Getting a good gaming PC without breaking the bank is possible, and the best place to start is by looking for refurbished systems.
Refurbished PCs are typically those previously owned, serviced, and properly inspected by an authorized dealer. Refurbished systems come with warranties and are available at retail prices significantly lower than original equipment. Even better, they can often be found with a generous warranty.
Some people may be hesitant to buy a refurbished PC, but there’s no need to be. There are reputable companies that stand by their refurbished systems, providing excellent warranties and customer service. With so many companies offering refurbished systems, you can typically find one that meets your needs at a price that won’t break the bank.
Another great option is to build your own system. Building your own gaming PC can be a great way to save money, as you can often get components from online retailers at a great deal. And building your own system gives you the flexibility to choose the components that best suit your budget.
Alternatively, there are budget gaming desktop systems available. These have been configured for the budget conscious. For example, some budget systems may come with a more affordable processor, more RAM, and a lower-end GPU. That said, these systems can still provide great performance and are worth considering if you’re on a tight budget.
Finally, pre-built systems are a great way to go. They are often well-configured machines, packed with features that gamers need, and offered at competitive prices. Plus, you can often customize them to your exact needs, so it’s easy to get exactly what you want.
Cheaper Alternatives
For gamers who don’t want or need a powerful PC, there are some cheaper alternatives. Mid-range gaming laptops are becoming increasingly popular because they offer powerful gaming performance, often at a fraction of the cost of a traditional gaming desktop system. Also, budget laptops and Chromebooks can be great for casual gaming and web browsing.
Another great budget alternative is the console game. Consoles are typically less expensive than gaming PCs, and you can get excellent performance and visuals – with some of the latest console games even offering 4K visuals. In addition, you can often find discounts on console games too, which further helps to keep the price low.
If you’re more of a traditional gamer, then you may want to consider Virtual Reality. VR headsets and accessories are becoming increasingly affordable and offer great immersion and the latest in gaming technology.
Finally, you don’t have to buy games if you don’t want to. There are free-to-play games available on various platforms, ranging from PC to console, which offer hours of entertainment. You can also find games that offer limited or full access trials so you can explore the game before you make a full purchase.
Design Your Own PC
If you’re interested in making your own PC, it’s surprisingly easy to do. All you need is some basic knowledge of PCs and a little bit of time. Popular online stores such as Newegg and Amazon offer great deals on components, so you can make your own customized gaming PC without breaking the bank.
Thanks to the rise of cases, motherboards and GPU’s in mini-ITX form-factors, you can now build a powerful and compact gaming PC. This means that even if you don’t have a lot of desk space, you can still build a great gaming PC.
Another great option for making your own PC is to use a pre-built chassis and upgrade the components. The basic hardware can be cheaper than buying a full system and then you can upgrade the components according to your budget and needs. This is a great way to get a great gaming PC without spending too much.
Finally, if you’re looking for a more cost-effective upgrade to your gaming PC, you can look into software upgrades. Performance and visual enhancements can be had for free or at a low cost and you can get more out of your current setup. Some popular options include game-streaming services such as Steam, NVIDIA Geforce Now, and Oculus Rift.
Buying Used
Buying a used PC is another great way to save money while still getting a great gaming PC. There are reliable sources such as eBay and Craigslist that offer used systems at competitive prices.
If you do decide to go down this route, be sure to do your research. Sites such as TechRadar are great resources for finding out if a system is worth the asking price. You’ll also want to double-check that the system works properly, and if possible try out the system before you buy it.
Refurbished systems from online retailers are also an option. Many retailers offer quality systems with generous warranties. It’s always worth checking both the warranty and the return policy to make sure you’re covered before parting with your hard-earned cash.
It’s also worth shopping around for the best deals. By comparing prices from online retailers like Amazon, Newegg, and others, you can generally get the best prices. And don’t forget to look for coupon codes and special offers too.
What Are Your Needs?
Before you buy a gaming PC, it is essential to think about what you need it for. Are you looking for something to play the latest games? For streaming and editing videos? Or something else? This will help determine your budget and which components you’ll need to look for when shopping.
Think about what type of PC components you need. You can typically get great performance out of an Intel i5 processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. For graphics, look for a mid-range Nvidia or AMD card. This should be able to handle most games, depending upon your settings.
Storage is also important. Most gamers will want to look for an SSD for performance reasons, so make sure that you have enough storage capacity for the games you plan on playing. An SSD with 500 GB of capacity will be plenty for most games.
When looking for a gaming PC, always look at the whole package. Many retailers offer custom bundles, so you can get a better deal on a pre-built system than you would if you bought the components separately.
Always look for deals and discounts too, as there are often great offers available on games and components. Sites such as Humble Bundle are great for picking up cheap games and other offers, so it’s worth checking there too.
Buying Certified Refurbished Products
Buying certified refurbished products is another way to get a great deal on a gaming PC. These products are inspected, serviced and tested by a certified refurbisher, then resold with a warranty. This is a great way to get reliable hardware at a fraction of the price of a new system.
Some retailers offer a money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy with your purchase, so that’s always worth checking for. And if you’re buying from eBay, be sure to check the seller’s feedback score and return policy before you buy.
Finally, don’t forget to think about peripherals. Keyboards, mice and headsets can all add to the gaming experience and should be taken into account when budgeting for your gaming PC.
With a bit of research and a keen eye for deals, you can find a great gaming PC without spending too much. Refurbished systems, budget gaming desktops, building your own PC, and shopping for used systems are all great ways to save money. Finding the best deals and discounts, and thinking carefully about your needs, will help you get the best gaming PC for your budget.
