I'm building my first PC in the next few days and have never used a gaming computer before. I'm considering a Ryzen 5 5500 paired with an 8GB RX 5500 XT, but my budget is very tight and parts are expensive where I live. I'd like a smooth experience in everyday use and games such as GTA V, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Crimson Desert. Is this a sensible combination, or would it be better to change the CPU or graphics card? My budget for the graphics card is roughly $180, though I'm also open to buying used parts.
3 Answers
At about $180, try comparing used graphics cards before settling on the 5500 XT. An RX 6600 would be a much better choice if you can find one near that price, while an RX 580 8GB is generally not a worthwhile upgrade over the 5500 XT and is older and less efficient. Check the condition, power requirements, and return policy when buying used.
The Ryzen 5 5500 is a reasonable match for an RX 5500 XT, so the CPU shouldn’t hold that card back much. The bigger limitation is the graphics card itself: it’s an older, fairly weak model. GTA V should run well, and RDR2 can be playable at 1080p with reduced settings, but newer and demanding games like Crimson Desert may require low settings, upscaling, or reduced resolution. Look for benchmarks using your target resolution before buying.
At around 60 FPS, the 5500 XT may be acceptable in older games if you adjust the settings, but it won’t provide a consistently smooth experience in every modern release.
The 5500 XT can work as an entry-level card, especially for esports games and older titles, but don’t expect high settings in graphically demanding games. Valorant, Counter-Strike, and GTA V should be fine, while RDR2 will need some compromises. Crimson Desert is much more demanding, so I would not choose this build specifically for that game unless you’re comfortable playing at low settings and using an upscaling mode.
If the full PC budget is only around $180 rather than just the GPU budget, you’ll probably get better value from a complete used system instead of buying new parts individually.