I’ve been in the PC building game for a while, and sometimes, the most exciting builds aren’t the ones with the flashiest parts or the biggest price tags. They’re the ones that get you the most bang for your hard-earned Canadian buck. I wanted to share a build with you all that’s close to my heart because, for almost a year, a system just like this was my daily driver. It was my gaming station, my workhorse, and my creative hub, and it handled everything I threw at it with ease.
If you’re on a budget but refuse to compromise on solid 1080p gaming performance, this is the build for you. At a total of just over $1000 CAD, this is a true budget all-star.
My Personal Build List
The goal here was simple: get the best possible performance while keeping the price reasonable. I’ve personally vetted these components, and I can tell you from experience they work together beautifully.
Here’s a list of the parts, with links to where you can find them on Amazon. Just a heads-up, these are affiliate links, so if you end up buying through them, it helps support the blog—which I sincerely appreciate!
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 3.7 GHz 6-Core Processor ($209.00 @ Amazon Canada)
- Motherboard: MSI PRO B550M-VC WIFI Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Amazon Canada)
- Memory: Silicon Power GAMING 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($52.97 @ Amazon Canada)
- Storage: Patriot P300 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($71.98 @ Amazon Canada)
- Video Card: PowerColor Fighter Radeon RX 7600 8 GB Video Card ($369.49 @ Amazon Canada)
- Case: NZXT H5 Flow (2024) ATX Mid Tower Case ($144.97 @ Amazon Canada)
- Power Supply: MSI MAG A650BN 650 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($79.98 @ Amazon Canada)
- Total: $1043.38 (Prices include shipping and are subject to change.)
Why This Combo Just Works
Let me break down why this specific combination of parts is a home run.
- The CPU & Motherboard: The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a legend for a reason. Even in 2025, it’s a powerhouse for gaming, and its price has dropped to an incredible value. The MSI B550M motherboard is a perfect partner, offering all the essentials—including built-in Wi-Fi—without any unnecessary frills. This AM4 platform is super stable and reliable.
- The Graphics Card: The AMD Radeon RX 7600 is the star of the show here. I played everything from competitive shooters to demanding AAA titles on this card at 1080p, and it consistently delivered smooth, high-frame-rate gameplay. It’s a testament to how far budget-friendly GPUs have come. It’s also incredibly power-efficient, so it doesn’t require a massive power supply.
- Memory & Storage: 16GB of DDR4-3200 RAM is still the standard for gaming, and this Silicon Power kit is an excellent, no-nonsense option. For storage, the 1TB NVMe SSD is a must-have. You’ll get blazingly fast boot times and game loads, and 1TB is a comfortable amount of space for your OS and a solid game library.
- Case & Power Supply: The NZXT H5 Flow is a gorgeous case with incredible airflow—a feature that’s crucial for keeping your components cool and running smoothly. The MSI 650W PSU is a reliable, 80+ Bronze certified unit that provides all the power this system needs, and a little more for good measure.
I’ve had this exact setup—or one very close to it—running flawlessly on my desk for nearly a year. It never gave me a single issue. It was quiet, fast, and handled every game I threw at it.
For me, the best PC isn’t the most expensive one; it’s the one that gives you a great experience without the guilt of overspending. This build is proof that you can get a phenomenal gaming rig for a price that won’t make you wince.
If you’re ready to dive into PC gaming or build a second rig for a friend, this is a fantastic place to start. Happy building!