So, you are in the market for a budget-friendly gaming PC? It’s time to show you how to build your own computer for a fraction of the retail cost. After all, with a $600 budget, you can certainly make a powerful gaming rig that will pack a punch. If you’re ready to build a budget gaming PC, here’s what you’ll need.
Firstly, you need to pick the right components. When it comes to gaming, you’ll want brisk processing power and plenty of RAM to ensure a smooth experience. Aim for an Intel Core i3 CPU, like the Intel Core i3-9100F processer, or the Intel Core i5-9400F processor. Then, purchase 8 GB of RAM and a low-cost B450 motherboard. We recommend opting for the Gigabyte B450 AORUS M Motherboard, or the ASUS Prime B450M-A/CSM.
Secondly, purchase a GPU. This is a vital component for any gaming PC, as it will determine the graphical quality of your system. For a gaming PC on a strict budget, go for the AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB. This GPU will cost you $200, and should give you some serious bang for your buck.
Thirdly, pick a cheap storage drive. Right now, hard disk drives (HDD) are the best choice for budget builds, due to their low costs and larger storage capacity. Buy and install a 1 TB HDD in your new PC, like the Western Digital Blue 1TB HDD. Sure, solid state drives (SSD) are faster, but they’re much pricier and won’t fit into a $600 budget.
Fourthly, select your case. Cases are largely a matter of preference, so pick whichever one fits your style. The Phanteks Eclipse P300 is a solid choice if you’re short on funds, and should cost around $50. The elegant glass panels look slick, and there’s plenty of room for all your components.
Lastly, you’ll want a power supply unit (PSU). In order to power your PC, you’ll need something reliable and efficient, like the Thermaltake Smart Pro RGB 650W. This PSU will fit your budget, and it’ll be able to power all your components easily.
Once your parts arrive, you can start building your own budget gaming PC. Remember, take your time and use anti-static methods to prevent permanent damage to your computer. If all goes well, soon your PC will be ready to play all your favorite games.
Picking Your CPU Cooler
The CPU is the brain of any PC, so you want to make sure it doesn’t get too hot in there. In order to avoid the risk of burnouts, you’ll need to purchase a CPU cooler. The Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO is a great choice for a budget build, as it will do its job effectively, and it’ll only set you back around 40 dollars. Be careful when installing the cooler, though; take your time, so everything fits properly.
Arranging Your Cable Management
Cable management is important in any PC build, but even more so in budget builds, where you want to make sure all of your components are perfectly spaced and correctly connected. It’s worth it to make cable management a priority; this way, your PC will look better and airflow won’t be hindered by cluttered wires. When arranging your cables, make sure to leave an extra inch or two of space between components.
Buying Accessories
Now that you’ve built the actual PC, it’s time to get the necessary accessories. In order to access the insides of your newly-built PC, you’ll need to buy a keyboard and mouse. If you’re on a budget, a wireless keyboard and mouse set like the Logitech MK345 should get the job done. Additionally, you’ll want to purchase a monitor, so you can actually see what your PC is doing. We recommend opting for a budget monitor, like the ASUS VE278Q monitor.
Installing an Operating System
Once you have all the parts you need, it’s time to install your operating system. Windows 10 is the gold standard for gamers, so it’s the logical choice for your gaming PC. You can either pay for the full version, or use Windows 10 Home, the free version. Both should provide a more than satisfactory experience, and the installation process is easy.
Installing Drivers and Troubleshooting
Finally, you need to install the necessary drivers for each component of your PC. This is an important step, as it will ensure that each component is working properly and as efficiently as possible. Once you’ve done that, make sure to troubleshoot any possible issues that may be arising. If you’re having trouble with a certain component, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
