I've been using a Mac Mini for everyday tasks, but my wife needs it more now, so I'm planning to get or build a PC. I might want to use it for light gaming, since many of the games I like don't run on iOS. I don't need the most powerful setup, just something that can handle light gaming and daily activities. I have some experience with Ubuntu from a few years back, but it's limited. The last time I built a PC was almost 15 years ago. I'd like to keep my budget under $1000 (excluding the monitor), and I know GPUs are pricey. Should I consider buying a pre-built one instead? I enjoy games like Stardew Valley and Tales of the Shire, but I know that many games I might want to try only work on Windows. Any advice would be appreciated! (I'm in Canada)
3 Answers
When it comes to Linux, AMD and Intel GPUs are typically your best bet because they're more compatible. These options tend to be budget-friendly as well. While most games are designed for Windows, many can run on Linux thanks to Wine/Proton, which translates Windows apps for Linux. To check which Steam games will work for you, use sites like protondb.com; they really help gauge compatibility!
If you're looking to save some cash, consider a pre-built gaming rig, especially if you feel rusty about building one yourself. They often come with all the necessary components optimized for performance, and you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues. Plus, you can always upgrade parts later if you need more power.
You might want to check out some budget gaming builds online; plenty of tutorials can guide you these days. Just remember to think about cooling and storage alongside the GPU—those can rack up costs too. Don’t rush it; a bit of research goes a long way in getting the best setup for your needs.
Thanks for sharing those resources! I had heard of Proton, and it's cool to know some games that aren’t officially supported might still work.