Author: Connie S. Myres

First, AI (mostly Google Gemini) helped me pick out the parts I needed using https://pcpartpicker.com. The only problem with this phase was that Gemini was telling me the build was going to be cheaper than what it actually turned out to be.

Then, I used Gemini to help me build it. I put all my parts on the dining room table and set my laptap next to them. I told Gemini that I needed to take this one baby-step at a time because I had never done this before. It agreed and we were on our way.

The only mistake AI made was directing me to install the brackets for the cooler that goes over the processor incorrectly. It said it was sorry and gave me the correct instructions after I told it there was no way this was going to fit. But we got it attached, and all was well.

I worked on this build for ‘hours,’ and Gemini stayed with me the whole time, without asking for money or making me wait five hours before continuing. However, it did get lazy toward the end.

The four case fans would not power on. Gemini offered lots of suggestions, but none worked. I was ready to call the Geek Squad but decided I’d ask Claude. I took pictures and gave them to Claude with a description of my problem. Claude had the issue fixed quickly, and everything was working. Apparently, what I thought was just a daisy-chain connection for the fans actually needed to be plugged into the motherboard.

I also bought a new 32-inch monitor and have everything I need for the best computer I’ve ever owned.

Since I’m using (and learning how to use) ComfyUI, LM Studio Bionic, and LTX desktop, I realize that a future upgrade will be moving up to 4 TB of storage and a 32 GB video card. But for now, it all works perfectly.

The Parts

~ Connie

I have all the parts ordered that I need to begin building my PC. I’m just waiting to receive the ‘expensive’ DDR5 RAM and the 2 TB SSD.

I ended up going with the Corsair Vengeance 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory. I bought that from the Corsair website for $810.

I also changed the SSD to Western Digital WD_Black SN850X 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive for $349.

I should’ve started this build last September, before the price spiked. Does it correspond with the AI data centers being built? AI told me not to buy the RAM because it was too expensive, but I don’t see the price coming down anytime soon. 

~ Connie

I’ve updated the two parts I need, the RAM and the SSD.

The RAM (memory) will be something like the G.SKILL Flare X5 Series DDR5 RAM (AMD EXPO) 64GB (2x32GB) 6000MT/s CL30-40-40-96 1.40V. Around $940. I need a low-profile kit so that it will fit underneath the CPU cooler. This RAM is 33 mm.

The SSD storage will be something like the Predator M.2 SSD 2TB GM7000 with DRAM cache NVMe 1.4 2280 PCIe Gen4×4 Ultra high speed. Around $280. This SSD is good because it has dedicated DRAM cache, something needed for my video creation. Or so I’m told.

This build is no longer a budget build, but once I have the PC built, all my image and video creations should be free!!

~ Connie

My $1,200 budget pc for creating videos has now gone up to $2,100! AI isn’t good at pricing things. At first, it was telling me prices would come down in a few days after they were restocked from being sold out. Now it’s telling me that there’s a shortage and prices will likely climb higher. What?! 

I still need the memory (RAM) and the storage (SSD). 

I thought the most expensive part was going to be the video card, but I was wrong. The most expensive part is the 64 GB of DDR5 RAM.

I could drop down to buying only 32 GB ($460), but ‘AI told me’ that since I plan on running high-end video models, I might get an “Out of Memory” crash. And if the 32 GB fills up, it will slow way down. So I think it’s best to keep an eye out for sales on the 64 GB.

Now I have to wait, and my current parts, sitting on a table, will be past 30 days (for returns if something’s wrong) from purchase because of this unexpected expense.

My Budget Video Creation & AI PC Build

• **Processor (CPU):** AMD Ryzen 5 7600X (6 Cores / 12 Threads) — Paid $146.99
• **Graphics Card (GPU):** ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB GDDR7 OC Edition — Paid $549.99 (before tax)
• **Memory (RAM):** 
• Acer HT200 DDR5 RAM 64GB (32GBx2) 6000MHz CL30 PC5-48000 — STILL NEED, costs around $820
• **Storage (SSD):** Crucial P310 2TB SSD, PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 2280 — STILL NEED, costs around $248
• **Motherboard:** MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi (AM5 Platform) — Paid $159.99
• **Power Supply (PSU):** MSI MAG A750GL 750W 80+ Gold Fully Modular — Paid $75.99
• **CPU Cooler:** Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Air Cooler — Paid $30.73
• **PC Case:** MUSETEX Y6 Dual-Glass Mid-Tower Case (Black) — Paid $59.99
• **Audio:** Creative Labs Pebble 2.0 Desktop Speakers — Paid $20.18

Total: $2,100+

An Important Tip From Me

While AI is very helpful, it’s not perfect. I’ve been using it to help build a PC for creating videos, and here is what I’ve learned:

• Double-check its work: It can and will make mistakes.
• Give it reminders: It has a short memory and can forget your project’s context.
• Keep questioning it: Even if a question feels silly, ask it—AI can easily lead you astray if left unchecked.

All in all, I still give it a 9/10 rating for its help!

~ Connie

Yesterday I received the first set of parts: CPU, cooler, case, power supply, speakers, and a tool kit. The motherboard should be here on Friday. I thought it was funny that the case reminded me of a fish aquarium!

Today I ordered the video card, an ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB GDDR7 OC Edition. This is a newer model (I think) and a little cheaper than the older version on my previous list.

So this leaves the memory and SSD to buy, and then I should have the parts I need to begin the build.

Also, my base ‘budget PC for video‘ price increased a little, going from $1,200 to $1,515.

My Budget Video Creation & AI PC Build

• Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 5 7600X (6 Cores / 12 Threads) — Paid $146.99
• Graphics Card (GPU): ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB GDDR7 OC Edition — Paid $549.99 (before tax)
• Memory (RAM): 64 GB DDR5-6000 High-Speed Dual-Channel Kit — Still Need
• Storage (SSD): 2 TB M.2 NVMe High-Speed Solid State Drive — Still Need
• Motherboard: MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi (AM5 Platform) — $159.99
• Power Supply (PSU): MSI MAG A750GL 750W 80+ Gold Fully Modular — Paid $75.99
• CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Air Cooler — Paid $30.73
• PC Case: MUSETEX Y6 Dual-Glass Mid-Tower Case (Black) — Paid $59.99
• Audio: Creative Labs Pebble 2.0 Desktop Speakers — Paid $20.18

An Important Tip From Me

While AI is very helpful, it’s not perfect. I’ve been using it to help build a PC for creating videos, and here is what I’ve learned:

• Double-check its work: It can and will make mistakes.
• Give it reminders: It has a short memory and can forget your project’s context.
• Keep questioning it: Even if a question feels silly, ask it—AI can easily lead you astray if left unchecked.

All in all, I still give it a 9/10 rating for its help!

~ Connie

I want to save money on the videos I plan to make for my book chapters and book trailers. I’ll post here about my progress. I’m a total newbie at this, so we’ll see how it goes.

Here’s my parts list that Gemini helped put together on https://pcpartpicker.com/. I had no idea what parts I even needed, so in Chrome, I hit the Ask Gemini button and pulled up the sidebar. I went to PC Part Picker and gave Gemini control of my mouse, and it went through and picked out the parts, resolved conflicts, and even told me that some of the prices listed were way too expensive and not to buy until the price comes down. I just sat there and watched it work.

My goal is a budget pc that will run high-end open-source video models. The price list total came in around $1,200. Yesterday, I spent around $550 at Amazon Deal Days, but I still have the expensive video card, the SSD storage, and the RAM to buy.

An Important Tip From Me

While AI is very helpful, it’s not perfect. I’ve been using it to help build a pc for creating videos. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Double-check its work; it can make mistakes
• Give it reminders of what you’re doing because it can forget
• Ask AI questions, even stupid ones, because it can lead you astray

All in all, I still give it a 9/10 rating for its help!

~ Connie

First published June 27, 2026