The Ultimate Guide to Building a Cheap and Effective PC for Gamers
Are you a budget gamer who wants to play the latest and greatest games without breaking the bank? Building a PC can seem daunting, but with the right components and a balanced approach, you can achieve top-notch gaming performance. In this article, we'll provide you with the best and most affordable PC build specifications that you can achieve within a budget of $40k. We'll also cover essential components to consider for a successful gaming PC build.
Components to Consider for Your Budget PC Build
Building a PC for gaming requires a careful balance of components to ensure stability, performance, and efficiency. Here are the key components to consider:
1. Processor (CPU)
The central processing unit (CPU) is one of the most crucial components for your PC build. For budget gamers, an AMD Ryzen 5 2400G is an excellent choice. This CPU strikes a perfect balance between performance and efficiency, making it ideal for gaming, general computing, and light multitasking.
2. Motherboard
For the motherboard, the MSI A320M PRO is a cost-effective and reliable option. This motherboard supports the Ryzen 5 2400G and offers essential features without the need for a premium price tag.
3. RAM
Adequate RAM is essential for smooth multitasking and high-performance gaming. Depending on your workload, 8 GB of RAM is generally sufficient for budget gaming. However, having more RAM can be beneficial for more demanding tasks. Crucial Vengeance DDR4 3000MHz 16GB kit is a reliable and efficient choice.
4. Storage
Your PC's storage can be split between a fast SSD and a larger HDD. For budget gaming, a WD GREEN 120GB SSD should suffice for the operating system and your games, while a 1TB Seagate Barracuda HDD can be used for storing data and miscellaneous files.
5. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
A reliable PSU is crucial to ensure that your components can run smoothly and safely. The CORSAIR VS450 is a cost-effective and efficient choice, providing 450W of power with 80 Plus Bronze certification, ensuring reliable performance.
6. Graphics Card (GPU)
Choosing the right graphics card is critical for gaming. For an AMD card, the MSI RX 570 ARMOR 8G OC Gaming 256-Bit 8GB GDDR5 Directx Graphics Card is a solid choice. For Nvidia enthusiasts, options like the 1060 3GB or an upgraded 1660Ti would be suitable. For those with a bigger budget, a used 1080 Ti is also a viable option.
7. Case
An efficient and quiet case is important to keep your PC running cool and quiet. A simple Mini-Tower build with a 60 AM4 motherboard and a 400W PSU is perfect for starting. You can gradually upgrade to a bigger GPU like the 1050 Ti or even the more powerful 1660Ti as you save.
Best PC Build as of Now
For those looking for the best budget build, the following components offer excellent performance and value:
System Specifications
CPU: Intel nAsus Strix R9 390 8GB GDDR5 Graphics Card: NVIDIA 1080 8GB SC RAM: 16GB 3000 Mhz 8GBx2 Set Crucial Vengeance Power Supply Unit (PSU): Cooler Master Masterwatt 550W 80 Bronze Case: Phanteks P300 Eclipse Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB HDD Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64bitTotal Price: 822 CDN / 616 USD
Built in April 22, 2019, this PC has remained stable and efficient, but the case is admittedly a source of frustration. Despite its flaws, the Ryzen CPU has been a valuable asset, showcasing its shortcomings in a modern computing environment.
Conclusion
Building a cheap but effective PC for gaming requires careful consideration of each component. By following the recommendations outlined in this article, you can ensure that your PC performs well and meets your needs without unnecessary spending. Remember, your budget is flexible, and you can gradually upgrade components as you save more money. Happy building!
If you have any specific needs or questions, feel free to reach out! We're here to help you create the perfect gaming PC build!