Hey everyone! I'm new to PCs and have primarily played on consoles, but I'm eager to venture into PC gaming. I've heard that currently, it's not the best time to build a PC because of the high prices for parts. So, I'm wondering if it's realistic to put together a decent beginner gaming PC for under $700 at this time. I plan to use it for gaming and sometimes for schoolwork. If it is possible, could someone give me some suggestions for parts to include in the build?
4 Answers
Given the current market for RAM and SSDs, I think you'd be better off looking for a prebuilt or a good used system. I've noticed many great options with decent specs are available for around $800, which isn’t far off from your budget. If you live in a decent-sized city, keep an eye out; there are often good systems with graphics cards like the RTX 3060 or 4060 being sold off.
Prices are really inflated right now due to shortages, and building could be more hassle than it's worth if you’re on a budget. You could look into alternatives like portable gaming devices that can double as basic desktop units. They often come at lower costs and are a great way to jump into PC gaming without the fuss of building.
That's a smart idea! Handhelds like the Asus ROG Ally are definitely worth considering for entry-level gaming.
Honestly, with all the price hikes lately, it's going to be tough to build a decent setup for under $700, especially when you factor in the need for a monitor. I’d recommend checking the used market instead; you can often find reasonably priced setups on sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Just be cautious of sellers who might be asking too much for outdated PCs.
Yeah, I've seen some great deals on used systems too. It might be the best route if you're trying to save some cash!
Considering usage for both gaming and schoolwork, finding a second-hand PC is your best bet. You can score a capable Ryzen or Intel system with decent components at that budget if you look locally. It's definitely more bang for your buck!
Good point! That's what I’d suggest too—going for something prebuilt while the prices are still high for individual parts.