I'm looking to build my son a gaming PC in the $600–$700 range in the United States. His main game is Wardogs on Steam. We already have a mouse, keyboard, and a small TV that can be used as a display for now, so the budget only needs to cover the motherboard, CPU, memory, graphics card, operating-system SSD, case, and any other essential components. Is a new build realistic, or should I focus on used parts or a secondhand complete PC?
5 Answers
A console would normally be worth considering at this budget, but Wardogs currently requires a PC and Steam, so that is not a solution for this particular game. I would either stretch the budget slightly, buy a used system, or purchase parts gradually instead of settling for a very weak new build.
A completely new build at that price is difficult with current component prices, especially for the graphics card, RAM, and storage. Your best value is probably a used complete PC or a mix of used parts. Look for systems with something like an RTX 3060/3070/3080 or an RX 6600/6700 XT, and make sure the power supply is from a reputable brand. Test any used system before buying and avoid paying extra for an unknown or very old power supply.
Check local secondhand listings for a complete PC rather than trying to assemble one from several individual listings. Search for a system with at least 16GB of RAM, an SSD, and a dedicated graphics card. Ask for a video showing it starting a game, check the temperatures, confirm the exact model of the power supply, and meet somewhere safe. Used hardware is the realistic way to stay near $600–$700, but be patient and compare the parts before buying.
It is possible if you are comfortable buying used. A Ryzen 5 3600 or 5500-class processor, 16GB of RAM, a used RTX 2070 Super or RX 6700 XT, a 500GB–1TB SSD, and a decent 650–750W power supply could work for 1080p gaming. Sixteen gigabytes of memory is acceptable as a starting point and can be upgraded later. A new power supply is one of the parts I would prioritize, even if the CPU, motherboard, and graphics card are secondhand.
If you want everything new, expect to spend closer to $750–$900 for a balanced entry-level gaming system, and possibly more at current prices. A retailer bundle for the CPU, motherboard, and RAM could help, but you would still need to find a good graphics-card deal. Watch for open-box or clearance systems from major retailers, since a discounted prebuilt can sometimes cost less than buying each part separately.
For Wardogs specifically, you do not necessarily need a top-end processor. A solid six-core CPU paired with a reasonably powerful used graphics card should be enough for 1080p, although performance will depend on the game's optimization and settings.