Gaming PCs come in all shapes and sizes but the most common type is the affordable gaming PC. This computer has the capability to play the latest games, while still staying on a tight budget. The key to finding an affordable gaming PC is to look out for components that will give the best value for money without skimping on quality. One should not buy a cheap gaming PC as it may not be able to run the latest games without any issue.
The components of a gaming PC must be carefully chosen in order to maximize the performance. A good place to start is the CPU or the Central Processing Unit. A good budget CPU would be an AMD Ryzen 5 or an Intel Core i5 processor which can both handle games well. As for the graphics card, a mid-range GPU such as the NVIDIA GTX 1650 or a Radeon RX 580 would provide good frame rates for most 1080p games.
In addition to the processor and GPU, the motherboard, RAM, storage and power supply also play a major role when it comes to building an affordable gaming PC. The motherboard should be chosen carefully as it is the foundation of the whole system and has to meet the requirements of the processor, GPU and other components. As for the RAM, 8GB is the minimum recommended for gaming and 16GB is the ideal amount if one plans on using it for other tasks as well. As for storage, the options are either a hard disk drive (HDD) which provides good storage capacities but is a bit slower or a solid state drive (SSD) which will provide faster speeds but will have less storage capacity.
Finally, the power supply is what provides the electricity to the components and is an important factor to consider. The wattage should be chosen in accordance to the power needs of each component and should also have the necessary amount of connectors to accommodate them. In general, a good quality 550-650W power supply should be sufficient for most builds.
Finding the Best Budget Deal
When shopping for an affordable gaming PC, it is important to find the best deal. A good way to go about this is to look for bundles or complete systems from known manufacturers such as Dell, HP and Lenovo. These systems usually come with all the necessary components and can save a lot of money, as compared to buying each component separately.
Another way to save money when it comes to gaming PCs is to look for deals on second-hand components. These can be found on online websites such as eBay, Craigslist and even in local stores. Although these components have been used previously, they can still provide great performance and save a lot of money. However, it is important to make sure that the components are still in working order.
Finally, it is also possible to find budget builds that are being offered by computer parts manufacturers such as MSI and Corsair. These builds come pre-assembled so they are much more affordable, however, they do not offer much room for upgrading as compared to a custom build.
How to Upgrade an Affordable Gaming PC
The great thing about gaming PCs is that they can be easily upgraded over time. This will help to ensure that the PC is kept up to date with the latest games and technologies. One of the most important things when it comes to upgrading an affordable gaming PC is to look out for deals on components that are on promotion. This is one of the best ways to save money when it comes to upgrading.
When looking for components to upgrade, the most important ones will be the GPU, processor, RAM and storage. In general, one should always try to look for the best components within their budget. For example when it comes to the GPU, opting for a mid-range card such as the NVIDIA GTX 1060 or a Radeon RX 580 will provide ample performance for most games.
As for the processor and RAM, Intel Core i7 and 16GB will provide good performance for most games. Also, if it is within the budget an M.2 form factor SSD can be opted for and will provide great performance in terms of loading times. Finally, it would also be good to opt for a chassis which allows for proper airflow and cable management.
What Are Some Cheaper Alternatives to a Gaming PC?
For those on a tight budget, there are other options that are cheaper and provide decent performance. The first is to opt for a console such as an Xbox One or a PlayStation 4. These consoles are much cheaper and can provide decent performance in most games without having to build a gaming PC. Another option is to look out for budget laptops which can provide entry-level performance.
Finally, if one really wants to get the best performance possible, then a desktop or laptop from a dedicated gaming brand such as Alienware or MSI is the way to go. These PCs come with higher-end components that can perform better in games, however, they do come at a much higher price.
Tips for Maintaining Gaming PCs
As with any PC its important to keep it in good condition and make sure all the components are working properly. This is especially true for gaming PCs which require more maintenance and care. One of the first things to do is make sure that the cooling systems are working properly and that there is no dust buildup in the case.
In addition, one needs to update their components regularly and keep them updated with the latest drivers. This can be done either by downloading the drivers online or using specialized software such as AMD’s Radeon Software or Intel’s Graphics Command Center. It is also important to keep the operating system up to date as this can provide performance boosts in games and stability updates for the hardware.
Finally, if one plans on overclocking the components it is important to understand the risks and make sure to monitor the temperature of the components. It is also recommended to use a program such as MSI Afterburner to monitor the components and make sure that they are not being overburdened.
Conclusion
Affordable gaming PCs are a great choice for those who are looking to build a custom gaming computer without breaking the bank. The components must be carefully chosen in order to maximize the performance within the budget. Shopping around for the best deals is a great way to save money when it comes to building a gaming PC. In addition, one can look for cheaper alternatives such as consoles or budget laptops. However, if one wants to get the full gaming experience then opting for a gaming laptop or a desktop from a dedicated gaming brand is the best choice.
