Is a higher-end GPU or stronger CPU better for a $1500 1440p build?

[Michael.L]

I'm building my first gaming PC with a budget of around $1500, aiming for smooth 1440p performance on modern titles, and I've spent weeks researching parts but I'm stuck on a few key decisions. I'm torn between allocating more budget to a higher-tier GPU like an RTX 4070 Super or prioritizing a better CPU/motherboard platform for future upgrades. I also can't decide if DDR5 memory and a PCIe 5.0 SSD are worth the premium right now or if they're just future-proofing overkill. For builders who have recently completed a similar mid-range build, what was your component breakdown and how did it perform? What compromises did you make, and were there any parts you regretted not spending more on or any that turned out to be unnecessary? I'm especially unsure about power supply wattage and case airflow for this tier of components.