I'm putting together my first PC and my budget is between $600 and $700. I'm looking for tips and tricks to ensure I get the most out of this build. I'm also not familiar with using Windows, so any advice on that front would be helpful. One important note: I don't want to use Intel Arc components because I don't trust them.
3 Answers
First off, what do you actually want to be able to do with your PC? Knowing your intended use can really help shape the parts you'll need.
For a budget build, I'd recommend looking for used parts. Start with a budget case, maybe around $20, and go for an MATX form factor. A Ryzen 5 5500 is solid at $89, and you can probably find a B550 motherboard for about $100. Storage can be tough but keep an eye out for a 512GB SSD around $30-$40. You can also grab some DDR4 RAM for $20-$30; just make sure they're non-gaming sticks. And for the GPU, try to find a 2070 Super or a 3060 Ti for around $150-$250. Negotiating is key! Best of luck with your build!
I suggest going for DDR4 components, possibly using some second-hand parts to stay within your budget. Since you want to avoid Intel Arc cards, a used 5700XT could work well for around $150. For the CPU, a Ryzen 5 5500 is affordable at about $89. You could pair that with a basic AM4 motherboard for around the same price. Just a heads up, learning how to create a 'boot drive' in Windows might be tricky if you're not familiar with it, so consider making a Linux boot drive to get started.
If you're not sure about Windows yet, maybe think about refurbished PCs from well-known manufacturers. They can save you money and often come with a warranty, plus they're easier to get up and running.