Graphics card
Usually the biggest gaming performance driver. Prioritise it for 1440p gaming, high settings and demanding titles. Compare benchmarks for the games you actually play.
THE BUILD STATION / LIVE BUILD
CONNOR. BUILD / 001
Connecting
PRIVATE BUILD WORKSPACE
Welcome to the lab.
Sign in to keep your build synced on PC and iPhone.
Join Connor's PC Build Lab
Have an invitation code? Enter it below to unlock the shared build.
01 / THE BUILD LAB ● LIVE WORKSPACE
THE CONTROL
ROOM.
The hunt for the perfect setup starts here.
SYSTEM BUILDER / LIVE RESEARCH
Connor's Gaming PC
Your rig. Your picks. The best deals on both sides of the Pacific.
TOTAL BUILD BUDGET · USD / AUD
Set your budget
Give the build a spending target to work towards.
Start with a budget, then add hardware.
BEST ACTIVE LISTINGS—No priced parts yet
DEALS FOUND FOR0 / 8Categories with active deals
THE PARTS WALL 01 — 08
SYSTEM BUILDER
Choose your hardware
Eight slots. Endless possibilities. Click a part to compare contenders and track deals.
| Component | Top contender | Target range | Best active deal | Other options |
|---|
All prices are shown in USD and AUD. Exchange rates are manually configured.
CONNOR'S BUILD / 001YOUR BUILD · YOUR RULES
CONNOR'S PC BUILD LAB / SHOWCASE
BUILT
TO OWN
THE GAME.
Welcome to your PC Build Lab, Connor. Your build. Your budget. Your choices. Start exploring components, compare deals and put together your dream gaming PC.
THE TARGET—
BUILD STATUSPLANNING
GEFORCERTX
THE RIG / WORK IN PROGRESS
DESIGNED TO GAME. BUILT TO LAST.001 — 008 / COMPONENTS
THE LINEUP / CURRENT PICKS
Inside the build.
MARKET INTELLIGENCE
Deal archive
Expired offers stay here so you know what a good price looks like.
PLAN YOUR SPEND
Build budget
Your ranges are guides, not spending limits.
PERSONALISE YOUR LAB
Settings
Change how the site looks and how your builds are presented.
MAKE IT YOURS
Appearance & personalisation
Personal settings stay on this browser. Build showcase settings are saved per build on this browser.
Current build showcase
These options are unique to the selected build on this browser.
Invite a collaborator
Generate a private, single-use invitation code now. Connor can create his own account and redeem it whenever he likes. The code expires after 14 days.
Send this code privately. It can only be used once.
Your data
Export the saved parts and listings for your records.
THE BUILDER'S FIELD GUIDE
Build smarter.
Spend where it matters. Check compatibility. Buy when the deal is right.
START HERE / BUDGET STRATEGY
Don't split the budget evenly.
For a gaming PC, the graphics card usually deserves the biggest share. These are planning guidelines, not fixed rules. Your actual build, games, monitor resolution and local deals may change the balance.
All amounts are USD, rounded to the nearest dollar. This is a suggested allocation, not a live price quote. Monitor, keyboard, mouse, Windows licence and delivery are not included.
01 / KNOW YOUR PARTS
What each component does
Processor
Handles game logic, background tasks and high frame rates. Avoid spending so much here that you must downgrade the GPU. Check socket compatibility.
Motherboard
Must match the CPU socket and support your RAM. Check Wi-Fi, ports, BIOS support and future upgrade options. Premium boards rarely increase gaming FPS.
Memory
For a new gaming build, 32 GB is a useful target if affordable; 16 GB can still be a budget option. Confirm DDR4 versus DDR5 and motherboard support.
SSD
Choose an NVMe SSD where supported. Aim for enough space for Windows and games; 1 TB is a practical starting point. Leave room for future expansion.
CPU cooling
Many CPUs can use a capable air cooler. Check whether a stock cooler is included, socket mounting, case clearance and expected heat output.
Case & airflow
Choose airflow and component clearance before RGB. Verify motherboard form factor, GPU length, cooler height and included fans.
Power supply
Don't cut corners on safety. Buy a reputable model with enough wattage and the right GPU connectors. Check professional reviews and warranty.
02 / BEFORE YOU BUY
Six checks that save money
01 · Pick your target. Decide which games, monitor resolution and refresh rate matter most.
02 · Check compatibility. CPU socket, motherboard, RAM type, PSU connectors and case clearance must all match.
03 · Compare total cost. Include shipping, tax, currency conversion and import costs when comparing US and Australian deals.
04 · Compare exact models. A similar product name can hide a different chipset, VRAM amount or revision.
05 · Track deals, don't chase them. Save listings and mark expired offers rather than deleting price history.
06 · Test before committing. For used parts, ask about testing, warranty, returns and the seller's history.
HOW TO USE BUILD LAB
From link to shortlist.
Open Build Lab, choose a component category, paste a retailer or marketplace link and review the suggested product details. If a site blocks lookup, enter a short model name yourself. Save multiple offers for the same part, promote your favourite contender and revisit prices when you're ready to buy.