Hey guys! So, you're diving into the awesome world of PC gaming or just need a solid computer without emptying your wallet? That's the spirit! Building a budget PC is a fantastic way to get a customized machine that fits your needs and your budget. You get to choose the parts, learn a ton about how your computer works, and, let's be honest, it's pretty darn satisfying to build something yourself. I've put together a potential build, but I'm always looking for ways to shave off some costs. I'm hoping you amazing people can give me some suggestions. Let's take a look at what I've got so far and brainstorm some ways to make this build even more budget-friendly!
My Current Budget PC Build:
Before we dive into the optimization, let's check out the current build. This is where I am at, and I am open to any suggestion you can come up with to improve it. I am thinking this build can get me started, and in the future I can always do some upgrades, such as adding another storage, or upgrading the ram. I am open to any suggestions.
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
- CPU Cooler: Stock Cooler (included with CPU)
- Motherboard: ASRock B450M Steel Legend
- Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200
- Storage: 500GB NVMe PCIe Gen3 SSD
- Video Card: Integrated Graphics (for now)
- Case: A budget-friendly Micro-ATX case
- Power Supply: 550W 80+ Bronze Certified PSU
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
This is what I am currently thinking. Of course, I have not bought anything yet, this is just what I am aiming for. I am hoping to have a budget pc, something that I can play games, but not something that I can ultra 4k everything. This is just the starting point, I'm open to all suggestions. Let's break down each component and discuss where we might be able to find some savings without sacrificing too much performance. Also, I want to emphasize that I am not looking to buy any used parts, I want everything to be brand new. I am aware that buying used parts can potentially lower the cost, but that's not what I am aiming for.
Lowering Costs: Component-by-Component Analysis
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of each component. This is where the real fun begins, and we can find the spots to cut costs. Remember, the goal is to maximize value. This means getting the best performance for your dollar. It might mean sacrificing a bit in one area to improve another. The main goal of this build is to be budget-friendly, and to be able to play some games. Let's get to it!
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
- Current: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G. The 5600G is a solid choice, especially since it includes integrated graphics. This means you can use your PC right away, even without a dedicated graphics card. I think it's a very good starting point, especially since I can always add a graphics card later on.
- Cost-Saving Options: Could we go even cheaper here? Potentially. We could look at the older Ryzen 3 series. The performance difference might be noticeable in some games, but depending on your needs, it could be a worthwhile trade-off for the price. I am aiming for 1080p gaming, so maybe this is a possibility.
CPU Cooler
- Current: Stock Cooler. Good, simple and does the job. I do not think I need to spend extra money here. I am open to any suggestions, but I think the stock cooler will do the job. However, if the cost is not that much, I could always buy a better one for better temperature. But in reality, the stock cooler will work fine.
- Cost-Saving Options: The stock cooler is free with the CPU. You cannot get any cheaper than free. If you're really trying to save every penny, the stock cooler is perfectly fine. Keep an eye on temperatures, especially during intensive gaming, but it should be sufficient.
Motherboard
- Current: ASRock B450M Steel Legend. The B450 chipset is getting a bit older, but it's still perfectly capable and usually more affordable than newer chipsets. This one is still a very good choice for its price.
- Cost-Saving Options: You could look for a very basic motherboard. I am not going to lie, I do like this one because of its appearance, it's very nice to look at. However, if I really want to save money, I might have to consider a cheaper option.
Memory (RAM)
- Current: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200. 16GB is a good starting point for gaming. I would have liked to go for 32GB, but I can't find the budget for it. Going for 16GB should suffice.
- Cost-Saving Options: RAM prices fluctuate. Keep an eye on sales! Sometimes you can snag a great deal on a 16GB kit. Another option, although I do not think it's worth it, is to go for a single 8GB stick, but I prefer to have two sticks to take advantage of dual-channel memory. This would improve performance, so the cost is worth it.
Storage
- Current: 500GB NVMe PCIe Gen3 SSD. SSDs are a must-have these days. 500GB is good for the operating system and some games, but you might run out of space quickly. I am fine with this, since I can always add a second storage later on.
- Cost-Saving Options: Consider a 256GB SSD. It might be a tight fit, but it can save you some money. For games, you can consider installing the games that you play the most. Another great option would be a 1TB hard drive. If you do not care about how fast your game will load, this is a very good choice. It's much cheaper per gigabyte than SSDs. However, I am not a big fan of Hard Drives.
Video Card
- Current: Integrated Graphics. This is the key to keeping the initial cost down. The integrated graphics of the 5600G are good enough to run some games at lower settings.
- Cost-Saving Options: None really here, unless you already have a video card, which is great! Otherwise, the integrated graphics is the best option for now. I can always add a graphics card later on.
Case
- Current: Budget-friendly Micro-ATX case. I don't really have a preference here, as long as it has good airflow and it's easy to build in. I am open to any suggestions.
- Cost-Saving Options: Shop around! Cases vary widely in price. Look for sales and consider less flashy options to save money.
Power Supply
- Current: 550W 80+ Bronze Certified PSU. Always get a good PSU! It's the heart of the system. I am not sure if 550W is enough, considering that I will eventually add a video card.
- Cost-Saving Options: For this build, 550W is enough, so you can save here. Make sure it's from a reputable brand and has good reviews. If you plan to upgrade to a more powerful graphics card in the future, consider getting a slightly higher wattage PSU.
Operating System
- Current: Windows 11 Home. You need an operating system, so no way to save here. There are other options, but Windows is the easiest.
- Cost-Saving Options: There are no real cost-saving options here, unless you already have a license. You could explore alternative operating systems like Linux. However, they are more difficult to use.
Key Strategies for Budget Optimization
Okay, let's summarize the main strategies to keep your budget in check. These are the things you can implement right away to save some money, and can potentially lower the price even more.
- Prioritize what matters most: Decide what's most important to you. If it's gaming, the graphics card is your top priority. If you need storage, then that's your priority. Decide what you're willing to compromise on, such as case appearance, or how fast your game will load. This helps you allocate your budget effectively.
- Sales and discounts: This is a very important one, so keep an eye out for sales! Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other seasonal sales can offer amazing deals.
- Shop around: Compare prices from different retailers. Use price comparison websites to make sure you're getting the best deal. Do not stick to one shop, compare prices and see which one is better for you.
- Used market (carefully): I know I said that I am not looking for used parts, but sometimes, you can find good deals here. But I would recommend you to do your research first.
Your Turn: Let's Discuss!
So, that's my plan for a budget PC build, guys! Now I want to hear your thoughts. What do you think? What changes would you make to lower the price further? Are there any areas where I'm overspending, or where I can find a better deal? Let me know in the comments below. The more feedback the better. This is a community project, so let's help each other achieve the ultimate budget build! I'm excited to hear your suggestions and improve this build even more. Thanks in advance for your time and your advice! Let's build something awesome!
