)

SGD $1,949

Most ppl prefer intel for adobe / media production. Thats what I heard. Depend on personal preferences.
As usual, I prefer AIO 360 cooler if using AMD cpu. For media production, u need powerful cpu and gpu to cut down the time taken for video rendering. So in the end is how much u spent = how fast the media will produce.
Some even use dual monitors for convenience.

 

[Blitzzzz]

Most ppl prefer intel for adobe / media production. Thats what I heard. Depend on personal preferences.
As usual, I prefer AIO 360 cooler if using AMD cpu. For media production, u need powerful cpu and gpu to cut down the time taken for video rendering. So in the end is how much u spent = how fast the media will produce.
Some even use dual monitors for convenience.

So it all boils down to $$$ is proportional to time. If that is the only drawback, I am more inclined towards going down a few tiers in terms of the specs.

 

[NightRaven49]

Does it matter if I run dual monitor using 1 dp and 1 hdmi if that's what the mobo (igpu) supports?

as long as u got 1 monitor that can use hdmi and another that can use dp, u should be good.

if not concerned with diy/upgradeability, then a mini pc like bardiel suggested is unbeatable.

To save even more, use a m/b with DDR4 RAM will do. U can try Z690 with intel cpu.

z690 would be a waste. am4 g series apus with a cheap mobo should be more than enough, may even be cheaper than the z690 alone.

I feel like it might be overkill and I can definitely cut down the budget significantly. Would love to hear some input, especially from those who've had experience doing 3D work.

AMD Ryzen 7 7700 Processor
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070Ti 16GB | [Select PALIT/GIGABYTE Models]
32GB Patriot SL Sig DDR5 6000MHz CL34 Low Latency (16x2)
1TB Lexar NQ780 Gen4 SSD
Select from B650M/B850M Motherboards [Gigabyte/ASROCK options]
ID Cooling SE 214 XT
750W Thermalright 80+ Gold (ATX3.1; PCIe5.1)

SGD $1,949

this is already a decent price for a reasonably powerful cpu + good gpu, though the corner cutting is quite evident to hit that price point. are there any specific 3d apps that ur kid uses frequently?

I'm looking for recommendations similar to the specs in the picture below. The most intensive task I'm going to give this new PC is playing games like Baldur's Gate 3.

u can look at invaderpc, they also offer a similar combo for the same base price but u get a better mobo. the top up for the sata ssd feels a bit expensive though, invader offers a 2tb nvme upgrade (way faster) for slightly cheaper, and u can get legit windows keys for much cheaper elsewhere too. whats ur monitor model?

If that is the only drawback, I am more inclined towards going down a few tiers in terms of the specs.

can start with how much ur wallet can tank first would be easier to match the parts to ur budget vs other other way around.

 

[Blitzzzz]

this is already a decent price for a reasonably powerful cpu + good gpu, though the corner cutting is quite evident to hit that price point. are there any specific 3d apps that ur kid uses frequently?

can start with how much ur wallet can tank first would be easier to match the parts to ur budget vs other other way around.

Unreal Engine, Autodesk Maya, Adobe (and so on)...

I have read your recommendations of going for Invader instead (with a slight bump in price) for improved quality for the mobo?, psu? and case? That is something I'm likely to do.

As for budget. About 2k is the max I am willing to go, but ideally, I'd like to shave off a third to about $1300 budget.

As @abstrax said, a more powerful cpu/gpu just means faster rendering times. Since I see this as school work, as long as those 3d programs can run decently, I think my kid can spend some time waiting?

 

[abstrax]

Unreal Engine, Autodesk Maya, Adobe (and so on)...

I have read your recommendations of going for Invader instead (with a slight bump in price) for improved quality for the mobo?, psu? and case? That is something I'm likely to do.

As for budget. About 2k is the max I am willing to go, but ideally, I'd like to shave off a third to about $1300 budget.

As @abstrax said, a more powerful cpu/gpu just means faster rendering times. Since I see this as school work, as long as those 3d programs can run decently, I think my kid can spend some time waiting?

Well all are boiled down to $$$ n cents. Most consumers will capped a limit of their budget on the pc b4 they select the components. This is wat i will do too. I build 2 PCs on my own for my 2 kids too. Both running on R7 5800X, 32GB RAM, 1 on RTX 2080S / 1 on RTX 3060Ti.(Total damage around 1.6k for both PC including monitors/keyboard/mouse/AIO coolers/ARGB fans n casing) I do my homework and choose the best deals online.

The PC are not the latest but they serve their purpose to my kids in term of gaming and school work which I need not to worry for another few years b4 upgrading again.( or hearing they complaint that the PC are slow for their work?)

They are alot of factors in choosing which type of PC that suits own need. So just choose 1 that you feel comfortable to ur wallet and it can serve the purpose.

 

[BallGag]

Hi all, I'm thinking of upgrading from my 5900x/3090 to 9800X3D/5090. I've been playing around on the Aftershock and Invader PC websites but this pre-built from Aftershock caught my eye :

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Processor
Aftershock Glacier Digital 360 LCD (White)
Gigabyte X870E Aorus Pro Ice
Gigabyte RTX 5090 Aorus Master Ice 32GB
48GB KLEVV Cras V RGB DDR5 7200MHz CL34 (White) (24x2)
2TB Lexar NQ780 Gen4 SSD
1000W Deepcool ATX3.0 (Cybenetics Platinum)
Wireless + Bluetooth Included
Fractal Design North XL Chalk White Oak Wood TG Light Tint
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit *Unactivated*

$7199

I'll probably spring for an additional m.2 drive as well.

Are there any potential red flags ? Thank you..

 

[NightRaven49]

I have read your recommendations of going for Invader instead (with a slight bump in price) for improved quality for the mobo?, psu? and case? That is something I'm likely to do.

invader only realistically offers an upgrade of the mobo, but the bar is on the floor with aftershocks offering. psu seems like similar if not identical model, case is subjective.

As for budget. About 2k is the max I am willing to go, but ideally, I'd like to shave off a third to about $1300 budget.

for 1.3k, ur looking at 5060ti builds. intel builds with that gpu tend to be more pricey around 1.4, though i dont think ryzen is far behind nowadays for 3d work. do remember to get the 16gb version of the 5060ti.

I've been playing around on the Aftershock and Invader PC websites but this pre-built from Aftershock caught my eye :

AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Processor
Aftershock Glacier Digital 360 LCD (White)
Gigabyte X870E Aorus Pro Ice
Gigabyte RTX 5090 Aorus Master Ice 32GB
48GB KLEVV Cras V RGB DDR5 7200MHz CL34 (White) (24x2)
2TB Lexar NQ780 Gen4 SSD
1000W Deepcool ATX3.0 (Cybenetics Platinum)
Wireless + Bluetooth Included
Fractal Design North XL Chalk White Oak Wood TG Light Tint
Windows 11 Home 64 Bit *Unactivated*

$7199

I'll probably spring for an additional m.2 drive as well.

Are there any potential red flags ? Thank you..

other than the qlc drive and inhouse aio, none of the other parts seem out of place for a top of the line rig. 7.2k seems beatable with diy though.

 

[Blitzzzz]

invader only realistically offers an upgrade of the mobo, but the bar is on the floor with aftershocks offering. psu seems like similar if not identical model, case is subjective.

for 1.3k, ur looking at 5060ti builds. intel builds with that gpu tend to be more pricey around 1.4, though i dont think ryzen is far behind nowadays for 3d work. do remember to get the 16gb version of the 5060ti.

I think I can do a little better than the floor if that is what Aftershock is like.

I've been looking through invader's list and following @abstrax's advice on budgeting, the below 2 setups are what I've shortlisted to fit within my lower budget of 1.3k+. I have opted to change the PSU (based on SPL's PSU Tier List) to go from "E Tier" to "B Tier".

Any advice on further slight changes to be made? Are there any glaring parts which are as terrible as that particular "aftershock gigabyte mobo" and the "E Tier PSU" that I have missed out?

IM5060TI7600-M20-YF20​

SGD $1,333.00​

AMD RYZEN 5 7600 3.8GHz 6CORE/12THREAD
MSI B850M GAMING PLUS WiFi MOTHERBOARD
THERMALRIGHT ASSASSIN X 120 R SE ARGB WHITE
CRUCIAL PRO DDR5 BLACK 6000MT/s 32GB(16GBx2) CL36
ASUS PRIME GeForce RTX™ 5060TI 16G GRAPHIC CARD
BIWIN NV7200 1TB 7200MB/s PCIe GEN4 NVMe M.2 SSD
SILVERSTONE ET650-B 650W 80+ BRONZE PSU (Changed to SILVERSTONE TRITON 750W GOLD ATX3.1 PCIe5 for +$33)
SILVERSTONE LD04 BLACK ARGB TEMPERED GLASS
3 X 120MM ARGB FANS
HIGH SPEED AX WIRELESS AND BT | WIFI 7 + BT 5.4
WINDOWS 11 HOME UN-ACTIVATED

IM5060245KF-M13-YF13​

SGD $1,348.00​

INTEL CORE ULTRA 5-245KF PROCESSOR
ASUS PRIME B860M-A WIFI CSM
THERMALRIGHT ASSASSIN X 120 R SE ARGB WHITE
CRUCIAL PRO DDR5 BLACK 6000MT/s 32GB(16GBx2) CL36
MSI GeForce RTX™ 5060 8G VENTUS 2X OC
BIWIN NV7200 1TB 7200MB/s PCIe GEN4 NVMe M.2 SSD
SILVERSTONE ET650-B 650W 80+ BRONZE PSU (Changed to SILVERSTONE TRITON 750W GOLD ATX3.1 PCIe5 for +$33)
SILVERSTONE LD04 BLACK ARGB TEMPERED GLASS
3 X 120MM ARGB FANS
HIGH-SPEED AX WIRELESS AND BT | WIFI 7* + BT 5.4*
WINDOWS 11 HOME UN-ACTIVATED