This guide is designed to help users construct a capable gaming PC while keeping an eye on their budget. It is possible to create a top-of-the-line gaming experience without breaking the bank. Here’s how:
1. The first step is to consider the processor. When looking for processing power, the best value for money is provided by either AMD or Intel. Intel’s Core i connectors offer a great balance of power and price. The i7 processors give better performance, but the i5 processors are still great for gaming.
2. Most gamers opt for a dedicated graphics card such as an NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon. For a budget gaming PC, a good mid-range card such as the AMD Radeon RX 460 or NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti is the best choice. Keep in mind that these cards don’t come cheap, so you may want to consider a cheaper option such as an AMD Radeon R7 360 or an NVIDIA GT 730.
3. Another important part of a gaming PC is memory. A minimum of 8GB of RAM is recommended for gaming, with more being better. Most gamers opt for 16GB of RAM as it will give you a great gaming experience without breaking the bank.
4. The next step is to look for a decent motherboard. It should be compatible with the processors and graphics cards that you choose. Look for boards with plenty of PCIe slots so you can add more components if needed.
5. When it comes to storage, the most budget-friendly option is a hard drive. A 1TB hard drive should give you plenty of space for games and other documents, and only cost around $50.
6. Another important component is the power supply. Look for a model that is efficient and reliable, as well as one that has sufficient wattage. The higher the wattage, the more expensive it will be, so look for one that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
7. Lastly, you will need a good case to house all the components. Look for one with plenty of cooling, good cable management options, and enough room for future upgrades.
Essential Components
There are several essential components that you need in order to make an effective gaming PC for a budget. These include a processor, graphics card, RAM, motherboard, storage, power supply, and case. Each of these components plays a specific role in setting up your PC, so it’s important to choose the right combination of parts to meet your needs and budget.
The processor is the brain of the PC, and the more power it has, the better the performance. Intel’s Corei7 processors are the best option if you want maximum performance, while the i5 processors offer more than enough power if you are looking to save money. The graphics card is the heart of the PC, and the more powerful it is, the better the visuals it provides. AMD and NVIDIA both offer excellent cards at different price points, so look for one that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
RAM is another crucial component, and the more you have, the better the performance of your PC. 8GB of RAM should be enough for most gaming applications, but if you can stretch your budget a bit further, 16GB is ideal for advanced gaming. The motherboard is what holds all the components together, and should be compatible with the CPU, RAM, and graphics card. It should also provide plenty of PCIe slots for future upgrades.
Storage is important as it provides the space to save your games and programs. Most budget gaming PCs will opt for a 1TB hard drive, which provides ample space for all your needs. Your power supply unit is one of the most important components, as it ensures all the parts are getting enough power. Look for an efficient model with enough wattage to meet your needs.
Finally, you need a good case to house your components. Look for one that has good cooling, efficient cable management, and enough room for your components and any future upgrades.
Cooling
Cooling is one of the most important features of a gaming PC, as it helps to keep all the parts from overheating.
Most gaming PCs come with a chassis that has adequate cooling in the form of fans. However, if you want maximum cooling, it would be wise to invest in an aftermarket CPU cooler or liquid cooling system. These systems will provide better cooling while operating much more quietly compared to the stock cooling.
It is also important to make sure all the case fans are running at their optimal speed. This is best achieved by connecting the fans to the motherboard, which will allow you to control the fan speeds via software. This will ensure that all the fans are not running at full speed, but at the speed they need to be in order to keep your components cool.
Finally, if you are looking to save money, you could opt for an RGB case or cooler. RGB fans, coolers, and cases offer great aesthetics at a very reasonable price, so for those on a budget, this may be a good choice.
Monitor and Input Devices
Your gaming experience is only as good as the display you use, so it is important to choose a good monitor. Most budget gaming PCs will be fine with a 1080p display, but if you want the ultimate experience, a 144Hz or 4K monitor is the way to go. Look for a monitor that has a good response time, so you don’t have to worry about motion blur.
A gaming keyboard and mouse are also essential for the best gaming experience. Look for a keyboard with mechanical keys, as they provide a better tactile and audible feedback while typing. As for the mouse, it should have a good sensor, adjustable CPI/DPI, and comfortable ergonomics.
Other input devices such as a gamepad and joystick can also be great to have if you are playing a lot of games that aren’t compatible with a keyboard and mouse. A quality headset is also essential for a great gaming experience, as it is the best way to stay immersed in the game.
Software and Network
Your gaming PC will also require some software in order to run properly. The first step should be to install an operating system such as Windows 10 or Linux. Linux is free, while Windows 10 costs a bit of money. You should also install the necessary drivers and programs such as a web browser and media player.
Your network connection is an important part of your gaming PC, so it is important to make sure your connection is as fast and reliable as possible. Investing in a fast and stable internet connection is always a good idea. If you are playing online games, look for a router that has advanced features such as quality-of-service or QoS.
If you are playing on a competitive level, or just want the best gaming experience, investing in a gaming VPN will definitely give you an edge. Gaming VPNs are designed specifically for gaming, and provide faster and more reliable connections, as well as extra features such as DDoS protection.
Connectivity
Nowadays, a good gaming PC should have a variety of connections in order to work with all the types of devices and accessories out there. A USB 3.0 port is essential, as it is ten times faster than a USB 2.0 port. If you have the budget, it would also be a good idea to invest in a USB-C port, as this is quickly becoming the standard for connecting devices.
For connecting to the internet and other devices, you should look for a good Wi-Fi card. The latest Wifi 6 protocol offers speeds up to 11 times faster than the previous standard, so it is worth investing in if you can. For connecting monitors, look for a graphics card with multiple HDMI ports and/or DisplayPort connectors.
Finally, for audio, look for a motherboard or graphics card with a 3.5mm audio jack. If you want to make your gaming PC look amazing, look for a motherboard with dedicated RGB LEDs, or even a case with RGB lighting.
Conclusion
Building a great gaming PC on a budget is definitely possible. Start by looking for hardware components such as a processor, graphics card, RAM, motherboard, storage, power supply, and case that meet your needs and price range. Make sure to invest in adequate cooling, a good monitor, input devices, network connectivity, and various ports to ensure a smooth gaming experience. With the right combination of parts, you can create a powerful gaming PC without breaking the bank.
