10 Tips for Building the Best Budget PC for Gaming
Getting into PC gaming, when done on a budget, can be a daunting and complex task. With so many components to consider, creating the perfect setup can feel like navigating a minefield. There are a few essential elements that need to be thought of, but many don’t know exactly what they are or how much they will need to optimise their gaming experience. To get you on the right track, we are breaking down the basics step-by-step.
This guide will help you find the best-value components that offer the best performance without breaking the bank! Here are our top 10 tips for building the best budget PC for gaming:
1. Select Your Platform
The first decision you will need to make when building your budget gaming PC is which platform to use. The three main systems in current gaming PCs are Intel, AMD, and Nvidia.
Intel is probably the most popular platform for gaming computers due to their high performance and power efficiency. On the other hand, AMD offers excellent value for money and performance, making them the best budget choice for casual gamers. Finally, Nvidia is the preferred choice for hardcore gamers, offering both exceptional performance and low performance-per-watt.
Make sure to select the platform that best fits your needs and budget.
2. Decide On Your CPU
The Central Processing Unit, or CPU, is arguably the single most essential component of a gaming PC, and selecting one with the right specs is crucial for getting the right performance.
When deciding on a CPU, core count and clock speed should be your top priorities. Generally speaking, more cores and a higher frequency will lead to better gaming performance.
AMD’s Ryzen CPUs offer excellent value for money and are the best choice for budget gamers, while Intel’s Core series of processors offer better performance and are the ideal choice for mid to high range builds.
3. Select Your Motherboard
The motherboard is the foundation of your gaming PC, and getting the right one is essential. It not only dictates your RAM and expansion capabilities, but also has a greater impact than most people realise.
When looking for a motherboard, try to select one that is compatible with your selected CPU and graphics card, as these are usually the most important components. Additionally, make sure to select one with a modern chipset that offers the newest features and technologies to ensure your build remains up-to-date for years to come.
4. Pick The Right RAM
RAM is one of the most important components of a gaming PC, and getting the right type and frequency is essential for good performance.
Generally speaking, DDR4 is the current standard and anything faster is not necessary for gaming. 8GB of RAM is the sweet spot for budget rigs, while 16GB is best for mid-range builds. For high-end gaming systems, 32GB of RAM is recommended.
5. Choose Your Graphics Card
The graphics card is the single most important component when it comes to gaming. Without a good graphics card, even the best computer won’t perform well.
This one comes down to personal preference and budget, but a good rule of thumb is to get the best budget card for your budget. AMD and Nvidia both offer excellent budget cards that won’t break the bank, and these are usually your best bet for budget builds.
6. Choose The Right Storage
When it comes to storage, you essentially have two options: SSDs and HDDs. HDDs are cheaper and offer more storage space, but they are much slower than SSDs.
For budget builds, it is recommend to install a small SSD as your main drive, which should be used to install the operating system and any important games, and then to use a larger HDD for storing files.
7. Don’t Forget Cooling
Having proper cooling is essential for any gaming PC, as heat can affect performance and cause components to wear down.
Investing in a good CPU cooler is one of the best investments you can make for your gaming PC. This is especially important for overclocking, as it will keep temperatures at reasonable levels and prevent components from overheating.
It’s also recommended to invest in a good airflow system. A good case with lots of fans will help keep your system cool and help prolong the life of your components.
8. Get a Quality Power Supply
The power supply is one of the most underrated components in a gaming PC. It is responsible for providing power to all of the other components, so getting a reliable one is essential.
Opting for a quality, branded power supply will help ensure the electricity getting to your components is stable and reliable. Most power supplies are rated according to the number of watts they can provide, so be sure to get one that is rated to provide enough power for your system.
9. Select a Good Case
The case is the first thing someone will see when they look at your gaming PC, so selecting the right one is essential. Additionally, it’s also responsible for housing your components and keeping them cool, so getting one with adequate cooling and space is important.
When selecting a case, try to find one with good ventilation, as this will help keep your components cool and prevent them from overheating. It’s also important to consider size, as this will determine how much components you can install.
10. Customise Your Build
Now that you’ve selected the essential components, you’re ready to customise your build and make it your own. Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to start adding the little things that will make your gaming PC unique.
Lighting and cables are great ways to customise your build and really make it yours. If you’re feeling creative, you can also mod your case with custom parts and decals.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect budget gaming PC doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these 10 tips for building the best budget PC for gaming, you’ll be able to get great performance at an affordable price.
From selecting the right platform to customising your build, the key is to think about your needs, budget, and performance requirements. With a bit of research and careful planning, you’ll be able to build the gaming PC of your dreams!
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