I'm looking for some guidance on building a budget gaming PC. I had a setup back in 2014 with a Pentium G3258 and a 750ti that lasted me for several years. After using my old PC as a homelab server, I had planned to upgrade it, but between the pandemic and escalating component prices, it's been tough to commit to a new build. I've considered buying a console but really miss using a keyboard and mouse.
Now, I'm thinking of sourcing older used parts to build a decent gaming rig. I'm hoping to find a good deal for a DDR4 RAM, motherboard, and CPU combo, while keeping budget in mind (around 1000 euros). My goal is to enjoy games like CS2 with friends and play newer titles at respectable performance levels, ideally 1080p or even upscaling to 4K.
Does anyone have advice on navigating the used market for parts? Specifically, what CPU would help ensure there's no bottleneck for a GPU down the line?
2 Answers
To start off, your budget seems reasonable. In the German used market, you can snag a solid AM4 base for around 400-500 euros. I recommend aiming for a Ryzen 5 3600 as a minimum, with the 5600 or 5700x being even better. Pair it with a 750W PSU, a good B450 or B550 motherboard, and 16GB or more of DDR4 RAM. This setup should keep you going for several years. If you find a used base PC, flip some parts to upgrade further if needed.
For your GPU, an RTX 4070 Super would be great, giving solid performance for 1440p/4k gaming. You could also consider AMD's RX 9060xt for good performance at a lower price point. Just make sure to reuse any old components that are still good to save on your build!
If you're considering building a PC with DDR4 RAM and a Ryzen 5700x, it should still serve you well for the next 3-4 years. Depending on how games evolve, you'll be fine for a while. I found good deals like the Ryzen 7 5700x3D with a B550 motherboard and 16GB RAM for around 590 euros. However, make sure you account for the total cost, including a case and SSD, since those can drive the price up. Just be aware that consoles could edge out your startup costs in the future, but if you prefer gaming on a PC, I say go for it!
Absolutely get the 5700x3D if the deal is good! It’s all about finding that balance between performance and cost. Just keep an eye on how used parts may impact future upgrades.
That sounds like a solid plan! Just remember to check if the used components still have performance left in them, especially the PSU and motherboard. Way to stretch your budget!