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The Best $1000 PC Build for February 2023 Update:
The monthly $1000 gaming PC build had a slight switch in CPU this month to the Intel 12400F (the non-integrated graphics version of the Intel 12100, but inherently the same CPU). Welcome to the best $1000 PC Build for February 2023. The $1000 build has seen minor changes this month, primarily due to minor cost changes, but overall is a solid pick in terms of performance for this budget and comes in slightly above the $1000 this time around, but it’s well worth it in overall performance and PLUS this month, prices have gone WAY down.
Please keep in mind that every PC is and can be unique to its builder, so feel free to swap things like cases if you had your eye set on something more unique to you — and if you have any questions as per compatibility, please feel free to leave a comment.
Which February 2023 PC Build is right for you based on Your Gaming and Budget Needs?
The budgets included below should accommodate most PC gamers out there that play in many gaming settings, maxing games anywhere from 1080p to 1440p and play really well into 4K.
If you are not sure which pc build is right for you based solely on your budget, then here is a quick breakdown of which build may be a right fit for you (*rough performance guidelines):
- $1500 PC Build: For gaming at 2K resolutions into 4K
- $1000 PC Build: For gaming MAX settings at 2K resolutions
- $800 PC Build: For gaming at MAX settings 1080p resolutions into 2K
- $500 PC Build: For being able to game in any game at 1080p.
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The Best $1000 Gaming PC Build | February 2023
Capability: Game with Extreme settings at 1920X1080 (HD) resolutions up to Higher Settings at 2560×1440 (2K)
Powered by the Intel i5 12400f CPU and the RTX 3060 ti Graphics Card
1. CPU: Intel Core i5 Core 12400F
The Intel Core i5 12400F is included this month, although if you need integrated graphics one could consider the 12400F, but for this build, this is not needed -- this is a great gaming CPU.
Amazon Price: $179.99
2. Cooler: Intel Laminar RM1 Cooler (Included)
This is the stock cooler for the Intel Core i5 12400. It would be recommended that if you want to overclock upgrade this to an after-market CPU cooler (see hardware alternatives for options).
Price: *Included
3. Motherboard: GIGABYTE B660M DS3H DDR4
This is a great budget B650 motherboard with the following specifications:
Amazon Price: $109.99
4. Graphics Card: ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX™ 3060 Ti
The 3060 Ti is a great graphics card for most standard gaming and is faster than previous cards in this bracket giving you great 1440p and 1080p performance in gaming.
Price: $409.99
5. RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 X 8GB) DDR4 3600
Included is a total of 16GB in the best $1000 gaming pc build, which will be plenty of memory for this rig.
Amazon Price: $57.99
7. Power Supply: be quiet! BN671 Pure Power 11 FM 650W
The sweet spot for this build is 650W of juice -- and I'm a big fan of be quiet!'s pure power line of PSUs.
Amazon Price: $107.99
8. PC Case: NZXT H510 - CA-H510B-W1 - Compact ATX Mid-Tower PC Gaming Case (White or Black)
- Front I/O USB Type-C Port and Tempered glass side panel with single screw installation
- Enhanced cable management: Our patented cable routing kit with pre-installed channels and straps makes wiring easy and intuitive
- STREAMLINED COOLING: 2 Aer F120mm fans are included for optimal internal airflow and the front panel and PSU intakes include removable filters, a removable bracket designed for radiators up to 240mm - simplifies the installation of either closed-loop or custom-loop water cooling
- Motherboard support: Mini-ITX, MicroATX, and ATX
Amazon Price: $59.99
Estimated Cost (January 2023): $973.93
Overview | $1000 Best Gaming PC Build 2023
The February $1000 PC build includes an Intel i5-12400F CPU, which we utilize the included CPU cooler, the Intel Laminar — however you could also upgrade this should you feel the need or simply for your own aesthetic appeal.
The real performance driver behind this build is the RTX 3060 ti graphics card, which at the moment of posting this article is in stock and has improved significantly in cost this month.
This $1000 pc build will play games smoothly at a high refresh rate of 1080p gameplay and really well into 1400p (2K) resolution gameplay at high FPS.
$1000 Gaming PC Build of the Month Upgrades
If you visit the full overview for the best $1000 build you’ll also find hardware alternatives and upgrades. This can be upgraded hardware including a better graphics card, more memory, or even more storage space should you need it.
Operating Systems for Your Gaming PC
Do keep in mind that you will also need an operating system, however, it’s not too difficult to find keys for windows 11 online, you will need to install it using something like a USB key or external drive.
| OS Link | Price | Image | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 or 11 |
Make a Windows 11 Installation Media OR View this video on the Easiest How to Make Your Own Windows Boot USB |
Download and install Windows on a USB (Need another PC) |  |
| Ubuntu (Linux OS) | Ubuntu – Desktop | Free (open source) |  |
| SteamOS | SteamOS – “Build your own Steam Machine” | Free |  |
The Best $1000 PC Build for February 2023 Overview Video
If you prefer to check out a video overview of the $1000 PC build, then look no further. And please remember if you have any questions or comments on your build to leave them below and I’ll try my best to help you out. Best of luck building your next best PC build!