WattsyHow to split a PC budget
For gaming, the graphics card does most of the work, so it gets the biggest share — usually 35–45% of the budget, and more at 4K. The CPU comes next. Everything else needs to be good enough, not great: a solid power supply and enough RAM matter, but a fancy case or motherboard won't add frames.
Creative work shifts money toward the CPU and RAM, since editing, rendering and compiling lean on cores and memory. Streaming sits in between.
Where not to cut corners
- Power supply: a cheap, unknown-brand PSU can fail and take parts with it. Stick with well-reviewed models.
- Storage: boot from an NVMe SSD. Load times and system snappiness depend on it.
- RAM: get two sticks (dual channel), not one.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I spend on a graphics card?
For a gaming PC, roughly 35–45% of your parts budget, and up to about half for a 4K build.
Is it better to spend more on the CPU or the GPU?
For gaming, the GPU almost always. A mid-range CPU paired with a stronger graphics card gives more FPS than the reverse. For editing, rendering and streaming, the CPU matters more.
Do prices change these numbers?
The percentages are a starting point. Part prices swing with sales and supply, so if one part is unusually cheap or expensive right now, shift money accordingly and check current prices before buying.