Building a cheap yet capable gaming PC can be a surprisingly difficult task, especially for those with limited experience. Fortunately, there is a wealth of knowledge on Reddit from experienced PC builders that can help guide beginners and experienced alike. Here are a few tips to get started building a cheap gaming PC the Reddit way.
First, focus on the core components that make up your build, such as the processor, motherboard, RAM and storage. These components will contribute the most to performance, and should therefore be chosen wisely. Look for generics that offer performance and reliability at a much lower cost than the more expensive brands. Reddit users have assembled helpful lists of parts that offer great performance at a budget price.
Next, be sure to check out the individual part reviews. Reddit users can post reviews of components they have purchased and tested, so keep an eye out for those. These reviews can provide useful insights when selecting the right components for your build, and can also help you to find any issues or compatibility problems before you purchase the components.
You should also be sure to do some research on the case and power supply. The case should be large enough for your components, with plenty of cable management options and plenty of cooling. The power supply should have enough wattage to meet your needs, and should also be reliable. Reddit posts often include detailed recommendations on both the case and power supply.
Finally, consider how you’re going to assemble the PC. If you’re comfortable with building PCs, you should be able to assemble the components easily enough. Reddit posts offer many helpful assembly tips, as well as troubleshooting advice if something doesn’t work as expected. For those who are less technically inclined, Reddit users can even provide guides specifically tailored to your individual build.
Cooling and Overclocking
When building a cheap gaming PC, cooling is paramount. Cheaper components usually dissipate more heat, so adequate cooling is essential to ensure that everything stays nice and cool. Fans are the most common way to cool your system and can be inexpensive upgrades. Reddit users have also recommended various liquid cooling solutions that may provide effective cooling at a budget price.
Another way to squeeze more performance out of your build is to overclock. Overclocking can allow you to increase the performance of your components, including the processor, RAM, and graphics card. Reddit users have compiled helpful guides on how to safely achieve a stable overclock. However, always remember that overclocking might void your component’s warranty, so proceed with caution.
Finally, be sure to monitor the temperatures of your components. Monitoring temperatures helps to ensure that everything is running at a safe temperature and prevents any component damage due to overheating. Popular Reddit users have provided helpful tips on how to set up hardware and software to monitor component temperatures.
Building a Cheap Gaming PC Reddit Style
When beginning a build, Reddit users suggest to have a budget in mind and determine which parts are necessary based upon the budget. This will make it much easier to find parts that fit within the budget and performance goals. There are also various resources available on Reddit for researching parts and setting up specific components for a budget build. Combined with the reviews and recommendations from other Reddit users, this knowledge can help guide users towards finding parts that offer great performance without breaking the bank.
When researching parts, Reddit users recommend utilizing the Advanced Search tool to make the quest easier. It allows you to narrow down components based on factors such as price and performance. This tool can also help make sure that the components you select will be compatible with each other. Furthermore, Reddit users have provided a number of helpful comparison charts to make it easier to differentiate between similarly priced components.
In addition, Reddit users provide helpful advice on how to upgrade components in the future to save money and increase performance. Generally, if a component is still performing adequately after a few years of usage, it’s not necessary to upgrade it. Upgrading an old component to the newest version can be expensive and might not provide significant enough performance gains to justify the cost. Upgrading components such as the hard drive and graphics card can often yield much better performance gains at a lower cost.
Finally, the main goal when building a cheap gaming PC should be to get the best performance out of the budget allocated. Reddit users often recommend waiting until components go on sale, as this can make it much easier to get performance at a fraction of the original cost.
Monitor and Peripherals
When building a cheap gaming PC, it’s important to factor in the cost of peripherals such as a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Reddit users often recommend opting for budget monitors for gaming, as it shouldn’t be the most expensive component. There are various monitors that offer great performance at a low price, often including features such as adaptive sync and fast response times.
When it comes to a mouse and keyboard, Reddit users recommend investing in quality here. Good input devices, such as a mouse and keyboard, can make a big difference in the overall gaming experience. Check out Reddit for various reviews of mice and keyboards before making a purchase.
Finally, depending on the games you’ll be playing, some sound hardware might be useful. There are various sound cards and headphones that offer good performance without breaking the bank. Reddit users often suggest going with headphones over speakers, as they tend to offer better sound quality and can be more comfortable over longer gaming sessions.
Software and Updates
When building a cheap gaming PC, Reddit users suggest considering the type of software you’ll need. Installing an operating system is the first step, followed by any needed programs and drivers. Reddit users can provide helpful advice on which programs and drivers to install, as well as any settings or tweaks you should make for the best overall performance.
It’s also important to keep up with software and firmware updates. Reddit users often link to driver and firmware updates, which can help maintain performance and ensure that your PC is running the latest software available. Checking Reddit regularly for updates might also reveal any new features or fixes that can improve the performance of your build.
When setting up your PC for gaming, it’s also important to consider settings that can help to improve performance. Reddit users have often provided helpful tips on which settings to change or tweak, as well as which graphics settings are best suited for each type of game.
Maintenance
Aside from the components, it’s important to keep your PC in good condition. This involves regularly cleaning the internals of the PC to keep it running at optimal performance. Reddit users often recommend using a vacuum and canned air to remove dust and dirt, as this can help to decrease heat and improve airflow. Additionally, it’s beneficial to clean the exterior of the case, as dirt and grease can accumulate over time.
Cable management is also important, as it helps to keep the internals of the PC neat and tidy. Reddit users can provide helpful advice on how to run and hide the cables for a cleaner, more organized look. Furthermore, Reddit users suggest occasionally checking temperatures and running stress tests to ensure that everything is running at optimal performance.
Finally, proper cooling is also important for any PC build. Make sure to regularly check your cooling fan’s performance and make sure it’s running efficiently. Additionally, Reddit users suggest cleaning the fan periodically and replacing thermal paste as necessary to ensure maximum performance.
