I'm in the market for a new family desktop but trying to keep my budget around $500. The computer will mainly be used for internet browsing and maybe some gaming like Minecraft or Fortnite. Currently, I'm stuck with a 2012 build that can't upgrade to Windows 11, which is why I'm looking for a new machine. I already have a monitor but need some advice on whether it's better to build a PC from scratch or just buy a prebuilt one. Any thoughts?
4 Answers
Honestly, even $500 might not cover decent RAM these days. You're really in a tight spot with that budget.
Honestly, with a $500 budget, you're likely better off looking for a used PC. Building something at that price point can be quite challenging. You may not get what you need for gaming or even decent performance for daily tasks.
You might manage to build a basic desktop without a dedicated GPU, but keep in mind that playing games like Minecraft or Fortnite could still be a struggle. If you want a dedicated GPU, it's probably not feasible with your current budget. A mix of new and used parts might be your best bet.
The main concern for us right now is being able to run TurboTax for my wife’s tax gig. What's the best way to go about that?
Try checking out Facebook Marketplace for used PCs. You're unlikely to find a decent new computer for $500.
Could you suggest parts or how to build something without the GPU so I can upgrade later?