Description

CPU

At this budget, we're running the Intel Core i5-13500. The 13500 features 6 Performance-cores with Hyperthreading, 8 Efficient-cores, and will perform exceptionally well with all your gaming needs. While it is not overclockable and does come with a stock cooler we have added the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE ARGB to the build for better cooling and to reduce the noise level.

Note: If you'd prefer to consider a similar build, but instead using an AMD Ryzen processor, be sure to check out our Excellent AMD Gaming Build Guide.

Motherboard

We're using a parametric filter to constantly select the best-priced motherboard while meeting selected criteria. In this case, we are filtering for ATX B760 motherboards with four DDR4 DIMM slots. While there is a small performance increase from DDR5 memory it significantly increases the cost of both the motherboards and DIMMs.

Memory

We are filtering for a 2x16GB kit of DDR4 RAM with a speed of at least DDR4-3200 and maximum Cas latency of 16 to target the sweet spot for the 13500.

Since the parametric filter picks the lowest priced option available (regardless of color/design), click the "From parametric filter" link to view other options that might better suit your aesthetic preference.

Storage

We're using parametric filters to incorporate a PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 NVME M.2 SSD with at least 1TB of space. Everyone's storage needs differ so feel free to add or remove capacity as needed.

GPU

For our GPU, the AMD RX 7800 XT is one of the better price for performance cards on the market. The 7800 XT will provide a consistent 60fps on many demanding games like PUBG at Ultra at 1080p, and even 1440p for some games like Apex Legends. It'll also handle Fortnite with zero issues.

Case

All of our components are housed in the Cooler Master Elite 301. This case comes with a USB3 port, a USB-C port, a large tempered glass side panel, ARGB fans and fits full-size graphics cards without issue. It provides several cable management holes as well as multiple mesh panels for better airflow.

PSU

For our power supply, we're using a parametric selection of well-reviewed fully modular units, all of which are 80+ Gold certified or above and can provide plenty of power for this build.

Operating System

For the best performance and fewest issues you will want to use Windows 11. The i5-13500 has a combination of Performance-cores and Efficient-cores that Windows 11 is designed to handle and will send specific tasks to the appropriate types of cores. Windows 10 does not have this functionality and may cause issues with system stability and operation.

Windows 10 can be upgraded for free to Windows 11 if you own it already or you can purchase it directly here: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/dKkWGX/microsoft-windows-11-home-oem-64-bit-kw9-00633

AMD Version

Here is the AMD version of our Excellent Gaming Guide..

Customizing

Ready to make this build you own? Click the "Customize This Part List" button to start making this build match your specific needs!