What’s the best budget gaming build for under $500?
If you’re on a tight budget, but you still want to play the latest games, then you’re in luck. It is possible to build a decent gaming PC for under $500, and in this blog post, we’ll show you exactly how to do it.
First, let’s take a look at what you’ll need.
The components
To build a gaming PC on a budget, you need to prioritize the components that will have the biggest impact on gaming performance. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
1. CPU: The CPU is the brain of your PC, and it will have a big impact on gaming performance. You’ll want to go with a quad-core CPU to get the best performance for the money. We recommend the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G.
2. Graphics card: The graphics card is the most important component for gaming performance. You’ll want to go with a dedicated graphics card instead of relying on the integrated graphics in your CPU. The NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti is a great budget option.
3. RAM: 8GB of RAM is the minimum you’ll want for gaming. You can always upgrade later if you need to. We recommend getting a single stick of 8GB DDR4 RAM.
4. Storage: You’ll want a solid-state drive (SSD) to boot up your PC and load games quickly. A 240GB SSD should be enough to get you started.
5. Power Supply: A 450W power supply should be enough for this build.
6. Case: A budget case like the Cooler Master N200 or the Corsair Carbide SPEC-04 will work well for this build.
Now that you know what you’ll need, let’s take a look at how to put it all together.
The Build
Step 1: Install the CPU
The first thing you’ll need to do is install the CPU. The AMD Ryzen 3 2200G comes with a stock cooler, so you shouldn’t need to purchase a separate one. Make sure to apply thermal paste to the CPU before installing the cooler.
Step 2: Install the RAM
Installing RAM is easy. Simply line up the notches on the RAM stick with the slot on the motherboard, and push down until the clips snap into place.
Step 3: Install the SSD
Installing an SSD is just like installing a hard drive. Mount it in the drive bay, and then connect the SATA cable and power cable to the motherboard and power supply.
Step 4: Install the power supply
Mount the power supply in the case, and then connect the power cables to the motherboard, graphics card, and storage. Make sure to route the cables neatly to keep the inside of your PC looking good.
Step 5: Install the Graphics card
Unscrew the expansion slot cover, and then seat the graphics card in the PCIe slot on the motherboard. Plug in the PCIe power cable to the graphics card.
Step 6: Turn on the PC for the first time
Make sure all the cables are connected properly, and then press the power button on your PC. If everything is set up correctly, your PC should turn on, and you’ll be able to install Windows.
Software
Once you’ve built your PC, you’ll need to install the drivers for your components. You can download the latest drivers for your graphics card from the NVIDIA website, and the latest drivers for your CPU from the AMD website.
You’ll also want to download and install software like Steam and Discord to get the most out of your gaming PC.
Conclusion
Building a gaming PC on a budget is definitely possible, and with the right components, you can get great performance for under $500. Just follow our guide and you’ll be gaming in no time.
If you want to upgrade your PC further in the future, you can always add more RAM, upgrade your graphics card, or even upgrade your CPU. But for now, enjoy your new budget gaming PC!
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