Balanced 1440p gaming PC builds for 2025: Intel vs AMD

Danny Weber

17:43 14-10-2025

© A. Krivonosov

Build a smooth 1440p gaming PC in 2025 with two proven parts lists: i7-14700K + RTX 5080 or Ryzen 7 9800X3D + RX 9070 XT, 32 GB DDR5, NVMe SSD, Gold 850W PSU.

2K (2560×1440) has emerged as a comfortable middle ground between Full HD and 4K. It delivers crisp detail without the brute-force demands of native 4K. To keep gameplay smooth at high settings, the right mix of components matters, and the Pepelats News editors outlined two well-balanced builds anchored by different CPU–GPU tandems.

First build

The processor here is the Intel Core i7-14700K. It’s a powerful gaming chip with high clocks and strong single-threaded potential—an important trait for games. Current reviews place it among 2025’s top gaming CPUs.

The graphics card is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080. It offers ample headroom at 2K, especially with DLSS/upscaling enabled, and will maintain 120+ FPS in most modern games.

A 32 GB DDR5 memory kit is the sensible minimum for smooth operation and a bit of futureproofing. Storage is best handled by a 1–2 TB NVMe SSD to fit large games and speed up loading. The chosen motherboard uses the Z790 chipset to leave room for upgrades. Finally, a power supply around 850 W with at least a Gold rating keeps the GPU and the rest of the system from running the unit at its limit.

For cooling, a quality liquid cooler or a premium tower cooler will help keep the i7-14700K’s temperatures in check under sustained load.

Why this pairing?

Second build

This system centers on the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D—a 2025 gaming favorite thanks to 3D V-Cache, which can significantly lift FPS in many titles. The graphics card is the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT. It combines a generous VRAM budget with a modern architecture, useful as texture demands keep rising.

Again, 32 GB of DDR5 is the recommended floor—ideal for games and background tasks. For storage, opt for a 1–2 TB NVMe SSD on PCIe 4.0/5.0 to house big libraries and load them at full speed. The motherboard should be X870 or X970 with an eye toward future upgrades.

A Gold-rated 850–1000 W power supply provides a comfortable margin. For cooling, go with a 280–360 mm liquid cooler or a premium tower cooler to handle the Ryzen 7 9800X3D’s thermal needs.

Why this setup?