There’s no doubt that gaming on PC is the gold standard for anyone looking for an immersive experience with the latest and greatest titles. But creating a gaming setup can be a daunting and expensive task. Fortunately, with a few careful purchases, it’s possible to build a budget gaming PC that still performs admirably in all the newest games. So what is the best but cheapest gaming PC?
Hardware
When it comes to picking the best components for a gaming PC on a budget, it all starts with the processor. While an Intel Core i7 is ideal for gaming, it’s not necessary for most people, who can get away with an AMD Ryzen 5 instead. The Ryzen 5 offers great performance for the price, and it can easily handle many modern games.
A standard gaming PC should also have plenty of storage. A good option for storage is an SSD, which allows for faster loading speeds, especially for games with large files. For example, a 500GB SSD should offer plenty of space for all your games and documents. Additionally, a 1TB hard drive is a great option for a secondary storage device at a reasonable price.
For gamers on a budget, the graphics card should be one of the main focuses. A budget-oriented card like the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 should provide a great gaming experience. This card can handle a 4K monitor and it offers plenty of performance at a low price.
Finally, a good budget gaming PC needs a decent motherboard. A well-built and reliable motherboard should cost around $100 to $150, and it should offer plenty of features for a gaming PC. The MSI B450 Tomahawk is a great option for a gaming PC on a budget.
Accessories
For a complete experience, a good gaming keyboard and mouse are essential. A gaming headset can also offer a more immersive experience, but it’s not necessary for gaming. A good basic gaming headset can be picked up for around $50, and it should offer decent sound for most games.
Another important accessory for a budget gaming PC is a monitor. If you have the extra money, a 4K monitor is an excellent choice, as it allows for higher levels of detail and a smoother gaming experience. However, a 1080p monitor is more than adequate for most people, and it should provide a decent picture quality.
Finally, a good gaming chair is essential for any budget gaming set up. A good gaming chair should be comfortable and supportive, and it should provide good lumbar support. Good gaming chairs can be found for around $150, and they offer excellent value for the price.
Cost
When it comes to cost, the best but cheapest gaming PC still requires an investment. Generally speaking, a budget gaming PC should cost around $800 to $1000, which should cover all the essential components and accessories.
The processor, motherboard and graphics card are the most expensive components, and they should be the main focus when choosing a budget gaming PC. A good gaming motherboard, such as the MSI B450 Tomahawk, is an excellent choice for a budget gaming PC, as it offers a great combination of performance and features for the price.
The cost of the other components should be considered as well. A good quality monitor, keyboard, and mouse should all be purchased as they offer great value for the money. Finally, if you have the extra budget, a high-quality gaming headset should be considered as well.
Build
Building a budget gaming PC isn’t a difficult task, even for those with little technical knowledge. There are many resources available online that offer step-by-step instructions on how to put together a gaming PC on a budget. With a few simple tools, anyone can put together a gaming PC without any difficulty.
The most important part of building a gaming PC is choosing the right components. Make sure all the components are compatible with each other and that the motherboard and processor are compatible with the graphics card. Once all the components are chosen, it’s simply a matter of putting them together.
Installation of the operating system is also important for a gaming PC. Windows 10 is the most popular and convenient choice for most people, as it offers great performance and compatibility with the latest games. Linux is another excellent choice, as it is incredibly lightweight and versatile. However, Linux can be a bit challenging to set up.
Maintenance
Maintaining a budget gaming PC is also important for getting the most out of your system. Keeping the system clean and dust-free is one of the most important steps in keeping it running at peak performance. Dust can accumulate on the components and can cause overheating, which can lead to performance issues. Regular cleaning of the system can help keep it running cool and efficiently.
Updating the drivers is also important for a budget gaming PC. Installing the latest driver updates can help ensure that the system’s hardware is up to date and running at its best. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a backup system in case of a hardware failure or a software issue.
Finally, a gaming PC should be monitored for any potential issues that may arise. Regularly checking the system’s temperature and performance is important, as it can help detect any potential problems before they become an issue. Additionally, Windows’ Event Viewer can be a great way to check for any potential software or hardware issues.
