I'm in need of some advice on buying a gaming PC for my 13-year-old son, who is going through a tough time after losing his dad. He's been really down and has been asking for a gaming setup for years, but with my tight budget from survivor benefits, I need to find something that's both affordable and capable of decent gaming. I've got until Christmas to save up, and I'd really appreciate any help or suggestions you all might have!
5 Answers
Have you considered that building the PC yourself might save money? It sounds daunting, but it’s just like adult Legos! There are endless tutorials on YouTube that can guide you through the process step by step. Plus, it could be a great bonding time with your son. When done, you can get an awesome system that fits your needs within budget!
Building a PC together could be a rewarding experience! With a budget in mind, you might consider going for a used Ryzen 3 3600 and RX 5600 combo for around $350 for a solid 1080p gaming experience. Prebuilt systems can be pricier, but you might find a decent used one for about $400. Just focus on parts that provide good value!
Do you know where I can find used parts or systems? I'm in a bit of a time crunch.
I have an Intel i5 10400 I can donate if you're willing to cover shipping. It can help you get started with building a decent system!
My heartfelt condolences to you and your son. I recommend setting a budget first so we can help find suitable parts or systems. You can check out communities like r/buildapcforme for lists of components to buy if you decide to build it yourself. If you'd prefer a prebuilt, brands like iBUYPOWER and NZXT are some options, but prices vary, so keep an eye on the budget!
Thank you for your kindness. I'll look into those options!
If gaming is the primary goal, have you thought about getting a gaming console like a PS5? It offers a great gaming experience and might be more affordable than a good gaming PC setup. Just a thought, given your budget constraints!
He's been asking for a PC, though, so I want to stick to that for now!
I love that idea! I've read some tutorials but am still a bit lost on specs.