Can you still build a GOOD gaming rig for $1500 in 2025?

With PC prices seemingly out of control, can you still build a good gaming PC for $1500? Let's see what we can get! Thank you to Micro Center for sponsoring this video!

Parts List:
CPU - 9700X
Mobo - Gigabyte B650
Memory - GSkill 32GB 6000mhz CL36
GPU - PowerColor RX 7900XT
Cooler - Thermalrite Phantom Sprit 120
Storage - SK Hynix 2TB Platinum NVME SSD
PSU - BeQuiet 850w Gold
Case - Fractal Design Pop XL

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[Cwrigh]

Man you remember when 1500 was a top of the line build?

[xyodax]

I saw you at microcenter and asked you a question about gen 5 ssds, but I was too shy to ask for a picture. Thanks for being awesome and answering my question.

[veeclash]

Micro Center is possibly the best brick and mortar tech store in America. Thank goodness they exist!

[Huckleberry]

The fact that we even have to question if 1500 bucks is enough is the whole problem to begin with. Regardless if it's possible or not.

[exxor]

12:49 I can appreciate that guy. He recognized you, he looked like his mind was saying "Oh shit! That's Jay! He's kinda busy right now, so I won't bother him." and then walked away.

[Orlosthedruid]

Jay, I dont know if you read these posts....but I just woke up on Wednesday morning at 4am. and my desk is covered in boxes from MICROCENTER.
Yesterday, I went and bought this build.
I spent a bit more than you did, but that was because some items were not available and substitutions had to be made, and I bought the warranty on the GPU, CPU, MB.
And some 2TB SSD whatever.
I also got a new monitor to keep up with this GPU.
I think its time you made a video about 2025 monitors and all that jazz.

Stay healthy and happy bro. Youre doing great!

[rafael]

Really like the fact that Jay squeezed every dollar out of the shop to get good quality parts. Is basically 99% of us shoppers

[arztje]

Always a fan of budget-limit builds like this. Really helps give consumers some sense on what is reasonable and that you can have a good performance system without having to go broke.

[Bethos-Arne]

Informative video. Of course I would like to comment at each component but don't have the time -- but Jayz knows what he is talking about. I like this channel for being real and not driven my latest promos or stuff.

[okashiromi]

Dude, I remember when sub 1000 was enough for, even if not a super high end build, a good system that for sure will get you through the next close to a decade of gaming

[guerilla-pleb]

This is why Jay is my kinda guy. Instead of complaining about the price, give advice about the price.

[markmims]

Man I can't thank you enough! I have been gaming on a 1650 with 4gb for the past 4yrs, and recently realized that I needed something better. I almost brought a 4070 super and a 5070ti, but gave up due to the prices. But this video auto played the other day, and I'm lucky enough to live near a micro center! I literally went in today got the rx 7900xt, Not only that but this was also my first time installing a graphics card. So not only did you save me about $500 but, all the games that I was having issues with, now work! I no longer sitting around 30 - 50 FPS, Im getting double if not triple the FPS and that's with all the graphics setting now turned to high instead of low. I can finally play Dragon Dogma 2 now!

[MrMcGreed]

This is the kind of video that first got me to want to try and build my own PC.... so many years ago.
It is informative and enthusiastic at the same time... very well done! I'm so envious of living close to a Microcenter :/

[carmencrincoli]

Video instantly obsoleted. This is now a $2000 gaming rig.

[BenKickert]

Just built my first computer last weekend and I ended up with the same memory, cooler, and power supply. Very affirming to watch!

[justinzippo]

Bro as someone who knows nothing about gaming pc’s but really wanting one. Thank you so much for actually going to the store and showing everything because it’s so much more digestible than looking at the products online!

[TheSthotter]

May not have been intentional, but I love how the detail of the cooler is similar to the mesh pattern on the case.

[devinbaines]

Super well done, Jay, especially in situ as you did. Each choice is carefully explained and the options are outlined. Your selections are well thought out and the reasons you didn't go up a notch for each of them is also clearly laid out. Easily the best "let's go shopping" piece I have seen in a long time. Bravo. The new camera looks great, too. There are shots where it is actually above your head and I know you're a tall dude lol.

[MrCodyminner]

I built a new pc when the 9070 (xt) came out. I drove 3 hrs to microcenter after work and got a 7700x combo, with same mobo and ram combi you got, a thermalright assasin air cooler, the same black montech case you pointed out, 850 watt fully modular psu, 2tb ssd, and a 9070 (they were out of xt's) for under 1300 after tax. Its such an upgrade over my 10603gb and i5 7400

[eazyemco]

Two months ago, I built my first PC after 23 years on Xbox.

My Build:
- Ryzen 5 9700X
- Gigabyte RX 7900 XT
- 32 GB 6000 MHz RAM
- Two-terabyte SSD

I play my favorite games at 4K at 100+ fps.

I am very happy with the setup!

For €1500.