It’s possible to build a gaming PC under $400. It may not have the greatest speed or top-of-the-line components, but it can still give you a great gaming experience. Here are some tips on how to build a gaming PC under $400.
First, decide what components you actually need. You don’t necessarily have to buy a graphics card, as integrated graphics can still achieve decent performance. You can also save money on storage by opting for a SATA-based hard disk drive instead of an expensive solid state drive. The CPU also doesn’t have to be top-of-the-line; look for something that offers good value for money.
Second, shop around for the best prices on these components. Websites like Newegg or Amazon often have great deals, so check those first. There are also some budget-friendly websites that have great values, such as Tiger Direct. With a little bit of comparison shopping, you can find great prices on the components you need.
Third, take advantage of sales and discounts. Companies often offer discounts on their own products when you buy through their website. Also look for online deals, such as coupon codes. Coupons can save you big money, so make sure to take advantage of them if you see them.
Fourth, consider buying used components from sites like eBay or Craigslist. You can often find great deals on used hardware. Make sure to thoroughly check the specifications before buying, and make sure the component is in working condition.
Fifth, if you’re willing to sacrifice some performance, you can build a gaming PC for much less than $400. Consider an AMD-based system with an AMD APU instead of an Intel processor. You can also opt for a lower-end graphics card. These components will still get the job done and save you money.
Finally, make sure you’re buying good quality components. Don’t skimp on the components just to save a few bucks; they’re the ones that will make or break your gaming experience. Investing in good quality components will give you a better gaming experience in the long run.
Graphics Card
For a gaming PC build of this price range, a graphics card is not necessary. However, if you are looking for improved graphics quality, you can buy a budget graphics card. Look for one that is compatible with your system, and of course make sure it is within your budget. NVIDIA GeForce GTX GPUs and AMD Radeon cards offer good performance for their price range, so those are some good options.
When considering a graphics card, make sure to think about what kind of games you want to play. If you are mostly interested in casual and indie games, then a low-end or mid-range card would suffice. On the other hand, if you want to play triple-A titles and upcoming games, then you may need to invest in a more powerful card.
As far as budget options go, look for something that offers good value for money. Look for cards that are around a year old and may have been discounted. You can also find used graphics cards in some places, although they should be thoroughly tested before installation.
Ultimately, a graphics card is not a must have component for a gaming PC build of this range. However, if you want to increase your gaming performance, then buying a graphics card is the way to go.
CPU
A good CPU is very important for a gaming rig, as it is responsible for running the games at smooth frame rates. When building a gaming PC on a budget, it is best to opt for an AMD processor, as they are considerably cheaper than Intel ones. Look for an AMD Ryzen CPU with four cores and at least 3.5GHz clock speed.
Of course, the exact processor you’ll need will depend on what kind of games you want to play. If you want to play high-end AAA games, then you should look for a higher-end CPU. Otherwise, a mid-range processor should suffice.
Additionally, make sure that the CPU is well-suited to the motherboard. Look for one with the same socket type, and one that can fit within your budget. Also make sure to read reviews of the processor to determine if it is a good fit for your build.
An AMD CPU is a great choice for gaming on a budget. With a good AMD CPU, you can get good frame rates in most games. Just make sure to choose a processor that fits your budget and that is suitable for your gaming needs.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the main component of your gaming PC and is responsible for connecting all the other components together. When looking for a budget motherboard, it’s important to look for one that is compatible with your processor, as it will determine the overall performance of your system.
For an AMD build, look for motherboards with an AM4 socket. This way, you’ll be sure that the processor you choose will fit on the motherboard. You should also look for a motherboard with at least two RAM slots, as this will allow you to install more RAM if you decide to do so in the future.
Moreover, it is important to find a motherboard that is future proof. Look for one with a number of USB ports and at least one M.2 slot. This way, you can easily upgrade your gaming PC in the future.
Overall, a good motherboard is essential for a gaming PC build. Make sure to choose one that is compatible with your processor, has enough ports and slots, and is within your budget.
Memory
When it comes to RAM, it’s best to invest in the most amount you can get. This is because RAM is very important for gaming performance, and a lack of it can cause dips in frame rate. The amount of RAM you need will depend on the type of games you want to play.
For budget gaming, 8GB of RAM is a good starting point. This should be enough for most modern games at moderate settings. However, if you intend to game at high settings or play more intensive games, then 16GB of RAM may be necessary.
When shopping for memory, look for one with good latency. A RAM with lower latencies will give you smoother performance and less lag. Also, look for one with good heat dissipation, as this will help keep your gaming PC cool and quiet.
Ultimately, the amount of RAM you choose will depend on your budget and your gaming needs. But as a rule of thumb, always buy the most amount of RAM you can afford.
Storage
For storage on a gaming PC, an HDD is the way to go. This is because HDDs offer a lot more storage space than SSDs, and are much cheaper. Look for an HDD with a large capacity and one that has good read and write speeds.
If you can afford it, consider getting an SSD as well. SSDs are much faster than HDDs and they make your system faster in general. But they offer considerably less storage space, so they have to be paired with an HDD.
When shopping for storage, make sure to take into account the types of games you want to play. If you want to play modern triple-A titles, then you’ll need a lot of storage. Otherwise, you can save money by getting a smaller HDD.
Overall, HDDs are the best choice for a gaming PC build on a budget. But if you can afford it, then getting an SSD will give you a much better gaming experience.
