I'm looking to build a gaming PC but I only have an $800 budget. I want to play some older Fallout games and I'm not interested in high-end titles like Red Dead Redemption 2. I'm also hoping to use it for everyday basic gaming tasks. Any advice on parts or a good build would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
With an $800 budget, you're going to need to be smart about your choices. Prices for RAM and GPUs have been wild lately, so exploring the used market could be your best bet. I recommend aiming for a Ryzen 5 or 7 from the 2nd or 3rd generation, which you can usually get for around $100-$200. Also, keep an eye out for GPUs like the 7600 XT, which is a solid choice for its price, and while it mainly handles creative tasks well, it'll run older games perfectly fine. Don't skimp on the PSU; aim for something with at least 650W and a gold rating for efficiency. You might need to spend a little over your budget if you want new parts, but with some searching, you can hopefully claw it back down to around $800 with used pieces.”,
Thanks for the suggestions! I'll look more into the Ryzen and used options.
If a straight-up build feels daunting, a Steam Deck or a handheld might actually fit your needs well without breaking the bank. But I get that you want a traditional PC setup!
Honestly, $800 might not go as far as you think in today's market. If you're considering going new, the last I checked, $950 was a more realistic budget for decent gaming. You might find success hunting through marketplaces for used PCs though; sometimes people sell solid setups for less.
You may want to just grab a pre-built machine if you're not picky about specs. For your budget, there are decent options at places like Best Buy that can run most games at good settings, and they can save you a lot of hassle compared to building your own.
Yeah, definitely aim for AM4 over AM3. AM3 is a bit outdated now, and you're better off with newer tech. Great suggestions overall!