Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Building a brand new gaming PC in 2026 is officially a nightmare thanks to skyrocketing RAM and GPU prices. In this video, I’ll show you how to beat the market by building a powerful 1440p small form factor gaming PC using a smart mix of new and used hardware.
High-end gaming doesn't have to cost thousands. Today, we are piecing together a sleek SFF (Small Form Factor) build designed to crush 1440p gaming without breaking the bank. By leveraging the Intel Core i5-11600 and the surprisingly capable Intel Arc B570, we achieve performance that rivals modern mid-range systems at a fraction of the cost.

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16GB DDR4: ebay.us/WRuyVl
Intel ARC B570: click.linksynergy.com/link?id=QSbj1leJ2v4&offerid=1786142.4458314021598184013363696&type=2&murl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.newegg.com%2fasrock-challenger-b570-cl-10go-arc-b570-10gb-graphics-card-double-fans%2fp%2fN82E16814930134%3fitem%3dN82E16814930134
Mini mATX Case: amzn.to/3YOoHDZ
M.2 SSD: amzn.to/43qP0BB
550W PSU: amzn.to/43kbmVj

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DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!

00:00 Why gaming PCs are too expensive in 2026
00:43 The plan: 1440p SFF build with new + used parts
01:28 Used platform choice: i5-11600 + B560 + SSD + cooler
02:10 Why DDR4 is the budget advantage (vs DDR5)
02:48 The AliExpress case warning (missing I/O + wrong panel)
04:05 Flex PSU choice + modular cabling + CPU power extension
05:08 Adding case fans (intake + exhaust) for temps
06:18 PCIe riser cable: airflow problem to avoid
07:10 GPU choice: Intel Arc B570 value + alternatives
08:18 Finished build + airflow concerns (half-vented panel)
09:06 Cyberpunk 2077 @ 1440p (High → Ultra + frame gen)
10:48 Benchmarks (Time Spy / Steel Nomad) + CPU bottleneck talk
11:46 More 1440p tests: Forza Horizon 5 + Spider-Man 2
13:05 Mortal Kombat 1 + Red Dead Redemption 2 results
14:18 CPU/GPU temps, noise, verdict + case alternatives + wrap



THIS VIDEO IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY!