Hey everyone! I'm excited to finally build my own PC but I want to keep my budget between $500 and $800. I'm looking for something that can handle games like Roblox, BTD6, GTA, and Cyberpunk. I really want it to look nice with a glass panel rather than a bulky build. Also, I'm curious—would it be smart to buy parts from AliExpress, or should I just stick with more reliable sites? Lastly, is there a price difference between black and white parts? I make about $700-$800 every two weeks working while in school, so should I consider investing more into this build? Any tips for a first-time builder would be fantastic!
5 Answers
Building a PC for under $800 might be tough, especially if you want to run Cyberpunk. You might need to go for used parts to make it work. Prices have really shot up lately, but you can still find deals. Just make sure the parts are compatible—like DDR4 memory won't fit in a DDR5 motherboard. I would suggest checking local sales or refurbishers who sometimes have complete systems for less than buying new components. And honestly, if you want a glass panel, a good case can be a little pricier.
I'd say just save a bit more if you can—prices are really high for decent parts right now. If you want a solid performance rig, aim for at least $1500 to do it right. Just not the best time for budget builds!
Honestly, with the current market, even decent new parts are overpriced. If you're flexible, maybe consider buying a used laptop instead? It'll often give you more bang for your buck without the hassle of building. But if you're committed to building, I suggest checking out sites like Part Picker for good deals.
Honestly, if you're on a tight budget, perhaps think about getting a console? It could save you from the hassle and price hikes in PC parts right now.
If you're set on playing games like Cyberpunk, here's a rough build you could aim for that should fit your budget:
- CPU: Ryzen 5 5600XT - $155 (New)
- GPU: RTX 3070 - $230 (Used)
- RAM: 32GB - around $125 (Used)
- SSD - about $52 (New)
Total should be around $757. AliExpress can be decent for certain parts, just check the seller's reputation!
Wow, that actually sounds doable! Thanks for spelling it out!

Thanks for the tips! Any specific sites or stores you recommend for buying used parts?