The best 500 dollar gaming PC is one that can offer solid performance, has ample storage and RAM but still won’t break the bank. First and foremost, it comes down to building the best system for the money. With that in mind, there are two routes you can take to get the most bang for your buck: buying a pre-built or assembling a gaming PC. There are pros and cons with each, so let’s weigh them both.
Building your own has the benefit of being able to pick out the exact components you want and design the system to your liking. You don’t have to settle for sub-par parts that come with pre-made rigs, as you get to choose each and every one yourself. That being said, buying a pre-built PC is usually cheaper and takes less work than sourcing the matching parts and putting them together. So if you’re strapped for time and don’t want the hassle of building – a pre-built can provide more bang for the buck.
When buying a pre-built, it is important to keep in mind that raw power isn’t really an option in the $500 range. Graphics cards that can offer a decent gaming experience in demanding games start from $500 and up, so you have to adjust your expectations accordingly. The goal is to maximize the power-price ratio, not to get the absolute most out of a limited budget.
Look for a machine that offer an Intel Core i3 or Ryzen 3 processor, 8GB RAM and an SSD drive. The GPU should be at least a GTX 1050 Ti or a Radeon RX 560 – this will let you enjoy modern games at low to medium settings. Even on a moderately priced machine, you should still invest in the best RAM and storage possible. Having future proof components that can easily be upgraded later is something to keep in mind.
In conclusion, finding the best 500 dollar gaming PC is a matter of finding the right balance between pre-built and assembling a new unit without forgoing too much performance. With that in mind, aim for an Intel Core i3 or Ryzen 3 processor, 8GB RAM and an SSD drive, together with a GTX 1050 Ti or Radeon RX 560 graphics card.
Going Deeper into Choosing Components
As mentioned before, the most important factor when selecting components for a gaming PC is the power-price ratio. This means that the objective is to get the most performance out of the components that are available in the budget. For example, buying 16GB RAM instead of 8GB may only be a slight improvement in performance, but it will cost twice as much. Therefore, one should focus specifically on components that offer the biggest gains for their money.
A prime example of this are storage drives. SSDs are way faster than HDDs and consequently offer much better performance. Dropping in a inexpensive 120GB SSD only costs around $40 and it will make the system feel much faster. Additionally, you should strives for the longest lifespan for components possible. Investing little more to get higher quality components pays off in the long run, as the system will have the capability to stay relevant and easily be upgraded in the future.
Moreover, modern CPUs offers a lot of performance under the hood and are not as expensive as they used to be. This applies to both Intel and AMD, as the rate of tech development has been huge in recent years. Therefore, do research on both to check out which one offers the most performance for the given budget and make sure to compare the various models available.
Last but not least, case selection is important in order to ensure that the components all fit and the system looks nice. You don’t want to end up with an oddly shaped or too small case that won’t let you fit all the components. Look at the size of all the components and make sure that the case has enough room and slots for expansion. This will allow for potential upgrades down the line, should you want to go for a more powerful configuration.
Coolers for temperature Control
A common misconception is that any PC without multiple GPUs can do without a cooler. This is untrue, as components like the processor and graphics card need adequate cooling to operate safely and efficiently. Particularly important to consider is the case, as it needs to have the space to install a cooler before needing to purchase one. However, it is important to note that getting a dedicated cooler or slightly larger case isn’t always necessary on a limited budget.
More often than not, just having good case airflow is enough to ensure that components don’t experience thermal overload. This means making sure to properly cable managing, having good ventilation and adequate dust filters. Additionally, it is essential to keep the PC dust-free and check the temperatures of each component occasionally. If the core components tend to overheat, installing a cooler is highly recommended or else risk damaging the system over time.
Regardless of what you choose, you should consider all available options when it comes to cooling, as it is one of the most important aspects that should not be compromised. Hence, if possible it is recommended to get a slightly bigger case and/or higher end cooler so as to ensure that temperatures are sufficiently controlled.
Power Supply Unit Selection
Power Supply Unit (PSU) selection is an important factor that must be taken into account when building a PC. When looking for the best 500 dollar gaming PC, it is advised to go for at least a quality 500w PSU to make sure that the system is sufficient and future-proof. It is essential to pick a brand that is known to produce reliable, stable and efficient products, as power regarding gaming PCs is of critical importance.
Essential tips include to check the wattage of all parts combined. This will ensure that the power supply has enough juice to power the entire system and that the components don’t experience any voltage drops or throttling. In this regard, always purchase a power supply that offers more wattage than you need and always connect the 4/8 pin connectors to the motherboard.
Furthermore, when a graphics card is installed, make sure it is securely connected to the PSU. Not only does it make sure that components don’t overheat, but it also enhances performance. Similarly, it is recommended to check the wattage of the CPU, as some processors may require more than standard connectors. Lastly, check the system temperature as soon as you build it and make sure that all the components are working properly.
Upgrading the Best 500 Dollar Gaming PC
One of the main advantages of building a gaming PC is the capability to upgrade components down the line. PCs that are in the $500 range are more often than not a bit behind in terms of specs due to the budget limitation. Fortunately, this means that the system can stay relevant for a longer time, as adding better components will further enhance the performance.
When looking to upgrade the system, again focus on the power-price ratio. As we discussed earlier, some components can make a much bigger difference than others. A good strategy is to optimize the system for the biggest improvements in performance for the least amount of money. This can for example include upgrading the CPU, RAM capacity or adding another GPU.
For the graphics card, the best path of action is usually to wait it out and check out the market every once in awhile. It is generally advised to wait until a newer generation or optimized model is released that offers significant performance gains at a fair price. This applies to most of the components, as with the rapid rate of tech development, being patient usually pays off in the long run.
Conclusion
First and foremost, when it comes to building the best 500 dollar gaming PC, it is essential to focus on the power-price ratio and plan for potential upgrades. With that in mind, strive for components that offer the biggest bang for the buck and consider their lifespan and the case size. Additionally, make sure to pick a quality power supply unit, opt for an SSD drive and possibly invest in a cooler for temperature control. Considering all this, it is entirely possible to build an awesome gaming PC for $500 without compromising too much on performance.
