Hey everyone! I'm looking to build my very first PC and need some guidance. My budget is between $500 and $700, and I'm really focused on getting the best performance possible rather than how it looks. I only need the PC itself, so no monitor or peripherals required. I appreciate any help you can offer! Thanks!
4 Answers
Honestly, building a gaming PC for $500-$700 is going to be tough in today’s market. It might be easier for you to get a prebuilt system. Just trying to buy SSDs and RAM can eat up your budget quickly, so weigh your options carefully.
Finding the right components in your budget can be tricky, especially if you're looking at the used market. If you're okay with that, I recommend aiming for a Ryzen 5 5600 or something similar for your CPU. For the GPU, a used RX 7600 or RX 6600 should fit your needs well. Aim for 16GB of DDR4 RAM, ideally at 3200MHz. Don't forget to get a decent power supply from a reliable brand, and maybe a new SSD if you can manage it. Here's a video detailing expected performance: [Gaming Performance Overview](https://youtu.be/BdyaKKP_GQk?si=dw8QwmEWcxKVevfe)
If you can look for second-hand components, there are great scores to be had! Just got a used GTX 1070 and a Ryzen 7 2700 for under £100. It’s all about networking and keeping an eye out for good deals in your area.
Your budget will also depend heavily on what you plan to do with the PC. If you're gaming or doing intensive work, allocate most of your budget to a solid GPU. I’ve seen decent used parts out there if you keep your eyes peeled for second-hand deals!

That setup could sound great, but new parts could hit around $1000! I think focusing on used parts is crucial for staying within budget.