$1500 Build Guide
With $1500 to spend we can comfortably get a 1440p Ultra level of build and also some nice additions like a bigger SSD. This gaming PC will play any game you throw at it in 1440p without an issue, and with the AIO and RGB RAM options that are selected this will look aesthetically pleasing as well.
For almost any $1500 gaming PC I’d recommend going with an AM5 option in 2025. This gets you on the latest Ryzen socket and technology, which means there will be a lot of upgradeability options for the future. The Ryzen 7 9700X has 8 powerful cores and 16 threads which do really well in gaming, and this CPU can pair with pretty much any GPU on the market without having to worry about a bottleneck.
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One important note is that the 9700X requires a BIOS update to work with a B650 motherboard. I’ve been seeing more B650 motherboards come included with a viable BIOS update, but there’s always a chance that it won’t. Look for the “Ryzen 9000 Ready” tag when purchasing a motherboard to make sure you’re good to go.
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I do not really consider any Intel CPUs at this point in time. Ryzen simply has too many better options for me to consider Intel right now. After the launch of the Core Ultra 200 series, I don’t think this will change anytime soon.
For the Ryzen 7 9700X using an AIO is definitely not required, but I like using them in higher end builds like this one. The 9700X and all 9000 series CPUs are incredibly efficient and easy to keep cool, so an affordable 360mm AIO like the Thermalright Aqua Elite V3 will work great without breaking the bank. This is definitely on the more budget end of AIOs, but not only will it keep the temperatures of the CPU at bay, it’ll also aesthetically pair really nice with the Montech XR. I’d recommend putting this AIO up at the top with the fans below the radiator in the exhaust position. That will evenly distribute RGB fans all around the build for a very clean and balanced look. For an alternative option, I also like the version 4 of the Aqua Elite, as well as Arctic Freezer III if you’re willing to spend a little more money.
There are several B650 models available, and you can go with whichever ATX sized one that you want. Keep an eye out for the ports and features that you like, as well as if it has built-in WiFi. Since this is a higher end build, I like spending the extra money on a better quality motherboard like the MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi, and feel free to creep up to an X870/X870E model if you want to spend the extra money. I’ve also used the Gigabyte B650 Eagle AX a bunch of times, but lately we’ve been discovering RAM and SSD compatibility issues so I’ve been staying clear of Gigabyte AM5 motherboards. Hopefully that issue gets fixed up soon. If you find a motherboard that you like that doesn’t have the “Ryzen 9000 Ready” tag, then be sure it has a BIOS Flashback feature so you can load the required BIOS without having to use a Ryzen 7000 series CPU.
Any 2x16GB DDR5 kit clocked at 6000MHz or higher will work. I would recommend trying to find one with a CL rating of 30 if possible, but not required. (You can use this Amazon Search to help) For DDR5, 32GB has become the standard, and I would not recommend trying to buy a 16GB kit. More and more games are starting to use more than 16GB by themselves, so having the extra headroom for other applications like a web browser and Discord is a good option. I chose my favorite RGB option with this higher priced build, but if you don’t need that then I also like the GSkill Flare X5 and the Silicon Power Zenith Gaming kits as well.
For a higher end build like this I’d recommend starting with at least a PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD with 2TB. If you have more money to spend then feel free to creep your way up to a “High-Level NVMe” (Consult the SSD List), but sticking with a mid ranged SSD at this build price is perfectly fine. The Teamgroup MP44L has consistently been one of the most available and least expensive mid ranged drives, so it’s getting my top pick. If that’s not in stock, then the SIlicon Power UD90 probably is.
As somebody that values price to performance I have to provide the disclaimer that you have better options with an AMD GPU in terms of “FPS Per Dollar” value. However, I do understand that some people value ray tracing, DLSS, and/or Reflex more, which is why they go with Nvidia. If you prefer Nvidia, then for the $1500 price point your best option is most likely the RTX 4070 Super. This can play any game in 1440p towards Ultra settings, and feel free to grab whichever one you find the best deal on or one with an aesthetic design that you like. There’s not a huge difference in the performance or cooling between the available options from the trusted manufacturers. If you can’t find the Gigabyte Eagle OC model, then I also like the ASUS Dual EVO OC and the MSI Ventus 3X if you want a 3 fan option.
For a Ryzen 7 9700X and RTX 4070 Super build, my search filter will be any Tier B or A 650W+ unit and preferably with the ATX 3.0/3.1 tag and a 12VHPWR/PCIe 5.0 cable. (Consult the PSU Tier List) The XPG Core Reactor II 650W unit has been going on some decent sales lately, but if you can’t find that then the MSI MAG A650GL (Tier B) is usually available at this price point as well. You can’t go wrong with either model.
The case selection is always personal preference, but for the Nvidia Gaming Build Templates I’m sticking with the Montech XR. This is a fish tank style of case that holds an ATX motherboard at a crazy good price under $70. It doesn’t pack all of the bells and whistles, but it’s still a high quality case that’s easy to build with. By spending this low amount of our budget on the case, it allows us to fill it with higher quality components. If you don’t like the Montech XR then feel free to go with any ATX compatible case that you personally like. Some of my other favorites are the Fractal Design Pop Air RGB, Okinos Oak Wood, Corsair 4000D Airflow, and the Fractal Design North.
Last updated: January 9, 2025