How to Split a PC Build Budget

A useful PC budget is allocated around the workload rather than divided equally across components.

Gaming builds

The graphics card often deserves the largest performance allocation, while the CPU should be strong enough to support the target frame rate and games.

Balanced systems

If the PC will handle gaming, everyday productivity and heavier multitasking, distribute more budget toward CPU, memory and storage without starving the GPU.

Creator systems

Video, rendering, development and other professional workloads may justify more CPU cores, memory capacity and storage than a gaming-first build.

Do not cut the foundations

A quality PSU, suitable cooling and a case that fits the hardware are not good places to create false savings. Use the RigEden budget estimator as a planning starting point.