I'm looking to step into the PC world for the first time. My budget is around $700 to $800, and I'm trying to figure out the best possible build I can get within that range. The only gaming I've done was on my PS4 Slim, which I got about 7 years ago. I'm wondering if I should go for a prebuilt system or try building it myself, as I've heard both recommendations. Any advice on parts or general tips for a newbie trying to build their first gaming PC?
3 Answers
Just a heads-up, be sure to factor in the cost of peripherals like a monitor, keyboard, and mouse; they can add up! If your laptop works fine, you might want to consider putting that budget towards a next-gen console instead, especially since building can be tricky if you’re new to PCs.
Honestly, to build something decent, consider bumping your budget to around $1000 if possible, for a more comfortable experience.
For that budget, consider checking the used market for a graphics card; Black Friday is a great time to find deals as people upgrade. I always advise splurging a bit on a reputable power supply because it powers all your components. Also, you can find cheap Windows 11 keys from sites like Groupon, which helps save some cash for other parts!
I’ve heard about cheap Windows keys too, but how do I know if they're legit?
Just do some research on the vendor before you buy. Most of the time they are legit, but it’s always good to double-check!
Great to see you’re diving into PC building! With your budget, you can definitely build a solid mid-range system. I'd recommend looking for a Ryzen 5 or Core i5 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a fast SSD for storage. For the graphics card, an RX 6600 or RTX 3060 would be good options. Generally, building it yourself is cheaper and lets you customize it more than buying prebuilt, plus there are tons of guides out there to help you through the process. Good luck!
Thanks for the whole build rundown! How do you think performance will be with that setup? Like, what kind of frame rates could I expect?
Just to add, you should keep an eye out for deals, especially around Black Friday. You might snag better parts or even a prebuilt rig for a good price!
I totally get that! I thought my budget was low too, but I really want to give PC gaming a shot. How much would you say I need for a solid gaming rig?