Possible blog post:
What’s the Best Build for Gaming Under $1000?
If you’re a gamer on a budget, you don’t have to settle for a weak or outdated system. With careful planning and savvy shopping, you can build a solid gaming PC that can handle most modern games at decent settings and frame rates, without breaking the bank. In this post, we’ll explore the key components and considerations for a gaming PC under $1000, and suggest some specific parts that offer good value and performance. We’ll also provide some tips and tricks to optimize your build and maintain it properly. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what’s the best build for gaming under $1000, and how to get the most out of it.
Before we dive into the details, let’s clarify some common terms and concepts related to gaming computers. A gaming PC is a type of personal computer that is designed to run video games, which often require more processing power, memory, and graphics resources than typical office or browsing tasks. A gaming PC typically consists of several components, such as a processor (CPU), a motherboard, memory (RAM), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a storage drive, a power supply unit (PSU), and various peripherals such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Each component has its own specifications and requirements, and the overall performance of a gaming PC depends on how well these components work together.
Now, let’s see how we can build a gaming PC under $1000 that can handle modern games smoothly and reliably. Here are the main components we should focus on, and some tips on how to choose them wisely.
1. Processor (CPU)
The CPU is the brain of your computer, responsible for executing the instructions and calculations that make up the programs and games you run. For gaming, you need a CPU that can handle multiple threads (virtual processors) and high clock speeds, as well as support for modern instruction sets and multimedia features. Intel and AMD are the two main CPU manufacturers for PC, and each has its own lineup of CPUs that cater to various needs and budgets. For a gaming PC under $1000, you can opt for a mid-range CPU that offers a good balance between performance and cost.
One of the best CPUs for gaming that fits this criteria is the AMD Ryzen 5 3600. This 6-core, 12-thread CPU has a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.2 GHz, which means it can handle most games and multitasking without a hitch. It also supports the latest PCIe 4.0 standard, which can boost the speed of NVMe SSDs and other components that use this interface. The Ryzen 5 3600 comes with a decent stock cooler, but you can upgrade to a better cooling solution if you want to overclock it or reduce noise. The Ryzen 5 3600 costs around $200, which leaves plenty of budget for other components.
2. Graphics Card (GPU)
The GPU is the component that renders the graphics and visual effects of the games you play, and is often the most important factor for gaming performance. A good GPU can improve the frame rates, resolution, and quality of the games, and can also enable features such as ray tracing, anti-aliasing, and VR. Nvidia and AMD are the two main GPU manufacturers for PC, and each has its own lineup of GPUs that cater to various needs and budgets. For a gaming PC under $1000, you can opt for a mid-range GPU that offers good performance for its price.
One of the best GPUs for gaming that fits this criteria is the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super. This GPU has 6 GB of GDDR6 memory, 1408 CUDA cores, and a boost clock speed of 1785 MHz, which means it can handle most games at 1080p or even 1440p with decent settings and frame rates. It also supports features such as adaptive sync, which can reduce screen tearing and stuttering, and can be paired with a G-Sync or FreeSync monitor for optimal results. The GTX 1660 Super costs around $230, which is quite affordable compared to higher-end GPUs.
3. Memory (RAM)
The RAM is the temporary storage that the CPU uses to store and access data and programs while they are running. For gaming, you need enough RAM to avoid bottlenecking the CPU and GPU, and to run multiple applications and tabs at the same time without slowing down. The amount and speed of RAM you need depend on the CPU and the types of games you play, but generally, 8 GB or 16 GB of DDR4 RAM is sufficient for most gaming PCs. You can also opt for faster RAM if your CPU or motherboard supports it, but the gains may be minimal.
One of the best RAM kits for gaming that fits this criteria is the Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200. This kit has a low profile design that fits most CPU coolers and motherboards, and offers fast speeds and low latency that can improve the performance of the Ryzen 5 3600 and other CPUs. The Vengeance LPX also has a lifetime warranty and comes with a stylish heat spreader that can add some flair to your build. The Vengeance LPX 16 GB kit costs around $80, which is a good value for its speed and brand.
4. Storage Drive
The storage drive is the component that stores your data and programs for long-term use, and also affects the speed and responsiveness of your system. For gaming, you need a storage drive that is fast enough to load games and levels quickly, and has enough capacity to store multiple games and files. There are two main types of storage drives: hard disk drives (HDD) and solid-state drives (SSD). HDDs are cheaper and offer larger capacities, but are slower than SSDs and can bottleneck the loading times and performance of games. SSDs are faster and more reliable than HDDs, but are more expensive and offer smaller capacities per dollar.
One of the best storage drives for gaming that fits this criteria is the Kingston A2000 500 GB NVMe SSD. This drive uses the PCIe 3.0 x4 interface to deliver read and write speeds of up to 2200 MB/s and 2000 MB/s, respectively, which means it can load games and files much faster than a typical SATA SSD or HDD. The A2000 also has a high endurance rating and supports hardware encryption, which can protect your data and privacy. The A2000 500 GB NVMe SSD costs around $60, which is a great deal for its speed and reliability.
5. Motherboard
The motherboard is the backbone of your computer, connecting and managing all the other components and peripherals. For gaming, you need a motherboard that has a compatible socket for your CPU, enough ports and slots for your devices, and features that can enhance your gaming experience. There are several factors to consider when choosing a motherboard, such as the chipset, the VRMs, the BIOS, the audio and networking options, and the form factor. For a gaming PC under $1000, you can opt for a mid-range motherboard that offers a good balance between features and cost.
One of the best motherboards for gaming that fits this criteria is the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max. This ATX motherboard uses the B450 chipset, which is compatible with the Ryzen 5 3600 and other CPUs, and has a reliable VRM design that can handle moderate overclocking and power delivery. The Tomahawk Max also has a user-friendly BIOS interface, onboard RGB lighting, audio boost technology, and dual M.2 slots for fast storage. The Tomahawk Max costs around $120, which is a fair price for its quality and features.
6. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The PSU is the component that provides power and regulates the voltage and current for all the other components. For gaming, you need a PSU that has enough wattage to handle the peak and sustained power demands of your CPU and GPU, and has enough connectors and protections for your devices. A reliable and efficient PSU can also save you money on electricity bills and prevent damage or instability to your system. Generally, for a gaming PC under $1000, you can opt for a 500-600 Watt PSU that has a high efficiency rating (80+ Bronze or higher) and a reputable brand.
One of the best PSUs for gaming that fits this criteria is the EVGA 600 BR 600 Watt 80+ Bronze. This PSU has a single +12V rail that can deliver up to 49 Amps, which means it can handle most mid-range GPUs and CPUs without breaking a sweat. The BR 600 also has a quiet fan, sleeved cables, and over-voltage, under-voltage, over-power, and short-circuit protections that can prevent damages due to faulty devices or power surges. The BR 600 costs around $70, which is a good value for its brand and performance.
With these key components in mind, here is a sample build that can offer good performance and value for gaming under $1000:
– CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 ($200)
– GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super ($230)
– RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB DDR4-3200 ($80)
– Storage: Kingston A2000 500 GB NVMe SSD ($60)
– Motherboard: MSI B450 Tomahawk Max ($120)
– PSU: EVGA 600 BR 600 Watt 80+ Bronze ($70)
This build costs around $760, leaving around $240 for peripherals such as a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Here are some tips on how to choose these peripherals wisely, and how to optimize your build for gaming.
1. Monitor
The monitor is the component that displays the visuals of the games you play, and can greatly affect your gaming experience. For gaming, you need a monitor that has a high refresh rate (60 Hz or more), low response time (5 ms or less), and a resolution that matches your GPU and preferences. You can also opt for features such as adaptive sync (G-Sync or FreeSync), HDR, and IPS or VA panels that offer better color and viewing angles. Generally, for a gaming PC under $1000, you can opt for a 1080p or 1440p monitor that has a refresh rate of 144 Hz or more, and a response time of 1 ms or less.
One of the best monitors for gaming that fits this criteria is the AOC C24G1 24″ Curved VA 1080p 144 Hz. This monitor has a curved screen that enhances immersion and reduces eye strain, a refresh rate of 144 Hz that can eliminate ghosting and tearing, and a response time of 1 ms that can minimize input lag and motion blur. The C24G1 also has a high contrast ratio, a wide color gamut, and FreeSync support that can improve the visual quality and smoothness of the games. The C24G1 costs around $150, which is a great deal for its size and specs.
2. Keyboard
The keyboard is the component that allows you to input commands and control your games, and can affect your typing speed and comfort as well. For gaming, you need a keyboard that has a reliable key switch mechanism, a comfortable layout and shape, and features that can enhance your gaming experience, such as macro keys, RGB lighting, and multimedia controls. You can also opt for types of key switches that suit your preferences, such as mechanical, membrane, or hybrid switches. Generally, for a gaming PC under $1000, you can opt for a mid-range keyboard that has a good balance between performance and cost.
One of the best keyboards for gaming that fits this criteria is the Logitech G413 Carbon Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. This keyboard uses Logitech’s own Romer-G switches, which have a tactile and responsive feel that can satisfy most gamers, and are durable and quiet as well. The G413 Carbon also has a simple and sleek design that fits most setups, a USB passthrough port that can save space and time, and customizable RGB lighting that can add some flair to your build. The G413 Carbon costs around $65, which is a fair price for its brand and quality.
3. Mouse
The mouse is the component that allows you to aim and move your character or cursor in your games, and can affect your accuracy and comfort as well. For gaming, you need a mouse that has a reliable sensor and tracking system, a comfortable grip and weight, and features that can enhance your gaming experience, such as programmable buttons, DPI presets, and RGB lighting. You can also opt for types of mouse grips and sizes that suit your preferences, such as palm, claw, or fingertip grips. Generally, for a gaming PC under $1000, you can opt for a mid-range mouse that has a good balance between performance and cost.
One of the best mice for gaming that fits this criteria is the SteelSeries Rival 3 Gaming Mouse. This mouse uses a TrueMove Core sensor that can track movements accurately up to 8500 CPI (counts per inch), which means it can handle most gaming scenarios without jitter or acceleration issues. The Rival 3 also has a comfortable and durable design that fits most hands, a lightweight and balanced body that allows for fast and precise movements, and RGB lighting that can be customized with the SteelSeries Engine software. The Rival 3 costs around $30, which is a great deal for its sensor and features.
4. Optimization and Maintenance
Once you have built your gaming PC under $1000 and assembled your peripherals, you may want to optimize and maintain it properly to get the best performance and lifespan out of it. Here are some tips on what you can do to achieve this:
– Install the latest drivers and firmware updates for your components and peripherals, as they can fix bugs, improve compatibility, and introduce new features and optimizations.
– Enable XMP or D.O.C.P on your motherboard’s BIOS to activate the full speed of your RAM, if it supports it.
– Check the temperatures of your CPU and GPU using software such as HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner, and adjust your cooling or fan profile if necessary to keep them within safe and optimal ranges.
– Download and use software such as CCleaner or Wise Care 365 to clean up junk files, registry entries, and other system clutter that can slow down your PC or cause errors.
– Use antivirus and firewall software to protect your PC from malware and hackers, and avoid downloading or installing suspicious or unknown programs or files that can compromise your privacy or security.
– Avoid overclocking or overvolting your components unless you know what you’re doing and are willing to accept the risks and consequences of such actions.
– Backup your important data regularly to an external drive or cloud service, as hardware or software failures can happen at any time.
By following these tips and building and maintaining your gaming PC wisely, you can enjoy a great gaming experience without spending too much money. Remember that PC gaming is not just about the hardware or graphics, but also about the community, the creativity, and the endless possibilities that it offers. Happy gaming!
Image Credit: Pexels