Building the Ultimate Dream PC: Cost Analysis and Configuration
So, you're planning on building your dream PC setup. Have you ever wondered how much it might cost you? Let's take a look at a detailed cost breakdown to help you make an informed decision.
Initial Outlay and Reuse
As you might remember, a new case, PSU, motherboard, CPU, RAM, GPU, and OS cost me about $1,500. However, it's important to keep in mind that we were able to reuse a lot of components from previous builds, which brings the additional cost to at least $500. Items such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, printer, modem, router, UPS, CD/DVD drives, HDD, and fans were all reused, salvaging whatever possible. Even the desk and chair are still in use. This setup was quite efficient, given that one common item I often face is mice, which tend to fail within their first year. Many have been replaced over the years due to accidental drops or being left on the table, rather than their own inoperability.
Since then, only a few components have been upgraded or replaced, primarily out of necessity due to failed parts.
Future Builds and Upgrade Planning
Going forward, my next build will be based on the Ryzen processor, specifically the Ryzen 370 with the 570 chipset motherboard. This will definitely cost more than the current setup, as I aim to improve performance and reliability. The Ryzen series provides excellent value for mid-range builds, with good performance and longevity.
Optimizing Your Dream PC Budget
Setting a realistic budget is crucial when building your dream PC. Depending on your location and other factors, you might be looking at a range between $3,000 to $7,000 for a high-end build. Here's a detailed configuration example to help you visualize your ultimate setup:
Example High-End PC Configuration
Processor: Intel Eight Core i-9 9900KF Processor, overclocked to 4.9GHz
Chipset: Intel Z390 Chipset Motherboard
Display Capabilities: Can display X-Plane, MSFS, X Prepar3d, or other games on one to four screens
VR Compatibility: VR Virtual Reality Ready
USB Ports: NEW - Fast USB 3.1
Memory: 32 Gigabytes of DDR-4 3600MHz RAM, supporting up to 64GB
Storage: 2 Terabyte Solid State Hard Drive at 1800MB/s SSD
Graphics: Nvidia RTX 2080 SUPER with 8GB GDDR6
Power Supply: 700-Watt Power Supply with dual CPU power connectors to support 8-core overclocking
Networking: 802.11ac Wireless-AC WIFI, Gigabit Ethernet Port
Expansion: Dual M.2 Ports on Motherboard for adding a second high-speed SSD
Connector Variety: Multiple USB 2.0, 3.0, and 3.1 ports, one USB Type-C port
Input Devices: Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Operating System: Windows 10
Warranty:Two Year Warranty
Dimensions: 7.8 in x 18.5 in x 17.7 in
Display Support: Up to four displays
Recommended by: XForcePC, the PC system used by Austin, creator of X-Plane. Detailed instructions on implementing a triple display setup with X-Plane.
This configuration offers a robust and future-proof setup, suitable for both gaming and professional workloads. The XForcePC system is designed with enthusiasts and professionals in mind, providing maximum performance and flexibility.
When planning your dream PC build, take into account your specific needs and what you intend to use it for. With thorough research and careful selection of components, you can achieve a balance between cost and performance. Happy building!