The New PC Market Is A Scam Right Now So Build This Instead! [15:05]

YouTube ^ | January 31, 2026 | ETA PRIME

[SunkenCiv]

Building a brand new gaming PC in 2026 is officially a nightmare thanks to skyrocketing RAM and GPU prices. In this video, I’ll show you how to beat the market by building a powerful 1440p small form factor gaming PC using a smart mix of new and used hardware. High-end gaming doesn't have to cost thousands. Today, we are piecing together a sleek SFF (Small Form Factor) build designed to crush 1440p gaming without breaking the bank. By leveraging the Intel Core i5-11600 and the surprisingly capable Intel Arc B570, we achieve performance that rivals modern mid-range systems at a fraction of the cost. 

The New PC Market Is A Scam Right Now So Build This Instead! | 15:05 
ETA PRIME | 1.36M subscribers | 25,933 views | January 31, 2026

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TOPICS: Computers/Internet; Hobbies
KEYWORDS: computer; computers; computing; etaprime; gaming; intel; pc

[SunkenCiv]

00:00 Why gaming PCs are too expensive in 2026
00:43 The plan: 1440p SFF build with new + used parts
01:28 Used platform choice: i5-11600 + B560 + SSD + cooler
02:10 Why DDR4 is the budget advantage (vs DDR5)
02:48 The AliExpress case warning (missing I/O + wrong panel)
04:05 Flex PSU choice + modular cabling + CPU power extension
05:08 Adding case fans (intake + exhaust) for temps
06:18 PCIe riser cable: airflow problem to avoid
07:10 GPU choice: Intel Arc B570 value + alternatives
08:18 Finished build + airflow concerns (half-vented panel)
09:06 Cyberpunk 2077 @ 1440p (High → Ultra + frame gen)
10:48 Benchmarks (Time Spy / Steel Nomad) + CPU bottleneck talk
11:46 More 1440p tests: Forza Horizon 5 + Spider-Man 2
13:05 Mortal Kombat 1 + Red Dead Redemption 2 results
14:18 CPU/GPU temps, noise, verdict + case alternatives + wrap

[SunkenCiv]

If you want to post a transcript, CLICK HERE, and DO NOT PING ME.

[algore]

I have been thinking about doing this, I even looked at that case, but mini-itx is an expansion limiting factor for me.

If I were going to use a mini itx case/mobo there really are a lot of nice ones.

I have decided to use an mATX case. and since I do not need the latest cutting edge game card I can use a slim matx case

my potential build:

MSI PRO B550M-VC WiFi Pro Series Motherboard (AMD Ryzen 5000 Series, AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0, SATA 6Gb/s, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI/DP, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, mATX)

AMD 5600gt

32gb DDR 4 ram

InWin CE685 or CJ712 case (both come with power supply)

Samsung 1tb m.2 drive

this will make a very capable machine

If I didnt already have an mATX motherboard and was going to do the mini-itx thing I would use a gigabyte a520i ac which is also a great board, and would fit in the case showcased in the video. I would use the same amd 5700gt processor and ram but I would use a fractal design case instead

I considered doing an am5 or threadripper but I can rent someone elses AI for much cheaper than building my own.

https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/

[Bob434]

What was the cost? I recently Just bui,t a desktop for $1300. Its really powerful. But coulda xpent a bit less nkt going,with tip of line components. Ive zlways been a sucker for,”latest tech”, but should v waited and got “almost latest tech” instead, woulda been cheaper.

[SunkenCiv]

It's bound to be at least a bit different for each builder, or everyone would just go for a mass-produced model instead. If a build is going to cost more than $500, IMHO getting a ready-made one is always the best choice. But A) I'm cheap and B) I don't game.

[Bullish]

And maybe you could have built a box that could spell better?

jk

[Jonty30]

Step one. Go to Ikea to buy a kitchen drawer.

[Jonty30]

You can almost build a new desktop every second year for cheaper than the top of the line and it will last longer than that.

[deks]

.

[miliantnutcase]

I just bought the last “cheap” RTX 5080 Microcenter had left. This purchase would have been dumb last year, but now with NVIDIA basically not guaranteeing GPU supply through Q4 this year I figured why not…

[miliantnutcase]

Lmao now I see it.

[RandallFlagg]

But can it play Crysis?