[Last Updated: February 2026]
[This article is updated regularly as new info drops. Bookmark it.]
The GTA 6 PC version is expected in Fall 2027, which gives you roughly 18 months to plan and build. That’s actually perfect timing — you can wait for prices to settle on current-gen hardware and catch the best deals. Here are four builds at every budget, each targeting a specific resolution and performance level.
These builds are designed for GTA 6 specifically, accounting for the game’s expected CPU-heavy open-world demands, GPU-intensive ray tracing, and SSD requirement. Parts and prices reflect February 2026 market conditions.
Build 1: The $600 Budget Build (1080p Medium, 45-60 FPS)
The goal: play GTA 6 at 1080p Medium settings with a smooth 45-60 FPS. This build hits the recommended specs sweet spot without breaking the bank.
| Component | Part | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (6-core/12-thread) | $110 |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 4060 8GB | $260 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4-3200 (2x8GB) | $35 |
| Motherboard | MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi | $80 |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe Gen3 SSD (WD SN570) | $55 |
| PSU | 550W 80+ Bronze (EVGA BQ) | $40 |
| Case | Thermaltake Versa H18 | $40 |
| TOTAL | ~$620 | |
Why These Parts?
- Ryzen 5 5600: Best value CPU for gaming in 2026. Six cores handle GTA’s AI and physics easily. The AM4 platform is mature and affordable.
- RTX 4060: DLSS 3 Frame Generation is this build’s secret weapon. Native performance at 1080p Medium hits 45-50 FPS; with DLSS it pushes to 60+ FPS.
- 16GB RAM: Meets recommended specs. Could upgrade to 32GB later for $35 more.
- 1TB NVMe: GTA 6 requires SSD. 1TB gives room for the game plus other titles.
Build 2: The $900 Mid-Range Build (1440p High, 60 FPS)
The sweet spot. 1440p High settings at a locked 60 FPS — the resolution where GTA 6 will look genuinely next-gen.
| Component | Part | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 7600 (6-core/12-thread) | $175 |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 4070 12GB | $400 |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5-5600 (2x16GB) | $75 |
| Motherboard | MSI B650M Gaming WiFi | $130 |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe Gen4 SSD (Samsung 990 EVO) | $70 |
| PSU | 650W 80+ Gold (Corsair RM650) | $60 |
| Case | Fractal Design Pop Mini Air | $55 |
| TOTAL | ~$965 | |
Why These Parts?
- Ryzen 5 7600: AM5 platform with DDR5 support. Future-proof for CPU upgrades without changing motherboard.
- RTX 4070: The 1440p king. 12GB VRAM handles high-res textures. DLSS 3 pushes frames higher. Some ray tracing possible.
- 32GB DDR5: Recommended for Ultra settings and multitasking. DDR5 prices have dropped significantly.
Build 3: The $1,400 High-End Build (1440p Ultra + RT, 60-80 FPS)
1440p Ultra settings with ray tracing. This is where GTA 6 starts looking like a tech demo.
| Component | Part | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D (8-core/16-thread) | $340 |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 5070 12GB | $550 |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5-6000 (2x16GB) | $85 |
| Motherboard | ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi | $160 |
| Storage | 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD (WD SN850X) | $120 |
| PSU | 750W 80+ Gold (Corsair RM750e) | $75 |
| Case | Corsair 4000D Airflow | $80 |
| TOTAL | ~$1,410 | |
Why These Parts?
- Ryzen 7 7800X3D: The best gaming CPU in the world. Its massive 96MB L3 cache is perfect for open-world games like GTA 6 that rely on fast data access.
- RTX 5070: Next-gen GPU with improved ray tracing performance and DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation. Delivers RTX 4080-level performance at a lower price.
- 2TB SSD: Room for GTA 6 (150-200 GB) plus your entire library.
Build 4: The $2,000 Ultra Build (4K Ultra + Path Tracing, 60+ FPS)
The no-compromise build. 4K Ultra with full path tracing at 60+ FPS. This is GTA 6 looking better than anything you’ve ever seen.
| Component | Part | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D (8-core/16-thread) | $450 |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 5080 16GB | $800 |
| RAM | 32GB DDR5-6400 (2x16GB) | $100 |
| Motherboard | MSI MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WiFi | $250 |
| Storage | 2TB NVMe Gen5 SSD (Samsung 990 Pro) | $140 |
| PSU | 850W 80+ Gold (Seasonic Focus GX-850) | $90 |
| Case | Lian Li Lancool III | $90 |
| Cooling | DeepCool AK620 Tower Cooler | $45 |
| TOTAL | ~$1,965 | |
Why These Parts?
- Ryzen 7 9800X3D: The newest X3D chip. Even more cache and efficiency than the 7800X3D.
- RTX 5080: 4K gaming powerhouse. Path tracing capable with DLSS 4 keeping frames high. 16GB VRAM handles 4K textures without issue.
- Gen5 SSD: The fastest consumer storage available. Overkill for GTA 6, but this build is about no compromises.
When to Buy: Timing Your Build
Since the PC version is expected in Fall 2027, here’s our recommended buying timeline:
- Now (Feb 2026): Start planning. Research parts. Do NOT buy a GPU yet.
- Summer 2026: Buy case, PSU, storage — these don’t depreciate or get new releases frequently.
- Fall/Holiday 2026: Black Friday and holiday sales are ideal for CPU and RAM purchases.
- Spring 2027: Buy your GPU. By this point, RTX 50-series stock will be stable and prices may drop.
- Summer 2027: Assemble everything. Have it ready for the PC launch announcement.
Upgrade Guide: If You Already Have a PC
Not building from scratch? Here’s what to upgrade first:
- GPU first: This is the single biggest factor for GTA 6 performance. If you’re on a GTX 10-series or RX 5000-series, upgrade to at least an RTX 4060 or equivalent.
- SSD second: If you don’t have an NVMe SSD, this is mandatory. A 1TB NVMe is under $60.
- RAM third: If you’re at 8GB, upgrade to 16GB minimum (32GB preferred).
- CPU last: Only upgrade if you’re on an Intel 4th-gen or older / AMD FX-series. Modern 6-core CPUs from the last 3-4 years are fine.
For GPU-specific advice, see our Best GPU for GTA 6 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a GTA 6 PC for under $500?
It’s possible with used parts. A used Ryzen 5 3600 + used RTX 3060 build could hit $450-500 and play GTA 6 at 1080p Low-Medium. But for a new build, $600 is the realistic minimum for a good experience.
Should I buy AMD or Intel for GTA 6?
AMD’s X3D processors (7800X3D, 9800X3D) are the best gaming CPUs available, especially for open-world games. Intel’s 14th-gen is competitive but runs hotter and uses more power. For GTA 6 specifically, AMD X3D is our recommendation.
Is DDR5 worth it for GTA 6?
Yes, if you’re building new. DDR5 prices have normalized, and the bandwidth advantage helps at higher resolutions. For upgrading an existing DDR4 system, the performance difference isn’t worth replacing your motherboard — just add more DDR4.
Do I need a 4K monitor for GTA 6?
No. 1440p is the sweet spot — looks significantly better than 1080p without the extreme GPU demands of 4K. A good 1440p 144Hz monitor costs $200-300 and will serve you well for GTA 6 and beyond.
Should I wait for RTX 60-series GPUs?
The RTX 5060 is expected in mid-2026 at $299-349. If budget is your priority and you can wait, it should deliver great 1080p-1440p performance for GTA 6. But the RTX 4060 at current prices is already excellent value.
