The summary of ‘This is what $1500 gets you in 2024! – PC Build Challenge’

This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.

00:00:0000:26:06

The video demonstrates the process of building a high-performance PC within a $1,500 budget for a friend needing better gaming and 3D modeling capabilities. Key components selected include a 12900K processor bundle featuring an Asus Z790 motherboard and 32GB of G Skill Rip Jaws RAM, and a 7800 XTX GPU, chosen for their optimal performance and value. The host shops at Micro Center, engaging with fans through quizzes for prizes, which enhances community interaction.

The video's narrative covers detailed decision-making for each part, balancing cost and performance—like opting for a cost-effective MSI 850W fully modular power supply and a budget-friendly mid-tower case supporting a full ATX motherboard. The host stresses the importance of staying within budget while considering tax variations across states.

The build, characterized by its minimalist aesthetic and lack of RGB, successfully meets the gaming and software needs, verified through performance tests with games like Apex and Modern Warfare 3. The completed PC, intended as a surprise Valentine's gift, highlights the host's satisfaction with the final product and their effective community engagement, making it both an educational and interactive video.

00:00:00

In this part of the video, the narrator shares that his friend, tired of being called a console peasant, wants to switch to a PC for better gaming performance and to handle 3D modeling workloads that his current laptop can’t manage. With a budget of $1,500, including tax, the PC must excel in 1440p gaming at high settings and run software like Blender and Maya smoothly. The narrator heads to Micro Center without a pre-planned parts list to find the best deals. Additionally, he mentions a recurring quiz for subscribers who recognize him at Micro Center, offering a $100 gift card for correct answers. He meets a fan named Caleb and quizzes him, highlighting the community interaction.

00:03:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses simplifying questions for a contest and hopes for at least one winner. They highlight a deal on a 12900K processor bundle at Microcenter, which includes a motherboard and memory sticks for $400, a significant savings compared to other retailers. The components include an Asus Z790 motherboard, G Skill Rip Jaws 32GB RAM, and the 12900K processor. The speaker is impressed with the value and plans to build the PC, suggesting Windows 11 for optimized performance. They mention acquiring a Windows 11 key at a discount to stay within budget.

00:06:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the process of selecting a graphics card for a Windows 11 Pro setup. Initially considering the RTX 4090, they quickly abandon it due to budget constraints and availability issues. They then explore the RTX 4080 and 7900 XTX, but both are too expensive. Settling on the 7800 XTX, they manage to find it at MSRP for $500 at Micro Center. After acquiring the graphics card, a brief interaction follows where the speaker involves a passerby, Eric, in a “super secret quiz” to win a prize. The segment wraps up with a mention of considering a 4TB external hard drive and different SSD options, focusing on finding good value within the budget constraints.

00:09:00

In this part of the video, the host interacts with some viewers at Micro Center, discussing PC building tips and offering quizzes for prizes. A viewer named Aldo participated but could not answer the quiz question correctly, yet received a free Tech Source mouse pad as a consolation. The host reflects on whether the quiz questions are too difficult and asks for feedback in the comments. Additionally, the host selects components for a PC build, opting for a cost-effective, non-RGB cooler from Deepcool and emphasizing the need for at least an 850W power supply due to the powerful CPU and GPU.

00:12:00

In this part of the video, the host discusses headroom for potential power upgrades, initially selecting a 750W semi-modular power supply for $85 at Micro Center but ultimately deciding on an MSI 850W fully modular, 80 plus gold certified power supply for about the same price. During this shopping trip, the host also engages with a customer, Eduardo, who is trying to fix a BIOS issue on his PC and subsequently conducts a quiz where Eduardo can win a prize. Afterward, the host looks for a suitable mid-tower or Micro ATX case that can fit a full ATX motherboard and power supply but with a small footprint, mentioning the o1 mini D as a potential option but noting its limitation with only supporting an SFX power supply.

00:15:00

In this segment of the video, the presenter discusses the updated 01 mini case, highlighting that it supports a full ATX power supply and is available in black and white. They choose the black variant for their build, emphasizing it has no RGB and costs $105. The presenter is then approached by Carson, a viewer building his first PC with his mom, and engages him in a quiz. Although Carson doesn’t know the answer to the first question, the presenter offers him a Tech Source mouse pad as a consolation. Next, the presenter looks for fans for the case, noting the case has no pre-installed fans and aims for balanced air pressure with three intake and three exhaust fans. They initially consider performance fans that are $75 for a pack of three but also mention cheaper Arctic P12 fans as a backup plan. The segment concludes with another viewer, Bill, recognizing the presenter and interacting briefly.

00:18:00

In this part of the video, the content creator meets a fan who traveled two hours to visit, introducing himself and discussing their shared interest in PC setups. The creator then reveals plans to build a budget PC under $1,500. Despite initially exceeding the budget, they swap out components like the power supply to stay within the target. The creator notes the importance of including sales tax in the current budget but usually excludes it due to varying tax rates across states. Eventually, they successfully keep the total cost under $1,500. The video concludes with the creator preparing to assemble and test the PC.

00:21:00

In this segment, the speaker discusses choosing an SSD for a computer build, initially picking one model but downgrading to stay within budget. They mention their ongoing patronage of Micro Center due to great customer service and significant savings on parts, particularly highlighting an impressive deal on an I9 bundle. The speaker also excuses their voice, explaining they are recovering from a cold. After completing the build, they describe it as a small, dark cube with no RGB lighting, apart from a gigabyte logo that cycles through colors. They express satisfaction with the build despite an initial concern about fitting the motherboard, which was resolved by adjusting the rear bracket.

00:24:00

In this segment, the speaker admits to altering the build slightly by adding cable extensions for the GPU because they didn’t like the look of the stock cables, while retaining stock cables for other connectors. The system was tested with Apex and Modern Warfare 3, running smoothly at high settings and delivering impressive FPS numbers. The speaker expresses confidence that this build is a significant upgrade from a laptop and will be a delightful surprise for their friend on Valentine’s Day. Despite the public sharing of the video, the surprise is likely to remain intact since their family and friends, except for their mom and wife, do not watch the videos. The segment ends with a personal congratulatory message to their friend, Timothy.

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