I'm trying to piece together a budget gaming PC that can handle 1080p gaming and has the potential for a future upgrade to 1440p. I've put together some parts and would appreciate any advice on what I've selected. You can check out my part list here: [PCPartPicker Link](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/szG4XR).
4 Answers
That case you picked is a solid value! I’d also recommend sticking with DDR4 3200 RAM instead of spending extra on higher speeds. Prices for RAM have really spiked lately, so saving there is smart.
Have you thought about looking for used parts? You can stretch your budget significantly. For example, you might find used 3080s going for around $300!
I’d recommend spending a little extra on the Radeon RX 9060 XT with 16GB of VRAM instead of the 5060 with 8GB. It’s a better investment long-term, and you may find it for a better price around local stores or Amazon. If you're under $900 after that upgrade, you’re still in good shape!
Awesome, thanks! Do you think everything else looks good? Is the CPU sufficient alongside the GPU?
You're still under $900 with this CPU+GPU upgrade! Plus, you've got a SATA SSD which is a solid choice. Here’s a quick breakdown of the costs for context:
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500 (3.6 GHz, 6-Core): $103
- ASRock B450M Motherboard: $69.50
- Corsair 32GB RAM: $160.99
- PNY 1TB SSD: $89.99
- RX 9060 XT: $384
- Cooler Master Case: $34.99
- Lian Li 550W PSU: $49.99
Total: $892.46
For the CPU, I suggest going for the Ryzen 5600 or at least the 5500. The 5600 outperforms the 4100 significantly. You're right about the GPU needing more VRAM; while the 5060 isn’t bad, it’s a bit underwhelming. You’ve got a solid build overall!
Thanks for the tip! I've updated to the 5600, and my subtotal is now around $930. Is there anything else I should change that wouldn’t affect the budget?
Just be cautious with the 5500 and 5700 models since they don't have integrated graphics and have less cache. Might not be the best choice!
Yeah, I am considering that! Are there major downsides to buying used GPUs or RAM? Those seem to give the biggest savings.