TechSpot PC Buying Guide: 2025 Update

Is this a good time to build a new PC?

Since last year, Intel has launched its Core Ultra processors, based on the new Arrow Lake architecture, but for gaming they are actually slower than the older 14th-gen Core CPUs. On the other hand, AMD has released the Ryzen 9000X3D processors, which unlike the rest of the Ryzen 9000 series, brought actual performance improvements.

Nvidia has launched the GeForce RTX 5000 graphics cards, but most of them are barely faster than their predecessors. Combined with currently inflated prices, they provide worse value than what you could get before. AMD fought back with the Radeon RX 9700 XT, but depending on where you live, it's hard to get one near its MSRP.

For value-seeking gamers, last year may have been a better time to build a PC. However, if you remember four years ago, when a graphics card could cost as much as an entire pre-built PC that had one, it helps put today's market into perspective.

As usual, the TechSpot PC Buying Guide includes four component lists and builds, tailored to different budgets and use cases. However, the ideal system for you might be a mix of components from two or more of these recommended builds.