I’m in the US and looking to move on from a low-end laptop. I mainly want to play Valorant and record clips in the background. My budget is under $800, and I’m open to either building or buying a PC. What should I look for?
Can I get a decent gaming PC for under $800?
Asked by
N8!Tacklet
Answers
At that budget, I’d compare complete used desktops with new prebuilts rather than assuming one route is always cheaper. Check the exact parts, condition, and return options before buying. A machine with a dedicated graphics card is generally a better fit for gaming and recording than one relying only on integrated graphics.
Reply to this answer
Building can stretch the money further, but a full setup under $800 gets tight once you count the monitor, keyboard, and other peripherals. If you already have those, say so when asking for a parts list. Otherwise, compare the total cost of a prebuilt against the cost of all the parts you’d need.
Reply to this answer
Don’t judge a gaming PC by the processor name or a flashy case. Ask for the graphics card model, memory amount, storage, and whether the computer is new or used. For a used one, check that it boots, runs a game, and comes with the parts and cables listed.
Reply to this answer
If you can wait and save a bit more, you may have more room to choose parts without making awkward compromises. But prices and deals change, so there isn’t a universal cutoff where buying suddenly becomes worthwhile. Set a firm maximum and compare current options when you’re ready.
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.
N8!Tacklet:
I’m flexible on peripherals, so I’ll make sure to include them in the budget comparison.