Understanding Performance Goals and Size Preferences
If you 've used RigSync's Custom Builder, you've probably seen the Performance Goal slider and Size Preference options. But what do they actually do? How do they affect your build? Let's break it down.
They were initially not doing much but after some updates, they now have a real impact on how your build is optimized within your budget. They're not just arbitrary settings, they guide the optimizer in making trade-offs that align with your priorities.
When using RigSync's Custom Builder, you will see the two options: Performance Goal and Size Preference right in the middle of all the possible selections. Here's what they actually do.
The Performance Slider: Basic to Extreme
The Performance slider controls how the optimizer balances your budget across components. It still respects your total budget, this isn't about spending more. It's about where the money goes.
Basic: Budget spread across all components evenly. You'll get a functional build with no weak points, but nothing exceptional. It will try to save you money by giving you components that are "good enough" for your requirements. It's more conservative in allocating budget to CPU and GPU, so you might end up with a mid-range CPU and GPU even if your budget could technically afford better. The idea is to give you a solid build that meets your needs without overspending on core performance.
Moderate: Slightly more budget allocated to CPU and GPU. Solid all-around builds for everyday gaming without compromising on other components.
High (recommended for most users): Better balance with more focus on core performance. CPU and GPU get a bigger share of the budget, but you still get quality storage, cooling, and case. This is the sweet spot for gaming builds.
Ultra: Heavy focus on CPU and GPU performance. Supporting components (case, cooling, storage) get minimum viable budgets. Your CPU and GPU will be strong, but your case might be basic and your cooler adequate rather than premium.
Extreme: Maximum core component priority. Nearly all budget goes to CPU, GPU, and motherboard. You'll get flagship-tier performance hardware, but expect budget-tier supporting components. This is for users who care about raw performance above everything else.
What Actually Changes?
So esentially, the Performance slider tells the optimizer how to distribute your budget and some other specific rules about component selection.
A $1,500 build set to Basic might give you a mid-range CPU, mid-range GPU, premium case, and high-end storage. The same budget set to Extreme gives you a flagship CPU and GPU, but a budget case and basic storage.
The optimizer still ensures everything works together and hits playable framerates for your chosen resolution. You're just telling it whether you care more about core performance or overall build quality.
Compact vs Standard Size
Size preference controls motherboard form factor and case size.
Compact (Mini-ITX / Micro-ATX): Smaller builds, space-efficient. Great for desk setups where space matters. Trade-off: fewer expansion slots, tighter component compatibility, potentially limited cooling options.
Standard (ATX): Full-size builds with more room for upgrades and better airflow. No compromises on expansion or cooling capacity.
Auto: Lets RigSync decide based on your budget and components. Budget builds lean compact to save money on the case. High-performance builds lean standard for better cooling and expandability.
Why Size Matters
Compact builds need compatible cooling solutions. A massive dual-tower air cooler won't fit in a Mini-ITX case. RigSync checks clearance automatically if your CPU cooler is too tall, it'll switch to a compatible option or suggest a different case. It also takes into account air flow and thermal performance. High-end CPUs and GPUs generate more heat, so if you choose Extreme performance with Compact size, RigSync will prioritize components that can be adequately cooled in a smaller case.
Standard builds have more flexibility. Want a 360mm AIO? Need multiple storage drives? ATX cases have the space.
Using These Together
Performance Goal and Size Preference work together to guide the optimizer:
- Basic + Compact: Balanced budget build in a small form factor (office work, casual gaming)
- High + Standard: Well-rounded gaming PC with room to upgrade and good cooling
- Extreme + Compact: Maximum CPU/GPU performance in a small case (challenging cooling, but possible)
- Extreme + Standard: Flagship performance with adequate cooling and case
The optimizer can go slightly over budget if needed to avoid bottlenecks, but it prioritizes your preferences. If you want Compact, it'll find compatible components even if it means adjusting cooling or case selection.
The Bottom Line
Performance Goal tells the optimizer how to split your budget: balanced quality vs maximum core performance. Size Preference determines physical footprint and expandability.
Want to see how these preferences affect real builds? Try the Custom Builder and compare a Basic Standard build to an Extreme Compact build with the same $1,500 budget. You'll see exactly where the money goes.
Building a gaming PC and want help optimizing every dollar? Try RigSync's Game-Based Builder, it'll handle the technical decisions so you can focus on the games you want to play.
No marketing nonsense here, just builds optimized for what you actually need.
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