I'm completely new to building a gaming PC and have primarily been a console player until now. I'm trying to get a decent gaming setup for around $650. I'd appreciate any recommendations for parts or good pre-built options you might know of. My main goal is to achieve good performance, and while I'm not focused on aesthetics, a bit of RGB lighting would be fun!
3 Answers
I suggest focusing on what games you want to play and then checking their minimum and recommended specs. That way, you'll get a better idea of what components you really need. If pre-built is easier, just check reputable sellers.
Considering your budget, looking at used components is probably your best bet. You might be able to find a setup with an R5 5500 processor, a 3060 12GB graphics card, and 16GB of RAM if you're lucky. Just keep an eye out for deals!
You're starting at a tough time in the PC gaming market. After the recent crypto boom, GPU prices skyrocketed and now RAM prices are also crazy. With $650, you might struggle to build something that runs modern games well at 1080p. The used market could be beneficial, but make sure you're familiar with hardware to avoid getting scammed!
I'm thinking of asking my girlfriend to help me find a used one. She's buying me a setup for Valentine's Day and wants me to send her some links, but I'm not sure what to look for.