Custom PC Components
Gaming PC Parts List: Early 2025 Edition
Written By: David Matthews
Custom PC Components
Welcome to our 2025 gaming PC parts list! In this guide, we explore the latest releases in PC building, showcasing cutting-edge components like powerful CPUs, next-gen GPUs, and lightning-fast storage solutions. Whether you’re an experienced builder or taking on your first project, this list highlights the best hardware to ensure your rig stays ahead of the curve.
I have over 25 years of experience building PCs and spent 14 years as the head technician at OTSCR. I carefully picked these parts to ensure the best performance and reliability. This list includes the latest processors and powerful GPUs, making it your go-to guide for creating an exceptional gaming setup in 2025.
Let’s dive in and discover the latest trends and innovations that are redefining gaming PCs!
CPUs for Gamers and Creators in 2025
Let’s begin with the best of the best: AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D. As of January 2025, AMD continues to lead the gaming CPU market, solidifying its position with the launch of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the highly anticipated Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
Released on November 7, 2024, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D quickly became popular with gamers. This CPU has 8 cores and 16 threads. It runs at a base clock speed of 4.7 GHz and can boost up to 5.2 GHz. With AMD’s second-generation 3D V-Cache technology, it has a large 104 MB of cache and a 120W TDP that offers power, efficiency, and performance.
In gaming, the 9800X3D offers an 8% improvement in average frame rates compared to the 7800X3D. It also outperforms Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K by up to 20% in gaming performance. This demonstrates a strong performance from AMD, which improves further with its upcoming flagship processor mentioned below.
Ryzen 9 9950X3D: The Next Frontier
Announced at CES 2025, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D will be AMD’s next flagship CPU, built for gamers and creators who want it all. With 16 Zen 5 cores, 32 threads, and a max boost clock of 5.7 GHz, this processor will be the most powerful desktop processor to date. The 144 MB of total cache and 170W TDP ensure it comfortably handles everything from gaming marathons to heavy content creation workloads.
Performance projections for the 9950X3D are impressive: an 8% improvement over the already powerful 7950X3D in gaming and a 13% uplift in content creation tasks. For those keeping an eye on Intel, AMD still holds a commanding lead, with the 9950X3D expected to outperform the Core Ultra 9 285K by 20% in gaming benchmarks, just like the Ryzen 9800x3D. The 9950X3D is set to launch in March 2025, and while pricing details remain under wraps, it’s shaping up to be another highly sought-after gaming CPU from AMD.
AMD
[amazon box=”B0DKFMSMYK” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0BTZB7F88″ template=”table”]
Intel
[amazon box=”B0DFKC99VL” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CGJ41C9W” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CGJDKLB8″ template=”table”]
Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Gaming Build
No PC parts list is complete without the latest and greatest motherboards. The trend is for boards to no longer have visible cables from the top side. This new design, called “BTF” (Back to Future), moves the cable connectors to the backside of the motherboard, hiding them for a cleaner aesthetic. This allows the motherboard to have a clean and sleek look without the need for fancy cables. Asus showcased this new design at CES and is now offering these boards for sale.
The new motherboards come with the latest technologies, including AI integration for AI overclocking, networking, and cooling. They also support PCI 5.0, which increases bandwidth for both GPUs and storage devices. With this increased bandwidth, we can now see up to 5 or possibly 6 M.2 slots on motherboards without the need for additional cards or adapters. USB4 has also been improved and is now available, providing faster data access for new devices.
Another great feature of the new motherboards is Wi-Fi 7, which offers integrated internet connectivity without the need for a wired connection. Some new boards will also feature NitroPath DRAM Technology, which enhances DDR5 performance and durability in select models. Additionally, PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim, a feature once found only on high-end boards, is now making its way to mid-tier boards, simplifying graphics card removal without the need for latches or buttons.
These new features are exciting and will take motherboards to the next level. The best part is that they are now starting to hit the market.
Latest AMD Motherboards
[amazon box=”B0DGVGT3PJ” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CN76TH9S” template=”table”]
Latest Intel (BTF) Motherboards
[amazon box=”B0D5C4QZHT” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0D3D28BXG” template=”table”]
Latest Intel Motherboards
[amazon box=”B0CJSJ9TB3″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CJMR6652″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CJMVCDLF” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CJMT2723″ template=”table”]
Memory Modules in 2025: Speed Meets Innovation
The world of RAM is advancing rapidly with exciting new technologies on the horizon. DDR5 has become the standard for high-performance systems, offering significant improvements in speed, bandwidth, and power efficiency compared to its predecessor. Meanwhile, DDR6 is already in the early development stages, promising even greater performance with potential speeds that reach up to 17,600 MHz or more.
ASUS is leading the way with innovative features like AEMP (ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile) and NitroPath DRAM Technology. AEMP automatically optimizes memory modules, while NitroPath can boost frequencies by up to 400 MT/s and significantly improve slot retention force. The industry is also exploring CAMM2 (Compression Attached Memory Modules) for laptops and desktops, offering thinner form factors and the potential for high capacities up to 128GB per module.
AI also impacts memory performance, with new motherboards incorporating AI-driven features to optimize memory profiles based on running applications. AMD is also pushing the boundaries, with their latest chips providing official support for faster DDR5-5600 speeds. These advancements in RAM technology are not just theoretical – they’re starting to hit the market, promising enhanced performance and efficiency for next-generation computing systems. As these technologies mature and become more widely available, we can expect significant improvements in overall system performance and capabilities.
Below is the fastest RAM available for both AMD Expo and Intel XMP profiles. For Intel, the G.Skill brand is introducing a crazy 8400MHz speed, with other manufacturers hitting the 7600MHz mark. Additionally, for this updated PC parts list, I have included links to the fastest and highest-performing RAM available as of September 2024.
AMD Expo Profile Memory
[amazon box=”B0CHSDCR8V” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0C6HW2G8C” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0DD2LKVMD” template=”table”]
Newest Intel XMP Profile Memory
[amazon box=”B0CLTB5MR7″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0C3W49RW8″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CHSBX471″ template=”table”]
Graphics Cards for High-End Gaming
Nvidia has announced its new RTX 50-series graphics cards. These cards are based on the Blackwell architecture and include the RTX 5090, RTX 5080, RTX 5070 Ti, and RTX 5070. All models use GDDR7 memory and PCIe 5.0 interfaces.
The RTX 5090 has 32 GB of GDDR7 memory and costs $1,999. It is expected to deliver even greater performance than the RTX 4090. The RTX 5080 has 16 GB of GDDR7 memory and is priced at $999. It promises significant performance improvements over the previous model.
The RTX 5070 Ti costs $749, and the RTX 5070 costs $549. Both are expected to offer performance similar to higher-end models from the last generation. The RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 will be released on January 30, 2025, while the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070 will be available in February 2025.
AMD’s RX 9000 series, built on the RDNA 4 architecture, is set to arrive in early 2025. This new generation focuses heavily on midrange GPUs, catering to gamers looking for solid performance without overspending. The flagship card in the RX 9000 series is expected to compete directly with Nvidia’s RTX 5070 in terms of performance. RDNA 4 brings improved AI processing, better ray tracing capabilities, and enhanced power efficiency, making this series worth considering for anyone planning an upgrade this year.
Intel’s Battlemage GPUs are already making waves, with the Arc B580 released in December 2024. These GPUs offer a 15% to 35% performance boost over the previous generation while consuming less power. Intel focuses on refining how workloads are distributed across the GPU and reducing software overhead. While Intel isn’t chasing the high-end gaming market yet, its efforts in the mainstream and entry-level segments provide more options for those building a cost-effective system.
Best Value For The Money
[amazon box=”B09HHLX543″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B08YKCC8XD” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CGM92TW8″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0D1B5DDVS” template=”table”]
Best Option Under $900
[amazon box=”B0BNLSW23M” template=”table”]
Best Option for $250-$300 Range
[amazon box=”B08YKCC8XD” template=”table”]
Excellent performance in the $400-$500 range
[amazon box=”B0CGM92TW8″ template=”table”]
1080p gaming on a tight budget
[amazon box=”B09HHLX543″ template=”table”]
Top of the Line
[amazon box=”B0CQPZTRL3″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0C7JYX6LN” template=”table”]
Improved performance over original 40-series cards
[amazon box=”B0CQPWN1GF” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0D8K66T3Q” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CS6XC69Y” template=”table”]
Advanced SSDs for Ultimate Speed and Storage
The SSD market is currently seeing a surge of exciting new technologies to revolutionize gaming and PC building storage performance. PCIe 5.0 SSDs are leading the way, offering incredible speeds of up to 14,000 MB/s. Models like the Crucial T705 push these limits even further, with sequential throughput reaching an impressive 14.5 GB/s. This significantly reduces game loading times and almost instantaneous file transfers for content creators.
3D NAND and V-NAND technologies are also making significant progress, increasing storage densities and improving durability by stacking memory cells vertically. This allows for higher capacities in smaller form factors, enabling PC builders to incorporate more high-speed storage into their systems without sacrificing space.
For enthusiasts and power users, NVMe SSDs continue to advance, offering even faster speeds and lower latencies. These drives are ideal for storing and loading large game files and handling resource-intensive tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
These new SSD technologies are not just theoretical – they are beginning to enter the market, promising enhanced performance and efficiency for gaming PCs and high-performance PCs. As these innovations mature and become more widely available, we can anticipate significant improvements in system responsiveness, game loading times, and overall storage capabilities in custom-built PCs.
For those crafting their ultimate PC parts list, these cutting-edge SSDs are becoming must-have components for maximizing storage performance.
New PCIe 5.0 Gen5 (Speeds over 1000Mbs)
[amazon box=”B0CTRV9CVP” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CXV7MG6Q” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CM41J7F9″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CDNCNBSP” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CTMKP95R” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CGR7RNCD” template=”table”]
Best 8TB NVMe M.2 Drives
[amazon box=”B09WZK8YMY” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0BDZWLBS4″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0DBQP4F3Z” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0C4KQ57PV” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CJRN3LLX” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0BFDKPWPR” template=”table”]
Cooling Solutions to Keep Your PC Cool
Two new exciting AIO liquid coolers from Corsair and NZXT have recently hit the PC building market.
The NZXT Kraken Elite AIO liquid cooler (coming soon) now has a 2.36″ wide-angle LCD screen featuring a 640×640 pixel resolution and a 60 Hz refresh rate. It offers improved brightness at 690 cd/m² for more precise visualization of system data and custom images, including animated GIFs and a real-time audio visualizer. The cooler utilizes a 7th generation Asetek pump with a powerful motor capable of reaching 2800 RPM and is available in 240mm, 280mm, and 360mm radiator sizes. It comes with NZXT’s F Series Static Pressure fans or F Series Core RGB fans, an RGB controller supporting up to 120 LEDs, and compatibility with the latest Intel and AMD sockets.
I will have links for this new NZXT liquid cooler once it is available.
CORSAIR’s new iCUE LINK H150i RGB cooler features a 360mm radiator with three high-speed fans for efficient and quiet cooling. Its split-flow copper cold plate and pre-applied CORSAIR XTM70 thermal paste maximize heat transfer. The cooler supports the latest Intel 1700 and AMD AM5 sockets and features single-cable iCUE LINK technology for easy connection of up to 24 devices, reducing cable clutter. The fans offer customizable lighting, and the included iCUE LINK System Hub provides control over fan speeds, pump performance, and RGB synchronization through CORSAIR’s iCUE software. With a Zero RPM mode for silent operation at low loads and a six-year warranty, this cooler is perfect for enthusiasts seeking high-performance cooling without compromising on style or reliability. These new coolers are excellent additions to any PC parts list.
AIO Liquid Coolers
[amazon box=”B0C6PX2BW1″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0C6PWQ6L3″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CD76FC46″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0DBMZZ19P” template=”table”]
CPU Air Coolers
[amazon box=”B07H25DYM3″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B087VL2Z21″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B07Y87YHRH” template=”table”]
Power Supplies: Meeting the Needs of Next-Gen Builds
The power supply market is undergoing exciting advancements with the introduction of ATX 3.0 and PCIe 5.0 support. These new PSUs are designed to handle the high power demands and spikes from next-gen GPUs, ensuring stable performance for high-end systems. Efficiency is also a key focus, with more power supplies achieving 80 PLUS Titanium and Platinum ratings, reducing power loss, and improving overall system efficiency.
For enthusiasts and power users looking to complete their PC parts list, higher wattage options are becoming more readily available. Power supplies with over 1000W are now common for high-end builds, with some models even reaching up to 1600W for extreme setups. Additionally, smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone apps for monitoring and control are being integrated into PSUs. Some manufacturers are even incorporating AI-driven power management and diagnostics, adding a new level of intelligence to power delivery.
Cooling and noise reduction are also being prioritized. Advanced fan designs are being implemented to improve cooling efficiency while reducing noise levels. For those seeking quiet operation, some high-end models are now featuring fanless designs. These new PSU technologies are starting to hit the market, promising improved performance, efficiency, and reliability for custom PC builds across various power requirements and budgets.
EVGA Power Supplies
[amazon box=”B0CD9DW4MV” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CD9TNG2C” template=”table”]
Corsair Power Supplies
[amazon box=”B0BYR1BXC6″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0BYQHWJXC” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0BP8BJ7X4″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0BP8B6M7Y” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0BP88MYM4″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0BZ2CRW8H” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CTR6PK19″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0BZ1JPSF7″ template=”table”]
Seasonic Power Supplies
[amazon box=”B0BZ2CRW8H” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0C572JWW9″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0C571LRNB” template=”table”]
Case Choices for Style and Functionality
Computer cases have become a hallmark of custom PC builds. Their designs are continuously improving, not only in aesthetics but also in functionality, making the building process much easier. Manufacturers are consistently enhancing the PC-building experience with each new iteration of case designs.
Personally, I prefer NZXT cases for their clean, minimalist look and user-friendly design. The wire management is thoughtfully designed, with each component having a designated space within their cases. They also manufacture some of the best liquid coolers and RGB fan designs, ensuring excellent compatibility and fluidity of parts. In our custom PC shop, we primarily use NZXT cases, as most of our customers have chosen them for their builds over the years.
Outside of NZXT, there are brands like Fractal and Corsair, both of which offer excellent options. If I had to choose between the two, I would lean towards Fractal for its futuristic designs. However, Corsair prioritizes the building experience and has recently updated one of its best-selling cases to make assembly even easier. They introduced a clean internal GPU stand to help support the weight of the graphics card, along with innovative features like BTF (Back To Front) in their case designs.
As you can see, there are a wide variety of cases available, including Full-size ATX, Mini ATX, and Micro ATX options. While there are numerous choices out there, based on my experience and preferences, NZXT remains my top choice.
NZXT Cases
[amazon box=”B0D2MJT1FY” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CV4RRBNJ” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0BG196XDP” template=”table”]
Corsair Cases
[amazon box=”B0CZV13F49″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CTR5W2S8″ template=”table”]
Other Great Cases
[amazon box=”B08699NR75″ template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B0CRKVN35N” template=”table”]
[amazon box=”B09V878FXQ” template=”table”]
Bringing It All Together
Gaming PC parts have improved greatly over the last decade, especially in the past year. New BTF motherboards and GPUs, faster RAM, and stylish cases make it a great time to build a PC.
I hope you find something worth building in this gaming PC parts list. Be sure to check out our other lists, posts, and updates by visiting our blog. We also have a custom-built PC shop that is becoming a store ready to ship PCs all over the United States. Many exciting things are happening for this small repair shop that used to only fix computers.
If you have questions or need help with building a PC or computer repair, please reach out to us. If you’re local, we work by appointment, and you can set up a time that works best for you to bring in your PC.
David is the owner of OTSCR and has been building and fixing computers for over 20 years. Starting as a hobby, his expertise has evolved into a successful small business. He now shares his knowledge through blogging and continues to provide top-notch computer services.
Recent News
Was Building a PC Harder in the 90s Than Now? See How Far We’ve ComeJanuary 18, 2025 - 8:15 pm
Is It Hard to Change Your PC Case? A Step-by-Step Guide for BeginnersJanuary 15, 2025 - 5:54 am
Gaming PC Parts List: Early 2025 EditionJanuary 13, 2025 - 5:27 am
