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If you want a gaming PC that plays every modern title — including the upcoming GTA 6 PC port — at 1440p high settings at 60+ FPS, you can build it for under $1,000 in 2026. This guide is the no-nonsense parts list, with current pricing from Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy, Argos, Currys and JB Hi-Fi.
The build at a glance
| Part | Pick | US (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 7600 | $200 |
| Motherboard | MSI B650M-A WiFi (AM5) | $130 |
| RAM | 32 GB (2×16) DDR5 6000 MHz (Corsair Vengeance) | $95 |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Gigabyte WindForce 8 GB) | $290 |
| SSD | 1 TB NVMe Gen 4 (WD Black SN770) | $70 |
| PSU | 650 W 80+ Gold (MSI MAG A650GL) | $80 |
| Case | Corsair 4000D Airflow | $95 |
| CPU cooler | Stock Wraith Stealth (included) | $0 |
| Total | ~$960 USD |
What this build runs
| Game | Settings | Expected FPS |
|---|---|---|
| GTA V (Online) | 1440p Ultra | 100+ FPS |
| GTA 6 (predicted PC port 2027) | 1440p High | 60–75 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (no RT) | 1440p High | 65–80 FPS |
| Fortnite | 1440p Epic | 120+ FPS |
| Call of Duty Warzone | 1440p High | 100+ FPS |
| Elden Ring | 1440p Maximum | 60 FPS (capped) |
Part-by-part breakdown
CPU — AMD Ryzen 5 7600
6-core, 12-thread Zen 4 CPU on the AM5 platform. Pairs perfectly with mid-range GPUs and gives you an upgrade path to Ryzen 9000 series without changing the motherboard. Ships with a stock cooler that handles the 65W TDP fine for gaming workloads.
2026 retail: $200 USD / £180 GBP / CA$280 / AU$340. Available on Amazon, Newegg (US), Amazon UK + Overclockers (UK), Canada Computers (CA), PLE + Centre Com (AU).
Motherboard — MSI B650M-A WiFi
The best budget AM5 board with WiFi 6 included. Has all the PCIe Gen 4 lanes you need, two M.2 slots for SSD expansion, and clean BIOS. Avoid the cheaper A620 chipset — it locks you out of future CPU support.
2026 retail: $130 USD / £120 GBP / CA$180 / AU$220.
RAM — 32 GB DDR5 6000 MHz
DDR5 is mandatory on AM5. The Corsair Vengeance 2×16 GB kit at 6000 MHz CL30 is the AMD sweet spot — anything faster gives diminishing returns. 32 GB future-proofs you for the GTA 6 PC port (recommended spec).
2026 retail: $95 USD / £85 GBP / CA$130 / AU$160.
GPU — NVIDIA RTX 4060
The smartest 1440p GPU under $300. 8 GB VRAM, DLSS 3 with Frame Generation, only 115W power draw. Performs within 5% of the RTX 4060 Ti at much lower cost. Beats the AMD RX 7600 in 90% of games once DLSS is on.
2026 retail: $280–$310 USD / £270–£300 GBP / CA$390–$430 / AU$470–$520.
If you can stretch budget by $150, the RTX 4060 Ti 16 GB is the better long-term pick because it has the VRAM for 4K textures. For tight budgets, the RTX 4060 8 GB is the right call.
SSD — WD Black SN770 1 TB
Gen 4 NVMe, 5,150 MB/s read. Cheap, reliable, fast. Fits the build cleanly. Skip the smaller 500 GB option — modern AAA games are 100+ GB each so you will fill it fast.
2026 retail: $70 USD / £65 GBP / CA$95 / AU$120.
PSU — 650 W 80+ Gold
The MSI MAG A650GL is enough headroom for this build and any GPU upgrade up to an RTX 4070 Super. Do not cheap out on PSU — a $30 unit from a no-name brand can fry your whole rig.
2026 retail: $80 USD / £75 GBP / CA$110 / AU$140.
Case — Corsair 4000D Airflow
Excellent airflow, clean cable management, 3 fans included. Mid-tower so it fits any ATX or mATX board. Available in black or white.
2026 retail: $95 USD / £85 GBP / CA$130 / AU$160.
Building tips for first-timers
- Watch a YouTube build video for your exact case before starting (Linus Tech Tips and JayzTwoCents both have good ones)
- Install the CPU and RAM into the motherboard BEFORE putting the board in the case — much easier
- Standoffs in the case — count them, they pre-thread for ATX or mATX. Add the screws AFTER you check the count
- Connect the 24-pin and 8-pin CPU cables before the GPU goes in
- Cable manage everything in the back of the case BEFORE closing — saves you frustration later
What to add later (upgrade path)
- Aftermarket CPU cooler ($35–$50): a Thermalright Peerless Assassin drops temps 15°C+ over stock
- Second monitor: a 1440p 144 Hz display under $250 transforms gaming
- RTX 4070 Super upgrade ($550–$600): when GTA 6 PC drops, this is the natural step up
- 2 TB NVMe SSD ($110–$140): for when GTA 6 takes 200 GB
Why this beats pre-built PCs
- Pre-builts at this price typically use older parts (last-gen GPU, DDR4 RAM, cheap PSU)
- You can upgrade individual parts — most pre-builts use proprietary motherboards that limit this
- You learn how the machine works, making maintenance easier
Bottom line
For under $1,000 USD ($1,200 once you add a monitor, keyboard and mouse), you get a PC that plays every modern game at 1440p high settings, runs the upcoming GTA 6 PC port comfortably, and has a clean upgrade path for the next 3–5 years.
For more on GTA 6 hardware requirements, see our GTA 6 system requirements guide.
