Building a gaming PC on a budget is a fairly straightforward endeavor. For less than $1,000, you can assemble a formidable rig that’ll play the latest games at 1080p resolutions and beyond. With a few handy tips and tricks, you’ll have a great gaming PC set up in no time. Here’s how to get started:
1. Look for sales and promo codes. Start by looking online for coupons and special offers before purchasing any of the parts. Many deals you’ll find may be decent, yet you don’t always know what you’re getting. Checking out reputable, well known sites is better than selecting the cheapest option you can find.
2. Decide which components you must have. Although building a gaming PC for under $1,000 isn’t cheap, it’s doable. Firstly, you’ll need a CPU and at least 8GB of RAM for the most resource-intensive games. Secondly, a reliable graphics card like an AMD Radeon RX 580 is an absolute must if you want to play games on high settings at 1080p or higher. Moving on, you’ll need to choose which brand of motherboard, RAM and case is best suited to your budget.
3. Look at system requirements. Knowing what games you want to play is essential. Check the system requirements of those games so that you know what type of hardware you’ll need in order to run them. This will help you determine if your hardware will be powerful enough or if you’ll need to upgrade.
4. Check for compatibility. Compatibility is key when building a gaming PC on a budget, so make sure the components you’re purchasing are compatible with each other. Before you buy, check to make sure the motherboard, RAM, and GPU are all compatible with each other, as well as your operating system.
5. Assemble your build. Building a gaming PC isn’t as hard as you may think. If you’re confident in your technical skills, you can easily assemble your own build. Start by reading the detailed instructions provided with your parts, then assemble one piece at a time. After everything is in place, double check all your connections, making sure they are secure.
6. Install your operating system. When your system is all set up, you can then proceed to install your favorite gaming operating system. Windows 10 is the most recommended option, as it’s designed for gaming and provides the optimal experience. You can also opt for Linux, an open-source alternative, or another gaming-focused operating system.
7. Test your PC. Before playing any games, make sure to test your PC to be sure everything is in working condition. Stress-test your system with benchmarking software and make sure all your components are stable and running smoothly. Once your PC passes the tests, you’re ready to start gaming!
Cooling
A good cooling system is essential for a hard-hitting gaming PC build. Opting for a dedicated aftermarket cooler over the stock cooler is a prudent decision since gaming PCs tend to generate more heat. A good air cooling solution will cost around $40, while water cooling solutions can cost anywhere from $70 to $200. Bear in mind that air cooling solutions tend to be noisier than liquid cooling solutions, and don’t provide as good cooling performance. For near-silent performance, you will likely want to opt for a liquid cooler. Good airflow is also a must, so look for a case that provides plenty of ventilation.
Storage
Storage is also crucial for a gaming PC, and it’s budget-friendly to go with a traditional hard drive. However, for an even better gaming experience, an SSD will provide much faster loading times and smoother gameplay. The fastest and most expensive are the NVMe M.2 drives, which offer blistering read/write speeds and relatively small capacities. However, for budget-minded gamers, a good SATA solid-state drive is a prudent choice. For the most performance, look for an SSD with 500GB or 1TB capacity, while gamers on a tight budget can go with a 256GB drive.
Power Supply
When it comes to powering your gaming PC, you’ll want to invest in a good power supply. A reliable name-brand power supply, such as Corsair, EVGA, Thermaltake, or SeaSonic, will be more affordable and reliable than cheaper, no-name brands. A mid-range power supply of 650-750 watts should more than enough to power most builds. However, be sure to check the power requirements of your system and purchase an appropriately sized power supply.
Peripherals
Aside from the basic components mentioned above, you’ll also want to consider buying gaming peripherals. A gaming monitor, mouse, and keyboard are essential for a well-rounded gaming rig. A good monitor will cost around $200-$300, while a gaming mouse can cost anywhere from $50-$100 or more, depending on the features you’re looking for. When it comes to gaming keyboards, you’ll want to make sure you buy one with good switches and mechanical keys. Mechanical keyboards are more expensive, but they provide a better gaming experience with more tactile feedback and a more precise keystroke. Look for one with at least 100 keys.
Conclusion
Building a gaming PC for under $1,000 isn’t easy, but with a bit of know-how and some handy tips, it’s definitely doable. Just keep in mind which components are must-haves and what peripheral devices to buy. Keep your eyes peeled for good deals on components, check game system requirements, and be sure to verify that all components are compatible. Then, you’ll be able to assemble your gaming PC, install a gaming operating system, test it out, and finally enjoy some great gaming fun.
