Building a gaming PC for 500 dollars may initially seem like a daunting task. But by taking into account the cost of everything in detail and factoring in necessary discounts and sales, it is quite possible to build one for under budget. Here comes the guide for how to build a gaming PC for 500 dollars.
First, determine what type of games you will be playing and at what settings. This will help you determines the required specs for the PC. The most important components being the processor, graphics card, amount of RAM, and storage capacity. Balance the cost of the components with your budget and go with components that either fit your budget or maximally increase the performance of your PC.
Second, research any deals and discounts. Visit websites like Amazon, NewEgg, or even local stores to find the best deals and offers of the day. Some components are more expensive than others and some have higher performance. Doing a bit of research can transform your budget friendly purchase into something of greater specs and value.
Third, start gathering the components. Make sure to keep your receipts in case there are any issues with them. It is also beneficial to read the instructions of each component before beginning the assembly process, so you can make sure you are correctly assembling each component.
Fourth, assemble the PC. Although this can be a bit of challenging since it requires knowledge about the basics of how to build a PC, there are plenty of online videos and tutorials showing the step by step process. So once you’re finished assembling, make sure everything is plugged in correctly and there is no dust inside the tower.
Fifth, configure. Once the assembly is complete, configure the OS settings and installation of drivers. Install any software you require and make sure to disable any auto-update settings as to not cut into the budget spent on the hardware. Also if you’ve opted for a second hand version of the OS, make sure to install appropriate antivirus software.
Finally, test the PC. Now you should be able to turn on the PC and it should boot up successfully. Check the settings and make sure everything is up to the desired specifications. Once it is running smoothly, you can now enjoy your PC gaming experience in the comfort of your own home.
Cooling Solutions
The most important part of building a gaming PC for 500 dollars is the cooling solution. It is advised to overclock the components in the PC for performance boosting, however, this does generates a lot of heat which needs to be countered. There are various solutions like liquid or air cooling solutions, however, the cheapest and most cost effective solution is the use of fans. Balance the size of the fan with the amount of heat it can produce, so as to keep the internal temperature of the PC as low as possible.
Fans may not be the most efficient solution but they certainly provide good value for the price. Place fans at the right locations in the case, so that most of the heat generated by the components is pushed out, allowing for better performance within the confines of your budget.
There are different sizes of fans available, like 80mm, 120mm, and 140mm. However, the size of the fan matters less than the quantity and the actual model. Look for models that are fan speed controlled or temperature controlled, so that as the temperature increases, the fan speed increases accordingly.
Finally, place the exhaust fans so that the air is efficiently pushed out of the case. Having the same amount of intake and exhaust fans also helps maintain a steady pressure inside the tower, so that there is no vacuum created inside and causes extra heat to be trapped.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the central component of any PC, so choosing the right one is essential. While gaming, it is important to always opt for higher end models offering more upgrades, better performance, and greater longevity. Usually these motherboards cost a bit more, however, on special offers and discounts, you can purchase the same for considerably less.
The best choice for gaming PC with a budget of 500 dollars is an ATX motherboard with a minimum of 2 PCI Express slots and RAM slots. Look for motherboards having either an AMD or Intel CPU, so that you can easily switch from one processor to another. It goes without saying that an overclockable motherboard is highly preferable to maximize the performance.
Look for features such as a heatsink, USB ports, and onboard Ethernet and audio support. If you plan on adding more than one HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C port, then there are motherboards available offering such features. Also, upgradeability should always be kept in mind, as it allows you to upgrade different components of the PC in the future.
Also, make sure to check the socket type of the motherboard to make sure it’s compatible with the CPU. Some of the main socket types available these days are LGA1151, LGA2066, and TR4. This way, you don’t have to encounter any wastage of budget just due to incompatibility.
Processors
One of the most important components for a gaming PC is the processor. Having the right processor can make a huge difference in performance. While budget conscious gaming PCs are usually built with Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors, if you want to overclock, then opt for the Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7. It should be relatively easy to find something that fits your budget.
Make sure to check the frequency of the processor. Higher frequencies tend to be a little more expensive, however, they give better performance. Read the specifications sheet carefully to determine if the processor will support certain features like turbo boost or hyperthreading. Also, it should be able to support the motherboard you are using.
In most cases, the Intel i5 and AMD Ryzen 5 processors should provide enough performance, but if you have the budget, then go ahead and get the Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7, as they are currently the top choice in terms of performance. Also, be mindful of the thermal environment of the processor and make sure to house it correctly in the case, so it can perform to the best of its abilities.
Graphics Card
The graphics card is also an important component for gaming PC and should be taken into consideration. Graphics cards with budget friendly prices coupled with high performance are available and should not be overlooked. Make sure to read the reviews and do your research before committing to one card, as there are many different models from various vendors.
The most popular cards for general and casual gaming are the Nvidia GTX and AMD Radeon RX. If you’re planning to spend more time and money gaming, a higher end version is recommended, offering more performance and better graphics. When looking for cards to fit your budget, also check if they offer features like ray tracing, improved cooling solutions, better power efficiencies, and VR support.
Make sure the card fits into the motherboard’s slot, as some motherboards might not support certain cards. Also, determine if your power supply is powerful enough to drive the graphics card. Different graphics cards require more or less power, so make sure the power supply can handle the gaming needs.
Finally, use the amount of budget remaining to purchase the necessary RAM, hard drive, and case. Ensure that all components are compatible with each other and make sure to check the return policies. This will save you a lot of trouble in the event of any faulty part or component.
