How To Build a $3000-$5000 High-End Gaming PC - Step-by-Step Guide

[@paulshardware]

Thanks for watching everyone! In case you missed it, this is Part 3 of a 4-part series, and Part 2 was the $900 budget build that covered a lot of the building basics: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIbYaIFuqdZniKc The parts I use in this video cost well over $3000, as many have pointed out, but that's the starting price range I think builds should be if they're going to use stuff like full RGB fan setups, high-end AIO liquid coolers, and $200+ cases. Also, the description has been updated with the correct power supply and case. 🙏

[@wolarts]

meanwhile all the full rgb custom loop setups I see for a i5 12400 🤦‍♂🤦‍♂🤦‍♂

[@johncra8982]

Hope Part 4 goes up soon, seeing as I'll be using this video to set up my own 4090 strix 13900k build by this weekend 👀

[@remnow]

Will you please mention how to set up undervolt on this cpu in part 4? I've read a lot about how you can go into bios and switch something so it's not always pushing it closer to 100c, and it doesn't seem to hurt performance much at all.

[@IRefuseToUseThisStupidFeature]

Thank you for letting me know about the rgb that requires a whole other components to make it change colour or pulse.

[@TheRealLaughingGravy]

I wish the Micro Center near my house was a huge warehouse store like this. Ours is pretty small by comparison, always feels a little cramped. We used to have a Fry's near us that was cavernous and gave me that awesome "Oh, where should I look first?" feeling, but of course they've been gone for several years now.

[@user-sw7js4jw7v]

I'd call myself an intermediate PC builder, I don't need these how-to videos. But I just love watching Paul explain stuff and put together a nice system. Cheers Paul!

[@SupraManG]

Paul, I tip my hat to you, sir. You explained how to build a pc from Start to Finish in such detailed manner. I even admire how you explained the different RGB headers on the MB. I can honestly appreciate a content creator such as you and much respect has been earned. Keep up the good work, M8👍🏽

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

glad someone noticed

[@Slapshotdaddyo]

Hey Paul, thanks for your wonderful and re-fresher modern new PC builds. You're one of the few You-Tubers that keeps 100% focused on the basics of computer tech and genuinely pleasant to follow over the years! Well done, Paul! 👌

[@TheWarmestFuzzy]

I always enjoy watching a build video. Hardware has changed enough in the past 5 or so years that this guide for a high end build actually contains some pretty useful information that could prevent someone from making a costly mistake. Good video

[@jimcarpenter2623]

I wish Phoenix had a Micro Center now that Fry's Electronics is gone. Micro Center, are you listening?

[@sephondranzer]

Right?! Bro it’s a friggin’ desert out here, of course we game!!!!

[@wateryevents960]

Same here in Western Washington since the Renton Fry's by Boeing field closed two years ago.

[@hxrdwired]

i told microcenter i would buy them pizza if we got one in vegas, we have no decent computer shops since fry's left :(

[@Jdogg4089]

Same, don't have one here. I get so mad hearing like 90% of the channels telling me "Oh, remember to shop at microcenter!" Like, bruh 🥲

[@wateryevents960]

I think micro center should buy GameStop and turn a bunch of their retail outlets into mini microcenters. That would be cool

[@VolrathMTG]

I'm at 25 minutes currently, but I had to pause and prematurely thank you for making such a damn good video. Out of every other video I've been skimming through, you speak so well, and are easy to understand. This video is a gold mine for me. Thank you so much!

[@_Devil]

I sometimes like watching the high-end builds just as much as the low-end ones. From what I've noticed, it seems like the GPU's are always set (usually whatever the most expensive AMD or Nvidia card is), but the CPU part is always interesting because everyone has different tastes. While usually more cores = better, sometimes people will build high-end 6-core builds because that's what they prefer, and they explain why. Some day I wanna visit a Microcenter and build my own PC. Let's hope they expand into Arkansas soon!

[@Paladin2010]

Fellow Arkansan here. I second that!

[@Rayer24]

6 cores for a high end build in 2023 seems so dumb

[@RyanLBC]

but thank God for options like the 5800x3D you can still pair that with any high end gpu at a great price and it still one of the best even with the 7800x3d as another option.

[@garymbushsr.7723]

My son just finished the build last night, with one small problem: CPU overheating and shutting down the system. AIO seemed to be the culprit. I stayed up checking every connection and tightened up the pump block screws (not to overtighten mind you). We got it to POST with no errors and it is sitting in setup at about 43 degrees. Awaiting his return from 8th grade school trip to DC and Paul’s return so we can finish installing everything. Yes, I could do it while my son is away, but I might learn something from Paul and my son can learn too. Thank you Paul.

[@HealthySkepticism1775]

These comments make me scared to build my own PC. I'm worried I'll get thousands of dollars into the build then have these types of issues.

[@garymbushsr.7723]

@@HealthySkepticism1775 I think your fear is valid, but really, there is nothing to worry about. Just do it. You will feel a great sense of accomplishment and get the parts you want. Run into any issues and you have a great community to help out. He is very happy with his system.

[@outlet6989]

Thanks for Part 3. Building my PC was one thing and pretty easy. My most challenging task comes after I finish my build. I'm ready for part 4.

[@Justakrikin]

This is so crazy. I used your old new egg videos to help me build my first PC back in like 2016

[@dushaunlewis7574]

same

[@Gino_Valley]

Yep, this one was my go-to from way back when: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpCYZ56vnsdggtU

[@dushaunlewis7574]

@@Gino_Valley SAME. That video is responsible for bringing me into computers. I wouldn't be here without it.

[@BraceDeville]

I appreciate that despite having done a few builds already, I always seem to learn something when watching these Paul.

[@icollidge]

Excellent Guide Paul. I shall head out right now and build the aforementioned $AUD 4,500 PC post haste... As soon as I save up for it, so hopefully some time around 2030.

[@leifbennetts3856]

Can you please release part 4 with this build? I'm building nearly the exact same pc using this amazing tutorial.

[@ChrisStoneinator]

Which bits do you need help with bud?

[@garymbushsr.7723]

Wanted to say, that particular case comes with an anti sag gpu bracket that attaches to the motherboard out of sight (we have ours on the outermost standoffs to the right (it comes with spacers). The gpu also comes with one, but it would probably be in sight, near the case glass.

[@flybriur]

FYI -- if you're using an Arctic Liquid Freezer II, it's recommended to connect to the "CPU_FAN" or "CPU_OPT" fan connection on the motherboard instead of the "AIO_PUMP", as connecting it to the AIO_PUMP connection will make the pump run at 100%, whereas with it connected to the CPU_FAN/CPU_OPT connection, the AIO pump speed is also regulated along with the AIO fans.

[@csguak]

To add to your insight: Okay people, Arctic liquid freezer ii pump should always be running at 100%. It's a small pump despite the large radiator size and the flow rate can barely move the liquid fast enough. I know this, because I am currently using the 420mm version in my Fractal Define 7XL case. It's a good cooler and it is the only cooler that can tame my slightly undervolted 13900ks. However, the actual pump is still stuck on last gen, with limited flow rate. You want the pump at 100% always to remotely mimic a proper liquid cooling. Don't regulate it. Ever. Keep the pump 100% at all times if you actually care about your CPU temp. Radiator fan speed is the only thing that matters, which is well controlled right out of the box.

[@PicklesTW]

@@csguak Thanks for clarifying this.

[@DerpScout]

The background music that you choose for your videos is always chill and that makes your videos "excellent."

[@ffwast]

Step 1: acquire $3000

[@kqshplays1430]

i wish this build was only 3k

[@sukunawillstillwin]

If you can’t save up 3000 or make 3000 get a better job

[@maxp.2978]

@unknown222unknown it’s not only about making $3000 but also about being able to just spend them on a pc…

[@sukunawillstillwin]

@@maxp.2978 why wouldn’t u be able to as a teenager unless your parents are taking your money

[@johnnyklassicz]

Best advise, do what I did buy one or 2 parts when you get paid and save up for the more expnsive ones, before you know it you’ll have a pc

[@elghark]

The part of storage was gold! As a beginner, even after a lot of building tutorials, I didn't even know this stuff. Now I'm aware where to pay attention to!

[@peshkosr]

Very helpful! The last time I built a computer from scratch was at the dawn of the 32-bit architecture; processors barely hit 1M transistors (although most popular in our neck of the woods were 300K-500K) hitting a booming 16MHz; 6 MB was a phenomenal amount of memory; 5.25" FDD is perfect and 3.5" just started showing up.... and 20MB HDD was WOW... So, quite a bit changed. Quick question - is Part 4 out yet?

[@codybishop7526]

Micro center is a staple of PC enthusiast culture. Been going since I was but a wee lad

[@concretecurse6594]

Dear Microcenter, in the Pacific Northwest the closest store is almost 18 hours away, for me, in Tustin. A store right between Seattle and Portland could be about an hour and a half from each big city. Or maybe you could be an hour south of Seattle, which is 2 hours north of Portland, oh I don't know maybe is the south end of Puget sound area.

[@setevn11]

I've used your videos to help me build a few pc's over the years. You are second to none!

[@BethSargent]

Paul...This is one of the best PC Build Guides I have seen in the last few years. You were very thorough. You made the component choices and installation process seem pretty straight forward. Your explanations for all of the wiring setup was great...especially going through the RGB fan hookups. That was pretty darn confusing to me when I built my computer a couple of years ago. Thanks for all of your time and attention to detail. It is really appreciated.

[@bu11ymaguire]

Dude I have a question. Is everything written on the motherboard and supply cables and fan cables where they are going to be attached?

[@randywhatley9174]

Can't Wait to see Part 4 and all your setup tricks.

[@WaterCoachxd]

I feel like including a Thunderbolt card installation on higher end builds would be worth it in the future. I know I spent a good while working through random issues with that and it did throw a small wrench into my cable management

[@DaynJo]

@Paul. Awesome video, I am going to use it to help with my build at the weekend. *But where is part 4 please?* Thanks. 💯

[@DT8888]

Really excited for the setup video, I’ve finished building my first ever PC from using this series of videos but have already run into issues with my RAM being unstable with XMP and I didn’t know why. Updated my bios and all good now, but I’m sure there’s plenty I’ve missed! Also interested in knowing what tests I should be running to stress the system and see if it’s all working properly

[@nioncao]

thanks Paul. when I decide build a new deep learning system. I think I should look for your video. the best one in you tube. thanks from a coworker!

[@dogtaggamer1]

Ever since Frye's Electronics closed their doors we really need 3-4 of these here in Phoenix!

[@JJFlores197]

Same in the Sacramento area. I used to have 2 Fry's within a 45 mile radius of me. Now, I only have crappy BestBuys. In my town, its Walmart or Staples with a small and crappy selection of parts at high-end prices.

[@cheddarbob9373]

built my first pc 7 years ago and this video was a great refresher, thank

[@johncra8982]

I'm literally about to do my build in a couple hours and was wondering how helpful it'd be if this video had been uploaded before I started 😂 And this is literally all the same parts that I have!

[@RideRedRacer]

same with me man hahah. i got my pile of parts right here ready to build. have fun!!

[@megmucklebones7538]

Good luck with your build m8, enjoy!

[@Maysh.]

If by some miracle Micro Center ever brought their stores over to the UK and one happened to be in my area I don't think I would ever leave.

[@christophersilva7034]

When is part 4 coming out? 😊

[@ChairmanMeow1]

Microcenter sure is smart with their advertising. Supporting all these PC channels is kind of genius really. Targeted marketing is super effective.

[@rosieposie2835]

MicroCenter really is a must see for anyone into PC building and tech. It’s like a wonderland. 😂

[@Drozey710]

Built one of these a few months ago and it's insane overkill of a beast. Just for fun I ran black ops 2 with fps unlocked and it ran at almost 1000 fps. I have a 4080 and 13700k with ddr5. 30k Cinebench score.

[@chillnspace777]

How.mich was the total.cost?

[@Drozey710]

@@chillnspace777 I believe 3600 but that's because I have 10 rgb fans in the nzxt H9 flow. Thermaltake lcd 360 aio, msi z690, 2tb samsung nvme, 1000w pwr supply. The graphics card, cpu, and ram was about 2k so there's cheaper routes than what I took with the same hardware basically. The only fires that start with the 4080 are the fps counter encase you were wondering about the plug.

[@Drozey710]

@@DARKKNIGHT-ys9ev def get a 4k oled to go with it.

[@Drozey710]

@@DARKKNIGHT-ys9ev your going to bottleneck your system.

[@Drozey710]

@DARKKNIGHT-ys9ev i ran 1440p with basically the same setup and gpu/cpu usage was 20-50% which is bad. I was getting 50-60fps when I should've been getting well over 100. I got a more demanding monitor and it rips at 99% like it should.

[@112Famine]

I taught myself how to bend glass tubing for neon sign making just to be able to use glass in water cooled PC builds. Since you can not put anything inside of the glass tubing like you can with plastic tubing because the glass needs to be much hotter you need to do it another way. First you cap one end of the glass tube, I just use duct tape & on the other end I connect a soft tube 16mm OD 12mm ID tube (I use 12mm OD glass tubing). And on the end of the soft tube I use a the bottom half of a pen that fits the open end of the soft tube, that is used as a mouthpiece, and when you heat & when it is time to bend, you give a super soft push of air to keep the glass from collapsing when you bend so you end up with a perfect bend. btw, blowing to hard is worse that blowing to soft, if it collapses a little bit it can still be used but if you blow too hard it will blister out the glass super thin, and all it takes is a super like tap to pop the glass blister. Right now ...and have been for awhile, been building, very slowly, a PC I want to use for streaming where I'll show, teach how to do this stuff on the cheap. btw I also cut my own aluminum plates for custom cases by hand, who needs a CNC machine when all they seem to do is break and cost thousands of dollars I don't have.

[@ScottGrammer]

What can you do for $27.85? That's what I can spend right now.

[@Dode2622]

😂😂😂😂

[@puriel1147]

Can't wait for part 4, I'm going to be building a new am5 system in the next week or so. I'm pretty comfortable with the building itself, but I'm not too hot on expo, motherboard settings and the like.

[@TheHrb1234]

I would be interested in a comprehensive comparison of all the different hub controllers as to ease of use, integration with other fans, potential problems, software usefulness/ease of use and overhead on a system. I know it is quite subjective but I think its good information yo have when going shopping.

[@TheTekknician]

I appreciate a build guide including BOTH Team blue and red, thank you. Each has their own pro's and cons.

[@carpy7938]

Every time I see these builds I cry since there is no Microcenter near me in the PNW. It's like the holy grail of computer stores, how I long to see one.

[@StefanEtienneTheVerrgeRep]

I hope you're wearing an anti static bracelet. Don't forget to use at least 8GB of thermal paste.

[@redalcatel27]

Just a fact for ppl using the new corsair AIO, they are using their new CORSAIR XTM70 Extreme Performance thermal on all the latest AIO. This thermal paste is extremely good! So no need to replace it.

[@DiondGame]

Where is part 4???

[@gwaites6329]

Yesssss thankyouuuuu!!!!! This series has been a god send! I got my gpu finally but now i have to think if i want to do a high end am5 setup since i can afford it and to use microcenter newr me for some more common parts cause its great! I finally have the funds and now want to get the best x3d system for my 7900xt to get me perfect 1440p gmaing but also chance for 4k later after its widly adopted but it's m also a nut and enthusiest and cant wait to see what options i can get myself to even potentially get oc options for even more fun and benchtest pushing!!!!!

[@Verpal]

It is quite dangerous to blow cash onto meaningless part once you start budgeting around a 4090, you thought you paid $1600 already so why not paying another X amount of dollar annnnnd you walk out of the store with 5k worth of component.

[@MrVoayer]

Comprehensive, thorough, detailed and meticulously done ! Great job, Paul ! Great job ! Well done !!!

[@chanm01]

"How to build a high-end gaming PC in 2023" Save up all your money for a GPU and then throw it into a used case with literally any other shit you have lying around.

[@abzer0gaming]

I am so jealous. The two nearest Micro Centers to me are in Chicago and near Minneapolis, both over 5 hour drives. The "Shippable Items" selection sucks because there isn't much of a product selection.

[@Alfactors]

Is cool a $2300 graphics card

[@jamescripps6730]

best PC build channel I have come across so far, thank you

[@tractor6619]

3k? lol more like 5k

[@jayr.1523]

Right

[@Thumpdizzle]

Stoked to see a build in this case, as I bought it and it's sitting in my closet til I finish buying my components.

[@guillermojperea6355]

Easy: go try to build a mid-range PC /jk

[@Johnny-Cage]

Facts 😂

[@beaplaysgamesonroblox5685]

I would love to see a comprehensive tutorial on water cooling. Great job Paul. I actually used your tutorials to build my first pc. Now I want water cool it all. Thanks

[@akumarus]

Running out of content Paul?

[@BM-wf9uf]

Hardly. This is a series he's been doing for a while. A lot of KZbinrs are doing update build guides for current gen tech.

[@quatreraberbawinner2628]

Your the best Paul, you helped me with my first build 5 years ago and now Im upgrading my PC setup looking for a little refresher

[@GySgt_USMC_Ret.]

I just received my Strix Z790-E. My pc partpicker list is a bit over $5,200 so far. Fair winds and following seas to all.

[@Beebablaster7656]

This video came at a great time considering we have VERY SIMILAR parts without even knowing it. Thanks for the great content!

[@jamesg7456]

I love micro center. I’m so lucky to live 20 minutes from one

[@damonm3]

Wiggling gpu cable side to side a little helps it latch and secure it into place with a lot less pressure.. also once you think it’s latched, do the same wiggle wiggle (but pulling back) to see if it backs out… fail safe way to verify its properly inserted.

[@MG-bv1vl]

We need a Micro Center here in Las Vegas ASAP! What better place than the Old Fry's store on the Strip!!

[@davidjames7382]

Great videos. One question? When you going to do a video of Step 4, "finishing the build?"

[@ryguyone]

My dream setup! Micro Center is opening a store here in Indianapolis in a few months and I'm hoping to get these exact parts. Now I have a guide to walk me through it!

[@johnb528]

This was the one I’ve been waiting for. Thank you this is fantastic. Much appreciated.

[@dvddmc]

that was a quiet Microcenter. every time i go to my local one its always packed

[@bloodybucket213]

Never gets old. Thanks Paul.

[@fullenw]

man that note about m.2 placement is gold. Makes you go "hmm".

[@danr.1299]

I built a pc with same case and GPU came out great and has superb airflow

[@CocoDave37]

This is the video I have been looking for as I want to do an RGB build for the first time. Excellent video and thank you Paul for really explaining every step. Only cable not covered was the Audio connector :) but very thorough and having that removeable top panel to install the AIO is brilliant! Superbly done, thank you.

[@j_orpz]

Great video - I appreciate the step by step walkthrough and explanation of all of the details! I'm working on my second build and will certainly be referencing this. Keep up the great work!

[@RideRedRacer]

im building a new PC tonight, im so excited. just waiting for my friend to get off work then we are about to put it together. its a 4090, i9, 990 Pro, 64Gb DDR5

[@mtibbe]

I love Micro Center. My last three builds parts all came from Micro Center in Brentwood MO

[@Pembroke.]

A huge thank you to mico centre Paul and Joe as always 👏👏⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@ph11p3540]

In Canada a high end gaming PC is priced between $5000 to $8000. A high end graphics card can suck up $2500 to $3000 all by itself. Thank god for Memory Express, it would give Microcenter a run for its money for everything under the sun

[@vba77]

Great tutorial Paul! Although not in the market for a high end build, the information in this video is just priceless for an enthusiast or noob alike.

[@SaviorInTheSun]

OMG…is having a block connector for the front panel cables a new thing? I have been wanting that in a case since I started building. My huge hands had the hardest time doing those individual pins. Probably my host hated part of building. That alone is a feature worth buying the case for imo!

[@Warhorse469]

Australia needs a Microcenter already.

[@optimisticaboutautism2967]

It's great to hear/see that you're utilizing the 3D printer to enhance this build.

[@camtron]

I bought a 14700kf (no integrated graphics), so I hope the PC builder gods are on my side! Plus the RGB stuff definitely looks annoying, but I went for it anyways.

[@seannesbit2218]

Love this case! I can't say enough good things about it!

[@elec123]

Microcenter looks and sounds like a pretty cool store. Nothing like it in my country sadly

[@Subotai07]

Also... I really enjoy watching your videos. It takes me back when I purchased my first 486-dx in 1990. I also bought a 270 mb harddrive and the guy I worked with said I would never use all the space on it. Just thought you would get a laugh at that.

[@bloodybucket213]

I'm getting ready to put my daily driver into the Lancool 2 Snow. The Lancool 3 was tempting, but Microcenter has the 2 for $115 right now. Bought it today. No foolin

[@johnburnsiii920]

Truly excelllent build Paul. Thorough detail in the components, and the why. I went to the Torrence Micro Center and you're right, it is an awesome store.

[@konakid15]

Great video can't wait to build my first pc in the second half of the year

[@thegamingillustrator]

my first pc build is gonna be high end literally just for the sheer amount of stuff I need to do on it without ever needing to replace a component for the foreseeable future. it will 100% be an improvement over my current build, which is a laptop with a 2070, and only 16 gigs of ram.

[@RQUKOfficial]

Very similar build to mine. I felt a bit meh recently, after turning 49, so I bit the bullet and probably, needlessly upgraded my rig. Paired up with an Asus PG42Q OLED, I'm now set for the next 5+ years. :)

[@omgninja66]

Do not have your tubes on the bottom of your rad in your case. It will Shorten the lifespan of your radiator due to the air being in the pump. Just for anyone that doesn't know

[@thei3igtasty572]

Anger the PC building gods?? You are a PC god!

[@ericg3783]

Paul, this is thee video series I needed. Brilliant stuff, my man, thank you!

[@tpisel]

Can we get the part 4 video please??? or at least a timeline on when you will put this out.

[@OldMajor]

Thanks! Very timely for me since I will be building a new PC.

[@disafear3674]

I wish Australia had stores like Micro Center. We don't seem to have many big tech stores where you can walk in and browse for PC parts

[@bert4910]

You the man Paul! Thank you sir.

[@JacieJebie]

That was the best ever thermal paste apply way , chapeau bas 😊😊😊😊

[@harrypottar-1]

Did you ever have time to do Part 4. Ordered all my parts, but have no windows experience beyond windows XP

[@neuroflare]

Great work Paul! You know Microcenter, I think the building Fry's occupied in Tempe is still vacant...

[@benchvirgin4243]

Build my high end over time , 4090 last month , 5950X and ASUS DARK HERO MB ,a few years back , that was $3200 GPU CPU and MB , all from Micro Center .