Rank importance

[p0t3nt1al]

I thought it would be interesting to ask for some input on where funds should be focused when doing a custom build in general.

Please order the below list. You can't assign the same number to more than one category.

1 being the most important + you should not try to save money here.
9 being the least important + you can potentially look to save money here.

Case
Processor (CPU)
Motherboard
Memory (RAM)
Graphics Card
Memory (SSD)
Power Supply
Processor Cooling
Monitor

 

[SpyderTracks]

I thought it would be interesting to ask for some input on where funds should be focused when doing a custom build in general.

Please order the below list. You can't assign the same number to more than one category.

1 being the most important + you should not try to save money here.
9 being the least important + you can potentially look to save money here.

Case
Processor (CPU)
Motherboard
Memory (RAM)
Graphics Card
Memory (SSD)
Power Supply
Processor Cooling
Monitor

Please stop opening so many threads, it's really important to stick to the same thread so we can see the history, this must be the 5th thread on the same build.

If you were meaning this as a point of discussion, then perhaps best to move it to general discussion.

 

[p0t3nt1al]

Please stop opening so many threads, it's really important to stick to the same thread so we can see the history, this must be the 5th thread on the same build.

If you were meaning this as a point of discussion, then perhaps best to move it to general discussion.

This is meant to be general discussion and not related to a specific build but thanks for the attitude.

 

[Martinr36]

Most of it is explained in this very good post by @Scott

Please read before posting:- Collaboration of Helpful Hints

NB: These forums are not an official support channel. None of us work for PCS, we're all either customers or techies who just like to help out where possible. For any official support, you need to contact PCS directly either through your PCS account, or via the contact details on the main...

www.pcspecialist.co.uk

 

[ThyThy]

Hello,

Yep, have a look at Scott's guides if not done already.

Very good question but not that easy to answer because it depends on many parameters and also what "important" means: for instance, I would place the case at the top, although it is not a component providing performance, only not impending it (think about an open bench).
The answer depends on the purpose of the machine, the budget and, in my opinion, mainly the kind of people/buyer you are. Sadly, many or actually most people will never upgrade their system except maybe RAM and disks, so it makes little sense for them to "invest in the future".
Oh, and it depends on the pace of the technology for selected components and level of prices at buy time.

That said, from an investment point of view (NOT raw performance day 1), you may rank the component with their durability in mind, and by durability I mean both how long they usually survive but especially how much time it takes for the tech to evolve to desirable performance at willing-to-buy price. Because let's face it: provided we take care of them, we typically replace IT stuff (much) before they die.

So, my tentative with almost only this in mind (for desktops):
- Case
- Air cooler
- PSU
- Liquid cooler
- Monitor
- Motherboard*
- CPU
- GPU / RAM / SSD
- HDD (it's reliable and doesn't evolve much so I'm tempted to put it higher on the list, but prices continue to fall with time so...)

* Please note: the motherboard is one of the most critical component, so it could make sense to place it at the top. For futur-proofing and options you really need to choose wisely. However, it sadly remains a component you may be forced to change much quicker than a PSU/case/cooler/storage if you want to upgrade the CPU because of a change of socket compatibility (or other desirable upgrades but I think that one is the most common).

Last but not least: "saving money" can have different meanings. My way of spending is to rather buy less often but higher quality, while trying not to fall for "bling" and marketing => it helps if you find objective, quantified comparisons.
Remember that brands advertising the most means roughly 30% of the price is paid for them to push it towards you. 😉

 

[Dunkz]

Another way to look at it would be to say if you want to save money buy a previous gen setup.

 

[Scoped Badger]

Saves you money in the short term maybe, but not in the medium to long term.

 

[ThyThy]

Yeah, I would say it depends on what previous gen and when.
For instance, currently, I would definitely recommend to pick M.2 SSDs PCIe 4 over 5, but not AM4 over AM5.
However, it is generally wise not to buy a product directly after its release. Not only because of price but also because of having more feedbacks and letting the processes being honed. (Not pleasant to be an unwilling betatester.)