What’s the cheapest way to build a high-performance PC?
If you’re into gaming, video editing, or anything that requires a lot of power, you probably know that building a high-performance PC can be expensive. However, there are ways to save money without sacrificing performance. In this post, we’ll cover the cheapest way to build a high-performance PC without breaking the bank.
First things first: let’s talk about the components you’ll need. A high-performance PC requires a powerful CPU, a good amount of RAM, a high-end GPU, a fast SSD, and a reliable power supply. Here’s what you should be looking for:
CPU
The CPU is the brain of your PC and it’s one of the most important components in terms of performance. If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to go with AMD’s Ryzen processors. The Ryzen 5 3600 is a great option and it comes with 6 cores and 12 threads. It’s also affordable, with a price tag of around $200.
RAM
For RAM, you’ll want to aim for at least 16GB. Luckily, RAM prices have been dropping in recent years so you can get a good set for a reasonable price. G.Skill Ripjaws V 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3600 C18 is a great option and it costs around $70.
GPU
When it comes to a GPU, you’ll want to go with Nvidia’s GTX 1660 Super. It’s a great mid-range GPU that can handle most games at 1080p with ease. It costs around $250.
SSD
For storage, you’ll want to go with an SSD. SSDs are much faster than traditional HDDs and they’ll give you faster load times for your games and applications. The Kingston A2000 1TB NVMe is a great option and it costs around $120.
Power Supply
The power supply is an important component but it’s often overlooked. A reliable power supply will ensure that your PC doesn’t suffer from power-related issues. The EVGA 500 W1 is a great budget option and it costs around $50.
Motherboard and Case
When it comes to the motherboard and case, you can save money here without sacrificing performance. However, it’s important to make sure that the motherboard is compatible with your CPU and that you get a case that has good airflow to prevent overheating. The ASRock B450M Pro4 is a great budget motherboard and it costs around $80. The Fractal Design Focus G is a great budget case and it costs around $50.
Now that we’ve covered the components, let’s talk about how to put everything together. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Install the CPU onto the motherboard
Step 2: Install the RAM onto the motherboard
Step 3: Install the motherboard into the case
Step 4: Install the power supply into the case
Step 5: Install the SSD into the case
Step 6: Install the GPU into the motherboard
Step 7: Connect all of the cables (make sure to refer to your motherboard manual to make sure everything is connected correctly)
Step 8: Power on your PC and install your operating system
Congratulations, you’ve just built a high-performance PC for a fraction of the cost!
In terms of cost, if you were to purchase all of the components we recommended, it would cost around $820. That’s a pretty good deal considering you’re getting a high-performance PC that can handle most games and applications.
However, if you’re on an even tighter budget, there are some things you can do to save even more money. Here are some tips:
1. Consider buying used components – You can often find used components at a fraction of the cost of new components. Just be careful and make sure you’re buying from a reputable seller.
2. Use an older GPU – If you’re not too concerned about playing the latest games at the highest settings, you can save money by using an older GPU. You can often find older GPUs for much cheaper than newer ones.
3. Opt for a cheaper SSD – While we recommended the Kingston A2000 1TB NVMe, you can save money by going with a cheaper SATA SSD.
4. Look for deals – Keep an eye out for deals and discounts on components. You can often find great deals on components by buying them at the right time.
In conclusion, building a high-performance PC doesn’t have to be expensive. By following the recommendations we’ve shared in this post, you can build a powerful PC for a reasonable price. Just remember to take your time and make sure everything is connected correctly to avoid any issues down the line. Happy building!
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