When I first built my gaming setup, I wasn’t thinking about making money.
I just wanted something that felt good to sit down at.
Now? It’s different.
This isn’t just gaming anymore. It’s content, it’s consistency, it’s building a brand.
And that changes how you spend money… fast.
Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. These are tools and gear I trust, or wish I’d known about sooner.
Right now, here’s what I’m working with:
PC:
- Ryzen 7 3700X → Check Price Here
- RX 6700 XT → Check Price Here
- 32GB RAM → Check Options
Solid. No complaints.
Monitors:
- Acer 1140 (300Hz) → Check Price Here
- Sony Inzone M9 (4k) → Check Price Here
Acer = insane value.
Sony = fine… not worth the hype.
Peripherals:
- SteelSeries keyboard → Check Price Here
- Logitech mouse → Check Price Here
- HyperX Cloud3 wireless headset → Check Price Here
- Blue Yeti mic → Check Price Here
Other gear:
- GTRacing chair → Check Price Here
- Logitech speakers → Check Price Here
- Amazon desk → Check Price Here
I’m happy with everything except maybe the Sony monitor, which is fine but definitely not worth the hype.
Biggest mistake?
Thinking I needed more… instead of using what I had.
If I Had to Start From Scratch
If I were starting over today, here’s exactly what I’d do to get the most out of my money while still setting myself up for long-term success.
1. Prioritize What Matters Most to YOU
Here’s where most people mess this up: They build a setup for someone else.
- If you play competitive shooters, focus on high refresh rate monitors (240Hz+).
- If you play story-driven or cinematic games, 4K is worth it.
- If you want to stream, audio and lighting matter more than a crazy graphics card.
- If you want pure comfort, invest in a good chair & desk setup first.
If you’re like me, you prioritize pure comfort. Check out the Best Gaming Chairs in 2026 (That Won’t Destroy Your Back).
2. Monitor First, PC Second
Your monitor is what you actually experience.
- A great monitor will outlast multiple PCs.
- I’d get a 240Hz or 300Hz monitor first if I played mostly shooters.
- If I cared about visuals over frames, I’d grab an OLED or high-end IPS 1440p.
Check out the The Gaming Monitors I’d Actually Buy in 2026 (After Using Them Daily).
3. Buy a PC That Lasts 5+ Years
- No need to overspend on the latest GPU. Mid-to-high-tier GPUs from 1-2 years ago are still great.
- 32GB RAM minimum.
- Fast SSD over everything else. (Load times matter more than raw FPS for most games.)
You don’t need the newest GPU. You need something that doesn’t make you think about it while you’re playing.
4. Avoid Streaming Gear Before You’re Ready
- I see so many people waste money on high-end cameras & mics before they even know if they like streaming.
- Start with a simple webcam + decent mic (or even just a headset mic).
- Lighting > Camera – Good lighting makes even a cheap webcam look great.
If you’re ready to get started streaming, check out my post on Streaming Gear You Need (skip the overhype stuff).
5. What’s Overrated vs. What’s a Game Changer
Overrated:
- $1,500+ GPUs
Unless you NEED 4K ultra settings at 240FPS, don’t waste your money. - Expensive streaming setups too early
You don’t need a studio to press “Go Live.” - “Gamer” chairs
Some are great. Most are marketing.
Worth Every Penny:
- Dual Monitors
Once you go dual, you’re not going back. - Mechanical Keyboard
Feels small. It’s not. - Good audio (Headphones OR Speakers)
You’ll notice this every single session. - A Comfortable Setup
If it’s not comfortable, you won’t use it.
Every time I buy snacks, it’s worth it. That’s why I wrote Gaming Fuel Ranked (energy drinks and snacks that hit).
Final Setup Goals: What I’m Working Toward
Right now, I’m focusing on long-term performance and comfort. I don’t need flashy RGB everywhere (as much as I want it), I need a setup that works, helps me grind, create content, and build this business.
I’ll keep you posted as I upgrade things, but the goal is to keep it real. No unnecessary spending, no hype purchases, just what actually works. If you’re building a setup, get what you can afford and upgrade when it makes sense.