The Best PC Parts To Buy In 2026!

What This PC Parts Buying Guide Covers

This video is a comprehensive guide to selecting PC components for building or upgrading a gaming computer in 2026. PC Centric walks through the best current options across every major component category—CPUs, graphics cards, power supplies, coolers, motherboards, SSDs, and RAM—organizing recommendations by budget level and gaming performance tier. Rather than focusing on a single build, the video presents a curated list of specific parts across multiple price points, so viewers can find components that match their needs and budget.

The guide suits anyone planning to build a new gaming PC or upgrade an existing one, whether you're a budget-conscious first-time builder, someone seeking solid mid-range performance, or an enthusiast after the highest-end components available. If you're uncertain which GPU or CPU to pair together, or you want to see what the current market leaders are, this video provides tested recommendations with direct product links to make purchasing straightforward.

Recommended Components Across Every Budget Tier

• Budget-friendly GPUs and CPUs, including Intel ARC options and Ryzen 5 processors for entry-level gaming setups
• Mid-range "jack of all trades" components like the RTX 5060 Ti and Ryzen 7 9700X for solid 1440p performance
• Premium 1440p-focused parts including the RX 9070 and RTX 5070 for high refresh rates and smooth gameplay
• High-end enthusiast components such as the RTX 5070 Ti and Ryzen 7 9800X3D for demanding games and content creation
• Top-tier flagship parts like the RTX 5090 and Ryzen 9 9950X3D for absolute maximum performance
• Gaming monitor recommendations spanning esports, QD-OLED, ultrawide, and 4K options with specific models listed

What You Should Know Before Watching

• The video includes affiliate links to products, allowing you to purchase components directly with commission going to the channel
• Recommendations span multiple performance tiers, so you'll need to identify which category matches your gaming goals (1080p, 1440p, 4K, competitive esports, etc.)
• Specific GPU and CPU pairings are suggested for each tier to help you understand which combinations work well together
• Monitor recommendations are separated into categories including budget OLED, high refresh-rate competitive displays, ultrawide screens, and 4K options
• The video assumes basic familiarity with PC building terminology; if you're completely new to PC components, you may want a beginner's overview first
• Component availability and pricing fluctuate, so checking current prices through the provided links before purchasing is recommended

Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing 2026 PC Parts

Which tier should I choose if I'm building my first gaming PC?

Start with the "Budget" or "Jack of All Trades" tier depending on your gaming preferences. The budget options provide solid entry-level performance, while the jack of all trades tier offers better longevity and smoother gameplay at 1440p, a popular resolution for new builds.

What's the difference between the GPU tiers shown in the video?

The tiers progress from budget parts handling lighter games at lower settings, through mid-range cards for 1440p gaming at high refresh rates, premium cards for demanding AAA titles at 1440p, enthusiast parts for 4K or competitive play, and flagship components for maximum performance with no compromises. Each tier targets a specific resolution and performance sweet spot.

Should I buy all my components from the affiliate links provided?

The links are provided for convenience, but you're free to purchase from any retailer. Comparing prices across multiple stores before buying is always smart, especially for high-cost items like GPUs and CPUs where savings can be significant.

Are the CPU and GPU recommendations designed to work together?

Yes—the video pairs CPUs and GPUs within each tier to ensure they match in performance level and avoid bottlenecks. Mixing a budget CPU with a premium GPU (or vice versa) could waste potential, so following the suggested pairings is helpful for balanced performance.

What monitors does the video recommend for gaming?

The video covers esports-focused displays, QD-OLED monitors at 500Hz and 540Hz refresh rates, budget OLED options, price-to-performance picks, ultrawide screens, and 4K OLED panels. The specific model recommendations are listed in each category so you can match a monitor to your GPU tier and gaming style.