Best $1200 PC Build

The CPU market offers a wide array of excellent choices at the moment. Among them, AMD's Ryzen 5 7600 and Intel's Core i5-13400F stand out as outstanding value options, both priced around $200. What sets the Core i5-13400F apart is its added cores, providing a significant boost in multitasking performance while still maintaining impressive out-of-the-box clock speeds.

Processer CPU i5-13400f

One notable feature of the Core i5-13400F is the 'F' designation at the end, signifying that it lacks integrated graphics. This not only streamlines the cost but also benefits users who don't require integrated graphics for their specific needs.

  • The i5 13400f has 10 cores and 16 threads, which 6 of them are “P” (ProFormance) and 4 are “E” (efficient) cores.

  • The 13400f can also boost up to 4.60ghz and has 20m cache.

  • Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, and PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 support. Intel Optane Memory support. Intel Laminar RH1 Cooler included.

Motherboard B760m Gaming x AX wifi DDR4

The Gigabyte b760m gaming x motherboard is a perfect budget motherboard, Whether you're a competitive gamer or simply want the best for your PC, this motherboard has you covered.

  • PCIe 4.0 support, dual NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, and a front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port.

  • Stay ahead of the competition with 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 802.11ax support for lightning-fast online gaming, also 8 usb ports in the back.

  • Fine-Tuning Features: Customize your rig with RGB FUSION 2.0, support for Addressable LED & RGB LED strips, Smart Fan 6, and Q-Flash Plus for hassle-free BIOS updates.

Memory (ram): 32gb (2x16gb)

  • Your PC's RAM is essential for smooth multitasking. With 32GB of RAM clocked at 3600MHz, expect snappy responsiveness and the ability to handle multiple applications simultaneously.

  • if you plan on video editing, streaming or any content creation, I highly recommend 32gb of ram but if you're just gaming and want to keep cost down 16gb will do just fine. if you want to save even more you can go with a non RGB ram kit.

    To unlock higher RAM speeds, follow these simple steps:

    1. Access Your BIOS: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the designated key (often spam Del or F2) during startup.

    2. Enable XMP: In the BIOS, navigate to the overclock or tweaker tab and find the XMP option. Enable it.

    3. Save and Restart: Save your changes (usually by pressing F10) and restart your computer.

    4. Check RAM Speed: After rebooting, right-click on your taskbar to open Task Manager. Go to the Performance tab and click on Memory. If the speeds here match your memory's rated speeds, you're good to go.

    That's it! By enabling XMP in your BIOS, you can maximize your RAM's performance potential.

Storage: 1TB Silicon Power M.2

  • The 1TB storage drive from Silicon Power offers ample space for all your files, games, and multimedia content.

  • NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology with up to 5000MB/s sequential write 4200MB/s

  • Best for Entry-level designers, editors, creatives, gamers and professionals for everyday use

CPU Cooling

Effective cooling is vital to maintain optimal CPU performance. This is actually my first time using Vetroo V5 since I’m a ID Cooling…FAN get it? :D The vetroo v5 is a bit more expenisve but has a slight advantage.

  • PWM Smart Control: 4-Pin PWM cable allows for dynamic speed adjustment between 800-1700 RPM -(ID Cooling 500-1500rpm)

  • The RGB of cooler can sync with motherboard via 5V 3-Pin port, customize lights your builds and components.

  • 5 direct-contact heat pipes, high-density aluminum fins and larger copper base provide the great thermal conductivity and maintain cooling operation.

    The Vetroo V5 cooler tower ensures your CPU stays at the right temperature under heavy workloads. After stress testing the cpu never went above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, in my experience there are similar in install but the vetroo v5 might be a bit easier.

Fractal Design Pop Mini Air

Now there is a lot when it comes to this case, and it was also my first time using this, but I was impressed…watch out for the difference in pop MINI air and the pop air which is the ATX version of the case which I noticed it goes on sale for almost the same price as the mini.

  • Not only this case looks good it comes with three 120 mm Aspect RGB fans (and supports two more for a total of five)

  • Holds radiators up to 240 mm in the front, 240 mm in the top and 120 mm in the rear if you decided to use an AIO for a cooler.

  • The case has 12 different color style for inside and out of the case which is actually a really nice touch.

  • The case also has a hidden compartment in the front to store away small items from your desk.

Power Supply: Apevia Galaxy 850W 80+ Gold

Finding good deals on power supplies this year has been tough, but apevia has been keeping their prices very competitive.

  • The Apevia Galaxy is 80+ Gold certified for 90% efficiency.

  • Semi-modular to keep cable management simple, clean and only use the cables you need.

Graphics: RTX 3070ti

Saving the best for last is the Graphic card and for this perfect build i went with the RTX 3070ti. For 1440p gaming at high frame rates this gpu can handle it all. Now this can go a few ways when it comes to price. You can either go new or used since there is a bunch of these out on the marketplace and people are upgrading to the 40 series cards. or you can score a returned one on amazon for a cheaper price.

Other graphics card id consider for this build would be the RX 6800 which bets the RTX 3070ti in most titles in 1440p or for a cheaper option the RX 6750xt.

Extra PSU Extension


What are your thoughts on this build? what would you change or add to this build?

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