Help a clueless aunt
Posted by Due_Requirement2300@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 66 comments
My (11M) nephew wants a gaming PC for Christmas and I know nothing about them, or gaming in general. What’s a good starter gaming PC?
dulun18@reddit
now a day be on the look out for a good deal on a pre-built PC instead
https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapcsales/
It might be a better choice than building one yourself now a day
I heard AI is starting to flop and companies are burning money but it will be a while for price to go back down
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/28/openai-reportedly-missed-revenue-targets-shares-of-oracle-and-these-chip-stocks-are-falling.html
as a consumers, when you don't buy their overpriced products or service... they will have no choice but lower the price.
I used to play games on a 3400G (vega 11) during the COVID years so my R5 7600 and RX 6800 will last 3-5 years past this AI bubble periord
purplehamburget29@reddit
Good luck auntie
Lukaro_@reddit
If you live near a micro center this would be your best bet for plug and play: https://www.microcenter.com/product/699677/powerspec-g528-gaming-pc
Boryk_@reddit
this is solid, buy this OP
broken_vows@reddit
Weird cpu gpu combo tho no?
Lukaro_@reddit
not really honestly. probably cheaper for them to manufacture since that's one of their amd bundles
Wolfeman0101@reddit
That's a killer deal
Vivid-Software6136@reddit
If my aunt bought me this as a kid i would have been delighted. I started on AMD Athlon64x2 with integrated graphics.
AverageRedditorGPT@reddit
That is a solid recommendation.
Korzag@reddit
A lot of folks are asking for a budget. You should tell us what games he plays and also a budget. You could probably buy a fairly decent Fortnite or Roblox machine for under $600-800 if youre willing to buy used.
axelxan@reddit
And if u buy used and think it needs cleaning (physical one) please ask for guidance and tips beforehand.
specn0de@reddit
Cheapest brand new build worth spending money on right now is around 11-1200
RicoStark42@reddit
I read the title wrong
C64Nation@reddit
You need to spend a couple of months researching every aspect to PC building. Then post on here. How are you? Are better than everybody else.
Due_Requirement2300@reddit (OP)
This is a portion of my research 😊
FewEstablishment4099@reddit
PCPartPicker Part List
WizardMoose@reddit
The person is exaggerating the research phase. If you're wanting to learn a lot, sure it can take a while. But coming to this subreddit, and asking you can get something going fairly quickly. I saw your budget of $1000 which is kind of doable. There are some prebuilds at Microcenter that are around $900-$1200. That's not counting monitor, mouse, keyboard, deskmat and headset though.
I do have some issues with prebuilds, and are wary of them. But given the PC market situation, it does appear to be the better option for people in your situation. If you have any questions, let me know.
C64Nation@reddit
I apologize to the sarcastic comment. For a new user the Valve Steam Machine would be a good choice. It's not launched yet but when it is you can get it on the Steam site. I
Dazzling-Stop1616@reddit
Make sure you get an AMD cpu, the e-cores on modern intel chips will cause no end of performance problems.
wtfa54@reddit
It might also frankly be helpful to go and talk with a microcenter employee as well! Building a PC might be a little too difficult in this scenario as his parents being console gamers doesn't really mean they would have any experience actually working PC hardware. If they ARE able to help build then having the microcenter employee suggest parts to do the build yourself might be the way to go
9okm@reddit
Come back closer to Christmas.
Lukaro_@reddit
It’s not, especially with the uncertainty in prices. Planning ahead or even buying ahead is smart
9okm@reddit
Buying ahead is terrible. If you have no way of testing parts, you risk running out the return period. Dealing with OEM warranty claims is awful.
Encouragedissent@reddit
This is a good reason why they should wait until close to Christmas. Trying to time your purchase because of pricing is commonly suggested on this forum and is not a good reason. No one has a crystal ball or can predict future pricing, and just because something is high does not mean it cannot go higher. More often than not, higher is the direction pricing typically goes. When I was looking into m.2 SSDs just 2 months ago people were saying to wait because they are expensive and will come down in price. The 2tb 990 evo I bought for $325 is now $425 and the price increases have not slowed down the least. Everyone started making videos about RAM prices decreasing because we saw a small drop in prices a couple weeks ago. Well that didnt last and now they went back up as well again.
People should just purchase PC parts when they need them and stop trying to time markets.
Ecstatic-Vermicelli2@reddit
If they're also building it, they could buy, build and test it now. If it's broken, they can return it and build it again. Then they have plenty of time to make it plug and play for the nephew. Might also be worth discussing it with others to increase the budget and gift it together.
SeroSeroWan@reddit
Budget and components list are going to be your first hurdles. Microcenter is a great place for researching fair prices as well as getting your hands on physical products at the time of purchase versus ordering online. Take into account holiday sales for items you're looking at to get the best price.
Are you buying just a pc? or are you buy a whole set up: pc, monitor, keyboard, mouse and headphones? For an 11 year old playing fortnite, your budget doesn't have to be massive. You can price in all components at just shy of 1k before tax. For example:
Is it a high end pc for in depth games at high resolutions? No. Will an 11 year old be stoked about a new computer to learn on and play games, yes. You could up your budget few hundred for a better PC build (Powerspec G528) and leave them to upgrade their own peripherals(monitor, keyboard/mouse, headphones) but you've got the ball rolling for them.
I recommend Powerspec because they use off the shelf components and do in house(Microcenter) service for warrantied repairs. If you were interested in pc building then it would be a different conversation, this is more for convenience and hands off purchasing.
Everyone's got an opinion, this is mine. Good luck!
AdWorldly9519@reddit
Its possible to build a decent gaming PC under 1000 dollars but its going to be tight as prices are sadly awful right now
Good news is if your nephew only plays games like Fortnite its a lot easier, since you don’t need a supercomputer for that in the slightest
If possible you could ask what monitor would be available, as a 1080p resolution one would work best
I’m going to assume you’re looking for a prebuilt PC, try looking for ones with the following parts:
At least 16GB of RAM (DDR4)
A graphics card with at least 8GB of VRAM (feel free to google or use AI chatbots for recommendations)
Stick to AMD brand CPUs if possible, look for ones compatible with “AM4 motherboards”, Intel is ok but would require a different motherboard type than the one I mentioned
A reliable power supply unit with enough wattage to handle the graphics card (aim for a little more than what you strictly need) just google the unit listed to see if people have problems with it
And an SSD storage device, at least 512GB
platomaker@reddit
Prices were increased over the past two years, but it is still possible to hit your mark if you and your nephew are okay to build it yourself. Premade? Also possible too, but he'll gain valuable experience learning how to put it together (and eventually how to fix/upgrade it)
To get a better picture of what you expect, what comparable level of gameplay were expecting? Like ps5 level graphics or would he be okay with a budget experience?
Atrium41@reddit
11yo? Lower range pre-build from the Walmart would be a great starting point. That would still be the baller auntie move
Skip the research, and best for your dollar/upcycling attainable parts.
I pieced together an old Dell Optiplex with an upgraded power supply and a GPU. Basically a school computer with an umph.
This can be more expensive than it is worth. I definitely sold it at a loss to our friend for their kids first gaming PC.
Way I see it? I funked up family computers and game consoles growing up, making dumb mistakes. Don't give that kid $2000 to funk up, and use it as a way to teach "living within your means"
1080p gaming at 60fps is more than enough if all they want is Roblox/Fortnite.
RoyOConner@reddit
Might as well get it from Microcenter.
Atrium41@reddit
With gas prices, now? May just offset the price differences. Had to do about a 200 mile round trip for my pilgrimage. Depends where they live
RoyOConner@reddit
No, the OP said she lives near a Microcenter.
I'm not telling YOU to go to MC. You suggested Walmart and I'm saying she might as well go to MC instead of Walmart.
Atrium41@reddit
By all means, anyone in range of MC should use it. Didn't see her post that
RoyOConner@reddit
Yeah it's at the end of her post and she may've added it after the fact.
Atrium41@reddit
Oh yeah! I see it now. Even when I last replied, it wasn't there.
Fancy-Breath78@reddit
https://www.microcenter.com/product/699677/powerspec-g528-gaming-pc This prebuilt from microcenter should do the job.
ZalgoTheOne@reddit
Everyone here is so unhelpful.
Basically, you need to figure out a few questions:
How much money can you spend? How long will you wait between upgrading the computer? Do you want to build it yourself, or save money by buying one that's already built? Does he want a PC because they have better performance and the ability to do far more than gaming? Or does he purely plan on playing games?
We'll start with the important ones: if he wants to play games and you want to spend under $1000 USD, buy a PS5 or Xbox Series X, a desk, a gaming monitor, and a mouse/keyboard. Then let him save to buy his own PC.
If he wants to use the PC for more than gaming, he's going to need a PC, a desk, a keyboard, a mouse, and a monitor.
Here's a list of everything you'd get without the desk, and it's inevitably going to be more than $1000 USD.
PCPartPicker Part List
SKRWildfire@reddit
Under 1k is unrealistic mainly it depends what games are gonna be played. Plus im sure you dont want to build it yourself so costs of letting someone else build. I think for a decent pc with build costs in it you are looking more at 2k. With that said, i would say maybe try first at a gaming laptop.
senorjc@reddit
? Nah $1k is more than enough to have a playable experience in just about every game, especially at 1080p but also 1440p with some tweaks. A prebuilt like this has great performance. Considering used parts would be even better. LTT actually just dropped a ps5 alternative build for less than $550.
Laptops are terrible value and performance; they should only be recommended if portability is a requirement.
FalconBurcham@reddit
Fortnight doesn’t require a powerful machine. You’d be fine buying an off the shelf computer at a shop like Microcenter or Best Buy (realistically there are a lot more BBs than MCs) that fits your budget.
Hungry_Reception_724@reddit
You need a budget... this is the number one deciding factor.
AGH8@reddit
Budget along with resolution / screen size / refresh rate. I choose my budget based off what I will be doing with the PC. The budget you will spend to game in 1080p at 120hz is vastly different then 4k at 120hz.
Hungry_Reception_724@reddit
One dictates the other, you can pick both. If your budget is one thing, you are going to get what you get. if your specs are one thing your cost is going to be blank. You cant pick both. You cant pick a 4k high refresh rate gaming PC and say my budget is 1000$ it doesnt work that way.
Considering this is a gift, the only thing here is going to be budget and the nephew is going to be happy to receive anything.
AGH8@reddit
Ive been in these subs long enough to see people buy/spend $1000 on a pc and hook it up to a TV just to say it performs worse then there $500 console. You absolutely have to chose what the pc is going to be used at because PCs and consoles dont render graphics exactly the same way.
Regardless of that I do absolutely agree, what ever is spent will be a very nice and appreciated gift. I would also encourage her to wait a bit as others have said. But in the mean time I would aquire some more knowledge on gaming pcs so that when the time comes she can help trouble shoot if its needed.
Hungry_Reception_724@reddit
If you choose to miss match your hardware that's an entire other topic. You either pick budget and that dictates performance or you pick performance and that dictates budget, you cant dictate both. Hence why the guy in your example was complaining. he tried to dictate both, you cant.
senorjc@reddit
With your $1000 budget and the fact that you live near a Microcenter, your best bet would be scooping one of their "PowerSpec" prebuilts. Their PowerSpec g529, g528 (my pick) or g250 are all solid options. I recommend waiting until closer to Christmas so you can be within the return period. Hopefully, prices will be a little lower by then, too. They'll also need a gaming monitor if they don't already own one and peripherals (another $150-300+)
nateccs@reddit
recently costco has had very good prices on gaming rigs, cheaper than i can build if i bought the parts myself.
PerceptionWide7002@reddit
Well a $1000 budget in this economy isn't a lot to work with. 1000 can get maybe a decent DDR4 build but there's not gonna be any upgrade room. I'd say 1200 to 1500 is good performance + good future-proofing, a solid build that can last at least 5 to 7 years with good maintenance (like software updates and physical care).
There's probably a lot more qualified individuals than me (I've only built 1 PC recently) that can give parts recommendations, but I seriously suggest boosting your budget up to 1200 to 1500 if possible.
2raysdiver@reddit
For an entry level PC, you are better off buying a prebuilt. What you buy depends on your budget. What is your budget? Also, you are much better off waiting until the sales start near Christmas rather than buying now. Also, you will see cheap gaming PCs on Amazon for $200-$400. They are scams... recycled 15 year old parts put in a case with lights.
Radiant_Patience4994@reddit
Wait for Steam machine.
flipping100@reddit
A few games would be very useful
Ok_Bid6645@reddit
All PC parts are expensive now, wait closer to Christmas
Foreign_Analysis_931@reddit
a starter gaming pc is what folks would call a 1080P gaming pc..that "1080P" part stands for how detailed games can get. There a bazillion spec sheets and parts combinations that will achieve that. The burning question is:
"Can this computer play modern games at 1080P reliably?" you want to hear an immediate and confident 'yes' when you ask a seller that question.
However, sometimes its not that cut and dry. If theres uncertainty, ask "I want the complete specs for this computer", and say you'll get back to them. Then, take that list of specs and copy/paste it here like this:
"Hey, I want to buy this PC. Will it run modern 1080p games reliably?"
We'll be around
0ratorio@reddit
First of all you gotta specify budget.
Secondly AM5 is too expensive for most of us , so we would recommend looking for AM4 build.
The most decent one so far is ...
5700x3d + 9060XT + 32 RAM + 1 TB SSD + 650W GOLD tier B\~A PSU + Peerless Assassin for CPU. The rest is probably small fans and pc case.
captainstormy@reddit
Unless OP lives near a Microcenter. Their bundles are stupid good.
Gex2-EnterTheGecko@reddit
We'd need to know what the budget is. Unfortunately right now is a terrible time for PC component prices.
captainstormy@reddit
Even in a normal market this would be too early. In this market, hopefully the trend of memory prices going down continues. So talking about what hardware and prices right now is too early.
You can certainly start educating yourself though. The first thing is to determine a budget and start saving money.
You'll get much more for your money building your own. If you really don't want to go that route you should still educate yourself on PCs though because you'll be able to tell a good prebuilt from a bad one then. Just like taking a car person with you when buying a car, it's good to have someone who knows what they are looking at.
Kyn-X@reddit
As things are expensive, a memory comb will be more expensive than the GPU and the SSD more expensive than the CPU, so I would say wait a while.
Miscmusic77@reddit
Budget?
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
[removed]
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TheWaspinator@reddit
So, there's no one single answer. There's a huge range of budgets. Also, do you know any specific games he likes?
Dry_Sky1044@reddit
Hey! Dm me and I’ll help you, it all depends on budget and what games he wants to play
Middcore@reddit
How much are you prepared to spend?
Lukaro_@reddit
Second this. Also, will he be able to build it himself or with help. Or, does he just want something that’s plug and play.
9okm@reddit
Are you in the US and are you near a microcenter?