How to Build Cheap Gaming PCs
PC gaming can be expensive. But you don’t need to break the bank to have a great gaming computer that will handle 1080p games now and for years to come.
It’s been a rough few years for anyone looking to build a gaming pc, but parts are starting to get easier to find. The crypto craze is finally ending and prices are becoming reasonable again.
Budget
If you’re on a tight budget, it’s possible to build a decent gaming PC for less than $400. This pc build includes an Intel Core i3-10100F processor, 8GB of DDR4 memory, a GT 1030 graphics card, and a 550W power supply in a micro-ATX case. This configuration will play most games at 1080p resolution with lower-to-medium settings. If you want to improve performance, it’s best to skip the integrated graphics and instead opt for a dedicated GPU.
For storage, this cheap gaming pc build has a 128GB SSD, which is more than enough for most applications and games. It also has a 500GB hard drive for backup and expansion. While a SSD is more expensive than a traditional hard drive, it offers a huge speed boost in games.
In terms of CPU cooling, this pc build uses a stock heat sink and fan. While stock fans are fine for most cases, it’s a good idea to invest in a better cooler. A thermal paste binds the CPU to the heatsink and helps transfer heat more efficiently. A tube of Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut will cost about $10 and should last you for several cooler installations.
If you’re on a budget, it’s best to skip the high-end components and stick with what works. While some people recommend getting a fast CPU and a top-of-the-line graphics card, these aren’t necessary for the most popular games. The most important thing is to keep your eyes peeled for sales and deals, because you can often find great hardware for a fraction of the price. Alternatively, you can buy a pre-built PC that meets your requirements. However, you’ll have to sacrifice some customization options and flexibility.
Processor
The processor is the brains of your computer, executing instructions that are needed for programs to run and dictating tasks to all other components. It plays an essential role in gaming, streaming and content creation and can have a significant impact on your experience. The right processor can help you achieve the best performance for your budget.
There are a lot of options when it comes to the processor, so you can find one that fits your budget and needs. If you want a great gaming PC for under $1000, consider an Intel CPU and a GPU. An inexpensive GPU can still play games well at 1080p, and a decent Intel CPU can handle most modern titles.
Another important component for a cheap gaming pc is the memory (RAM). The more RAM you have, the faster your computer will run. Ideally, you should have at least 8GB of RAM, which is enough to run most games, including some heavy duty titles. You can get a good value 8GB kit from G.Skill Ripjaws V DDR4.
You can also save money by building your own PC instead of buying a prebuilt configuration. By doing so, you can choose the make and model of your motherboard, case, graphics card, and other components that will suit your personal style and budget. You can also customize the amount of storage space you have and add secondary storage drives as necessary. In addition, a custom built PC can save you hundreds of dollars over the cost of a prebuilt system. Fortunately, the crypto craze is over and prices for gaming PCs are starting to drop. But be careful when choosing the components, as the price of some things may rise again in the future.
Graphics Card
The graphics card is the component that gets the most attention from gamers. It has a direct effect on the quality of a game’s graphics, and it is the most likely place for a bottleneck to occur. In addition to a GPU, you will also need a fast CPU (processor) and RAM (Random-Access Memory).
While it is possible to build a cheap gaming PC for less than $300, that configuration would be better suited for casual home use or streaming video content on YouTube. For an affordable and powerful computer that can run the latest games, we recommend spending about $900 or more on a hardware build that includes a high-resolution monitor.
This configuration uses an Intel Core i5 processor, a Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card, and 16GB of RAM. It is capable of running most modern games at a resolution of 1080p and 60 frames per second. The included mid-size tower case has plenty of space for extra storage drives and other upgrades.
One of the best features of this particular build is that all of its components are upgradeable. If the CPU becomes outdated, you can replace it with a faster option; if you need more storage for your growing game library, you can add an additional hard drive. The power supply is a 650W 80 PLUS Gold unit that will have enough power for any potential future upgrades. This makes it easy to build a cheap gaming PC that can grow with you. Be sure to ground yourself before handling the motherboard and other sensitive electronics components to prevent electrostatic discharge that can damage the parts. It’s also a good idea to have a friend who can help you put the system together.
Case
A good PC case will keep everything secure and cool. It should have plenty of space for components, and it should include panels to hide cables and vent hot air. Some cases come with tool-free bays for easy access, while others may have hinged side panels that open to reveal drive bays. A midsize ATX case like the $60 NZXT H510 can accommodate most motherboards, while an mATX or ITX case like the $100 Cooler Master NR200 or the $60 Thermaltake Core V1 can hold smaller boards.
The next component to pick is a hard drive. You’ll need a large one to store your operating system and games, and you should avoid buying anything smaller than 1TB. The best option is a solid-state drive, such as the 128GB Adata Ultimate SU800 SSD, which will be much faster than a standard HDD and can often be found for $20 or less during seasonal sales.
You’ll also need to pick out a power supply. You should buy a modular one, which will allow you to upgrade as your computer’s needs change. Look for one with an 80+ Gold efficiency rating and a decent output of at least 600W. The $65 Thermaltake Toughpower GX2 600W ATX power supply is a good choice for this build.
The AMD Radeon RX 570 8GB graphics card is an excellent choice for gamers on a budget because it can handle most modern games at 1080p 60Hz. It’s important to pair it with a decent monitor, though, or you won’t be able to take full advantage of its performance. You’ll also need a keyboard and mouse, and you should consider adding a gaming-grade monitor with a refresh rate of at least 120Hz.
Power Supply
The power supply (PSU) is one of the most under-appreciated PC components. Unlike many other parts, a bad PSU can destroy an entire system with a single surge or short. This makes the right choice very important. A good PSU can make a computer run faster, last longer, and give the user more wiggle room to overclock the CPU and GPU.
While it's tempting to save money by skimping on the power supply, this is a mistake. Insufficient power can cause problems for the motherboard, the CPU, and even the graphics card. Insufficient power can also lead to unstable operation, overheating, and damage to the case.
Getting the right power supply for a cheap gaming pc is essential, so choose a unit that can handle the demands of your budget GPU. Look for a PSU that has at least 430W of capacity and is 80+ certified. This will ensure that the PSU can sustain a full load without tripping.
If possible, consider a semi-modular PSU. These come with a few essential cables attached and are cheaper than fully modular styles. Semi-modular units can be upgraded to a fully modular style later on when you have more money to spend.
Ideally, you should mount your power supply so that its fan faces out of the case through a vent. This will allow for cool airflow and help keep the PSU running at a comfortable temperature. At PC Hardware Refresh We are a little different to most computer shops. We offer all the normal services and can get you brand new equipment if you want it.
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PC gaming can be expensive. But you don’t need to break the bank to have a great gaming computer that will handle 1080p games now and for years to come. It’s been a rough few years for anyone looking to build a gaming pc, but parts are starting to get easier to find. The crypto…