Gaming on a budget can be tricky: the ever-evolving technology driving the gaming industry requires gamers to keep up, but not everyone can afford the latest gaming computers every year. That being said, it’s still possible to get a good gaming PC for cheap. Here are a few tips for anyone looking for a good gaming PC on a budget:
Research refurbished units – Refurbished computers are great for budget-conscious gamers. Most refurbished models may not be the latest, greatest machines but they can still get the job done. If you’re lucky, you might find a great deal on a good machine that can serve your gaming needs for a lower cost than a new one.
Look for discounts – The gaming market is always changing, and there are often great discounts available on age-specific gaming machines or models nearing their end of life. So do your research and look for discounts on machines that still meet your gaming needs.
Know what parts to look for – Knowing what parts make up a good gaming machine can help you save money. Look for components like GPUs, CPUs, RAM, SSD, and even motherboards when shopping for a good gaming PC. If you know what parts to look for and where to buy them, you can get a good gaming machine for cheap.
Look for bundles – Bundle deals, like those that come with a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories, can be great for budget gamers. Bundles can help keep the cost down, and you’ll be able to get everything you need all in one place.
Shop around – Shopping around is the best way to find a good deal on a gaming PC. Compare prices and look at reviews before you make a purchase, and don’t be afraid to ask questions so you can find the right machine for your needs.
Know the specs – Knowing the specs of the gaming machine you’re looking for can help you save money. Make sure to check the performance of the GPU, CPU and RAM among other components, to ensure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
Picking the Right Parts
When you’re shopping on a budget, it can be tempting to go for the cheapest parts available, but that may not always be the best option. Some older parts might be cheaper, but they may not meet the game requirements and lead to lags or crashes. It’s important to research the specs of the components you’re looking at and determine which ones will best serve your budget, gaming needs, and longevity.
It can also be advantageous to look for mid-range components instead of the best-of-the-best. For example, a middle-of-the-road intel core i5 processor and a solid 8GB of RAM are a great combination for pretty much all games, and will save you a considerable amount of money compared to a top-shelf processor and an over-the-top RAM.
In addition to choosing the right components, you should also consider investing in a good power supply. A good power supply will save you money in the long run, as it will be able to keep your machine running efficiently and make sure your components don’t burn out.
Finally, don’t forget to budget for a good cooling system. Investing in a good cooling system will help keep your machine’s performance up, and make sure it’s not getting too hot while gaming. Investing in good cooling components can help save you money in the long run.
The Pros and Cons of Pre-Built PCs
Pre-built gaming PCs can be a great option for budget-conscious gamers. Most pre-built machines come with the components you need for gaming, but it’s important to read the specs carefully, as some of these machines may have weak components or outdated GPUs that won’t be able to render modern games at decent framerates.
Pre-built gaming machines can also be a great way to save money in the short term, as they often come with discounts or bundle deals with accessories. However, buying a pre-built PC can also be more expensive in the long run, as it will limit your ability to upgrade components down the line. If you plan on gaming for a few years, it might be smarter to build your own machine so that you can upgrade as needed.
It’s also important to check the warranty of any pre-built gaming machine before you buy. Make sure to get a good idea of what the warranty covers so that you won’t be stuck with a paperweight if something goes wrong. A good rule of thumb is to buy from a reputable manufacturer like Alienware, MSI, or HP.
In general, pre-built gaming PCs can be a great option for budget-conscious gamers who aren’t tech-savvy. But if you plan on gaming for a few years and want to upgrade your components, it might be smarter to build your own machine.
Building your Own PC
Building your own PC is a great way to save money in the long run, and can be a great project for tech-savvy gamers. While it may seem intimidating, building your own machine is actually quite simple and can be done with just a few basic tools.
The first step is to determine your budget and figure out what components you need. Do your research, compare pricings, and read reviews on different components. Once you know what components you need, you can start shopping and picking out your parts.
The next step is to assemble your PC. This is the most time consuming part of the process, but it’s worth it in the end. Make sure to read your manual carefully and have a solid plan of attack when building, and be sure to double-check your work to make sure everything is plugged in correctly. Building your own machine is a great way to get a good gaming PC for cheap and have a sense of accomplishment when you’re done.
Making the Most of Your Budget
When budgeting for a gaming PC, it’s important to prioritize your components. Deciding which components are most important for gaming will help ensure that you get the best performance for your money. Generally, the GPU and RAM are the most important components for gaming, but it also depends on the type of games you like to play. Some games require more powerful components than others.
In addition to prioritizing your components, it’s also important to shop around. Compare prices and deals across multiple retailers, look for discounts and bundle deals, and take advantage of technology sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Shopping around can help you get the most bang for your buck.
It’s also important to consider used components. Used components can be great for budget-conscious gamers, as they can often be purchased for a fraction of the cost of a new component. Be sure to do your research and buy from a trusted source.
Finally, don’t forget to factor in tax and shipping costs when budgeting. Tax and shipping can add up quickly and can potentially put you over your budget. Make sure to factor these extra costs in when budgeting for a gaming PC.
Tips for Finding Deals
When you’re looking for a good deal on a gaming PC, there are a few things you can do. Start by signing up for mailing lists from retailers and technology companies. You might receive deals on components or gaming machines that you can take advantage of.
Social media can also be a great resource for deals. Many retailers and technology companies post deals and discounts on social media networks like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Be sure to follow your favorite companies to stay up to date on the latest deals.
Coupon sites can also be great sources of discounts. Sites like Slickdeals and RetailMeNot are a great way to stay up to date on discounts and coupon codes. Look for coupon codes when shopping to save additional money.
Finally, look for end-of-season sales. Many retailers hold big clearance sales at the end of the season, where you can find discounts on components, gaming machines, and accessories. If you’re looking for a good deal on a gaming PC, keep an eye out for end-of-season sales.
