Introduction
When it comes to gaming, the hardware is just as important as the software. There are plenty of options available when it comes to PC gaming, but not everyone is willing to spend thousands of dollars to build a high-end system. In this blog post, we’ll explore how far a $500 PC can take you in the world of gaming.
The Build
The first step is to assemble the PC itself. There are a few different routes you can take when building a gaming PC on a budget, but for this post, we’ll focus on a build that costs around $500. Here are the components you’ll need:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600
GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1650
RAM: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 240GB SSD
Power Supply: 450W
These components should allow you to build a PC that can handle most modern games at a decent frame rate. Keep in mind that this build is just a starting point, and you can always upgrade individual components later on.
Performance
So, how well does a $500 gaming PC perform? The answer depends on a few factors, such as the game you’re playing, the settings you’re using, and your expectations for performance. Here are some benchmarks for a few popular games using the build we outlined above:
Fortnite: With the settings turned down to low, the game runs at around 70 FPS on average. This should be more than enough for most players, especially considering that Fortnite’s competitive scene is locked at 60 FPS.
Apex Legends: Again, with the settings turned down, this game runs at around 60 FPS on average. While it’s not the smoothest experience, it’s definitely playable.
Overwatch: This game runs at around 80 FPS on average with the settings turned down. You could even bump the settings up a bit and still maintain a solid frame rate.
As you can see, this $500 PC can handle most modern games, as long as you’re willing to compromise on some of the settings.
Upgrades
If you’re not satisfied with the performance of your $500 gaming PC, you can always upgrade individual components to improve things. Here are a few upgrades to consider:
GPU: Upgrading to a better GPU, such as the NVIDIA GTX 1660 or 1660 Ti, can significantly improve your gaming performance.
RAM: Adding more RAM can help your PC handle more demanding games and applications.
Storage: If you find yourself running out of storage space, upgrading to a larger SSD or adding a secondary hard drive can be a good idea.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a $500 gaming PC can take you pretty far in the world of gaming, as long as you’re willing to compromise on some of the settings. With a build featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 2600, NVIDIA GTX 1650, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 240GB SSD, and a 450W power supply, you should be able to play most modern games at a decent frame rate. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, so you can always upgrade individual components later on if you want to take your gaming experience to the next level.
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