In 2025, building a high-performance gaming PC has become more accessible than ever, thanks to advancements in technology and competitive pricing. This guide details a carefully curated build costing approximately $882.25, designed to deliver exceptional gaming performance, stunning visuals, and reliable multitasking capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned PC builder or a first-timer, this setup offers a balance of power, aesthetics, and value. Below, we break down each component, explain why it was chosen, and provide insights into assembling this high-performance rig.
Component Breakdown
1. CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X ($6.00)
The heart of this build is the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, an 8-core, 16-thread processor that remains a strong contender in 2025 despite its 2019 release. With a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock up to 4.4 GHz, it excels in both gaming and multi-threaded tasks like video editing or streaming. Built on AMD’s Zen 2 architecture, it offers excellent power efficiency with a 65W TDP, making it a cost-effective choice for mid-range builds. Reviews from PCMag praise its performance, noting it competes well with Intel’s offerings in its price range, particularly for multi-threaded workloads. Its compatibility with AM4 motherboards also ensures future upgrade paths to newer Ryzen processors.
2. CPU Cooler: Thermalright Aqua Elite V3 ($51.90)
To keep the Ryzen 7 3700X cool, the Thermalright Aqua Elite V3 is a 360mm all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooler that delivers impressive cooling performance. Equipped with three 120mm PWM fans, it provides robust airflow (66.17 CFM) and features ARGB lighting for aesthetic appeal. The cooler is compatible with both Intel and AMD sockets, including AM4, making it versatile for this build. Tom’s Hardware highlights its budget-friendly price (around $50-$65) and performance comparable to more expensive AIOs, making it an excellent value choice. Its quiet operation (25.6 dBA) ensures minimal noise during intense gaming sessions.
3. Thermal Compound: ARCTIC MX-6 ($9.89)
The ARCTIC MX-6 thermal paste ensures optimal heat transfer between the CPU and cooler. Known for its high thermal conductivity and long-term durability, it outperforms its predecessors (MX-4 and MX-5) by a small margin, as noted in reviews from EnosTech.com. Its viscous nature requires careful application, but it maintains stable performance without drying out, making it a reliable choice for maintaining low CPU temperatures.
4. Motherboard: MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK ($99.00)
The MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK is a feature-rich ATX motherboard that supports PCIe 4.0, providing high-speed connectivity for the SSD and graphics card. Its 10+2+1 stage power delivery system, cooled by beefy heatsinks, supports overclocking and high-end CPUs. It offers dual M.2 slots (one with PCIe 4.0), 2.5G LAN, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C for modern connectivity. PCMag praises its balance of features and price, making it a favorite among budget-conscious builders. The military-inspired design with subtle RGB lighting adds a professional aesthetic to the build.
5. Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4-3000 ($2.00)
The Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 CL15 memory kit provides ample speed and capacity for gaming and multitasking. Its 3000MHz speed and low-profile aluminum heat spreaders ensure compatibility with the AIO cooler and efficient heat dissipation. XMP 2.0 support allows easy overclocking to the rated speed. Tom’s Hardware notes its reliability and performance, making it a solid choice for both Intel and AMD systems. While newer DDR5 options exist, this DDR4 kit offers excellent value for the price.
6. Storage: SK Hynix Platinum P41 2TB NVMe SSD ($119.99)
Storage speed is critical for gaming, and the SK Hynix Platinum P41 2TB NVMe SSD delivers with sequential read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 6,500 MB/s. Using PCIe 4.0 and SK Hynix’s proprietary Aries controller with 176-layer TLC NAND, it’s one of the fastest consumer SSDs available. Its 1,200 TBW endurance rating ensures longevity, and Tom’s Hardware praises its performance, noting it outperforms competitors like the Samsung 980 Pro. The lack of a heatsink is a minor drawback, but the motherboard’s M.2 Shield Frozr compensates for thermal management.
7. Graphics Card: XFX Swift OC Radeon RX 9060 XT ($369.99)
The XFX Swift OC Radeon RX 9060 XT is a high-performance graphics card with 16GB of GDDR6 memory, built on AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture. Designed for 1080p and 1440p gaming, it supports advanced ray tracing and AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 for enhanced visuals. Its triple-fan cooling system keeps temperatures low (70-75°C under load) and noise levels below 27 dBA, as noted in TechPowerUp. Priced competitively against NVIDIA’s RTX 5060 Ti, it offers excellent value for gamers seeking immersive experiences without breaking the bank.
8. Case: Antec C5 ARGB ($109.99)
The Antec C5 ARGB mid-tower case combines aesthetics and functionality. Its panoramic tempered glass front and side panels showcase the build’s internals, while seven pre-installed ARGB PWM fans ensure excellent airflow. The dual-chamber design simplifies cable management, and support for up to 10 fans or multiple radiators (including a 360mm top radiator) makes it ideal for high-performance builds. APH Networks praises its build quality and ease of assembly, though some users note the fans can be noisy at full speed.
9. Power Supply: Montech CENTURY II 1050W ($104.99)
The Montech CENTURY II 1050W power supply is 80+ Gold certified and Cybenetics Platinum rated, offering high efficiency and reliability. Fully modular for clean cable management, it supports ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 standards, ensuring compatibility with future hardware. Its 10-year warranty and Smart Zero Fan Technology for quiet operation are highlighted in KitGuru. At around $110, it’s a cost-effective choice for powering this high-performance system.
10. Additional Components: IVANKY VESA Certified DisplayPort Cable 2.1 ($8.50)
To connect your PC to a high-refresh-rate monitor, the IVANKY VESA Certified DisplayPort Cable 2.1 supports resolutions up to 16K@60Hz, 8K@120Hz, and 4K@240Hz. With 80Gbps bandwidth, HDR10, HDCP, and DSC 1.2a support, it ensures a smooth and immersive gaming experience, making it a future-proof accessory for your setup.
Assembly Guide
Building this PC is straightforward with the right steps:
- Prepare the Case: Open the Antec C5 ARGB case and install the motherboard standoffs (pre-installed in this case). Ensure the I/O shield is in place.
- Install the CPU: Place the Ryzen 7 3700X into the AM4 socket on the MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK, securing it gently.
- Apply Thermal Paste: Apply a small amount of ARCTIC MX-6 thermal paste to the CPU.
- Mount the Cooler: Install the Thermalright Aqua Elite V3 radiator and fans, connecting them to the motherboard’s pump and fan headers.
- Install Memory: Insert the Corsair Vengeance LPX modules into the motherboard’s DIMM slots, enabling XMP in the BIOS for 3000MHz performance.
- Install Storage: Secure the SK Hynix Platinum P41 SSD into the M.2 slot, utilizing the M.2 Shield Frozr for cooling.
- Install Graphics Card: Place the XFX Swift OC Radeon RX 9060 XT into the PCIe 4.0 slot and connect the necessary power cables.
- Install Power Supply: Mount the Montech CENTURY II 1050W PSU and connect modular cables to the motherboard, GPU, and other components.
- Cable Management: Route cables through the case’s dual-chamber design for a clean look and optimal airflow.
- Final Checks: Connect the DisplayPort cable, power on the system, and configure the BIOS for optimal performance.
Performance Expectations
This build is designed for high-performance gaming at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. The Ryzen 7 3700X and RX 9060 XT combination ensures smooth gameplay in modern titles with ray tracing enabled. The SK Hynix Platinum P41 SSD provides lightning-fast load times, while the Thermalright Aqua Elite V3 keeps temperatures low. The Antec C5 ARGB case and Montech PSU ensure reliable operation and a visually stunning setup.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Model | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 3700X | $6.00 |
| CPU Cooler | Thermalright Aqua Elite V3 | $51.90 |
| Thermal Compound | ARCTIC MX-6 | $9.89 |
| Motherboard | MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK | $99.00 |
| Memory | Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4-3000 | $2.00 |
| Storage | SK Hynix Platinum P41 2TB NVMe SSD | $119.99 |
| Graphics Card | XFX Swift OC Radeon RX 9060 XT | $369.99 |
| Case | Antec C5 ARGB | $109.99 |
| Power Supply | Montech CENTURY II 1050W | $104.99 |
| DisplayPort Cable | IVANKY VESA Certified DisplayPort 2.1 | $8.50 |
| Total | $882.25 |
Why This Build Stands Out
This build offers a compelling mix of performance, aesthetics, and value. The Ryzen 7 3700X, while a few years old, remains a strong performer, and the RX 9060 XT brings cutting-edge graphics capabilities. The SK Hynix SSD and Thermalright cooler ensure speed and reliability, while the Antec case and Montech PSU add style and longevity. At under $900, this build is accessible yet powerful, making it ideal for gamers and enthusiasts.
Potential Considerations
- CPU Age: The Ryzen 7 3700X is a previous-generation processor. While it performs well, newer Ryzen 5000 or 7000 series CPUs may offer better performance for a higher price.
- Graphics Card Newness: The RX 9060 XT is a newer model, and long-term performance data may still be emerging. Early reviews suggest strong performance, but further testing is needed.
- Fan Noise: Some users report that the Antec C5 ARGB’s fans can be noisy at full speed. Adjusting fan curves in the BIOS can mitigate this.
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Conclusion
This $882.25 PC build is a testament to how far PC hardware has come, offering top-tier performance at an accessible price point. With the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, XFX Radeon RX 9060 XT, and other high-quality components, you’ll enjoy high frame rates, fast load times, and a visually stunning setup. Whether you’re battling in the latest AAA games or tackling demanding workloads, this build has you covered. Start your PC building journey today, and enjoy a system that’s both powerful and future-ready!
Hi, I’m Nghia Vo: a computer hardware graduate, passionate PC hardware blogger, and entrepreneur with extensive hands-on experience building and upgrading computers for gaming, productivity, and business operations.
As the founder of Vonebuy.com, a verified ecommerce store under Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, I combine my technical knowledge with real-world business applications to help users make confident decisions.
I specialize in no-nonsense guides on RAM overclocking, motherboard compatibility, SSD upgrades, and honest product reviews sharing everything I’ve tested and implemented for my customers and readers.
