FPS Budget Builder
Pick a frame target and a tower budget, and get a recommended hardware tier, a typical cost band, and a budget split — all computed in your browser with no specific model claims.
Set a frame target and a budget, and this builder maps it to a hardware tier plus a budget split. All figures are planning estimates — no specific model claims.
Recommended config sheet
How to read the result
The builder uses the same tier vocabulary as the PC Bottleneck Estimator — Entry, Mid-range, High-end, and Enthusiast. The recommended tier is driven by three inputs: how demanding the title is, your resolution, and your frame-rate target. Your budget then checks whether that tier is realistic, and the split shows roughly what portion should go to the GPU, the CPU, and the rest of the build.
Fast esports titles at 1080p are CPU-sensitive; high-resolution AAA titles are GPU-sensitive. That is why the CPU tier rises for 1080p high-FPS targets and simulation games, while the GPU tier rises with resolution. For more detail on the CPU/GPU balance, run the bottleneck estimator; for power, run the Power Draw Estimator; for total cost, including electricity, try the Build Cost (TCO) Estimator.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a real benchmark?
No. This builder deliberately avoids claiming specific model performance. It maps your frame target to a hardware tier (Entry / Mid-range / High-end / Enthusiast) using general rules of thumb, then gives a typical budget band for that tier. It is a planning aid — verify with current reviews and in-game benchmarks before buying.
Why does my target need such an expensive build?
High resolution combined with high frame rates is expensive. 4K at 144 FPS is far harder on the GPU than 1080p at 60 FPS, so the tool pushes you to a higher tier. If your budget does not fit, lowering resolution, frame rate, or in-game settings (see the Quality vs Performance calculator) is the fastest way to bring cost down.
Does the budget include the monitor and peripherals?
No. The bands shown are for the tower (case, motherboard, CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, PSU, cooling) only. A 4K 144 Hz monitor and a decent keyboard, mouse, and headset add several hundred dollars on top.
Why is the CPU tier sometimes higher than the GPU tier?
At 1080p with a high frame-rate target, the CPU often caps performance before the GPU is busy, so a stronger CPU is worth the money. The same is true of simulation and strategy titles, which lean heavily on the processor.
How is the PSU suggestion calculated?
It is a rough tier-based figure derived from the site’s power-draw logic (peak load with ~30% headroom). For exact sizing, run the PSU Wattage Calculator with your actual parts.