When you're in the research and planning stage of a new PC build, your primary focus is on finalizing the configuration. Picking the best-looking components depending on your esthetic preferences usually comes second. And the overall budget restrictions hang like a sword over the entire exercise. Many PC builders end up going too much in one direction — sacrificing looks by picking the most powerful components or messing up the configuration by prioritizing esthetics.

Striking the right balance between performance, looks, and budget might seem difficult in some cases, but the following tips can get you started in the right direction. You need to make five crucial decisions about five key components to arrive at your ultimate PC — the case, cooler, RAM, GPU, and motherboard will determine the visual identity of your build.

5 A good-looking case can be functional and affordable

I rest my case

An unsaid rule about PC cases is that you can't expect sophisticated designs on budget options. This might have been true a few years ago, but not anymore. You can not only secure a great-looking case for your PC without spending a bomb, but also get the best airflow and features to maximize performance and upgradability. Even popular cases like the Lian Li O11 Vision, NZXT H7 Flow, Corsair 3500X ARGB, and Antec C8 are available for under $120 — not dirt-cheap, but not expensive either.

All you need to do is pick a case with a theme in mind. You might want an all-white gaming PC, a no-RGB all-black build, or a dual-tone rig — whichever theme you choose will decide not only your case, but all the other components too. If the case you finalize does not have pre-installed fans, get a decent set in line with your chosen theme. The Corsair iCUE AR 120 is one of the best case fans for the price.

You can also go for a mini-ITX case if you prefer the compact size and unique looks of an SFF PC. You will have to choose a mini-ITX motherboard and probably an SFF power supply and a relatively smaller GPU to make the build work.

4 Pick a memory kit based on your chosen theme

Memorize this tip

Despite being a smaller component compared to the other items on the list, the RAM is a key part of your PC's visual identity. Once you've decided between a 6,000MT/s and, say, an 8,000MT/s kit, the next step is to revisit the theme you decided for your build. If you've picked a white case, white RAM is an easy choice. White kits look classy and, for many models, don't cost a lot more than the black variants.

For a black case, choose a black memory kit that you like, depending on your preference for RGB and the manufacturer. For either a white or black case, you could also go dual-tone, matching black RAM with a white case and vice versa. Dual-tone PCs can look especially striking, imparting a unique visual flair to the entire setup. If you do end up going in this direction, remember to keep it uniform when choosing the remaining components for the build.

You could save a few bucks by picking one of the less premium kits with minimalist designs, but I feel the trade-off isn't worth it. Paying slightly more for RAM that's in sync with your PC's theme is a small cost in the overall scheme of things. As for performance, memory kits with premium designs, such as the Corsair Dominator Titanium, Corsair Vengeance RGB, G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB, and XPG Lancer RGB, are quite often some of the best RAM kits on the market.

3 An AIO liquid cooler is the sweet spot

Get the best performance and looks

Air coolers might be as proficient as AIO liquid coolers, but the latter are untouchable in the esthetics department. Even the premium air coolers with matte black or chrome designs tend to be bulky, overshadowing the rest of the build. A 360mm AIO blends in with the rest of the theme while enhancing the PC's looks, thanks to eye-catching pump designs and fans with diffused RGB lighting. Some AIOs can be gaudy, but there are more than enough models that keep it classy.

Even the cost of a 360mm liquid cooler isn't prohibitive by any standards. A premium air cooler like the Dark Rock 5 costs around $75, while the Thermalright Frozen Notte 360 White ARGB liquid cooler can be yours for under $60. If you prefer a customizable LCD, you can pay $20 more for the Thermalright FW 360 White ARGB cooler. Even the value of the cheaper air coolers doesn't make up for the loss in esthetics, in my opinion. If you can nail performance as well as looks for around $100, going with an AIO is a no-brainer.

2 Pricey AIB models aren't always the best-looking GPUs

That said, don't just go for the cheapest models

The GPU is the highlight of almost every PC, and you need to choose one carefully. If you've picked an all-black or dual-tone theme, you don't need to overspend on the overpriced AIB models; even the reference models from Nvidia and AMD will look great on the PC. The performance of the reference cards is way too similar to most AIB models to justify the extra cost of the latter.

For all-white PCs, reference cards will not look out of place, but you should see if one of the best white GPUs is in your budget. Not all white graphics cards are priced ridiculously, as Gigabyte's AERO and Zotac's Trinity OC models have proven time and again. The existing GPU market obviously makes buying any GPU at or around MSRP impossible, but once things settle down, you should cast a wide net when choosing the GPU for your next build.

Also, make sure you ditch the ugly stock power cables that come with your graphics card. Use sleeved extensions or RGB cables to align with your PC's theme, preventing some lowly cables from ruining your overall esthetic.

1 Budget motherboards usually sacrifice visuals

Try to grab a mid-range motherboard

Other than the case and graphics card, the motherboard has the biggest impact on the looks of your PC. It might get slightly hidden behind a massive GPU and AIO cooler, but picking a motherboard in sync with your PC's theme is still essential to preserve uniformity. And you don't need to spend hundreds on the extreme models to do so; just steer clear of the cheapest ones. The best balance between features, build quality, and esthetics lies in the mid-range segment.

Take, for instance, the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX Ice, which, for just over $200, offers a beautiful design, PCIe 5.0 M.2 support, a great VRM solution, Wi-FI 6E, and solid heatsinks all around. If you're after a sleek black design instead, the Gigabyte B850 Aorus Elite WiFi 7 offers even more value at its $220 price. NZXT's N7 motherboards are excellent for those looking for the cleanest designs, but they usually come with a pretty premium over other models.

Craft your next masterpiece

Building a PC should not be only about maximizing performance. Unless you're on a strict budget, you should pay equal attention to the esthetics of the build. A budget of around $1500 is enough to balance the performance and looks of your PC. It starts with choosing a theme, and picking the components in line with that theme. While the case, GPU, and motherboard cast the largest shadows, the RAM and cooler aren't inconsequential either. Ensure you don't exceed your budget when picking fancy models, and you'll be able to build a powerful PC that turns heads as well.