PC Building for Starfield | ENBLE

PC Building for Starfield | ENBLE

Building the Perfect PC for Starfield: Get Ready to Explore the Cosmos

Jacob Roach / ENBLE

Starfield, the highly anticipated game of the year, is generating a buzz among gaming enthusiasts. With its release exclusively on PC and Xbox Series X|S, it’s no wonder that PC gaming is experiencing a surge in popularity. If you’re looking to upgrade or purchase a new gaming PC, now is the perfect time, as component prices are currently low. However, Starfield is a demanding title, so you’ll need a top-notch computer that meets certain criteria. In this article, we’ll explore different PC builds that will provide an optimal gaming experience in Starfield.

The Bare Minimum: Budget-Friendly Gaming

You’re on a budget but don’t want to miss out on the Starfield experience. This build, priced at around $630, will allow you to boot up and run the game at 1080p, although the frame rate may not be very high. The build includes the six-core Ryzen 5 3600 processor, a powerful enough GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The processor also comes with a CPU cooler, which saves you a little money. While this build satisfies the minimum requirements, it may not be ideal for pushing games at Ultra settings.

Optimal Build: Achieving 1440p and Beyond

If you want to comfortably play Starfield at 1440p or even 4K, this is the build for you. Priced between $1,400 and $1,650 (depending on the GPU choice), this PC meets the recommended requirements shared by Bethesda and will run the game on high settings. The build includes a dependable power supply, a decent cooler, and offers a lot of upgrade potential. Moreover, AMD currently offers a bundle deal with Starfield for many of its best processors and graphics cards, providing additional savings. Micro Center also has a limited-edition offer on the Ryzen 5 5600X3D, which is worth considering if you have access to it.

When it comes to the processor, the Ryzen 5 7600X is recommended for gaming purposes due to its compatibility with the future-proof AM5 socket. However, if your budget allows, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is an even better option.

For the graphics card, there are two options. The RTX 4070 Ti offers powerful performance and Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology. Although DLSS support is not available for Starfield at present, the AMD-exclusive FidelityFX Super Resolution 2 (FSR 2) is supported and works well with Nvidia GPUs. Alternatively, you can opt for an AMD card such as the RX 6950 XT, RX 7900 XT, or RX 7900 XTX, depending on your budget.

The rest of the build includes a motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi, 32GB of RAM (although 16GB is sufficient), and a high-quality 1TB SSD. Cooling-wise, a liquid cooler is unnecessary for the processor in this build.

Extreme Build: Sailing Into the Cosmos

If you’re feeling extreme and have deep pockets, this build is for you. With a price range of $2,500 to nearly $3,000, this PC will handle Starfield at max settings with ease, allowing for 4K gaming and smooth performance in other demanding games.

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D, the fastest gaming CPU currently available, is the ideal processor for this build. Plus, it comes with the Starfield bundle, making it a great deal.

For the graphics card, the RTX 4090 offers unparalleled performance but comes at a high cost. If you want to save money, the AMD RX 7900 XTX is a more affordable alternative suitable for Starfield and most other games.

Since this build generates a lot of heat, it’s recommended to invest in a liquid cooler for efficient cooling. The Corsair case provides excellent airflow, and if budget is not an issue, you can consider upgrading to a higher-end case.

Choosing the motherboard is straightforward, and there’s no need to spend extra unless you require extra slots or faster RAM support. The Samsung 980 Pro SSD offers excellent performance, while the 1000W PSU ensures power reliability.

Keeping It Balanced and Affordable

A PC built for Starfield is also a great PC for playing other games, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Hogwarts Legacy. It’s possible to adjust these builds to cut back on some expenses and make them more affordable without sacrificing gaming performance. However, building a truly budget gaming PC capable of handling Starfield’s demands is a challenge.

Regardless of the build you choose, you’ll have an enjoyable gaming experience in Starfield and many other titles. Even scaling down to a cheaper GPU will still provide a satisfactory gaming experience, albeit at lower settings. Starfield’s minimum requirements recommend an AMD Radeon RX 5700 or an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 Ti, offering plenty of flexibility.

Remember to check compatibility and prices when making changes to the graphics card. Shopping for current-gen components is often a better deal than diving into the past for older models. Additionally, be cautious when buying used components and check for wear and tear.

To ensure compatibility, consider using a tool like PCPartPicker when making alterations to these builds. However, the builds are ready to go as they are, so if you want a solid gaming PC for Starfield, look no further.

Bethesda