How to Build a Gaming PC on a Budget in 2026: Component Guide and $600–$1,200 Configurations

Building a gaming PC for $600 to $1,200 in 2026 delivers 1080p gaming at 60+ frames per second and often 1440p capability, matching or exceeding the performance of prebuilts costing 20 percent more. The most overlooked fact about budget PC building is this: the performance-per-dollar sweet spot has shifted steadily downward in cost since 2023. A $900 custom-built machine using off-the-shelf components and an hour of assembly time now outperforms $1,100 prebuilts of identical component specifications—partly because system integrators add $100+ in labor, thermal paste, cable management, and bloatware that takes 40 minutes to remove. This guide cuts through marketing and shows you exactly which components matter for gaming, which to buy used versus new, where real bottlenecks occur, and how to avoid the five most expensive beginner mistakes.

Why Building a PC Makes Sense in 2026

The case for DIY PC building rests on four concrete advantages: cost per frame, upgradeability, component choice, and longevity.

Cost advantage: A prebuilt $1,000 machine typically allocates $550 to hardware and $450 to labor, margin, bloatware, thermal compound, and warranty overhead. A custom $900 build of identical component specs costs $850–$870 in parts plus $30–$50 in shipping, leaving $50–$120 pure savings. Multiply by volume (you may build three systems over five years) and the savings compound.

Upgradeability: Prebuilts often use proprietary power supplies, non-standard motherboard form factors, or cheap PSUs rated conservatively. When you want to upgrade your GPU in two years—swapping a $200 RTX 4060 for a hypothetical $400 RTX 5070—a prebuilt PSU may be undersized or may lack proper wattage headroom. A properly spec'd custom PSU (600–750 W) survives two GPU generations.

Component transparency: When you choose each part, you know the exact thermal solution, VRM quality on the motherboard, capacitor type and lifespan in the PSU, and warranty terms for RAM. Many prebuilts use rebadged, OEM-only components with 1-year warranties and no upgrade paths. Consumer-grade components from brands like Corsair, Crucial, and EVGA carry 3–10 year warranties and are replaceable in any motherboard.

Maintenance and learning: Building teaches you cable routing, thermal paste application, and which components are user-accessible. After one build, clearing dust from a cooler, reseating RAM, or swapping a drive becomes routine—work prebuilt buyers pay $80–$150 to have a technician handle.

Source: Tom's Hardware (2025) — annual prebuilt teardown analysis showing component-cost discrepancy in systems under $1,200, comparing equivalent custom-build costs.

How Much Should You Spend: Budget Tier Breakdown

The right budget depends on your performance target. Here's what realistic 2026 expectations are.

Entry-level ($600–$700): Targets 1080p/60 fps in AAA games (mid-low settings), competitive esports at 100+ fps. Pairs a Ryzen 5 7500F or Intel i5-13100F with an RTX 4060 or RTX 4060 Ti. Adequate for online gaming, single-player campaigns, and competitive shooters. Thermal cooling is basic but sufficient. Storage is typically 512 GB SSD (fast but tight for modern games; expansion required in year two).

Mid-range ($850–$1,000): Targets 1440p/60 fps (high settings) or 1080p/100+ fps refresh. Pairs a Ryzen 5 5600X3D, Ryzen 7 5700X, or Intel i5-13600K with an RTX 4070 or RTX 4070 Super. Most versatile tier for longevity—plays anything released through 2027 at 1440p, high settings, 60+ fps. Includes 1 TB SSD, adequate aftermarket cooler, and 32 GB RAM for streaming/multitasking.

High-refresh ($1,100–$1,200): Targets 1440p/100+ fps or 4K/60 fps. Pairs a Ryzen 7 7700X or Intel i7-13700K with an RTX 4070 Ti or RTX 4070 Super. Includes high-speed RAM (6000 MHz CAS 30 or better), 1–2 TB NVMe storage, and a 750 W PSU for headroom.

Source: PCPartPicker (2026) — pricing and compatibility data for configurations under $1,200, cross-validated with current Amazon and Newegg listings.

Component-by-Component Breakdown: Where to Allocate Your Budget

Building a budget PC is an allocation problem. Most builders spend evenly across all components and end up with unbalanced machines. The rule is simple: GPU and CPU consume 55–65 percent of your budget; everything else (motherboard, case, cooler, storage) splits the remainder.

CPU: The Processor

The CPU handles game logic, physics, and AI. In gaming, a GPU does most framerate work, but a weak CPU creates bottlenecks in CPU-bound scenarios (large multiplayer servers, complex physics simulations, high-refresh competitive gaming).

For budget builds, aim for a mid-range CPU, not the cheapest. A Ryzen 5 7500F ($120–$140) or Intel i5-13100F ($140–$160) is sufficient for 1080p/60 fps gaming. The next step up—Ryzen 7 5700X ($200–$220) or Intel i5-13600K ($240–$270)—unlocks 1440p/100+ fps and future-proofs you two years.

Used vs. new: CPUs hold value well and are rarely defective. Buying used from reputable sellers (eBay with return guarantee, local forums with references) saves 10–25 percent. However, used CPUs come without retail packaging or warranty, and replacement warranty typically drops from 3 years to 30 days. Buy new if you value peace of mind; buy used if you're confident in the seller.

Avoid: Severely discounted older stock (Ryzen 3 3100 at rock-bottom prices) is often a sign of overstocked, higher-failure inventory. Stick to current-generation CPUs at reasonable prices.

Source: TechPowerUp CPU Database (2026) — thermal design power, boost clock, core count, and gaming benchmark comparisons for CPUs under $300.

GPU: The Graphics Card

The GPU determines your gaming performance more than any other component. It renders pixels, applies lighting, and handles textures. A strong GPU paired with a modest CPU will always outperform the inverse.

For budget builds:

• RTX 4060 (6 GB VRAM): $220–$250. Handles 1080p/60 fps (high settings) in most AAA games. Good VRAM ceiling for modern games at 1080p.
• RTX 4060 Ti (8 GB VRAM): $280–$320. Roughly 20 percent faster. Necessary if targeting 1440p.
• RTX 4070: $420–$480. Roughly 60 percent faster than 4060 Ti. Enables confident 1440p/60+ fps.
• RTX 4070 Super: $480–$550. Slight performance improvement over 4070; worth the cost if under $50 difference.

AMD alternatives (RX 7600, RX 7700 XT, RX 7800 XT) track pricing closely but often have weaker driver support for older games and variable encoding quality (relevant if streaming).

Used GPU caution: Crypto mining (2021–2023) left thousands of GPUs with degraded memory—they work fine initially but fail within months. Buy used GPUs from non-mining sources only: corporate selloffs, warranty replacements, or verified private sellers. GPU memory degradation is difficult to test without running stress tests for 48+ hours. Most honest sellers accept returns on defective GPUs; defaulters do not. New GPUs carry 2–3 year warranties; used GPUs typically lose warranty entirely.

Source: Tom's Hardware (2025) — GPU tier comparisons and benchmarks for RTX 40-series cards at various resolutions and settings.

Motherboard: The Platform

The motherboard connects all components. In a $900 budget build, avoid spending more than $120–$160 here. A B650 motherboard (like ASRock B650M-H or ASUS B650E-A) offers good power delivery, PCIe 5.0 (useful for future GPU upgrades), and modern BIOS features.

Avoid false economy: Spending $80 on a budget B550 board to save $40 against a B650 is false economy—you lose PCIe 5.0 and slightly worse power delivery (resulting in higher idle power draw and thermal stress at sustained loads). The $40 saving over a system's 5-year lifespan is negligible against the lost upgrade potential and thermal cost.

Used motherboards: Buy new if possible. Used boards may have bent pins (Intel LGA1700) or defective power delivery components, both of which are difficult to diagnose before catastrophic failure.

Source: TechPowerUp Motherboard Database (2026) — VRM quality, PCIe gen support, and power delivery specs for B650 and X870 boards under $200.

RAM: Memory

For 2026 gaming, 32 GB is the minimum reasonable specification (16 GB is tight for background multitasking and future OS overhead). Buy 2x16 GB kits; dual-channel mode is noticeably faster than single-channel.

Speed and latency: For Ryzen, aim for 6000 MHz CAS 30 or 5600 MHz CAS 30. For Intel, 6000 MHz CAS 30–36 is standard. The difference between 5600 MHz CAS 30 and 6000 MHz CAS 30 is roughly 2–3 percent real-world fps—not worth the cost premium unless it's under $5 difference. Avoid off-brand or no-name DRAM; Crucial, Kingston, Corsair, and G.Skill are reliable and carry multi-year warranties.

Used RAM: RAM is extraordinarily reliable. Buying used 2x8 GB or 2x16 GB kits from reputable sellers saves 20–30 percent. Test with MemTest86 (free, runs from USB) before committing to a full build; if it passes 8 hours, it's sound.

Source: Crucial (2026) — DDR5 specifications and compatibility for Ryzen 7000 and Intel 13th-gen systems.

Storage: NVMe SSD

Install a single 1 TB NVMe SSD (PCIe 4.0 or 5.0, $80–$120). This is fast enough for the OS, essential applications, and 3–4 large games. Plan to add a second drive within six months (modern AAA games are 100–150 GB each).

Used storage: Buying used NVMe drives is moderate-risk. SSDs degrade gracefully—you can test remaining lifespan with CrystalDiskInfo (free). Avoid severely worn drives (under 80 percent health remaining). A $60 used 1 TB Samsung 980 Pro with 95 percent health is a reasonable purchase.

Don't cheap out on brand: Avoid no-name 1 TB drives under $40 that appear on Newegg clearance sales. They often have slow controllers, no DRAM, and fail within 18 months. Spend $90 for a reputable brand (Samsung, Crucial, WD) and know it will outlast the machine.

Power Supply: PSU (Non-Negotiable)

Your PSU is the one component that should never be used or budget-compromised. A cheap PSU is a fire risk, a hardware-killer, and a warranty nightmare.

For a $900 build with an RTX 4070, use a 650–750 W supply. For a $600 build with an RTX 4060, use a 550–650 W supply. Buy from reputable brands with strong warranties: Corsair, EVGA, Seasonic, Gigabyte (AORUS), or Super Flower. Expect to spend $80–$130.

Efficiency rating: 80+ Gold is the minimum for 2026. A Gold-rated PSU is 88–92 percent efficient, meaning it wastes 8–12 percent as heat. Bronze-rated supplies are 80–85 percent efficient and run hotter; avoid them.

Modular vs. semi-modular: Modular supplies have removable cables (cleaner builds). Semi-modular is cheaper and eliminates 70 percent of hard-wired cables. For budget builds, semi-modular is fine and saves $20–$30.

New only: Never buy used PSUs. Capacitors degrade, and you cannot inspect internal quality without opening the unit. A failed PSU under load can destroy your entire system.

Source: Hardwareluxx PSU Database (2025) — efficiency ratings, ripple measurements, and reliability data for 650 W and 750 W supplies.

Cooling: CPU Cooler

Budget coolers ($30–$60) handle Ryzen 5 7500F and i5 series effortlessly. A $35 Deepcool AK400 or $50 Noctua NH-U12S Red Edition is sufficient, quiet, and reliable. Avoid stock coolers bundled with CPUs—they are adequate in thermals but louder and bulkier than aftermarket options.

AIO (all-in-one liquid) coolers: Tempting at $100+, but for budget builds, they add cost without gaming benefit—air coolers cool just as well. Save the $70 difference for storage or a better GPU.

Case: Enclosure

A case is a container with airflow holes. Avoid spending more than $60–$80. Corsair 4000D Airflow, NZXT H510 Flow, and Lian Li Lancool 205 are reliable, offer good airflow, and accept standard components. Some budget cases have substandard cable management—acceptable if you don't plan to show the machine to friends, which saves you $30–$50.

Table: Budget Tier Component Allocation ($900 Mid-Range Build)

Component	Role	Budget	Example	Notes
CPU	Logic, physics, AI	$200–$250	Ryzen 7 5700X	Second-hand or sale price acceptable
GPU	Rendering, framerate	$420–$500	RTX 4070	Most critical for gaming FPS; buy new
Motherboard	Platform, expansion	$120–$160	ASRock B650M-H	Adequate B650; no need for flagship
RAM	System memory	$80–$100	Crucial 32GB 6000MHz	New; test if used; dual-channel only
SSD	OS + games (primary)	$90–$110	Samsung 980 Pro 1TB	New; second drive planned for year 2
PSU	Power distribution	$100–$130	Corsair RM750e	750W 80+ Gold; critical component
Cooler	Thermal management	$40–$60	Deepcool AK400	Air cooler sufficient; no AIO needed
Case	Chassis, airflow	$60–$80	Corsair 4000D Airflow	Functional; cable mgmt non-critical
Misc (fans, cables, tax)	Peripherals	$40–$60	Extra PWM fans, thermal paste	Usually included in totals
TOTAL	—	$900	—	1440p/60 fps capable

Source: PCPartPicker (2026) — real-time part selection and compatibility checks for sub-$1,000 builds.

Common Beginner Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Skimping on the PSU

Symptom: Buying an 80+ Bronze 550 W PSU for $50 to save money.

Why it fails: A 550 W Bronze supply powering a $500 GPU at peak load runs at 95+ percent capacity—near thermal and electrical limits. Efficiency drops; heat rises; failure probability increases. When a cheap PSU fails under load, it can take your motherboard, GPU, or storage with it.

Fix: Allocate 15–17 percent of total budget to the PSU. A $900 build deserves a $130 Corsair 750 W Gold supply, not a $50 unknown brand 550 W Bronze.

Mistake 2: Buying a Used GPU Without Verification

Symptom: Purchasing a $200 used RTX 4060 Ti from an unknown eBay seller, no testing.

Why it fails: Crypto-mined GPUs have degraded VRAM. The card works fine for two weeks, then crashes or shows artifacts. Diagnosing memory degradation requires running stress tests (8+ hours of FurMark or MemTest), which most buyers skip.

Fix: Buy used GPUs only from miners or corporate sellers with return policies (30+ days). Run 8-hour stress tests before committing. Alternatively, spend the extra $40 for a new card with a 2-year warranty.

Mistake 3: Buying a CPU and Motherboard Mismatch

Symptom: Choosing a high-end Intel i9-13900K ($500) paired with a B650 motherboard meant for Ryzen. Realizing too late they use different sockets.

Why it fails: Intel and AMD have incompatible sockets (Intel LGA1700, AMD AM5). This is a catastrophic mistake caught only during assembly—by then, you have two incompatible parts.

Fix: Choose your CPU first, then choose the correct socket motherboard. Verify socket compatibility before adding items to cart. Intel 12th/13th gen use LGA1700. AMD Ryzen 5000 series use AM4. AMD Ryzen 7000 use AM5.

Mistake 4: Bottlenecking in the Wrong Direction

Symptom: Pairing a $600 RTX 4080 with a $60 Ryzen 3 3100, expecting frame rates, then finding the CPU throttles the GPU to 60 percent utilization.

Why it fails: A weak CPU cannot feed data to a powerful GPU fast enough. Frames per second remain low despite an expensive GPU because CPU-side AI, physics, and draw calls pile up.

Fix: In budget builds, CPU and GPU should be within one tier of each other. For a $400 GPU, use a $180–$220 CPU. For a $220 GPU, use a $120–$150 CPU.

Mistake 5: Assuming 16 GB RAM is Enough

Symptom: Building with 2x8 GB RAM, then finding Windows 11 + one AAA game + one Discord/streaming app leaves 2–3 GB free—causing stuttering and background app slowdown.

Why it fixes: OS overhead grows. In 2026, Windows 11 22H2 idles at 4–5 GB. One AAA game uses 8–12 GB. A streaming app (OBS) uses 1–2 GB. You're at 14–19 GB before factoring in spikes. 16 GB leaves you in danger; 32 GB is baseline.

Fix: Budget 32 GB (2x16 GB) as minimum, even if it costs an extra $40. The $40 difference between 16 GB and 32 GB is trivial against years of usability.

New vs. Used: What to Buy When

Component	New	Used	Reasoning
CPU	60% of budget builders choose new	40% choose used	CPUs rarely fail; 10–25% savings if seller trustworthy
GPU	85%+ new	15% used (caution)	Mining risk; test 48+ hours if used
Motherboard	95%+ new	5% used	Bent pins (Intel), capacitor failure hard to diagnose
RAM	60% new, 40% used	40% used—acceptable	Highly reliable; MemTest86 validation easy; 20–30% savings
SSD	75% new, 25% used (caution)	25% used—test health	CrystalDiskInfo shows remaining lifespan easily
PSU	100% new	0% used	Capacitor degradation; fire risk; always new
Cooler	70% new, 30% used	30% used—acceptable	Thermal paste dries out; reapply if used
Case	80% new, 20% used	20% used—acceptable	Structural damage hard to spot; new is safer

1080p vs. 1440p vs. 4K: What to Expect at Each Budget

1080p Gaming ($600 Entry Build)

A $600 build with RTX 4060 and Ryzen 5 7500F handles 1080p/60 fps (high settings) in 90 percent of AAA games released through 2025. Older games (2018–2022) run at 1080p/100+ fps. Esports games (Valorant, CS2, Dota 2) hit 144+ fps easily.

Longevity: Good for 2 years (until 2028). After that, new games push toward baseline 1440p, leaving 1080p builds on medium settings.

1440p Gaming ($900 Mid-Range Build)

A $900 build with RTX 4070 and Ryzen 7 5700X handles 1440p/60 fps (high settings) in most current AAA games. Demanding releases (Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield, Avatar Frontiers) require medium settings at 1440p/60 or high settings at 1080p/120 fps.

Longevity: Excellent through 2027. Remains relevant at 1440p/60 fps (baseline expectation) into 2028.

4K Gaming ($1,200+ High-End Builds)

4K (2160p) is resource-intensive: 4 times the pixels of 1080p. A $1,200 build with RTX 4070 Ti handles 4K/60 fps only in lighter AAA games (Baldur's Gate 3, Elden Ring) at high settings. Demanding titles require medium settings or DLSS/FSR upscaling.

Longevity: Minimal. 4K at 60 fps is a 5-year target, not a current-generation feature for budget builds.

Recommendation for budget builders: Prioritize 1440p/60 fps as your target. It is the 2026 standard for longevity and offers visual fidelity over 1080p without the extreme resource cost of 4K.

Source: TechPowerUp GPU Review Database (2025) — benchmark results for RTX 4060, 4070, 4070 Ti across 1080p, 1440p, 4K at various detail settings.

Building vs. Prebuilts: The Tradeoff

A prebuilt $1,000 system has three disadvantages: component bloat, proprietary architecture, and hidden thermal corner-cutting.

Component bloat: Prebuilts often include 1 TB HDD + 256 GB SSD (redundant slow drive taking cable space), cheap RGB fans with proprietary software (bloatware), and three-year warranties that cost $0 for a $15 PSU and $80 for the 2-year manufacturer warranty already included. You're paying for extras you don't want.

Proprietary architecture: Some Alienware and ASUS prebuilts use non-standard motherboard sizes, PSU connectors, or form factors that lock you into the manufacturer's ecosystem for upgrades.

Thermal corner-cutting: Prebuilts sometimes skimp on case airflow (sealed designs for aesthetics) or use inadequate cooling to hit price targets. Your $1,000 prebuilt thermals at 78°C under load; your $900 custom build with proper airflow thermals at 62°C.

Prebuilt advantage: One-stop warranty. If any component fails in year one, you RMA the whole system, not individual parts. This matters only if you cannot handle individual RMAs—an uncommon scenario for budget builders who are already comfortable with technology.

Verdict: For budget builds under $1,200, building saves $150–$300 and gives you component control. Prebuilts are only worthwhile if you value single-contact warranty above all else and don't plan to upgrade for 5 years.

Step-by-Step Assembly Outline

1. Prepare workspace: Static mat, good lighting, all parts verified for compatibility.
2. Install CPU: Remove cooler, open retention bracket on motherboard, seat CPU gently, secure retention bracket.
3. Install RAM: Align key, push both clips, press module firmly until both clips snap into place.
4. Install SSD: Remove screw, insert M.2 drive at 30° angle, press down, secure screw.
5. Install I/O backplate: Press case's metal I/O shield, remove motherboard's cardboard backplate, align and snap metal backplate into place.
6. Install motherboard: Align screw holes, insert eight M3 brass standoffs into case, lower motherboard, align screw holes, hand-tighten eight screws.
7. Install PSU: Remove PSU bracket from case, mount PSU, screw in place, route power cables.
8. Connect front panel headers: Power button, reset, LEDs, USB 3.0, audio to motherboard headers (diagram in manual).
9. Install GPU: Push PCIe slot retention clip, align GPU with slot, press firmly until click, secure bracket to case.
10. Final checks: Verify RAM is fully seated, CPU cooler is level, GPU is secure, all power connectors are clicked in.
11. Power on test: Before closing case, power on and verify fans spin and LEDs light.

Source: Linus Tech Tips (2025) — video guides for PC assembly for each motherboard form factor and component type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it hard to build a PC if I've never done it?

A: No. Assembly requires no soldering, no specialized tools beyond a Phillips screwdriver, and takes one hour for a first-time builder. Motherboard manuals show every header and connector. The most common failure is forgetting to push RAM or the CPU cooler's mounting bracket until it clicks—both are benign if reversed (no damage, just doesn't power on). YouTube guides walk through every step; pause and follow along.

Q: Can I upgrade a prebuilt later, or is it locked down?

A: Some prebuilts are locked. Check the case design: if the side panel requires a key or proprietary tool, or the PSU is non-standard wattage, upgrades are restricted. With a custom build, every component is standard and replaceable. This is why custom-built PCs have 5–7 year useful lives; prebuilts often become obsolete after 3–4 years because upgrading is impractical.

Q: What if I pick parts that don't fit together?

A: PCPartPicker (free website) cross-references all part compatibility. Add parts to a build list, and it alerts you to any incompatibilities before you buy. Motherboard socket mismatches, RAM speed incompatibilities with CPU, and case clearance issues are all caught. Use it.

Q: Should I buy an RTX 4070 or wait for RTX 5070?

A: RTX 5070 is likely launching in early 2025, but if you need a PC now, don't wait six months. Current RTX 4070 at $450 is a solid 1440p/60 fps GPU. If you can wait and the 5070 launches at $400 (uncertain), you gain 20–30 percent more performance for the same price. But waiting locks you out of gaming for months. Buy now if you need the PC; buy later if you can afford to wait.

Q: What's the difference between PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 for storage?

A: Real-world difference is unmeasurable (PCIe 5.0 SSDs are 2–3 percent faster in game load times, unnoticeable). Buy PCIe 4.0 to save $20–$30; it's fully adequate through 2028. Motherboards with PCIe 5.0 support are future-proof but don't buy a $60 more expensive motherboard for a feature that won't matter for years.

Q: Can I reuse old parts from a previous build?

A: RAM, SSDs, and cases are usually compatible across builds. CPU coolers are compatible if the socket matches (Ryzen AM5 fits any AM5 motherboard, Intel LGA1700 fits any LGA1700 board). Motherboards are not reusable if changing CPU brand (Intel to AMD requires new board). PSU is reusable if wattage is sufficient for new parts. Test old parts before relying on them.

Final Thoughts: When to Build vs. Wait

Build now if you need a PC for 2026 gaming. The $900 mid-range configuration ($550–$600 CPU+GPU) is mature and stable. Build later if you have six months and want RTX 5000-series (expected late 2025), which offers 20–30 percent better performance per dollar.

The cost barrier to entry is lower than ever. In 2020, a $600 build was barebones; in 2026, it is legitimately gaming-capable. The difference between a $600 build and a $1,200 build is not a chasm—it is 60 percent more performance in games where GPU is the bottleneck (1440p AAA), and zero performance difference in CPU-bound esports games. Allocate according to your resolution and game preference, buy components conservatively from established brands, and assemble in a quiet hour. The result is a machine you understand completely, can upgrade yourself, and will enjoy for years.

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Sources and Further Reading

Source: Steam Hardware Survey (February 2026) — GPU and CPU distribution among active players; RTX 40-series and Ryzen 7000 series dominate mid-range at $600–$1,200 budget categories.

Source: TechPowerUp CPU and GPU Databases (2026) — specifications, TDP, boost clocks, and gaming benchmarks for budget components.

Source: Linus Tech Tips (2025) — assembly guides, compatibility verification, and troubleshooting for budget PC builds.

Source: Gamers Nexus (2025) — PSU analysis, efficiency testing, and reliability data for mid-range supplies under $150.

Source: Hardware Unboxed (2026) — frame-rate benchmarks for RTX 4060, 4070, and 4070 Ti across 1080p, 1440p, and 4K at various detail presets.

Source: Tom's Hardware (2026) — storage speed testing (PCIe 4.0 vs. 5.0), motherboard VRM analysis, and thermal solution comparisons.

Source: Newegg and Amazon Pricing (June 2026) — real-time component costs and availability for configurations under $1,200.

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