{
  "_meta": {
    "version": "1.0.0",
    "published": "2026-06-09",
    "publisher": "TechFuel HQ",
    "publisher_url": "https://techfuelhq.com/",
    "license": "CC BY 4.0",
    "license_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
    "attribution_required": "TechFuelHQ PC Builder Parts Dataset (CC BY 4.0). https://techfuelhq.com/tools/pc-builder/",
    "note": "2026 street prices in USD. Pulled from manufacturer pages, TechPowerUp, Tom's Hardware, and verified retailer listings (Amazon, Newegg, Micro Center). Performance tier estimates are TechFuelHQ editorial assessments based on aggregate review consensus, not first-party benchmarks (except where the part appears in a TechFuelHQ Open Bench Dataset, in which case the tier is anchored to first-party data).",
    "compatibility_rules": [
      "CPU and motherboard must share socket (AM5, LGA1851, LGA1700)",
      "Motherboard chipset must be in cpu.supported_chipsets (e.g. AM5 X870E supports Ryzen 7000+9000; B650 supports Ryzen 7000+9000 with BIOS update)",
      "Motherboard ram_type must match RAM ram_type (DDR5 only at this generation)",
      "PSU wattage must exceed sum of CPU TDP + GPU TGP + 150W system overhead, with 20% margin",
      "Case form_factor must accept motherboard form_factor (ATX > mATX > ITX)",
      "Case max_gpu_length_mm must exceed GPU length_mm",
      "Storage interface (NVMe Gen5 / Gen4 / SATA) must match a free motherboard slot"
    ]
  },
  "performance_tiers": {
    "entry": "1080p high settings, 60+ FPS in modern titles",
    "mid": "1440p high settings, 60+ FPS / 1080p ultra 144+ FPS",
    "high": "1440p ultra 100+ FPS / 4K high 60+ FPS",
    "flagship": "4K ultra 60+ FPS / 1440p ultra 144+ FPS / path tracing with DLSS/FSR upscaling"
  },
  "cpu": [
    {
      "id": "cpu-r5-9600x",
      "vendor": "AMD",
      "model": "Ryzen 5 9600X",
      "cores": 6, "threads": 12,
      "boost_ghz": 5.4, "tdp_w": 65,
      "socket": "AM5",
      "ram_type": "DDR5",
      "supported_chipsets": ["X870E", "X870", "B850", "B650"],
      "price_usd": 229,
      "performance_tier": "mid",
      "use_cases": ["1080p gaming", "1440p gaming", "productivity"],
      "notes": "Best mainstream gaming CPU under $250 in 2026. Pairs well with B850 boards.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "cpu-r7-9700x",
      "vendor": "AMD",
      "model": "Ryzen 7 9700X",
      "cores": 8, "threads": 16,
      "boost_ghz": 5.5, "tdp_w": 65,
      "socket": "AM5",
      "ram_type": "DDR5",
      "supported_chipsets": ["X870E", "X870", "B850", "B650"],
      "price_usd": 329,
      "performance_tier": "high",
      "use_cases": ["1440p gaming", "4K gaming", "productivity", "streaming"],
      "notes": "Best sub-$350 gaming + productivity. Cooler stays quiet at 65W default; PBO unlocks more.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "cpu-r7-9800x3d",
      "vendor": "AMD",
      "model": "Ryzen 7 9800X3D",
      "cores": 8, "threads": 16,
      "boost_ghz": 5.2, "tdp_w": 120,
      "socket": "AM5",
      "ram_type": "DDR5",
      "supported_chipsets": ["X870E", "X870", "B850", "B650"],
      "price_usd": 479,
      "performance_tier": "flagship",
      "use_cases": ["1440p gaming", "4K gaming", "competitive gaming"],
      "notes": "Best gaming CPU on the market in 2026. 3D V-Cache transforms 1% lows. Get this if gaming is the only job.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "cpu-r9-9900x",
      "vendor": "AMD",
      "model": "Ryzen 9 9900X",
      "cores": 12, "threads": 24,
      "boost_ghz": 5.6, "tdp_w": 120,
      "socket": "AM5",
      "ram_type": "DDR5",
      "supported_chipsets": ["X870E", "X870", "B850", "B650"],
      "price_usd": 469,
      "performance_tier": "flagship",
      "use_cases": ["productivity", "video editing", "compilation", "streaming"],
      "notes": "Heavier multi-thread than the 9800X3D but worse 1% lows in games. Pick this for content work, not pure gaming.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "cpu-i5-14600k",
      "vendor": "Intel",
      "model": "Core i5-14600K",
      "cores": 14, "threads": 20,
      "boost_ghz": 5.3, "tdp_w": 125,
      "socket": "LGA1700",
      "ram_type": "DDR5",
      "supported_chipsets": ["Z790", "B760"],
      "price_usd": 269,
      "performance_tier": "mid",
      "use_cases": ["1080p gaming", "1440p gaming", "productivity"],
      "notes": "Last-gen LGA1700 platform but pricing is aggressive. P+E cores help in mixed workloads.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "cpu-cu7-265k",
      "vendor": "Intel",
      "model": "Core Ultra 7 265K",
      "cores": 20, "threads": 20,
      "boost_ghz": 5.5, "tdp_w": 125,
      "socket": "LGA1851",
      "ram_type": "DDR5",
      "supported_chipsets": ["Z890", "B860"],
      "price_usd": 379,
      "performance_tier": "high",
      "use_cases": ["1440p gaming", "productivity", "streaming"],
      "notes": "Arrow Lake platform. Strong productivity, gaming is competitive (not class-leading). LGA1851 has future-proofing upside.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    }
  ],
  "gpu": [
    {
      "id": "gpu-rtx-5060-ti-16gb",
      "vendor": "NVIDIA AIB",
      "model": "RTX 5060 Ti 16GB",
      "vram_gb": 16, "tgp_w": 180,
      "length_mm": 280,
      "pcie": "Gen5 x8",
      "price_usd": 429,
      "performance_tier": "mid",
      "use_cases": ["1080p ultra", "1440p high"],
      "notes": "1440p sweet spot in 2026. 16GB VRAM future-proofs against texture growth. See TechFuelHQ 5060 Ti vs 9060 XT review.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "gpu-rx-9060-xt-16gb",
      "vendor": "AMD AIB",
      "model": "RX 9060 XT 16GB",
      "vram_gb": 16, "tgp_w": 150,
      "length_mm": 270,
      "pcie": "Gen5 x16",
      "price_usd": 349,
      "performance_tier": "mid",
      "use_cases": ["1080p ultra", "1440p high"],
      "notes": "Best 1440p value in 2026 if FSR4 quality is acceptable. Lower power than the 5060 Ti.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "gpu-rtx-5070",
      "vendor": "NVIDIA AIB",
      "model": "RTX 5070",
      "vram_gb": 12, "tgp_w": 250,
      "length_mm": 300,
      "pcie": "Gen5 x16",
      "price_usd": 549,
      "performance_tier": "high",
      "use_cases": ["1440p ultra", "4K high"],
      "notes": "DLSS 4 + MFG makes the 12GB VRAM bearable. Watch for texture-heavy titles where 12GB hurts.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "gpu-rtx-5070-ti-16gb",
      "vendor": "NVIDIA AIB",
      "model": "RTX 5070 Ti 16GB",
      "vram_gb": 16, "tgp_w": 300,
      "length_mm": 320,
      "pcie": "Gen5 x16",
      "price_usd": 799,
      "performance_tier": "high",
      "use_cases": ["1440p ultra", "4K high", "VR"],
      "notes": "16GB resolves the 5070's VRAM problem. Strong 1440p flagship, capable 4K with DLSS.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "gpu-rtx-5080-fe",
      "vendor": "NVIDIA FE",
      "model": "RTX 5080 Founders Edition",
      "vram_gb": 16, "tgp_w": 360,
      "length_mm": 304,
      "pcie": "Gen5 x16",
      "price_usd": 999,
      "performance_tier": "flagship",
      "use_cases": ["4K ultra", "path tracing + DLSS 4"],
      "notes": "TechFuelHQ first-party reference: see the ROG Astral 5080 OC bench dataset for the FE-vs-OC clock and thermal data.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "gpu-rog-astral-5080-oc",
      "vendor": "ASUS",
      "model": "ROG Astral RTX 5080 OC",
      "vram_gb": 16, "tgp_w": 360,
      "length_mm": 358,
      "pcie": "Gen5 x16",
      "price_usd": 1349,
      "performance_tier": "flagship",
      "use_cases": ["4K ultra", "path tracing + DLSS 4 MFG", "showcase build"],
      "notes": "TechFuelHQ first-party: 65C under FurMark, 414W board power, 2918 MHz manual OC. See dataset: /data/gpu/rog-astral-rtx-5080-oc-2026-06-09/. Long card \u2014 check case clearance.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    }
  ],
  "motherboard": [
    {
      "id": "mb-b650-tomahawk",
      "vendor": "MSI",
      "model": "B650 Tomahawk WiFi",
      "socket": "AM5", "chipset": "B650",
      "form_factor": "ATX",
      "ram_type": "DDR5", "ram_slots": 4, "ram_max_gb": 192,
      "m2_slots": 3, "pcie_gen": "Gen4",
      "price_usd": 209,
      "use_cases": ["budget AM5", "mid-tier AM5"],
      "notes": "Best B650 value in 2026. Solid VRMs for any Ryzen 7000/9000 short of the 9950X3D.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "mb-b850-edge",
      "vendor": "MSI",
      "model": "B850 Edge WiFi",
      "socket": "AM5", "chipset": "B850",
      "form_factor": "ATX",
      "ram_type": "DDR5", "ram_slots": 4, "ram_max_gb": 256,
      "m2_slots": 4, "pcie_gen": "Gen5",
      "price_usd": 259,
      "use_cases": ["mid-tier AM5", "high-tier AM5"],
      "notes": "PCIe 5.0 for the primary GPU slot and primary NVMe. Worth the bump from B650 if you're building 2026+ forward.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "mb-x870e-hero",
      "vendor": "ASUS",
      "model": "ROG Crosshair X870E Hero",
      "socket": "AM5", "chipset": "X870E",
      "form_factor": "ATX",
      "ram_type": "DDR5", "ram_slots": 4, "ram_max_gb": 256,
      "m2_slots": 5, "pcie_gen": "Gen5",
      "price_usd": 699,
      "use_cases": ["flagship AM5", "showcase build"],
      "notes": "Overkill for most builds. Pick for X3D-class CPUs, multi-NVMe storage, and aesthetic.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "mb-z890-tomahawk",
      "vendor": "MSI",
      "model": "Z890 Tomahawk WiFi",
      "socket": "LGA1851", "chipset": "Z890",
      "form_factor": "ATX",
      "ram_type": "DDR5", "ram_slots": 4, "ram_max_gb": 256,
      "m2_slots": 4, "pcie_gen": "Gen5",
      "price_usd": 289,
      "use_cases": ["mid-tier Intel", "high-tier Intel"],
      "notes": "Solid Arrow Lake mid-range. Z890 needed for Core Ultra K-series tuning.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "mb-z790-tomahawk",
      "vendor": "MSI",
      "model": "Z790 Tomahawk WiFi",
      "socket": "LGA1700", "chipset": "Z790",
      "form_factor": "ATX",
      "ram_type": "DDR5", "ram_slots": 4, "ram_max_gb": 192,
      "m2_slots": 4, "pcie_gen": "Gen5",
      "price_usd": 239,
      "use_cases": ["LGA1700 holdouts"],
      "notes": "Only buy LGA1700 today if the deal on a 14600K is exceptional. Platform is end-of-life.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    }
  ],
  "ram": [
    {
      "id": "ram-ddr5-32gb-6000",
      "vendor": "G.Skill",
      "model": "Trident Z5 Neo 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL30",
      "capacity_gb": 32, "kit": "2x16GB",
      "speed_mtps": 6000, "cas_latency": 30,
      "ram_type": "DDR5",
      "price_usd": 109,
      "use_cases": ["AM5 sweet spot", "mid-tier"],
      "notes": "Sweet spot for AM5: EXPO 6000 CL30 is the official AMD spec target. Use this for any Ryzen 7000/9000 build.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "ram-ddr5-64gb-6000",
      "vendor": "G.Skill",
      "model": "Trident Z5 Neo 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5-6000 CL30",
      "capacity_gb": 64, "kit": "2x32GB",
      "speed_mtps": 6000, "cas_latency": 30,
      "ram_type": "DDR5",
      "price_usd": 209,
      "use_cases": ["productivity", "VMs", "content creation"],
      "notes": "64GB at 6000 CL30 is the new content-creator default. Don't go above 2 sticks on AM5 \u2014 IMC stability falls off with 4 sticks.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "ram-ddr5-32gb-7200",
      "vendor": "Corsair",
      "model": "Vengeance 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-7200 CL34",
      "capacity_gb": 32, "kit": "2x16GB",
      "speed_mtps": 7200, "cas_latency": 34,
      "ram_type": "DDR5",
      "price_usd": 149,
      "use_cases": ["Intel high-speed", "Z890 tuning"],
      "notes": "Intel platforms love high MT/s. Don't pair this with AM5 unless you're chasing diminishing returns.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    }
  ],
  "storage": [
    {
      "id": "ssd-sn850x-2tb",
      "vendor": "WD",
      "model": "Black SN850X 2TB",
      "capacity_gb": 2000,
      "interface": "NVMe Gen4 x4",
      "form_factor": "M.2 2280",
      "read_mbps": 7300, "write_mbps": 6600,
      "price_usd": 159,
      "use_cases": ["OS drive", "game library", "general"],
      "notes": "Reliable Gen4 default. 2TB is the sane minimum in 2026 with 100GB+ AAA game installs.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "ssd-t705-2tb",
      "vendor": "Crucial",
      "model": "T705 2TB",
      "capacity_gb": 2000,
      "interface": "NVMe Gen5 x4",
      "form_factor": "M.2 2280",
      "read_mbps": 14500, "write_mbps": 12700,
      "price_usd": 269,
      "use_cases": ["content creation", "DirectStorage gaming"],
      "notes": "Gen5 only matters for sequential workloads (video scrub, large file IO). For gaming, Gen4 is fine. Runs hot \u2014 needs heatsink.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "ssd-sn850x-4tb",
      "vendor": "WD",
      "model": "Black SN850X 4TB",
      "capacity_gb": 4000,
      "interface": "NVMe Gen4 x4",
      "form_factor": "M.2 2280",
      "read_mbps": 7300, "write_mbps": 6600,
      "price_usd": 289,
      "use_cases": ["large game library", "content creation"],
      "notes": "Cheaper per-GB than the T705 and only marginally slower in real-world workloads. Best 4TB Gen4 pick.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    }
  ],
  "psu": [
    {
      "id": "psu-750w-gold",
      "vendor": "Corsair",
      "model": "RM750x (2024) 750W 80+ Gold",
      "wattage_w": 750, "efficiency": "80+ Gold",
      "form_factor": "ATX 3.1",
      "modular": "Fully modular",
      "pcie_5_connectors": 1,
      "price_usd": 139,
      "use_cases": ["mid-tier", "single-GPU under 300W TGP"],
      "notes": "Right-size for 9700X + 5070 Ti class builds. ATX 3.1 + 12V-2x6 connector for current GPUs.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "psu-850w-gold",
      "vendor": "Corsair",
      "model": "RM850x (2024) 850W 80+ Gold",
      "wattage_w": 850, "efficiency": "80+ Gold",
      "form_factor": "ATX 3.1",
      "modular": "Fully modular",
      "pcie_5_connectors": 1,
      "price_usd": 159,
      "use_cases": ["high-tier", "5070 Ti / 5080 class"],
      "notes": "850W gives headroom for 5080-class GPUs with transient spike margin. Default for most 2026 mid-to-high builds.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "psu-1000w-plat",
      "vendor": "Corsair",
      "model": "HX1000i 1000W 80+ Platinum",
      "wattage_w": 1000, "efficiency": "80+ Platinum",
      "form_factor": "ATX 3.1",
      "modular": "Fully modular",
      "pcie_5_connectors": 2,
      "price_usd": 239,
      "use_cases": ["flagship", "OC headroom", "ROG Astral 5080 OC"],
      "notes": "1000W is appropriate for ROG Astral 5080 OC pulling 414W under stress, plus 9800X3D/9900X CPU + transient spikes. iCue power monitoring is a nice-to-have.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    }
  ],
  "case": [
    {
      "id": "case-h7-flow",
      "vendor": "NZXT",
      "model": "H7 Flow (2024)",
      "form_factor": "ATX",
      "supports_form_factors": ["ATX", "mATX", "ITX"],
      "max_gpu_length_mm": 410,
      "max_cpu_cooler_mm": 185,
      "price_usd": 129,
      "use_cases": ["mid-tier", "high-tier", "airflow"],
      "notes": "Best mainstream airflow case in 2026. Fits any GPU up to 410mm \u2014 including the long ROG Astral 5080.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "case-meshify-2",
      "vendor": "Fractal",
      "model": "Meshify 2 Compact",
      "form_factor": "ATX",
      "supports_form_factors": ["ATX", "mATX", "ITX"],
      "max_gpu_length_mm": 341,
      "max_cpu_cooler_mm": 169,
      "price_usd": 119,
      "use_cases": ["mid-tier", "smaller footprint"],
      "notes": "Smaller than the H7 Flow but still ATX. GPU length cap at 341mm means careful with the longest cards (Astral 5080 at 358mm will NOT fit).",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "case-pop-air-mini",
      "vendor": "Fractal",
      "model": "Pop Air Mini",
      "form_factor": "mATX",
      "supports_form_factors": ["mATX", "ITX"],
      "max_gpu_length_mm": 365,
      "max_cpu_cooler_mm": 165,
      "price_usd": 79,
      "use_cases": ["budget", "mATX build"],
      "notes": "Best sub-$100 case for mATX builds. Surprisingly long GPU clearance for the size.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    },
    {
      "id": "case-o11-d-evo",
      "vendor": "Lian Li",
      "model": "O11 Dynamic EVO RGB",
      "form_factor": "ATX",
      "supports_form_factors": ["ATX", "mATX", "ITX"],
      "max_gpu_length_mm": 422,
      "max_cpu_cooler_mm": 167,
      "price_usd": 249,
      "use_cases": ["showcase build", "watercooling"],
      "notes": "Showcase case with the best layout for watercooling and dual-radiator setups. Premium price.",
      "last_verified": "2026-06-09"
    }
  ]
}