Can I Build a Gaming Beast on a Budget?
If you’re a fan of gaming, then you know how important it is to have a powerful computer that can run all your favorite games with ease. However, building a gaming PC can be an expensive endeavor. But, that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank just to have a machine capable of handling all your gaming needs.
In this post, we’ll explore different ways to build a gaming beast on a budget. We’ll cover the different components you need to look for to create a machine that can run most of today’s games at decent frame rates. We’ll also show you how to be smart with your money so you can get the most bang for your buck.
First, let’s talk about the components you’ll need to build a gaming PC.
Processor (CPU)
The CPU is the brain of your computer. It’s responsible for executing all the commands your computer gives it. A good CPU is essential for gaming because it determines how fast your computer can think, process, and execute commands.
When it comes to gaming, you need a CPU that’s fast and can handle multiple tasks at once. The best CPUs for gaming are Intel’s Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs, or AMD’s Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 CPUs. These processors provide the power you need to run most games on high or ultra settings.
Graphics Card (GPU)
The graphics card is the most important component for gaming. It’s responsible for rendering the images you see on your screen. A good graphics card is essential because it determines how smooth your games will run and how good they’ll look.
The best graphics cards for gaming are Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 1060 and AMD’s Radeon RX 580. These cards can handle most games on high or ultra settings at 60 frames per second (fps) or higher. If you’re a serious gamer, you might want to consider the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 or 1080 or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 or Vega 64.
Memory (RAM)
RAM is the memory your computer uses to store data that it’s currently working on. A good amount of RAM is essential for gaming because it determines how many tasks your computer can handle at once. Most modern games require at least 8GB of RAM to run smoothly.
When it comes to gaming, you can get away with 8GB of RAM, but it’s better to have 16GB or more if you can afford it. The more RAM you have, the better your computer will perform, especially if you plan on multitasking while gaming.
Storage (SSD or HDD)
Storage is where your computer stores all your files, including your operating system and games. There are two main types of storage: solid-state drives (SSDs) and hard disk drives (HDDs).
SSDs are faster and more expensive than HDDs, but they’re worth the extra cost because they significantly reduce loading times in games. We recommend getting an SSD for your operating system and favorite games, and an HDD for mass storage.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The PSU is responsible for providing power to all the components in your computer. It’s essential to have a PSU with enough power to handle your components, and we recommend getting a PSU with at least 500 watts of power.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the foundation of your computer. All your components will connect to your motherboard, so it’s essential to get a good one. We recommend getting a motherboard with the right socket for your CPU, support for the RAM you want, and enough PCI-E slots for your graphics card and other expansions.
Cooling (Air or Liquid)
When your computer is working hard, it generates a lot of heat. That’s why it’s essential to have good cooling to keep your components cool and running smoothly. Air cooling is cheaper, but liquid cooling is more efficient and can handle more heat. We recommend liquid cooling if you can afford it, but air cooling is still an excellent option for gamers on a budget.
Now that we’ve covered the essential components of a gaming PC let’s talk about how to build a gaming beast on a budget.
Step #1: Set Your Budget
The first step to building a gaming PC on a budget is setting your budget. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your build, and stick to your budget. You don’t want to go overboard and end up with a machine that’s more powerful than you need.
Step #2: Prioritize Your Components
Choose your components wisely. Focus on getting the best graphics card and CPU you can afford, and try to save money on other components like RAM and storage. You can always upgrade these components later.
Step #3: Shop Smart
Do your research and shop around for the best deals on components. Look for refurbished or gently used parts to save some money. Online marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, and Newegg are excellent places to find cheap components.
Step #4: Decide on your preferred game settings
Decide on the settings you want to play your favorite games if you prefer to play on high or ultra settings; you need high-end GPU and CPU. For 1080p gaming, 60 FPS go with at least GTX 1060 or better performance and 1440p gaming, at least, GTX 1070 or above GPU with a powerful CPU.
Step #5: Consider your budget and the future
Gaming has come a long way in recent years, and new games are becoming more demanding by the day, you don’t want to build a gaming PC that will be outdated in a year or two. Try to invest in components that will last and can be used a couple of years from now.
Let’s see the details of the components you can opt for while building a gaming beast on a budget.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600
The Ryzen 5 3600 is an excellent budget CPU that provides incredible performance. It has six cores and 12 threads, making it perfect for multitasking while gaming. It comes with a Wraith Stealth cooler and has a base clock speed of 3.6GHz, which can be overclocked for even better performance.
Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super is an excellent budget graphics card that can handle most games on high or ultra settings with ease. It has 6GB of GDDR6 memory and a boost clock of 1785MHz. It’s an excellent choice for gamers on a budget.
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB memory has 3000 MHz speed and is perfect for gaming. You can run multiple applications in the background while gaming and get a lag-free experience. Moreover, you can get away with just 8GB of RAM, but it’s better to go with at least 16GB.
Storage: Kingston A2000 1TB NVMe SSD
The Kingston A2000 is an excellent budget SSD that provides blazing-fast read and write speeds of up to 2200MB/s and 2000MB/s, respectively. It’s perfect for gaming, as it reduces loading times significantly.
Power Supply Unit: Corsair CX550
The Corsair CX550 provides 550W of power, which is more than enough for most budget gaming builds. It’s 80+ bronze certified, which means it’s efficient and won’t waste power.
Motherboard: MSI B450M PRO-M2 MAX
The MSI B450M PRO-M2 MAX is an excellent budget motherboard that supports AMD Ryzen CPUs. It has two DIMM slots that can handle up to 32GB of DDR4 memory. It also has one PCI-E x16 slot for your graphics card and one M.2 slot for your SSD.
Cooling: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition
The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition is a budget-friendly air cooler that provides excellent cooling performance. It can handle the Ryzen 5 3600’s heat without any issues and is perfect for budget builds.
In conclusion, building a gaming beast on a budget is possible if you are armed with the right information and are willing to do some research. Prioritize the essential components like CPU and GPU, shop smart, and invest in quality components that will last you for some years. By following these tips, you can build a gaming PC that can handle most games at decent frame rates without breaking the bank.
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