Building a $1500 1440p gaming PC: CPU/GPU balance and cooling decisions.

[Natalie.L]

I'm planning my first gaming PC build with a budget around fifteen hundred dollars, aiming for solid 1440p performance on new titles. I've done a lot of research on components, but I'm getting overwhelmed by the final decisions, especially regarding the CPU and GPU balance and choosing a compatible motherboard that won't limit future upgrades. For experienced builders, what does your current gaming PC build guide look like for this price point, and what are the most common pitfalls for first-timers during the actual assembly process? How critical is RAM speed and timing for modern games, and what's your advice on cooling—is a high-end air cooler sufficient, or is an AIO liquid cooler worth the extra cost and complexity?