Hardest Components to Buy in 2026
Posted by Molotov_Michkov@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 24 comments
Hello, Im an idiot when it comes to computers. I have a $1500 budget and want to build my first PC over the next few months. Which components should I prioritize. I keep hearing about RAM prices going up and am getting a little worried. I know GPU is going to take up alot of my budget but now have to worry about RAM as well? My main goal is running heavily modded games like Skyrim VR, RDR2, Fallout, and other games. Any help would be great.
aragorn18@reddit
Don't buy the PC parts over such a long period. If it turns out that one of them is defective, you won't know until after the return window has closed.
Molotov_Michkov@reddit (OP)
Ram in ur budget only used to be like 10% of that budget but is now more expensive. Thats what I need help with fam.
aragorn18@reddit
Well, I'm not sure exactly what you're asking. Nothing is hard to buy, just expensive.
You can see current prices and historical trends on PCPartPicker.
Molotov_Michkov@reddit (OP)
I didn't mean to come off so blunt. Im just really new to this and its so overwhelming ðŸ˜
aragorn18@reddit
You weren't blunt. I simply don't understand your question. I want to help but I don't know what you want to know.
Molotov_Michkov@reddit (OP)
Itd be hard to help me without giving me an exact list of parts to get. Where is the best place/site to get parts? Whats the best way to find parts? Is there a site that can help me with this? Theres a Microcenter like an hour away from me. I don't wanna buy prebuilt
killzone44@reddit
Microcenter, newegg, amazon
Your money will go farther with FB Marketplace, especially if you are willing to work with a computer someone built 2 years ish ago. Got to find someone who is moving and can't/won't take it with them. They generally have no idea the price has gone up as much as it has and will let it got for a steal.
Molotov_Michkov@reddit (OP)
Brother I dont know anything about computers. How am I going to know what to look for and how to negotiate?
killzone44@reddit
It makes absolutely zero sense to be trying to build your own if you won't put in the time to understand what you are buying.
It's like showing up at a dealership that sells cars, trucks, vans, semi's, back end loaders, and trains and not understanding which tool is the right one for the job.
Building your own computer where you pick each part and assemble it is like having a bucket of lego's and turning them into a functional creation. Only with computer parts, if you pick wrong the parts will not work together and you can't just swap to a different option. If the parts do in fact work together, they may not be optimal pairing.
Certainly, building your own computer is something I'd suggest anyone do... but they had better be the type of person who plans and researches, else it's a huge waste of money and time vs prebuilt.
If you want some guidance, with some customization, consider working with www.ibuypower.com or one of it's many competitors.
Molotov_Michkov@reddit (OP)
You're right. That was a stupid thing to say. I want to learn. Its just a little overwhelming that's all.
killzone44@reddit
Start by researching the CPU you want. Once you pick that, the motherboard is generally nailed down, obviously read reviews but depending on your goals this is a spot you probably don't need top tier.
Now research RAM. The motherboard will support DDR4 or DDR5, so that informs the research. Understand timings vs speed and how it impacts latency. Personally I use a lot of RAM, but most people will be ok with 32-64gb of ram.
Now research GPU. If you don't plan to use Nvdia specific CUDA, then AMD should be considered. You probably want 8-16gb vram, 24+GB is for special workloads or very high end gaming.
Next up, SSD research the motherboard will support gen3,4, or 5 nvme so that will narrow your search. Gen 3 or 4 is probably the right bang for the buck for most people. Probably 1 or 2 tb of storage.
Next case and the CPU cooler need to be aligned. If air cooling CPU you want a case that's well reviewed for that, of using an AIO you need case with enough space for the radiator.
Last up is the PSU, make sure it fits in the case and has enough capacity to easily carry your spec.
Molotov_Michkov@reddit (OP)
Dude this is great. I have done a bit more research since your last comment and it sounds very similar to what you are telling me. Im going to continue to research before making a purchase. Thank you
killzone44@reddit
I know it's a long ways away, but if you find yourself shopping in October-Nov, wait for the week or 2 leading into black Friday (this year the best deals for computer things was the weekend before blackfriday). There is generally some good options if you are flexible, and you can get lucky if you are not.
Molotov_Michkov@reddit (OP)
Potential upgrades come October - November?
killzone44@reddit
New tech launch cycle + Holiday discount cycle + hypothetical macro questions
The big question for builders today is: When/if will the memory shortage abate? It's impacting RAM, GPU, SSD and adding a huge additional cost to each build.
Obviously with the utility being found in AI, it's unlikely that demand will dry up for memory products. Can more production come online? Does a recession stall out price climb? Does compression techniques slow the climb?
killzone44@reddit
You could go with this https://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails?ItemList=Combo.4862739 and sell the ram on ebay/marketplace, use the proceeds to buy GPU and less ram
Or https://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails?ItemList=Combo.4859087
If you want to stick to $1500 you probably need to get at least some of the parts on FB Marketplace
aragorn18@reddit
Micro Center is a great option. Their AM5 CPU/RAM/motherboard combos can save you a lot of money.
PCPartPicker is another great resource that will pull in prices from a lot of retailers. But, they don't include Micro Center prices.
Molotov_Michkov@reddit (OP)
Are there any videos that explain this shit better?
aragorn18@reddit
What do you want to learn? Have you checked out the wiki in the sidebar of this subreddit?
Molotov_Michkov@reddit (OP)
No. Ill check that out
Molotov_Michkov@reddit (OP)
You're giving giod info just something mire in depth
Molotov_Michkov@reddit (OP)
I was only thinking like a month or 2 max
FastingCyclist@reddit
You don't have to worry about ram prices anymore. That ship has sailed in October. Just I don't think your 1500 would go a very long way. Obviously depending on what resolution and what settings you want to play with.
Molotov_Michkov@reddit (OP)
Well how much is ine supposed to spend on a good pc?