Getting my kid (8) their first PC. Looking for it for last 5 years.
Posted by djhash@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 16 comments
I am looking to get my child (8yo) their first PC that we will build together.
It'll probably won't see heavy use first few years, but I'd like it to be able to run heavier 3d games at decent fps.
With current prices of memory, I decided to put together a build using AM4. My budget can extend up to $2k, but I'd rather not use it up completely. I would love hear recommendations for GPUs. I think I can manage a "ASRock Challenger OC Arc B580" for about $50 more.
Thank you for your thoughts and time on this.
| Type | Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D 3.4 GHz 8-Core Processor | $199.97 @ GameStop (OOS) |
| CPU Cooler | Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition 42 CFM CPU Cooler | $25.99 @ Amazon |
| Motherboard | MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI ATX AM4 Motherboard | $154.44 @ Amazon |
| Memory | PNY XLR8 Gaming Low Profile 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory | $209.99 @ B&H (OOS) |
| Storage | Samsung 980 Pro w/Heatsink 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive | $162.97 @ GameStop (OOS) |
| Storage | Samsung 980 Pro w/Heatsink 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive | $162.97 @ GameStop (OOS) |
| Video Card | ASRock Challenger OC Radeon RX 7600 8 GB Video Card | $259.99 @ Newegg |
| Case | Phanteks XT PRO ATX Mid Tower Case | $49.99 @ Newegg |
| Power Supply | Corsair RM850e (2025) 850 W Fully Modular ATX Power Supply | $109.99 @ Amazon |
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts | ||
| Total (before mail-in rebates) | $1346.30 | |
| Mail-in rebates | -$10.00 | |
| Total | $1336.30 | |
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2026-06-01 17:33 EDT-0400 |
Slottr@reddit
If your budget is flexible like you said, I would shoot more for this
Yes its an 8GB card, it will still run everything just fine
PCPartPicker Part List
djhash@reddit (OP)
Nice. Thank you for this. I think this whole DDR5 price hike has gotten to me that I didn't even consider that such a build is possible. Definitely gives me ideas for my own next build, which I'm awfully due. My two mains are a 2017 macbook pro (gotten through an old work), and a lenovo thinkpad (also from an old work).
Destructo-Bear@reddit
Used ddr5 32gb is like $250 on eBay. You don't have to pay new prices.
Slottr@reddit
Parts are expensive, but as long as you are able to take a few inconveniences its completely manageable. Like a year ago I wouldnt have chosen a UD90, but its an entirely fine value now.
ashandare@reddit
I think a lot of the OOS items you list are unlikely to come back in stock at those prices, sadly.
djhash@reddit (OP)
Shoot.. I had this list for a while and I noticed the storage ones but not the CPU. But with the other comments here, I'm going to redo it with AM5. While I'm at it, maybe do a second one for myself.
jackdupondew2k5@reddit
If you want it to last 5yrs then go am5 so you have upgrade path. Do you have a microcenter near you? Their bundles are freaking life savers
djhash@reddit (OP)
I guess 45 minutes away is "near" enough. I'll have to check out their bundles. If I can do a decent AM5. Then I guess I'll do a build for myself as well. Will have to make a second budget. Thank you.
jackdupondew2k5@reddit
Their bundles are nice, cpu mobo and more importantly ram. Especially now they are life lines for ddr5 lol
SignalMagician1163@reddit
Yeah, AMD just announced that AM5 is being supported through 2029 now.
jackdupondew2k5@reddit
Yea which is hella nice, kinda figured they would. Look how long they kept extending life of am4 lol
SignalMagician1163@reddit
As someone who just built an AM5 system im soo happy.
jackdupondew2k5@reddit
I built mine with the 7800x3D in April of 24, right before all the crazy price hikes lol
Intrepid_Bobcat_2931@reddit
You can absolutely make do very well with one 2TB NVMe drives.
Although it likely will be filled up in 3 years or so, most of that will be stuff that can be deleted after a cleanup.
djhash@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I think I was putting my own hoarder mentality into this. Gotta first build that steam backlog first.
thatsTHEWei@reddit
With cloud backups 2tb local is plenty.