Building a gaming PC on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice performance or quality. With the right components, you can enjoy smooth gameplay in 1080p and even 1440p without breaking the bank.
This guide will help you choose the best budget gaming PC configuration, focusing on performance, upgradeability, and cost-effectiveness.
1. What to Consider When Building a Budget Gaming PC
Before choosing components, it’s important to define your gaming needs and priorities.
✅ Key Factors to Consider:
✔ Gaming Resolution & FPS – Aim for 1080p at 60–144 FPS on modern games.
✔ Upgrade Path – Choose a system that allows easy upgrades later.
✔ Balanced Components – Avoid bottlenecks between the CPU and GPU.
✔ Cooling & Airflow – Ensure good airflow for stable performance.
A budget gaming PC should handle games like Fortnite, GTA V, Call of Duty, and Cyberpunk 2077 at decent settings without major compromises.
2. Best Budget Gaming PC Build Under $700
This configuration offers the best price-to-performance ratio while keeping upgradeability in mind.
✅ CPU: Intel Core i3-13100F ($110) or AMD Ryzen 5 5500 ($100)
✔ Quad-core (Intel) or six-core (AMD) processor for smooth gaming performance.
✔ Supports future GPU upgrades without major bottlenecks.
✔ Ryzen 5 5500 offers better multitasking, while the i3-13100F is more power-efficient.
✅ GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6600 ($200) or NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super ($180)
✔ RX 6600: Best value for 1080p high settings, 60+ FPS in most games.
✔ GTX 1660 Super: Good for esports and older titles at high FPS.
✔ Both options consume low power and stay cool under load.
✅ RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200MHz ($50)
✔ 16GB ensures smooth gaming performance (avoid 8GB, as it causes lag in modern games).
✔ 3200MHz or higher speeds improve system responsiveness.
✅ Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD ($60)
✔ NVMe SSDs (like Crucial P3 Plus or Kingston NV2) are 5x faster than HDDs.
✔ Fast load times for games and quick Windows boot-up.
✅ Motherboard: MSI B450 Tomahawk Max (AM4) or ASUS Prime B660M-A (LGA 1700) ($90)
✔ Supports future CPU upgrades (Ryzen 7 or Intel i5/i7).
✔ Includes M.2 SSD slots and multiple USB ports.
✅ Power Supply (PSU): 550W 80+ Bronze ($50)
✔ Reliable and efficient PSU (EVGA, Corsair, or Thermaltake).
✔ Ensures stability and future GPU upgrades.
✅ Case: DeepCool Matrexx 55 or NZXT H510 ($60)
✔ Good airflow for cooling the CPU and GPU.
✔ Includes pre-installed fans to save extra costs.
✔ Total Estimated Cost: ~$670–$700
This budget gaming PC delivers excellent 1080p performance and can be upgraded with a better GPU in the future.
3. Best Budget Prebuilt Gaming PCs Under $800
If you don’t want to build a PC, prebuilt options can be a great alternative.
✅ Best Prebuilt Budget Gaming PCs:
✔ Acer Nitro 50 (GTX 1660 Super, i5-12400F) – $750
✔ HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop (RX 6600, Ryzen 5 5600G) – $780
✔ Skytech Blaze II (RTX 3050, Ryzen 5 3600) – $800
Prebuilt gaming PCs cost slightly more but come ready to use with Windows pre-installed.
4. Can You Build a Budget Gaming PC for Under $500?
Yes, but expect lower settings and fewer upgrade options.
✅ Best Budget $500 Build:
✔ CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (Integrated Vega Graphics) – $140
✔ RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz – $50
✔ Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD – $40
✔ Motherboard: B450 or B550 – $80
✔ PSU: 500W 80+ Bronze – $40
✔ Case: Cooler Master MB320L – $50
✔ Total: ~$500
This entry-level PC relies on integrated graphics, but you can add a dedicated GPU later for better performance.
5. Best Budget Upgrades for Gaming Performance
Even on a budget, small upgrades can dramatically improve performance.
✅ Best Upgrades to Boost Performance:
✔ Add an SSD if using an HDD – Reduces load times significantly.
✔ Upgrade to 32GB RAM – Helps with multitasking and heavy games.
✔ Better GPU (RX 6700 XT or RTX 3060 Ti) – Huge FPS boost for higher settings.
✔ Aftermarket CPU Cooler – Keeps temperatures lower for better efficiency.
A GPU upgrade is the best investment if you want higher FPS and better graphics.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Budget Gaming PC
❌ Choosing 8GB RAM – Always go for 16GB to avoid stuttering in games.
❌ Buying a cheap, low-quality PSU – Use at least 80+ Bronze certified PSUs.
❌ Ignoring cooling – Poor airflow causes overheating and lowers performance.
❌ Buying an HDD instead of an SSD – SSDs are essential for modern gaming.
Avoiding these mistakes ensures a more reliable and powerful budget gaming PC.
7. How to Save Money When Building a Gaming PC
If you’re on a tight budget, here are some ways to cut costs without losing performance.
✅ Ways to Save Money:
✔ Buy used or refurbished GPUs – Great value for gaming.
✔ Use stock coolers – No need for aftermarket cooling on budget CPUs.
✔ Look for sales and discounts – Watch for Black Friday or holiday deals.
✔ Consider open-box or renewed parts – Often cheaper with warranty included.
Saving $50–$100 on smart purchases can allow for better components within your budget.
Conclusion: Build the Best Budget Gaming PC for Your Needs
✔ For 1080p gaming on a budget: Choose an RX 6600 or GTX 1660 Super with a Ryzen 5 or i3 CPU.
✔ For an ultra-budget build ($500): Use a Ryzen 5 5600G with integrated graphics.
✔ For the best value: Build your PC instead of buying a prebuilt.
✔ Upgrade your GPU or RAM later to extend your PC’s lifespan.
By choosing the right components and avoiding common mistakes, you can build a budget gaming PC that delivers excellent performance without spending a fortune.