Budget 21-30k Suggestions for a basic build that has an upgrade path later down the line.

RuwinX

RuwinX

Disciple
Just hoping some more experienced folks can help with a basic build. My friend doesn't have a very high budget at the moment. Just needs something to get him going. He plans on upgrading again within the next 2 years if things are more fiscally feasible.

Given the current GPU situation, would prefer something with an iGPU for now. Due to lack of GPU. No expectations on the gaming side for now except for at least playable framerates [30+] at 800 x 600 in windowed mode.

Plan is to hopefully upgrade to a used gpu within 2 years and maybe upgrade the processor as well by that time along with RAM. [If required]

My questions:

1. Given that this is going to be upgraded again, what's the cheapest CPU+MOBO combo that also has an upgrade path to the 5000 series say, 2 years down the line. Is that possible at all?
2. Can the CPU bought now then be reused as an NAS later down the line if an upgrade is made to a newer CPU? [with the purchase of an additional PSU/mobo/ram/case combo]
3. Is intel a better option overall? Or is ryzen the better way to go considering the upgrade path available.





Questions
  1. What is your budget?
    • 20-25K [the lower the better]
  2. What is your existing hardware configuration (component name - component brand and model)
    • Nothing. Old Laptop has broken down completely.
  3. Which hardware will you be keeping (component name - component brand and model)
    • Monitor - Some old dell monitor [ 1680 x 1050 ] resolution
    • Hard Disk- I am giving him a spare SSD I have lying around.
  4. Which hardware component are you looking to buy (component name). If you have already decided on a configuration then please mention the (component brand and model) as well, this will help us in fine tuning your requirement.
    • CPU - [prefer ryzen due to potential upgrade path later]
    • Motherboard- preferably something that can be upgraded to ryzen 5000 series in the future
    • PSU - something that can support the current config + at least handle a future gpu upgrade [in the GTX 970 range]
    • Ram - preferably one stick of 8GB ram for now. Will add another one later.
    • Case - Nothing fancy needed. Don't care for RGB. Mesh and good airflow preferred.
  5. Is this going to be your final configuration or you would be adding/upgrading a component in near future. If yes then please mention when and which component
    • Yes, will upgrade the following:
    • GPU - within 2 years [if shortage issues are solved, will buy a second hand 970]
    • CPU - within 2 years [if second hand upgrades are available and needed for 1080p 60 fps medium settings gaming]. Will
    • RAM - will add another 8 gig stick within 1 year
  6. Where will you buy this hardware? (Online/City/TE Dealer)
    • Coimbatore/Bangalore
    • Open to online purchase
  7. Would you consider buying a second hand hardware from the TE market
    • Yes
  8. What is your intended use for this PC/hardware
    • Browsing
    • Desktop Processing [Excel/Powerpoint/Word]
    • Basic coding
    • Watching HD movies [for now since the monitor isn't even FULLHD]
    • Gaming [not a priority atm, maybe in 2 years if a used GPU is available]
  9. Do you have any brand preference or dislike? Please name them and the reason for your preference/dislike.
    • No preference as long as after sales is not completely terrible
  10. If you will be playing games then which type of games will you be playing?
    • CS:GO
    • LOL
  11. What is your preferred monitor resolution for gaming and normal usage
    1. Gaming - 800 x 600 [windowed mode]
    2. Desktop - 1680 x 1050
  12. Are you looking to overclock?
    • Not sure. Peg it as a yes for now for future proofing.
  13. Which operating system do you intend to use with this configuration?
    • Windows 10 64 bit
 
RadarHz said:

This will easily get you even 720p framerates in gaming for, in my opinion, a very good price. 16GB ram with vega 11 iGPU at 15k is quite the deal, and a great entry point for low res gaming.
Click to expand...
Hey thanks for the suggestion. It seems tempting. Any ideas if this can be upgraded to say a 5000 series in the future? A quick google search is returning conflicting information. Some say it works but others say it's experimental.
 
Unfortunately the board he's selling (A320) won't support 5000 series. But you can easily get a good enough B450 board within the 25k budget that supports 2400g and also 5000 series later down the line.
 
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