Welcome back to Creative Rig! If you’ve mastered the basics or are looking to jump into the world of PC ownership with a machine that can truly do it all without requiring a second mortgage, you’ve come to the right place. This isn’t a starter build, nor is it an extreme, wallet-incinerating beast. This is the sweet spot.
Once again, if you’d prefer to listen to our podcast style companion, which delves a little deeper into each choice for the build below, you can by hitting the play button below. You can also download these if preferred.
This is the build for the gamer who wants to experience stunning visuals and high frame rates in any new release. It’s for the creative professional who needs a powerful, responsive workstation for video editing, 3D modelling, or graphic design. It’s the ultimate all-rounder, and for our money, it’s the smartest build you can put together in 2025.
The Core Components: The All-Rounder Rig
We’ve hand-picked a selection of brand-new and trusted components that deliver incredible performance for every pound spent.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600XT
While newer platforms exist, the value and power of AMD’s AM4 socket remain unbeatable. The Ryzen 5 5600XT is a testament to this, offering fantastic multi-core performance for workstation tasks and blistering clock speeds for gaming. Currently costing around £110, it’s slightly cheaper than the classic 5600X and even includes the very capable Wraith Stealth cooler in the box, saving you money on a third-party solution.
Motherboard: GIGABYTE B550M GAMING X WIFI6
This board is a perfect example of a mature platform getting modern refinements. Released in January 2025, this B550 board is brand new and built to get the absolute best out of AM4 processors. The “M” means it’s a compact Micro-ATX form factor, but the features are full-size. The crucial addition here is the built-in WiFi 6 and Bluetooth, saving you the hassle and expense of buying separate dongles and ensuring you have fast, reliable wireless connectivity right out of the box.
GPU: ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 TI OC 16GB GDDR7
This is the star of the show and the engine that will power your games and creative applications. Having launched just a couple of months ago, the RTX 5060 Ti is the new king of mid-range performance. For its current retail price of £399.95, you get access to NVIDIA’s latest architecture and the game-changing magic of DLSS 4, which uses AI to boost frame rates to incredible heights. Its 16GB of ultra-fast GDDR7 memory also makes it a powerhouse for creative workloads that love VRAM. (An MSI model is also available at the exact same price if you prefer).
RAM: CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX 32GB (2x16GB) 3600MHz DDR4
With this build, we’re moving up to 32GB of RAM, which is fast becoming the new standard for a true multi-purpose PC. This will allow you to play a demanding game, stream to Twitch, and have Discord open without a single stutter. For creative work, it’s a game-changer, allowing for smoother video editing and more complex 3D scenes. This reliable Corsair kit comes in at just £58.24.
Storage: MSI SPATIUM M460 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
A fast system needs fast storage. This 1TB NVMe drive from MSI continues to be our top pick for value and speed. For £54.99, you get a drive that will load Windows, your games, and your applications in the blink of an eye, ensuring your powerful new rig always feels snappy and responsive.
PSU: CORSAIR CX650 650W
To power this capable setup, we’ve chosen the Corsair CX650. This 650-watt unit is a reliable and efficient power supply that provides more than enough juice for the Ryzen 5 and RTX 5060 Ti pairing, with comfortable headroom for stability. At £51.19, it’s a trusted component that won’t let you down.
Case: CORSAIR 3000D RGB AIRFLOW Mid-Tower PC Case
A great build deserves a great home. The Corsair 3000D provides everything we need: excellent airflow to keep components cool, plenty of room to make building a breeze, and three included RGB fans to give your new rig some instant style. For £61.20, it’s a high-quality case that looks fantastic and performs even better.
Completing Your Setup: The Essential Extras
Your new PC tower is the heart of your setup, but you’ll need the right peripherals to make the most of it.
- The Monitor: To fully appreciate the power of the RTX 5060 Ti, you should be aiming for a 1440p (QHD) monitor with at least a 144Hz refresh rate. This will give you a huge jump in clarity over 1080p and an incredibly smooth gaming experience. Many monitors also come with built-in speakers, which are perfect to get you started.
- Keyboard and Mouse: It’s time to look beyond basic office peripherals. A good mechanical keyboard will offer a more satisfying typing and gaming experience, while a gaming mouse with adjustable sensitivity (DPI) will give you more precision.
- Game Controller: A gamepad is perfect for racing games, platformers, and third-person adventures. The 8Bitdo controllers we’ve recommended before are still fantastic value, or you could opt for an official Xbox or PlayStation controller.
- Audio & Communication: For immersive sound and clear communication, a good gaming headset is a great all-in-one solution. If you’re serious about streaming or want crystal-clear voice chat, consider a dedicated USB microphone. And for video calls or streaming your reactions, a quality 1080p webcam is a must.
- The Desk: Don’t overlook your physical space! Ensure you have a sturdy, spacious desk to comfortably house your new tower and monitor, with plenty of room for mouse movement.
The Power to Do It All
For a total core component cost of roughly £787, this build is an absolute powerhouse. It’s a machine that doesn’t compromise, delivering a top-tier 1440p gaming experience and serving as a formidable creative workstation that will handle any project you throw at it.
This is the build that hits the sweet spot, an investment in performance that will keep you at the top of your game—whatever that game may be.
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