In this day and age, building a computer that can keep up with all the new games being released can be a struggle. Not only are some of the best parts very hard to find, but they can also be costly. However, there are several components that you can purchase that are budget-friendly and save you more than enough money to allow for easy upgrades in the future.
Contents
Intel Core i5 12400F
To build a gaming PC on a budget, you will need a CPU. The i5 12400F from Intel is arguably the best budget CPU on the market and the best budget PC component you can find. It has outstanding performance right out of the box, can overclock like a CPU that costs ten times as much and stays relatively cool. While it doesn’t require a motherboard, and the built-in cooling isn’t excellent, you won’t regret picking it up for your build.
AMD Radeon RX 6600 8GB
You don’t often associate an AMD Radeon with affordability; however, the RX 6600 is affordable right now. Not only will it offer all the power you need, but it is also so quiet you will barely know it is there.
On the other hand, it can sometimes be slower than an RTX 3060, and it doesn’t have the best ray-tracing capabilities. That said, three cards will soon replace its RDNA two-card configuration, but that will only apply to the higher-end GPUs, meaning the price of the RX 6600 will most likely come down even more.
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4-3200
The 16GB Corsair Vengeance memory pack is a simple and efficient memory system that will give you more than enough RAM to play and enjoy most games. While 8GB would also be sufficient, the 16GB is excellent value for money.
WD_Black SN770 500GB
Another simple yet effective component is the 500GB SSD from WD. However, this SSD is a double-edged sword; while 500GB may be precisely what you need, you could spend more and get the 1TB option. Additionally, depending on what you are playing, you may fill 500GB much faster than you think.
XPG Pylon 450
Finally, don’t underestimate the benefit of a plentiful power supply. The XPG Pylon 450 is a high-quality power supply unit that is more than sufficient for most budget gaming PCs. Considering it has a five-year warranty and will only cost you $50, it is the perfect addition to your set-up.
Tips for Building a Budget Gaming PC
When building a budget gaming PC, there are a few things to remember to ensure you spend your money wisely while still creating the best system you can.
Know Your Game Requirements
First, you should check the system requirements for the games you want to play. This way, you can build a computer that performs at the level you need without overspending on a GPU or CPU that is way more powerful than it needs to be.
Know Where To Spend & Where To Save
Even if you are on a budget, there will be times when you will have to spend a bit extra on specific components. In light of this, it is also important to remember when to spend and when to save.
For example, buying a great CPU is better than buying a great gaming mouse. The CPU will have a much more significant impact on your experience than the mouse and, therefore, should be the component you spend more money on.
Prioritize Performance
Building on the last point, when you have a limited budget, prioritizing performance will always be best. Don’t immediately worry about your PC aesthetics. First, purchase the components that will make your PC perform at its very best.
Avoid Performance Bottlenecks
Finally, don’t get trapped in a performance bottleneck. This means avoiding purchasing components that can’t be used to their full potential because the components and systems around them aren’t strong enough.
Many new builders make the mistake of splurging on a top-of-the-range or expensive CPU or GPU, but they only get half of its potential out of it because every other aspect of their build is much lower on the performance scale. Instead, purchase parts that work together as a unit and are fully maximized.
This ensures you aren’t needlessly wasting money or leaving performance on the table. Building a gaming PC on a budget may not be easy, but it’s possible if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. You may need to shop around a bit to be sure you’re getting the best quality components at an affordable price.
It’s also important to remember that careful planning is needed to ensure that you’re not only buying the right components but that they perform how you need them to and that you’re not overspending or under-spending on your build. Remember, with the right components, strategic planning, and a well-thought-out approach to how your system functions, you can build a gaming PC that fits your budget and provides an exceptional gaming experience.
