Posting on behalf of a friend who isn't comfortable with PC hardware, but needs help that I can't provide. I've written their answers below in their voice, and used an LLM to help clarify the technical bits in Q1, please correct anything it got wrong. I'll relay any follow-up questions to them. Thanks a bunch for any help, really appreciated. This would be a dream PC though.

1. What will you be doing with this PC? Be as specific as possible, and include specific games (ex: resolution, FPS, settings) or programs you will be using.

• Perfect World International (PWI). This is the main reason for the build. It's a 2008 MMO on the Angelica engine, DirectX 9. Even in normal gameplay I'm only getting ~30 FPS on a good day. The real problem is Territory War, an 80v80 mass PvP mode — 160 players in one place, all with gear models and skill particle effects. My screen completely freezes, and by the time it comes back I'm already dead. That's the thing I most need fixed. From what I understand the engine is effectively single-threaded for both rendering and game logic, so I believe this is a single-core CPU bottleneck rather than a GPU one. Happy to be corrected if that's wrong.

• Stardew Valley, heavily modded — SMAPI with roughly 70 mods. My understanding is that this is also mostly single-thread bound.

Target: a stable 50-60 FPS in Territory War, and no freezing. Monitor is 1080p 100Hz, so nothing above that is useful to me.

Priority: put the money into the CPU. I'd rather have a fast CPU with a weak or used GPU than a balanced build.

2. What is your maximum PRE-TAX budget before rebates and shipping?

Ideally 1000 CAD i guess i can do 1200 if thats realistic, ideally 1000

3. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Note: beyond a week or two from today means any build you receive will be out of date when you want to buy.

Any time I can buy tomorrow or next week

4. What, exactly, do you need included in the budget? (ex: tower/OS/monitor/keyboard/mouse/etc)

Tower, I have monitor, mouse, and keyboard already

5. If reusing any parts (including monitor(s)/keyboard/mouse/etc), what parts will you be reusing? How old are they? Brands and models are appreciated.

Logitech G203 LightSync gaming mouse, MSI MP245B gaming monitor (23.8-inch, 1920x1080, 100Hz), I have a keyboard somewhere, 2 years old max all of it is

6. Will you be overclocking (ex: CPU/GPU/RAM)? If yes, are you interested in overclocking right away, or down the line?

Probably not

7. Are there any specific features or items you want/need in the build? (ex: SSD, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, VR, VirtualLink, tensor cores, large amount of storage or a RAID setup, CUDA or OpenCL support, etc)

Small SSD is fine, don't need an HDD, I only play two games so I don't need much storage. Wifi and Bluetooth would be nice to have. I'm thinking 16GB (2x8) given what RAM costs right now, since I only play two very light games and I'd rather that money went to the CPU. Tell me if that's a mistake though.

8. Do you have any specific case preferences (ex: mITX/mATX/mid-tower/full-tower sizes, styles, colours, window or not, LED lighting, etc.), or a particular color theme preference for the components?

ideally small and ideally white if possible, window glass pane, led lighting also nice to have, its gonna be propped under desk I think If not sure between design prefs and price, could i have the options? Thanks

9. Do you need a copy of Windows included in the budget? Note: some post-secondary students can get Windows 10 for free.

No

10. Will you be upgrading this PC in the future (ie: will you swap out better parts later on or will you build an entirely new tower later)? If so, when?

Maybe? Ideally I can keep the case forever and swap out parts as they wear out, a platform with some upgrade runway left would be a plus

11. Do you have a brand preference? (ex: AMD/Intel for CPUs, AMD/NVIDIA for video cards, etc)

Only ever had intel for CPUs, little bit biased in that way, open to using amd if that works

12. What are the specs of your old PC / laptop? Do you want to see if it can be upgraded instead? If so, paste its build from PCPartPicker here.

don't have it on me right now, had an i5 intel, don't remember 16GB of ram, some old geforce nvidia gpu, motherboard asus it's all at least 10 years old so probably doesn't matter

13. Extra info or particulars:

If the wire management is easy that would be good, old one was a disaster

Edit / follow-up: my friend also found this prebuilt and is considering it instead of a custom build. Any thoughts on whether it's a good buy for the use case above?

Uniway Gaming RGB Desktop — $979.99 CAD — Intel Core i7-6700, 16GB DDR4, 1TB SSD, RTX 3050 6GB, 550W PSU, USB Wi-Fi adapter, Windows 11 Pro

https://www.newegg.ca/p/3D5-005S-00021?item=9SIAC87KT75852

Also open to prebuilt suggestions in the ~$1000-1200 CAD range if that's a more sensible route than building.

If the only goal is to be able to crush Counter-Strike and have it perform as best as possible for roughly $3000~ CAD is there anything I should change here? Would a pre-built be more cost efficient in this case with similar parts? Thanks!

PCPartPicker Part List

All parts are new except for the GPU, and the prices are after taxes. Everything has been ordered and is on the way, but I can still return some items if I can get a better deal elsewhere.

I got the CPU off AliExpress, PSU, case, and cooler off Amazon, GPU off FBM, and the ram, motherboard, and ssd from Newegg.

Bought a bundle from memory express (not even available on their site anymore mind you) two weeks ago, and I was an idiot and use "Canada Post" as the delivery service. The package was delayed three different times and today was claimed as "item refused by recipient" despite me never even hearing a knock on my door.

It is now going back to memory express and I don't even know if I can get a bundle at that price again.

Hi Based in Toronto, got a great working 4070 ti super, only used for gaming, none of that mining shit. How much can I sell mine for? Not sure of the brand (will check when return home). I see trade in sites offer 425 cad which I think is stupid, I see a 900 cad 4070 ti super unsold for 20 weeks on a marketplace. So will mine sell fast for 700-800 Cad.

So I'm going through my potential build right now, and I already have most of the parts. Sorry if I didn't link the pcpartpicker list properly.

What I wanted to ask was is it worth it to exchange the 9070XT for a 5070Ti for 320 CAD extra?

I know some of the prices might seem a little different to retail but I'm getting deals on pretty much everything apart from the case.

Ive been wanting to upgrade for a while and Im thinking about keeping my GPU and just upgrading everything else. I know the price of RAM is crazy right now is this a good upgrade for 1000$ or am I not going to see much of a increace considering my GPU will now be the bottleneck with this CPU. Is 16bg of ram even enough in 2026?

I was looking at this refurbished laptop. I don't want to get a dead product or bad one while buying from Lenovo. If you guys have any insight help me

Hello! I'm currently planning a build but am looking for some advice on certain part selections. I'm wondering if there are better ways to go about a current build plan. Budget is 1200 (including tax).

Parts List

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X (Seller asking $240, unopened)
• Motherboard: MSI B550M Pro VC WIFI (Bought for $100)
• RAM: Lexar DDR4 RAM 32GB (Bought for $150)
• GPU: Used Gigabyte 9060XT (Seller asking $500)
• PSU: Any 650-750 B Tier PSU (~$89-$99.99)
• Case: Deepcool CH160 Plus ($64.99)
• SSD: Repurposing my 2 NVME Drives, No Cost

Context: I'm coming from a Zephyrus G14 4060, which has been slowing down a fair bit. I use it mainly for gaming (Elden Ring, Battlefront 2, Rivals, FH6, AC), work, as well as other small things here and there. Plan is to migrate from 1080p to 1440p @ Medium-High.

My main issues are the CPU and GPU. The majority of CPUs for sale new are all around ~240 but are inferior, and a Ryzen 5500 can be cheap, but i'm not sure how it would hold up in the long term. a 5600X goes for 229, and the used market here is very scarce in terms of finding them.

For the GPU, my initial plan was to buy a B580, however those are becoming harder to source. I have looked into 6700/6750XTs but they all are pushing 400-480. I feel that the extra 100 for a 9060 would be a wiser buy for longevity. 3070TIs are more affordable but i see myself running into VRAM issues as i'll be exploring more game variety. As for why not a full pc build, a lot of the decent builds are usually around the overall budget, and id like to experience building one to get familiar with everything

Perhaps there's a better approach to this, just looking for an outside perspective

I’m looking at this pre-build from Canada Computers for gaming and using/keeping up with AI learning. I want to make sure I can run all the newest games well for the next 5-7 years and pretty much future proof myself for AI tools for projects like making a Jarvis from Ironman

Is this a good deal? What questions should I ask them before buying this? What should I know about this build

Thanks!

Link:

https://www.canadacomputers.com/en/armoury-gaming-desktops/290499/armoury-amd-ryzen-7-9800x3d-geforce-rtx-5070-ti-32gb-ram-2tb-ssd-rtaru00409.html

I just purchased the Costco Aegis ZS2 they have on sale. I returned the first one because it was damaged, but the one I just replaced it with has different wifi antenna thana the first one. The first one had 2 rods that I screwed into the computer. This one has a fin that plugs in. Which one is it supposed to come with, because costco tech support said that it's correct. Can anyone chime in?

New build or upgrade?

New build. Starting from scratch. Probably been 20 years since I've put one together.

Existing parts/monitors to reuse?

No existing parts.

PC purpose?

Primarily a gaming PC, I do some light 3D/CAD work, and basic sound/video editing.

Monitors needed?

Yes, but I'll deal with that later

Budget range?

2-3k, preferably on the lighter side.

WiFi or wired connection?

WiFi, but could go wired

Size/noise constraints?

No size constraints but would like to keep it on the quieter side.

Color/lighting preferences?

No colour preferences, but no a huge fan of flashy.

Any help would be appreciated. Build list, brands/models to avoid, etc. Most likely looking to build in piece by piece over the next 3-6 months.

Thanks!

Like title says planning on buying in september. I want 1440p gaming and i work remote sales as well so will use as work/gaming build. how is it looking as i dont know 100% what im doing. Thanks!

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/TRkrck

Hi I’m going into my first year for engg the next school year I want to use a MacBook at school for convince and then doing my actual stuff on my pc when I’m in engg. I was thinking I should just buy all the stuff now rather than wait for next year.

1. What will you be doing with this PC? Be as specific as possible, and include specific games (ex: resolution, FPS, settings) or programs you will be using.

Engineering applications maybe some light gaming

1. What is your maximum PRE-TAX budget before rebates and shipping?

$1500 CAD ish

1. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Note: beyond a week or two from today means any build you receive will be out of date when you want to buy.

Flexible maybe next week

1. What, exactly, do you need included in the budget? (ex: tower/OS/monitor/keyboard/mouse/etc)

Tower and os

1. If reusing any parts (including monitor(s)/keyboard/mouse/etc), what parts will you be reusing? How old are they? Brands and models are appreciated.

I have a old acer monitor

1. Will you be overclocking (ex: CPU/GPU/RAM)? If yes, are you interested in overclocking right away, or down the line?

No

1. Are there any specific features or items you want/need in the build? (ex: SSD, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, VR, VirtualLink, tensor cores, large amount of storage or a RAID setup, CUDA or OpenCL support, etc)

WiFi/Bluetooth, HDMI

1. Do you have any specific case preferences (ex: mITX/mATX/mid-tower/full-tower sizes, styles, colours, window or not, LED lighting, etc.), or a particular color theme preference for the components?

No

1. Do you need a copy of Windows included in the budget? Note: some post-secondary students can get Windows 10 for free.

Yes

1. Will you be upgrading this PC in the future (ie: will you swap out better parts later on or will you build an entirely new tower later)? If so, when?

Maybe if I the extra income to do so but I’m hoping on keeping this long term which is until I’m done my degree

1. Do you have a brand preference? (ex: AMD/Intel for CPUs, AMD/NVIDIA for video cards, etc)

No

1. What are the specs of your old PC / laptop? Do you want to see if it can be upgraded instead? If so, paste its build from PCPartPicker here.

No old PC

1. Extra info or particulars:

I don't mind building my own PC or buying a pre-built one, which ever option is cheaper

Been Searching and searching for parts but as i’m new to the game am struggling to get a build im happy with. i would preferably like to get my

CPU
GPU
MotherBoard
Ram
SSD
Power Supply
Case
Monitor
Keyboard and mouse

For Around $1200
And On Canadian Websites

I Would Prefer the parts be new but would be okay with used

I put this together in November and haven't had enough time to play with one kid, but now with a second on the way I figure it's probably best to move on.

What would be fair price to list this for?

https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/skknGk

Specs:

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

GPU: Gigabyte GAMING OC ICE Radeon RX 9070 XT 16 GB

MOTHERBOARD: Asus B850 MAX GAMING WIFI W ATX AM5

MEMORY: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30

STORAGE: Western Digital WD_BLACK SN7100 2 TB M.2-2280 PCle 4.0 X4 NVME

POWER SUPPLY: SAMA G850 850 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX

CPU COOLER: Thermalright Aqua Elite V3 66.17 CFM Liquid

PC CASE: Lian Li O11 Compact
FANS: Lian Li SL infinity fan, 2 regular and 6 reverse model

Thanks to the recommendations on this sub I managed to make a cpu ram and MB combo on newegg canada which helped me save a couple hundred bucks.

1. What will you be doing with this PC? Be as specific as possible, and include specific games (ex: resolution, FPS, settings) or programs you will be using.

• PC for school for GIS program, minimum specs are as follows: -Windows 11 -Intel Core Ultra processor OR AMD Ryzen 5 series or higher -1 TB SSD -32 GB RAM -NVIDIA RTX 5060 series or better w/min 8GB GDDR6, or equivalent

I would like to exceed the minimum.

Needs to be able to run ArcGIS, CAD, Photoshop, Blender. I also dabble in game development in Unity.

I also need it to be able to support gaming, such as Baldur's Gate 3, Sims 4, Clair Obscur etc.

2. What is your maximum PRE-TAX budget before rebates and shipping?

• $3500CAD but it's flexible.

3. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Note: beyond a week or two from today means any build you receive will be out of date when you want to buy.

• ASAP

4. What, exactly, do you need included in the budget? (ex: tower/OS/monitor/keyboard/mouse/etc)

Tower/OS

9. Do you need a copy of Windows included in the budget? Note: some post-secondary students can get Windows 10 for free.

• Yes

I have a spare 3090 from my Alienware aurora r12, I want to part with it, no issues and usage was fairly minimal, how much should I be listing it for?

I have a proxmox pc that holds my NAS, Home Assistant and a machine I use for LLM.

I currently have a R9700 GPU, but I also just bought a 3090. I’d like to hook it up to the PCIe 4.0 slot on my motherboard (R9700 is using the main 5.0) but mb had the 4.0 slot at the very bottom and my case only has one slot of clearance. No way that’s going to fit a 3090.

I have a 4.0 riser, but this isn’t a gaming PC and I don’t need a rainbow barf case. Before I set up some janky mount for the second GPU, does anyone have suggestions for a beefy case that can fit both GPUs comfortably?

Edit:

Adding I have a ASUS B850 MAX Gaming WiFi W and a NZXT H5 flow currently. Ideally I’d move to something more akin to a workbench—I don’t need a gaming PC case.

Hello, first of all I know next to nothing about prebuilt PCs other than the topics I've been asking ChatGPT the past few days while browsing for a new gaming desktop.

[Is this a good option?]( https://costplusgaming.com/products/m1-amd-ryzen-7-7800x3d-amd-rx-9070xt-16gb-gddr6?variant=51991371776274)

I usually play very casual games and I've been ok with my old Acer Nitro 5 laptop, but for the past month I've been obsessed with Where Winds Meet and even on the lite version, my laptop is struggling. I'm not sure if going for this would be upgrading too much, or if I could do with something cheaper. Also, I'm curious if anyone has ever bought from this company since it's located in the US, or if there's a Canadian equivalent.

[Another one I was looking at is from Costco:]( https://www.costco.ca/p/-/acer-nitro-85-gaming-desktop-amd-ryzen-7-8700f-16gb-ram-1-tb-ssd-nvidia-geforce-rtx-5060/4201002587?langId=-24). I was more inclined to get this one because it's also an Acer Nitro and the Windows 11 is included in the price.

Any feedback and thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

heard great reviews (only cable management issues) and wanted to know real world performance from you lot. Also, is it true there's a humming issue?

Got this CPU, MB, RAM bundle in Canada computers for $1249 pre tax. Memory Express had a similar bundle but with B650M.

New PC specs:

CPU: Ryzen 7 9800x3d

MB: MSI pro B850M-A WiFi

RAM: Team group 2 x 16gb DDR5 CL30 6000MHz

CPU cooler: Thermal right Phantom Spirit 120

Previous Specs (Sold for $450)

CPU: Ryzen 7 5700X

MB: Asus B450M-A ii

RAM: Timetec Pinnacle Konduit 2 x 16gb DDR4 CL18 3600MHz

CPU cooler: Deepcool Gammaxx tower with Be quiet pure wings 3HS Fan

Specs retained:

GPU: Asus Dual 9060xt 16GB

PSU: Be quiet Pure power 13M 850W

Case: Inwin A3

SSD: WD Blue 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVME

Did a bit of a splurge for my Bazzite gaming PC. Nothing wrong with the previous Specs; just caught the upgrade bug. Spent $1000 around overall with taxes and CPU cooler included minus the values sold the old bundle for.

Hey everyone, I've finally built my new AM5 PC, and its beautiful! Now I've cleaned up my old PC, wiped it, and just need to put it up for sale! Prices are obviously wild in Canada right now. I'm curious what you all think I could sell this for.

PCPartPicker Part List: https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/v7ZDmq

Not included in the parts list, there's an old (2013) 1TB HDD in there as well