When it comes to gaming, cost is almost always a factor to consider. This is why many gamers are always on the lookout for the cheapest but best gaming PCs. But does such a thing really exist? In this blog post, we dive deep into the topic to see if a cheap but good gaming PC is really possible.
In the simplest terms, a gaming PC requires some essential components like a processor, graphics card, storage, and memory. Getting good-quality components at the lowest price is not easy. However, it is possible to find a combination of reasonably priced parts that will let you play most modern games at medium to low settings.
When shopping for a cheap but good gaming PC, it’s important to know what to look for. At a minimum, the processor should be Intel’s 8th or 9th generation core i3, i5, or i7. For memory, 8GB of RAM is recommended while 16GB is considered optimal. Storage should be no less than 120GB of SSD or 1TB of HDD. Finally, a graphics card should be at least an NVIDIA GeForce GT 730. With these components, it should be possible to build a gaming PC that can handle most modern games at acceptable framerates.
Building a gaming PC from scratch is by far the most economical option. However, if you don’t want to go through the hassle of selecting and buying components, there are plenty of pre-built systems available. Look for a prebuilt system with a newer Intel processor, at least 8GB of memory, a decent GPU, and plenty of storage.
It is also important to consider cooling when planning out your gaming PC. Make sure to get a good case with sufficient airflow and a quality CPU cooler. This is important for maximum performance and stability.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all answer for the best and cheapest gaming PC, there are still plenty of options out there. Finding the best combination of components and taking the time to research and compare prices is essential for getting the most bang for your buck.
Processors
The processor is the heart of any computer and choosing the right one is essential. Intel’s 8th and 9th generation Core i3, i5, and i7 processors are the most common and offer great performance for gaming. AMD processors are also a viable choice, with the Ryzen 5 and 7 ranges a good choice for high-end gaming.
It’s also important to remember that not all processors are created equal. The Core i7 series processors are more expensive, but offer better performance than the Core i5 series and should be considered for the more serious gamers. For gaming, the minimum processor requirement is usually the Core i5-8400.
When looking for a cheap but good gaming PC, pay close attention to the processor. It is the single most important component for gaming and it is important not to settle for anything less than an 8th or 9th generation processor.
Graphics Card
The graphics card is one of the most important components for gaming, as it determines how well your games will run. When buying on a budget, the most important thing to consider is the model of the card: the GTX 1050Ti and GTX 1060 are two of the oldest and most popular midrange gaming cards, but there are also cheaper models available such as the GTX 1050, GTX 1650, and GTX 1660.
It’s important to note that the more expensive cards such as the GTX 1080 and RTX 2070 tend to offer better performance, but they can also be a bit prohibitively expensive. Thankfully, even with a mid-range card, most modern games can be played at acceptable framerates.
Finally, make sure to pay attention to the power requirements of the graphics card. Having an inadequate power supply can lead to instability and even damage to the system.
Memory
When it comes to gaming, memory is another very important component. Memory is what allows your games to run smoothly, and 8GB of RAM is usually considered the minimum for gaming. For gaming on ultra settings, however, 16GB or more is highly recommended.
If you’re looking for a cheap but good gaming PC, look for a system with at least 8GB of memory. The more memory your system has, the better your gaming experience will be.
It’s also important to note that the type of memory you choose is important. DDR4 is the latest and fastest type but DDR3 is still a viable option and can be considerably cheaper.
Storage
Storage is also an important component to consider when building a gaming PC, as it stores all your games and other files. When buying on a budget, the minimum recommended storage should be 120GB of an SSD or 1TB of an HDD.
Solid State Drives are usually more expensive than traditional hard drives, but they offer greater performance and boot times. They are also more robust and less prone to failure than HDDs.
Having ample storage is important as it gives you room to install many games and store other files such as music and videos. For budget gaming PCs, 240GB SSDs or 2TB HDDs are usually the best options.
Cooling
Having a good cooling system is essential for any gaming PC, as overheating can affect the performance and lifespan of your system. Look for a case with plenty of airflow and good ventilation.
Make sure to get a good CPU cooler as well. Air coolers are the most common and are usually sufficient, but water coolers are often preferred for the best performance.
A good cooler will keep your system running at optimal temperatures, which in turn will lead to improved performance and stability. This can make all the difference for a cheap but good gaming PC.
