reference · 31 parts

Hardware reference.

Real-talk pages on the parts people actually build with in 2026 — specs, honest verdicts, and live benchmark data pulled from every saved run on this site that matches the part.

GPU 16 cards

NVIDIA · halo · 2025
RTX 5090
The absolute ceiling — the only card that runs everything at 4K max with ray tracing native.
NVIDIA · enthusiast · 2025
RTX 5080
A proper 4K card. Ray-tracing performance is finally where it should have been at launch of the 40 series.
NVIDIA · high · 2025
RTX 5070 Ti
The sweet-spot enthusiast card — 4K-capable, 1440p max, without 5080 pricing.
NVIDIA · high · 2025
RTX 5070
A solid 1440p card, but the 12 GB VRAM decision limits how well it ages.
NVIDIA · mid · 2025
RTX 5060 Ti
The 16 GB variant is a legitimate 1440p card. The 8 GB one is a trap in 2026.
NVIDIA · entry · 2025
RTX 5060
1080p ultra, 1440p medium. Fine for esports, cramped for AAA in 2026.
NVIDIA · halo · 2022
RTX 4090
Still the king of the previous generation. Only surpassed by the 5090.
NVIDIA · high · 2023
RTX 4070
A great efficient 1440p card that ages OK — mainly limited by its 12 GB VRAM.
NVIDIA · high · 2020
RTX 3080
The launch legend. Still very playable, just power-hungry by modern standards.
NVIDIA · mid · 2021
RTX 3060
The card that surprised everyone with 12 GB VRAM in a mid-range chip.
AMD · high · 2025
RX 9070 XT
AMD's return to genuine competition. 16 GB at a 5070 Ti-adjacent price point.
AMD · enthusiast · 2022
RX 7900 XTX
24 GB of VRAM in a raster-monster card. RT is its weakness.
AMD · high · 2023
RX 7800 XT
16 GB at a mid-tier price. The value play for 1440p rasterization.
AMD · entry · 2023
RX 7600
Entry-level 1080p option. Fine for esports, cramped for AAA at max.
Intel · mid · 2024
Arc B580
Intel's real second act. 12 GB VRAM at an aggressive price.
Intel · mid · 2022
Arc A770
Intel's first serious dedicated GPU. Uneven but improved dramatically over time via driver updates.

CPU 15 chips

AMD · halo · 2025
Ryzen 9 9950X3D
The only chip that wins at both gaming AND all-core productivity workloads. No trade-off.
AMD · enthusiast · 2024
Ryzen 7 9800X3D
The undisputed best gaming CPU. Full stop.
AMD · enthusiast · 2023
Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The gaming legend that made X3D a household word.
AMD · high · 2022
Ryzen 7 5800X3D
The card that gave AM4 a second life. Still keeping older builds relevant.
AMD · mid · 2024
Ryzen 5 9600X
Efficient 6-core for the sweet-spot mainstream build.
AMD · entry · 2022
Ryzen 5 5600
The bargain gaming chip that refuses to die. Still recommended for budget builds.
AMD · entry · 2020
Ryzen 5 5600X
The Zen 3 sleeper hit. Countless mid-range builds still run this.
AMD · enthusiast · 2022
Ryzen 9 7950X
Productivity-first 16-core. Runs hot but delivers.
Intel · enthusiast · 2024
Core Ultra 9 285K
Intel's productivity flagship. Cooler than the 14900K, weaker in games.
Intel · high · 2024
Core Ultra 7 265K
The reasonable Arrow Lake pick. Strong at multi-thread, mid-pack at games.
Intel · enthusiast · 2023
Core i9-14900K
Fast when it works — but overshadowed by 13th/14th gen instability history.
Intel · high · 2023
Core i7-14700K
The most core-heavy i7 to date. Solid all-rounder, same platform caveats.
Intel · mid · 2023
Core i5-14600K
Mid-tier Intel that competes on price with mid-tier AMD.
Intel · mid · 2022
Core i5-13600K
The value champion of Intel 13th gen. Still recommended today at the right price.
Intel · entry · 2022
Core i5-12400F
The go-to budget gaming CPU for years, still a strong value pick.