The midrange segment for gaming PCs is currently presenting strong value, highlighted by two discounted configurations featuring the RTX 4070 GPU. These systems, available at Newegg, offer a significant performance upgrade for gamers, though a key difference in RAM setup necessitates careful consideration.
One of the featured builds is the ABS Cyclone Aqua, priced at $1,600. This system comes equipped with 32GB of DDR4 RAM. A previously recommended option, the Thermaltake LCGS NE, has seen its price increase to $1,550 but still offers a competitive package with 16GB of DDR5 RAM in a single-channel configuration. While both machines are expected to deliver similar gaming performance, particularly when background applications are minimized, the choice hinges on prioritizing RAM capacity and type versus CPU efficiency.
For users focused solely on gaming, the Thermaltake build might seem appealing. Its configuration with a more efficient CPU and 16GB of DDR5 RAM could yield slightly higher frame rates in CPU-intensive titles. Furthermore, the DDR5 platform allows for a future upgrade to 32GB of DDR5, a process that would not require a platform change.
However, the ABS Cyclone Aqua presents a more versatile option for broader use cases. The 32GB of DDR4 RAM offers more headroom for multitasking and productivity tasks, even if it incurs a slight frame rate penalty in some games compared to DDR5. Given the current global memory shortage impacting RAM prices, delaying a RAM upgrade—and potentially a full platform upgrade—for a couple of years is a realistic scenario. In such a case, starting with a DDR4-based system could prove more economical in the long run.
Ultimately, the decision between these two builds is not straightforward, with no single 'correct' answer. Both represent respectable options within the current mid-range gaming PC market, offering a $250 discount from their original prices at the time of reporting.