Budget-Friendly Gaming PCs with Upgrade Potential
When it comes to gaming on a budget, pre-built PCs offer a streamlined solution that can be easily upgraded. Here are some top choices that provide a good balance between affordability and gaming performance, all while paving the way for future upgrades.
Starting with the Skytech Chronos 5600G
The Skytech Chronos 5600G, at a price of $599, is an excellent choice for beginners who want to dip their toes into the world of gaming PCs. Despite its affordability, it comes equipped with a 16GB DDR4-3200 RAM and a 650W power supply. While it doesn't include a graphics card, you can easily upgrade the 5600G to support cards like the NVIDIA RTX 3060 or 3070, depending on your budget. When gaming at 1080p with low settings, it can achieve a steady 70fps in titles like Forza Horizon 5. This makes it a reliable option for a few months of gaming, allowing you to see if gaming is a passion you want to pursue further.
The first major upgrade we recommend is to add a 1TB SATA SSD for games. This will significantly improve the loading times of your games, making the overall gaming experience much smoother.
NZXT Starter PCs for Starting Gamers
NZXT offers a range of starter PC builds specifically designed for beginners. These pre-assembled systems are not only user-friendly but are also capable of running all mainstream gaming titles at 1080p 60fps. If you're eager to build your own PC, but don't want to spend hours researching and sourcing parts, the NZXT Build Kit is a great option. It comes with all the essential components, making it easier to create a gaming PC.
NZXT starter PCs are built for the long haul, ensuring that you can continue to enjoy your games for months or even years to come without having to worry about frequent upgrades. They provide a solid foundation for gaming, especially for those who want to avoid the complexities of assembling a PC from scratch.
Budget-Friendly Dell Optiplex MTs
Dell Optiplex MTs offer a budget-friendly option that can be upgraded easily. The 3010 and 7010 models, equipped with 3rd generation Intel i5 processors, provide more than enough oomph for gaming at 60fps, such as hitting 60fps in most modern games. If you're particularly budget-conscious, you can consider models with Intel i7 processors, though the i5 is often sufficient for most gaming scenarios.
For those willing to go even cheaper, options like the NVIDIA GTX 950 can be a great choice. This graphics card, along with a SATA to 6-pin PCIe power adapter, can be a cost-effective way to extend your budget. The Dell power supply in these models is quite capable, even supporting a GTX 950 without much strain. The GTX 950 will still run modern games at 1080p, albeit at lower settings. Additionally, the RX570 is another budget-friendly option that can achieve high settings on the latest games, though it may require a slight compromise on resolution.
Browse through the available desktops in your area or on EBay, and ensure they come with at least 8GB of RAM and an SSD for the boot drive. These upgrades will not only improve your gaming experience but also future-proof your system for years to come.