How can I build a PC that won’t break the bank?
If you’re on a tight budget but still want to build a PC, you’re in luck! Building a PC on a budget is possible and can lead to surprisingly good results. In this post, we’ll go over the essential components you’ll need and tips for saving money without losing performance. Let’s get started!
The CPU or Central Processing Unit is the brain of the computer. The faster the CPU, the faster the computer can process data. The good news is that there are budget-friendly CPUs that offer excellent performance.
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is an excellent choice for a budget build. It has six cores and 12 threads, making it ideal for multitasking and productivity. It also has a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz, which can boost up to 4.2 GHz.
Another budget-friendly option is the Intel Core i5-10400F. It’s a six-core CPU with a base clock speed of 2.9 GHz, which boosts up to 4.3 GHz. It’s a great choice for gaming and productivity tasks.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the foundation of the computer, and choosing the right one is essential. The good news is that there are budget-friendly motherboards that offer excellent features.
For AMD CPUs, the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max is an excellent choice. It has great build quality, ample connectivity options, and supports up to 64 GB of RAM.
For Intel CPUs, the Gigabyte B460M DS3H is an excellent option. It supports up to 64 GB of RAM and has a robust set of features, including PCIe 3.0 support, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, and Intel Optane Memory support.
Memory
Memory or RAM is where the computer stores data temporarily. The more RAM, the better the system can handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
For a budget build, you can’t go wrong with the G.Skill Ripjaws V Series. It’s available in various configurations, from 8 GB to 32 GB, and offers excellent performance.
Storage
Storage is where the computer stores data permanently. There are two primary types of drives: HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives).
HDDs are slower but more affordable per GB of storage. SSDs are faster but more expensive per GB of storage. We recommend going for an SSD as it provides a significant boost in overall system performance.
For a budget build, the Kingston A2000 500 GB NVMe SSD is an excellent choice. It offers impressive read and write speeds and is available at an affordable price.
GPU
The GPU or Graphics Processing Unit is responsible for rendering graphics on your computer. The more powerful the GPU, the better the graphics and overall performance.
For a budget build, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super is an excellent choice. It provides excellent performance for its price range and is ideal for 1080p gaming.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The PSU or Power Supply Unit is responsible for providing power to all the components of the computer. Choosing the right PSU is essential to ensure the stability and longevity of your system.
For a budget build, we recommend going for a 500W PSU. The EVGA 500 W1 is an excellent choice, providing ample power for all your components at an affordable price.
Case
The case provides protection and ventilation for all your components, and choosing the right one is essential. There are various budget-friendly cases available that offer excellent features.
The Cooler Master N200 is an excellent choice for a budget build. It’s a compact case that supports micro-ATX motherboards and has ample room for all your components.
Tips for saving money
Now that we’ve gone over the essential components, let’s talk about tips for saving money:
Buy during sales: Keep an eye out for sales on Amazon, Newegg, and other retailers. You can save a significant amount of money by buying during sales.
Buy used: Consider buying used components from online marketplaces such as eBay or Craigslist. Make sure to buy from reputable sellers, and test the components thoroughly before purchasing.
Re-use old components: If you have an old PC lying around, consider reusing some of the components, such as the case, PSU, or storage.
Conclusion
Building a PC on a budget is possible and can lead to surprisingly good results. By choosing the right components and following our tips for saving money, you can build a PC that won’t break the bank. Happy building!
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