Building a gaming PC under 200 dollars is often a daunting task. However, it can easily be done with some patience, research and a bit of luck. In this article, I offer seven tips that can help you assemble a gaming PC on a budget.
Firstly, don’t expect to buy brand-new components. Look at refurbished components, or those that have been gently used. You can often find them for a fraction of the cost of brand-new parts. Additionally, seek out bargains such as open box items or flash sales. With some good timing, you can pick up some good components for low prices.
Secondly, research your components before you buy. Don’t go in blind and purchase the first thing you come across. Do some research of your own to ensure you buy the best possible products for your budget. Browse the reviews left by other gamers and read reviews descriptions carefully.
Thirdly, look around for coupon codes or free shipping deals. Save money on the cost of shipping and save some money on the price of your components. Don’t forget to check social media as well, retailers often offer great sales on these platforms.
Fourthly, it’s worth investing in a pre-built system if you’re strapped for cash. Shopping around can often yield surprisingly good deals. Plus, they can save you the hassle of assembling the PC yourself.
Fifthly, don’t sacrifice quality for the sake of saving a few bucks. Certain components such as the CPU and the GPU are essential for powering your rig, so don’t scrimp here. It’s better to pay a bit more for better components, as this will lead to better performance in the long run.
Sixthly, be patient when you’re researching for deals. Don’t rush into a purchase, search around for better deals every few days. Additionally, try to buy components that are compatible with each other, as mixing incompatible components can lead to problems.
Lastly, buy used parts if possible. You can often find components that are gently used, at a fraction of the price of brand new products. Just make sure they are in good condition, and if possible, already tested by a certified technician.
Tips For Finding Deals On Components
Finding the best deals on components is key to building a budget gaming rig. One way to maximize your savings when looking for components is to buy used items. You can find these items for sale on online retailers, and often for a fraction of their original retail prices. Just make sure you do your research beforehand, and ensure the component is in working condition.
Another way to save money is to take advantage of coupons, discounts and flash sales. Sign up to alerts on retailers websites and social media channels so you don’t miss out on any discounts. Moreover, you can look out for clearance sales or free shipping deals, which can help you save even more.
Furthermore, when shopping around, try to create a criteria for each component, and use it to ensure you purchase the best item for the money. That way, you can be sure that the component you are buying is durable and reliable, and will perform well.
Moreover, keep in mind that paying more for certain components can be worth it in the long run. Investing more in the CPU, GPU and RAM is a great way to ensure that your PC performs at optimal levels and can keep up with future technologies.
Finally, if all else fails, consider investing in a pre-built system. When shopping for these, compare the specifications of the system components to what you’d pay if you bought them separately. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.
Tips For Installing Components
Once you have all your components, it’s time to begin assembling your gaming PC. One of the key things to keep in mind is to never force components. If a component doesn’t fit in its respective slot, take the time to review your installation manual, and double check the compatibility of the part with your motherboard.
Also, when installing components, use only the necessary screws/bolts that came with the part. This way, you avoid any potential damage to the system. Also, when installing the CPU into the motherboard, make sure to install both correctly before you power up the system.
Another important step is to double check the cabling. Make sure that the power supply is plugged into the appropriate components, and that all the cables are connected securely. Also, be sure to put away any cables that you’re not using, to reduce clutter inside the case.
Finally, you should use anti-static measures when assembling your gaming PC. Static electricity can damage your components, so make sure to wear anti-static gloves and use an anti-static workmat when assembling or handling components. RAM in particular can be damaged by static electricity.
Tips For Installing Software
Once your rig is built, you’ll need to install all the required software. This can include your operating system, drivers and graphics cards, as well as the components’ individual software. One way to keep track of all the software you need to install is to make a list of all components exactly as they appear in the box. Then, find the appropriate software and install it on your system.
It’s also wise to view the components’ individual software as essential parts of your overall system. This is especially true for graphic cards, as their software is necessary for running games. Thus, be sure to spend time familiarising yourself with the software, as you can often tweak it to get the best performance out of your system.
Also, keep in mind that the most recent versions of software are the most efficient. So don’t be afraid to update drivers or other programs if prompted. Finally, make sure you download software from official sources to ensure safety and compatibility.
Tips For Keeping Your PC Up To Date
Keeping your gaming PC running smoothly and efficiently is a great way to maintain its performance and extend its lifespan. One of the best ways to do this is to frequently update drivers and software. Make sure to check for updates every few weeks and install them straight away.
It’s also important to maintain all the fans and dust filters inside the system. Dust can build up over time, blocking fans and leading to overheating, something you want to avoid. Additionally, setting up automatic maintenance services is a helpful way to keep your system up and running.
Moreover, if your system is running slowly, you can try troubleshooting the problem. Check whether any processes or files are taking up too much space or RAM, and if so, delete them. Also look for any programs that may be running in the background that you don’t need, and uninstall them.
Finally, don’t forget to backup your data. Downloading a cloud backup program will help ensure your data remains safe and accessible. Furthermore, this will protect your data in the event of a hardware failure.
Tips For Troubleshooting
If your gaming PC isn’t performing as expected, a few potential causes and solutions to consider include:
- Check the CPU load. If it’s consistently high, it could be a power supply or cooling issue.
- Restart your PC. This can solve temporary issues with software, system settings, and memory.
- Check the temps. Overheating can cause crashes and other issues. Make sure your fans and air filters are in top shape.
- Check for corrupted files. Corrupted files can cause major performance issues. Use a PC scan to detect and delete any corrupt files.
- Check webs for solutions. Do a quick web search to see if anyone’s had a similar issue and found a solution.
Moreover, if you’re experiencing issues with the hardware, first make sure that it’s compatible with other components in the system. Secondly, check whether the components are plugged in correctly and securely. Third, if nothing else works, try booting into safe mode, a mode where only essential programs and drivers are loaded.
Finally, if troubleshooting the issue yourself proves too difficult, consider looking into warranty or repair services. Many retailers offer them, and they can often save you the hassle of dealing with the issue yourself.
