Ars Technica System Guide: Four sample PC builds, from $500 to $5,000
Briefly

Fluctuating graphics card prices and limited availability have made building desktop PCs difficult in 2025. Improvements in GPU pricing have been noted, yet pre-built PCs remain overpriced for the specs offered. A variety of builds catering to different budgets and user needs, from basic browsing to advanced gaming, are available. Building a PC offers customization opportunities, including case selection to match personal aesthetics. Considering future-proofing in component choice is also emphasized, leveraging the flexibility inherent in PC platforms.
GPU pricing and availability have improved a little since early 2025. Pre-built PCs with worse specs and design compromises are unreasonably priced, too.
Part of the fun of building a PC is making it look the way you want. Selecting cases that fit motherboards and parts adds a personal touch.
Despite inflated prices, there are still decent options for PC builds. Five different suggestions are provided based on different budgets and needs.
Future-proofing a build is advantageous, as the PC platform allows for flexibility and upgrades in technology.
Read at Ars Technica
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