As the world grows increasingly digital, many people are turning to PC gaming to enjoy the latest games and updates. PC gaming can be expensive but with a few simple steps, you can build a cheap but powerful gaming PC for a fraction of the cost. Here is how to build a cheap but powerful gaming PC:
Firstly, select a processor that is capable of meeting your gaming needs. Things to consider are the performance per watt, number of cores, and integrated graphics. This will provide the essential foundation and power your PC requires to run the most demanding games. Selecting an AMD Ryzen processor can provide the best performance while saving money.
Next, choose a graphics card that can handle the performance that the processor requires. Look for a mid-range graphical solution that will supply enough processing power and frames per second to achieve a smooth gaming experience. A good option is Nvidia’s RTX 3070 or 3080 series, as they are affordable yet powerful and offer great performance.
Thirdly, buy a motherboard that is compatible with both, the processor and the graphics card, and that has the necessary ports and slots to accommodate them. It should also provide the necessary amount of RAM slots to fit enough memory and I/O ports for peripherals. A good choice for this is the ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E.
Fourthly, select a suitable power supply to provide sufficient power to the system, as well as any additional components that may be added. An 80+ efficiency rating is a must, as this ensures the reliability and longevity of the components. A good choice is the Corsair RM750x.
Fifthly, choose an adequate case which has enough space and ventilation to accommodate the components. It should also have compatibility with the motherboard you selected, as well as enough drive bays for storage and a suitable number of fans for cooling.
Lastly, if your budget permits it, consider upgrading the components for a more powerful and efficient gaming experience. This includes trading out the processor for a more powerful version, if necessary, and adding additional fans for improved cooling. You may also consider upgrading the storage capacity, adding a larger hard drive, or even installing an SSD for faster performance.
Upgrade the Graphics Card
When it comes to gaming PCs, the graphics card is often the most influential component. Upgrading the graphics card to a more powerful version can drastically increase the performance of your gaming PC. Current graphical solutions, like Nvidia’s RTX series, are very efficient and offer excellent performance at an affordable price. Consider upgrading your current graphics card to an RTX 3080 or 3090 and experience the best gaming performance at high resolutions.
If budget is an issue, consider opting for a mid-range solution that offers enough performance to meet your gaming needs. Good options for this are Nvidia’s RTX 2060 or AMD’s Radeon 6800 series. These cards provide decent performance without breaking the bank and allow for a smooth gaming experience.
The most important thing to consider when selecting a graphics card is the total wattage needed to run it. Make sure that the power supply you selected is capable of providing the necessary amount of power, as well as having enough connections to accommodate the card. Additionally, the case needs to have enough room for the card and additional ventilation for cooling.
Include a High-End Monitor
A good-quality gaming monitor is also essential to achieve the best gaming experience. A good monitor should abide by certain standards such as a high resolution, at least 144Hz refresh rate, and support for G-Sync or FreeSync technology. Looking at premium brands, such as ASUS ROG, LG or Samsung, can be the safest bet when it comes to finding the best monitor. You may also consider opting for an ultrawide monitor to get a more immersive gaming experience.
When selecting a gaming monitor, it’s important to consider the current graphics card you have or the one you are planning to upgrade to. Make sure that your monitor is compatible with the card and can deliver the best gaming experience. Additionally, if budget allows, opt for a curved monitor as it offers more panoramic views and has better colors than flat-screen monitors.
A good monitor will be the one that offers the best colors, resolution, and refresh rate that can be obtained within your budget. Remember to compare multiple options and always look for reviews to gauge a monitor’s performance.
Get the Right Speakers
High-quality gaming speakers are also essential to achieve a great gaming experience. At the same time, they should be powerful enough to provide a great audio experience when paired with the monitor and graphics card. A good set of speakers will provide clear, crisp audio with no distortion, while allowing you to feel the in-game sounds and nuances.
When selecting gaming speakers, consider the total amount of power they will draw, as well as the ports available on the motherboard. A good set of speakers will come with an “amplified” prefix, which means they won’t need additional amplification and can be directly connected to the PC. Brands such as Logitech, Razer and SteelSeries offer some of the best gaming speakers in the market.
In addition to the speakers, you may want to consider a gaming headset for better sound, less noise, and more realism. Headset brands range from more affordable names such as HyperX and Turtle Beach, to luxury and expensive options such as Sennheiser and Bose.
Acquire Extra Accessories
Additional peripherals and accessories are also essential for a great gaming PC build. Accessories such as keyboards, mice, or gamepads are essential for a good gaming experience and they should be chosen carefully. Consider the type of games you will be playing, as well as any features that may be necessary for them.
When selecting peripherals, always look for quality and performance, as well as the ergonomics of the product. Make sure that the design and geometry of the product fits your gaming needs, as well as being comfortable for extended gaming sessions. Brands such as Logitech, Razer, SteelSeries, and Corsair provide some of the best gaming peripherals.
In regards to the keyboard, a mechanical keyboard is the best choice as they are durable and provide clear tactile feedback. As for the mouse, an optical gaming mouse with adjustable DPI is a must. In addition, you may also want to consider a gaming joystick or gamepad for Flight Simulator, racing games, and other types of games that require precise control.
Choose Appropriate RAM
Selecting an appropriate RAM is also essential to achieve a good gaming experience. The total amount of RAM needed will depend on what type of games you will be playing, as well as how many programs, applications, and games you will be running in the background. Generally, 8GB of RAM can suffice for most PC game titles, but for more demanding games 16GB of RAM is recommended. Make sure that the RAM you select is compatible with the motherboard and the processor.
When looking for a RAM kit, consider the type of RAM, speed, and timing. DDR4 RAM is the most popular option, as it offers the best performance and consumes less power. Additionally, look for RAM with a high frequency to ensure that there won’t be any performance stuttering. On top of that, the RAM should also have low CAS latency, which will improve its access speed.
In regards to the RAM manufacturer, brands such as G. Skill, Corsair, and Patriot provide some of the best options in the market. As they are generally more expensive than regular RAM kits, make sure to check reviews and compare prices to make sure you are making the right choice.
