Custom PC Components
My Ultimate Custom Build PC Part List for Mid 2024
Written By: David Matthews
Written By: David Matthews
Hey PC builders! David here from On The Spot Computer Repairs. With over 20 years of building custom PCs and 13 years as a technician, I’ve seen it all. I’m excited to share my carefully curated PC parts list for mid-2024 – the result of years of hands-on experience and a passion for cutting-edge technology.
I’ve prioritized performance and reliability in this list. While I’ve provided Amazon links, I recommend checking other retailers like Microcenter, Best Buy, and Newegg for deals. For a hassle-free option, check out our Custom Build PC Shop, featuring top-tier components in our Orion Z, Onyx 9, and Nova 9 series.
If you’re a seasoned builder or a curious newcomer, stick around. Let’s dive into a parts list that combines performance, reliability, and value, and explore the exciting world of custom PC building together!
The introduction of AMD’s Ryzen chips a few years back was a real game-changer in the CPU world. Their impressive performance led me to switch from Intel to AMD CPUs, and I wasn’t alone. This shift has increased the heat in the competition between these two chip giants.
Not one to be left behind, Intel has been making serious strides with its LGA 1700 socket to stay in the race. They’re also gearing up to release their new LGA 1851 socket later this year, which should be interesting. On the other side, AMD isn’t resting on its laurels. They’ve just released their Ryzen 9000 series chips, which promise even greater performance and efficiency improvements over the previous generation. It’s clear that the CPU market is only getting more exciting.
As someone who has been in the PC building game for a while, I must say this rivalry is great news for us tech enthusiasts. It’s pushing both companies to innovate faster, giving us more powerful and efficient build options. I look forward to seeing what comes next in this ongoing tech showdown.
I’m running an AMD Ryzen 7800x 3D CPU in my current gaming rig, and it’s been serving me well. But if you’re looking to push your PC to its limits, whether for gaming, streaming, multitasking, or content creation, the new AMD Ryzen 9950x CPU is a solid bet. It might be a tad slower in pure gaming performance, but it makes up for it when juggling multiple tasks.
Now, if you’re Team Intel, I’ve got recommendations for you too. For the dedicated gamers out there, the Intel i7 14700k is a strong contender. It’s built to deliver smooth gameplay without breaking a sweat. But if you’re wearing multiple hats – gaming, streaming, and creating content – then the Intel i9 14900K is where it’s at. This chip is a powerhouse that can handle it all.
Remember, choosing the right CPU depends on what you’re aiming to do with your system. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between performance and your specific needs.
Preview | Product | Price | |
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AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 8-Core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor | $458.98 | Buy on Amazon |
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AMD Ryzen™ 9 9950X 16-Core, 32-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor | $648.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Intel® Core™ i7-14700K New Gaming Desktop Processor 20 cores (8 P-cores + 12 E-cores) with... | $347.14 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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Intel® CoreTM i9-14900K New Gaming Desktop Processor 24 (8 P-cores + 16 E-cores) with Integrated... | $437.85 | Buy on Amazon |
I used to be a big Gigabyte fan, but after a few years of light use, they’d often call it quits. Think of them like Audis – packed with features for the price, but not always the most reliable ride. On the flip side, Asus boards are more like Mercedes or BMW. Sure, they’ll cost you a bit more, but you’re getting top-notch quality and performance.
These days, I’m all about Asus for custom builds, and here’s why: Armory Crate. This nifty software takes the headache out of driver installation by doing it all automatically. No more fumbling with CDs or digging out that old USB DVD drive. It’s a game-changer, trust me.
But it’s not just about convenience. Asus brings some serious innovation to the table. Their AI overclocking is next level, and they’ve got an eye for design that sets them apart.
In my current setup, I’m running an Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero. It’s on the pricier side, but the specs are top-level. If you’re looking for something a bit easier on the wallet but still packs a punch, check out the Asus ROG STRIX X670E-E Gaming motherboard. It’s a great and will not disappoint.
Remember, when it comes to motherboards, sometimes it pays to invest a little more upfront for a smoother ride down the road.
Preview | Product | Price | |
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ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero AMD X670 AM5 Ryzen™ Desktop 9000 8000 & 7000 ATX Motherboard, 18 + 2... | $605.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming Socket AM5(LGA 1718) Ryzen 7000 ATX Motherboard(18+2 Power... | $439.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero (WiFi 7) LGA 1700(Intel 14th &13th&12th Gen) ATX Gaming... | $526.99 | Buy on Amazon |
If you’re looking for the best RAM currently out, the Corsair’s Dominator Titanium DDR5 series is where it’s at. These sticks aren’t just about performance – they look pretty dope too. Corsair’s not messing around here; they’re hand-picking and thoroughly testing each chip to deliver unmatched overclocking and stability.
For cooling, Corsair’s got this patented DHX cooling tech that keeps both the DRAM chips and PCB cooled. Why does this matter? Well, it means your system can handle the heat when you’re pushing it to the limit. And for speed? These sticks can hit up to 8000MT/s. That’s just crazy!
But not everyone needs (or wants to pay for) the absolute cutting-edge technology. If you’re after something that balances speed, reliability, and your wallet, check out the Corsair Vengeance series. They deliver solid performance at an unbeatable price.
And just to throw another option in the mix, the G.SKill Trident series are a great choice. They’re another great choice for RAM.
With RAM, it’s all about finding that sweet spot between performance and a price that works for your build. Whether you go for the top-tier Dominator Titanium or the more budget-friendly options, make sure it fits your system’s needs and your gaming ambitions.
Preview | Product | Price | |
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CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 RAM 32GB (2x16GB) 6000MHz CL30-36-36-76 1.40V AMD EXPO Intel XMP Desktop... | $131.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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CORSAIR Dominator Titanium RGB DDR5 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 6000MHz CL30 AMD Expo Intel XMP iCUE... | $159.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB Series (AMD Expo) DDR5 RAM 32GB (2x16GB) 6000MT/s CL30-38-38-96 1.35V... | $109.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 RAM 64GB (2x32GB) 6400MHz CL32-40-40-84 1.40V Intel XMP Desktop Computer... | $224.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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CORSAIR Dominator Titanium RGB DDR5 RAM 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5 6600MHz CL32 Intel XMP iCUE Compatible... | $299.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB Series (Intel XMP 3.0) DDR5 RAM 64GB (2x32GB) 6800MT/s CL34-45-45-108 1.40V... | $249.99 | Buy on Amazon |
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, Nvidia’s Founders Edition cards from Best Buy or straight from Nvidia can’t be beat. They’ve got that classic look, pack serious power, and cost less than all the aftermarket GPUs.
However, if you’ve got some extra cash and you’re after something with a bit more power than the Founders Edition, Asus has you covered. Their cards, especially for the higher-end GPUs, are the real deal and keep things cool under pressure. Personally, I’m a fan of the Asus TUF OC Edition of the 4090 series. It’s got style without going overboard on the price. But if money’s no object and you want the best of the best, the Strix OC Edition is in a league of its own.
For those of you in the middle ground, check out the Asus TUF 4070 Ti Super OC Edition. It’s a solid mid-tier option that’ll handle most of what you throw at it.
Pro tip: don’t forget about GPU support brackets. They take the weight off of your PCI slot, which is a big deal for high-end GPUs. They’re cheap, easy to install, and can save you from having to replace your motherboard or GPU down the line. Trust me, as a repair tech, I’ve seen too many PCIe slots damaged by heavy GPUs. A support bracket is a small investment that can save you from some major headaches in the future.
Remember, building a PC is all about balance. Whether you go for the top-of-the-line or something more modest, make sure your GPU fits your needs, your budget, and your build. And whatever you choose, give it the support it needs to keep your build running smooth for years to come.
Preview | Product | Price | |
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ASUS Dual GeForce RTX™ 4070 Ti Super OC Edition (PCIe 4.0, 16GB GDDR6X, DLSS 3, HDMI 2.1a,... | $799.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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ASUS TUF GeForce RTX® 4090 OC Edition Gaming Graphics Card (PCIe 4.0, 24GB GDDR6X, HDMI 2.1a,... | $2,189.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX® 4090 OC Edition Gaming Graphics Card (PCIe 4.0, 24GB GDDR6X, HDMI 2.1a,... | $2,775.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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ASUS Dual RadeonTM RX 7800 XT OC Edition 16GB GDDR6 (PCIe 4.0, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1) | $509.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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ASUS TUF Gaming Radeon™ RX 7900 XT OC Edition 20GB GDDR6 Graphics Card (PCIe 4.0, 20GB GDDR6, HDMI... | $802.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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ASUS TUF Gaming Radeon™ RX 7900 XTX OC Edition 24GB GDDR6 Graphics Card (PCIe 4.0, 24GB GDDR6,... | $1,082.74 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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Graphics Card GPU Brace Support, Video Card Sag Holder Bracket, GPU Stand (L, 74-120mm) | $9.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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Antec GPU Support Bracket, Graphics Card GPU Brace Support Video Card Sag Holder Holster Bracket... | $15.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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Cooler Master MasterAccessory ARGB GPU Support Bracket, Edge-Lit ARGB Tempered Glass, Universal GPU... | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
When it comes to boot drives, I’m a big fan of the Samsung Pro series.
For game storage or additional space, both the Samsung 990 Pro and WD Black drives are solid choices. If performance is a priority, the WD Black SN850X gaming drives are some of the fastest and most reliable options out there.
In my personal setup, I’ve got a 2TB Samsung 990 Pro for my boot drive and another 4TB Samsung 990 Pro Pro for games and storage. It’s a combination that keeps everything running smoothly and efficiently.
I’d recommend investing in a good quality boot drive – it really does make a difference. For those looking at other fast drive options, it’s worth checking out some YouTube reviews before making a decision.
Preview | Product | Price | |
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WD_BLACK 1TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSD Solid State Drive - Gen4 PCIe, M.2 2280, Up to 7,300... | $79.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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Samsung 990 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 (up to 7450 MB/s) NVMe M.2 (2280) Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)... | $123.75 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen4, M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Hard Drive, Seq. Read Speeds... | $159.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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SAMSUNG 990 PRO SSD 4TB PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 Internal Solid State Hard Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to... | $309.85 | Buy on Amazon |
In my experience, AIO liquid coolers from Corsair or NZXT are the way to go. I’ve used plenty of coolers in my builds over the years, and these two brands consistently come out on top. Corsair, in particular, has been the most reliable in my experience.
NZXT’s newer models have really stepped up their game in terms of reliability. Their older versions had some issues with pump failures, but they’ve ironed those out. While I lean towards Corsair, I enjoy working with both. It’s worth noting that NZXT coolers can be a bit pricier, but they’ve got that premium look that pairs nicely with their cases.
If you’re eyeing Corsair, check out the Corsair iCue Link H150i RGB. It’s part of their iCue link ecosystem, which means simplified connections and minimal wire clutter – a real must for clean builds.
For the NZXT fans, the Kraken Elite 360 or Kraken Elite 240 are solid choices. Keep an eye out for their newer models currently being launched. They’re top-tier performers with probably the best designs out there.
On a tighter budget? Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black is the best air cooling option.
Modern AIOs have come a long way. They outperform air cooling, allow for better overclocking, and require minimal maintenance. That’s why i recommend them. I’m still running a Corsair 360mm AIO that’s been a reliable companion through several builds over the years.
Remember, good cooling isn’t just about performance – it’s about the longevity of your entire system. Whether you go air or liquid, high-end or budget, make sure you’re giving your components the cooling they deserve.
Preview | Product | Price | |
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Corsair H100x RGB Elite Liquid CPU Cooler For Desktop - 32 Dynamic LEDs SP120 Series PWM Fans with... | $113.35 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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CORSAIR iCUE Link H150i RGB Liquid CPU Cooler - 360mm AIO - QX120 RGB Fans - Fits Intel® LGA 1700,... | $239.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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NZXT Kraken Elite 240 RGB - RL-KR24E-B1 - 240mm AIO CPU Liquid Cooler - Customizable 2.36" LCD... | $179.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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NZXT Kraken Elite RGB 360 - RL-KR36E-B1 - 360mm AIO CPU Liquid Cooler - Customizable 2.36" LCD... | $257.62 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black CPU Air Cooler, SickleFlow 120 Edge PWM Fan, Aluminum Top Cover, 4... | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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be quiet! Pure Rock 2 150W TDP CPU Cooler | Intel-1700 1200 2066 1150 1151 1155 2011-3 Square ILM |... | $44.90 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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Noctua NH-D15 chromax.Black, Dual-Tower CPU Cooler (140mm, Black) | $119.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Corsair or EVGA? Both are solid choices, but let’s break it down. I’m currently running an older EVGA SuperNova T2 1600 watt in my gaming PC. It’s a beast, no doubt, but it’s showing its age a bit. I’ve got my 4090 GPU hooked up to four older 8-pin connectors because, back in the day, the new 16-pin GPU power connector wasn’t a thing yet. It’s working fine, but I’m eyeing an upgrade for that 16-pin connector.
Here’s a crucial tip about those 16-pin cables: always, and I mean always, make sure they’re fully fastened. Even a slight loose connection can lead to your GPU’s power connector burning out. Trust me, I double and triple-check these connections to make sure they’re as secure as possible.
If you’re in the market for a new PSU, the Corsair RM100e is currently the go-to for many builders. It’s got a great balance of performance and price. For a 1000 watt PSU that is gold rated its hard to beat.
Whether you stick with EVGA or switch to Corsair, the key is to ensure you’ve got enough wattage for your system and that all your connections are rock solid. Remember, your PSU is the heart of your build – it’s worth investing in a good one to keep everything running smoothly and safely.
Preview | Product | Price | |
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EVGA Supernova 850G XC ATX3.0 & PCIE 5, 80 Plus Gold Certified 850W, 12VHPWR, Fully Modular, ECO... | $161.36 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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EVGA Supernova 1000G XC ATX3.0 & PCIE 5, 80 Plus Gold Certified 1000W, 12VHPWR, Fully Modular, ECO... | $183.49 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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EVGA Supernova 1600 G+, 80+ Gold 1600W, Fully Modular, 10 Year Warranty, Includes Free Power On Self... | $249.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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EVGA SuperNOVA 1600 T2 80+ TITANIUM, 1600W ECO Mode Fully Modular NVIDIA SLI and Crossfire Ready 10... | $388.02 | Buy on Amazon |
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Corsair RM750e (2023) Fully Modular Low-Noise Power Supply - ATX 3.0 & PCIe 5.0 Compliant -... | $99.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Corsair RM1000e (2023) Fully Modular Low-Noise Power Supply - ATX 3.0 & PCIe 5.0 Compliant -... | $159.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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Corsair RM850x SHIFT Fully Modular ATX Power Supply - 80 PLUS Gold - ATX 3.0 - PCIe 5.0 - Zero RPM -... | $159.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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Corsair RM1000x Shift Fully Modular ATX Power Supply - Modular Side Interface - ATX 3.0 & PCIe 5.0... | $209.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Corsair RM1200x Shift Fully Modular ATX Power Supply - Modular Side Interface - ATX 3.0 & PCIe 5.0... | $209.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Corsair HX1000i Fully Modular Ultra-Low Noise ATX Power Supply - ATX 3.0 & PCIe 5.0 Compliant -... | $234.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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CORSAIR HX1200i Fully Modular Ultra-Low Noise ATX Power Supply - ATX 3.0 & PCIe 5.0 Compliant -... | $249.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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Corsair HX1500i Fully Modular Ultra-Low Noise ATX Power Supply - ATX 3.0 & PCIe 5.0 Compliant -... | $359.98 | Buy on Amazon |
I’m currently rocking the NZXT H9 Elite Series (white) for my custom build. I actually made it the star of our Nova 9, Orion Z, and Onyx 9 custom build PCs. Why? It’s not just eye candy with its front, side, and top glass panels – it’s also a dream to work with. Cable management is super easy, which is a godsend for keeping things tidy. I’ve even added some extra RGB fans for better cooling and looks.
If NZXT isn’t your thing, Corsair’s got some solid options too. Their cases are straightforward to build in, which is always a plus.
The Corsair 3500X cases are worth a look. They’re well-built, have a clean, simple design, and offer plenty of room for all your components. I’d definitely recommend giving it a view.
Remember, your case is more than just a box for your parts. It affects your cooling, your noise levels, and how easy (or frustrating) your build process will be. Whether you go for the sleek look of NZXT or the practical design of Corsair, make sure it fits your needs – both in terms of components and your personal style.
Below, I’ve added links to NZXT’s new cases, both the H5 RGB Flow and the H7 RGB Flow. The 2024 version of the H5 now offers the ability to add a 360mm cooler to the front of the case, whereas the old H5 could only support a 240mm cooler. Additionally, it looks better and is really nice to build with.
Preview | Product | Price | |
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NZXT H5 Flow RGB 2024 - Compact ATX Mid-Tower PC Gaming Case - High Airflow - F360 RGB Core (CV)... | $119.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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NZXT H7 Flow RGB 2024 | Mid-Tower ATX Airflow Case with RGB Fans | Supports Bottom Fans for Direct... | $131.03 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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NZXT H9 Flow Dual-Chamber ATX Mid-Tower PC Gaming Case – High-Airflow Perforated Top Panel –... | $129.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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NZXT H9 Elite Dual-Chamber ATX Mid-Tower PC Gaming Case - Includes 3 x 120mm F120 RGB Duo Fans w/... | $249.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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CORSAIR 4000D AIRFLOW Tempered Glass Mid-Tower ATX Case - High-Airflow - Cable Management System -... | $104.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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CORSAIR 3500X ARGB Mid-Tower ATX PC Case – Panoramic Tempered Glass – Reverse Connection... | $109.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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Corsair 3000D AIRFLOW Mid-Tower PC Case – 3-Pin Fans – Four-Slot GPU Support – Fits up to 8x... | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Preview | Product | Price | |
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Corsair iCUE 4000D RGB Mid-Tower Case - 3X AF120 RGB Elite Fans - Lighting Node PRO Controller -... | $149.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Here is my parts list for mid-2024. Now, you might be wondering why I lean towards the higher-end stuff. It’s simple: reliability. Sure, they might hit your wallet harder upfront, but they’re built to last, saving you from frequent replacements down the line.
Check out my newly launched late 2024 PC Parts List page here: Late 2024 PC Parts List: Everything You Need for a Killer Build
I hope this gaming PC parts list provides a solid foundation for your custom-build journey. Trust me, putting together your custom-built PC is a great experience—challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Remember to check out our custom PC shop. We’ve got a range of pre-configured, customizable builds featuring only the best components. As a computer repair tech, I’ve seen my fair share of custom PCs from big brands loaded with cheap, no-name parts. At OTSCR, we do things differently. We build our PCs with only the best components available—the same way we’d build them for ourselves.
Also, check out our PC Build Kits page, where you’ll discover a variety of pre-selected builds tailored for gaming, streaming, and content creation. Our kits are carefully chosen so you can focus on building the PC without having to worry about part selection or compatibility issues. We’ve taken care of all the work for you.
Do you have questions? Need a hand? Feel free to email, call, or schedule an appointment. If you like what you see here and want me to bring your dream PC to life, let’s make it happen.
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.