This build delivers reliable performance for Half-Life 2's campaign and mods by pairing a modern CPU with a mid-range GPU and sensible supporting parts instead of chasing maximum frame rates or 4K visuals the base game never required. It targets smooth physics handling, elimination of Source engine stutters, and the ability to run popular visual overhauls or RTX Remix packages without major compromises. Total system cost stays practical by focusing spending where the game and its community content actually create load. The Ryzen 5 9600X provides excellent single-core speed and modern platform longevity that directly addresses the engine's preference for high clock rates in physics and AI routines, avoiding the micro-stutters common when older CPUs or weaker Zen architectures tackle complex scenes. Paired with the Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB, the system gains substantial rasterization power and VRAM for running texture packs, shader enhancements, and ray-traced mods that push beyond the original 2004 visuals. This CPU-GPU balance is deliberate: the processor handles the game's historical CPU sensitivity while the GPU supplies future-proofing for the modding ecosystem without stepping into high-end territory the vanilla experience would never utilize. Supporting components round out a coherent system. The ASUS Prime B650-PLUS WiFi motherboard offers a stable AM5 foundation with future upgrade paths, while 16GB of DDR5-6000 RAM meets the engine and modern mod requirements without excess. The Kingston NV3 1TB NVMe SSD provides fast load times for large mod libraries, and the Thermalright Peerless Assassin cooler keeps the Ryzen chip at peak clocks during long sessions. A 650W 80+ Bronze PSU and spacious Montech AIR 903 case ensure clean airflow and reliable power delivery. Overall, the configuration sidesteps the classic mistake of overspending on a game that runs well on modest hardware while still giving enthusiasts the headroom their favorite mods demand.