I recently got a Lenovo M83 ThinkCentre SFF (i7 4790, 16GB RAM, integrated 2600 graphics) for free from my wife's workplace. My daughter, who received a new laptop for Christmas, is eager to play Fortnite on my PC (5600 with a 6700XT) since it outperforms her Switch and laptop. Initially, I thought about installing a used RX 6400LP, but prices around $150-$200 seem steep for that kind of performance. I could also get a used RTX 3050 or 3060, but that feels outrageous. I've already picked up a $50 ATX case, a motherboard to PSU adapter for $8, and I'm utilizing my old 650W PSU that's been sitting around, along with my 75Hz 1080p monitor. Now, I'm stuck between a 1660 Super or RX 580, aiming for 60 FPS at 1080p to handle modern games, though mainly Fortnite. I'm also curious if Alibi Bab and Macari are trustworthy sites for used parts since I usually don't buy second-hand. I'd like to keep my GPU choice under $100 to stay within the budget I mentioned to my wife, but I'm wary of high prices for cards often labeled as 'used for mining.' Just a note, I'm based in North Carolina, USA, and I've already made the case swap so my system is running on integrated graphics while I search for a GPU.
2 Answers
For your setup, the RX 6400 isn't a great choice—it underperforms for gaming. Instead, you might want to snag a used 3050; it's typically recommend for budget builds. Just make sure to get one that doesn't need extra power over the PCIe slot since it should fit full-sized cards now that you've housed it in an ATX case.
If your goal is to game at 1080p with decent FPS, I’d suggest looking into the 1660 Super or RX 580—both are solid and often found under $100 used. It's a shame about used prices, especially with cards that have been mined on. Just keep an eye on whether the seller is legit, especially on places like eBay.
I appreciate it! I was hoping I could score something without falling for a sketchy listing.
Thanks for the heads up! I can definitely use the 650W PSU, so I'm good there. Just need to find a card that fits my budget.