Are These Insanely Cheap PC Parts the Secret to Building Your Dream Rig?
If you’re in the market for a new PC build, you’ve probably already realized how expensive top-of-the-line components can be. But what if you could build a powerful gaming rig without breaking the bank? Enter the world of cheap PC parts.
At first glance, buying budget components might seem like a questionable decision – after all, don’t you get what you pay for? However, with the right research and a bit of luck, you can save a significant amount of money without sacrificing performance. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at whether or not these insanely cheap PC parts are the secret to building your dream rig.
Table of Contents:
1. CPUs
2. GPUs
3. Motherboards
4. RAM
5. Storage
6. Power Supplies
7. Cooling
8. Conclusion & FAQs
CPUs
The CPU is the “brain” of your computer, responsible for executing commands and running applications. While high-end CPUs can cost upwards of $500, there are plenty of budget options that still pack a punch.
One chip that’s gained a reputation among budget builders is the AMD Ryzen 5 1600. With six cores and 12 threads, it’s capable of handling most modern games and applications. Even better, it’s not too difficult to find a deal on sites like eBay or Amazon, where prices can fluctuate from under $100 to around $200.
Intel’s Pentium G4560 is another affordable CPU that’s gained popularity. While it lacks the processing power of a Ryzen 5, its low price point (around $80) makes it a great choice for budget builds.
GPUs
The GPU (graphics processing unit) is responsible for rendering images and video in games and other applications. High-end GPUs like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 can cost well over $1000, but you can still build a great gaming rig with a more affordable card.
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super is a popular budget GPU that can handle modern games at 1080p resolution. Priced at around $150, it’s easy to find on sites like Newegg and Amazon.
Another budget GPU to consider is the AMD Radeon RX 570. While its performance falls short compared to more expensive models, it’s a reliable option that can be found for under $200.
Motherboards
The motherboard is the “backbone” of your PC, connecting all of your components together. When it comes to motherboard shopping, it’s important to select one that’s compatible with your CPU and has the features you need. Fortunately, there are plenty of budget options available.
One of the best budget motherboards on the market is the ASRock B450M Pro4. This Micro-ATX board supports AMD CPUs and has plenty of connectivity options, including four RAM slots and six SATA ports. It’s also relatively inexpensive, priced at around $80.
The Gigabyte GA-H110M-A is another affordable option, priced at around $60. While it has fewer features than the ASRock board, it’s still a reliable choice for budget builds.
RAM
RAM (random access memory) is essential for running applications smoothly and quickly. While high-end RAM can cost hundreds of dollars per stick, there are plenty of budget options available.
One popular budget RAM option is the Crucial Ballistix Sport LT. Priced at around $80 for 16GB, it’s a reliable and speedy choice that won’t break the bank.
If you’re really looking to save some cash, you can also find deals on older DDR3 RAM. While it’s not as fast as DDR4, it can still be a viable option for budget builds. Just be sure to check if your motherboard is compatible with DDR3 before making a purchase.
Storage
When it comes to storage, you have two main options: HDD (hard disk drive) or SSD (solid state drive). While HDDs are cheaper, they’re also slower than SSDs – so if you can afford it, it’s worth investing in a solid state drive.
The Crucial MX500 is a popular budget SSD that boasts fast speeds and a relatively low price point (around $70 for 500GB). If you need more storage, you can also find deals on larger capacity SSDs.
For those on a tighter budget, an HDD like the Western Digital Blue or Seagate Barracuda can be a viable choice. While they’re slower than SSDs, they’re also a lot cheaper – you can find 1TB drives for under $50.
Power Supplies
The power supply unit (PSU) is responsible for providing your PC with a constant stream of power. While a high-quality PSU is essential for any build, you don’t necessarily need to break the bank to get a reliable unit.
EVGA’s 500W 80+ Bronze PSU is a great budget option that still packs plenty of punch. Priced at around $50, it should be powerful enough to handle most budget builds.
Cooling
Lastly, it’s important to consider cooling when building your PC. While high-end liquid cooling systems can be expensive, there are plenty of affordable air cooling options on the market.
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo is a popular choice that’s priced at around $35. It’s a reliable and effective cooler that should be able to handle most CPUs.
Conclusion: Building Your Dream Rig on a Budget
As you can see, there are plenty of budget options available when it comes to building a gaming PC. While it’s true that higher-end components will give you better performance, you don’t necessarily need to splurge on the latest and greatest to have a great experience.
With a bit of research and some patience, you can build a solid gaming rig without breaking the bank. Just be sure to double-check compatibility before making any purchases.
FAQs
Q: Are budget PC parts reliable?
A: While it’s true that you get what you pay for, many budget PC components are still reliable and efficient. It’s important to do your research and read reviews before making any purchases.
Q: Should I buy used or new PC parts?
A: It depends on the component and the seller. While used parts can be a great way to save money, there’s always a risk of buying a damaged or defective component. If you do decide to buy used, make sure to buy from a reputable seller and test the component thoroughly before installing it.
Q: Can I upgrade my budget PC build in the future?
A: Yes! Many budget components are still compatible with higher-end parts, so you can always upgrade later on down the line. Just be sure to check compatibility before making any purchases.
Q: Is it worth building a budget gaming PC instead of buying a pre-built one?
A: While pre-built gaming PCs can be a convenient option, building your own gives you more control over the components you choose – and can ultimately help you save money in the long run. Plus, building a PC can be a fun and rewarding experience!
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