I'm trying to keep this gaming PC as affordable as possible while staying within an $800–$900 budget. The current parts list comes to about $785, and I already have a 512GB NVMe drive, so storage isn't included.
Case: RAIDMAX V219 ATX mid-tower with mesh airflow, four included ARGB fans, and a tempered-glass side panel
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X — $178
CPU cooler: AMD Wraith Stealth — $10
GPU: ASRock Steel Legend OC Intel Arc B580 12GB — $310
Motherboard: Gigabyte A520M K V2 AM4 DDR4 — $64
Memory: 16GB Patriot Viper Steel DDR4-3200 CL16 — $111.98
Power supply: Apevia Prestige 600W 80+ Gold — $51.99
Are there any parts I should replace or cheaper alternatives I should consider? I'm open to either RGB or simple non-RGB fans as long as they're inexpensive and provide decent airflow. I'm also not interested in relying on integrated graphics.
4 Answers
If you’re buying everything new, the overall price is roughly in the expected range. However, check the prices of B550 boards before settling on A520. If the difference is only a few dollars, B550 is generally the better choice and gives you a more capable platform. You may also be able to save a little by choosing basic non-RGB case fans.
One possible way to change the budget would be choosing a processor with integrated graphics and putting more money toward another component, but that only makes sense if you’re comfortable using an iGPU. Since you’ve had a bad experience with integrated graphics and specifically want a dedicated GPU, keeping the Arc card is reasonable.
I’ve had problems with integrated graphics before, so I’d rather stick with a dedicated graphics card and avoid that risk.
The build should be workable, but compare monitor and accessory prices carefully if those are part of the final budget. Sometimes a higher-refresh-rate display costs about the same as a basic 60Hz model, so it’s worth checking alternatives rather than automatically choosing the cheapest-looking option.
Since this is an AM4 build, buying some parts used could lower the cost significantly. The Ryzen 5 5600X and other AM4 components are common on the secondhand market, though you should only buy used if you’re comfortable checking the seller and testing the hardware.
I’m not very comfortable buying used parts, so I’d prefer new components if the savings aren’t substantial.
I don’t care whether the fans have RGB. I’m happy with whichever option is cheapest while still providing adequate airflow.