I'm planning to build my first gaming PC with my 12-year-old son, but since I'm not a gamer myself and he mostly plays Roblox and Minecraft, I could use some advice. After diving into some DIY YouTube videos, I feel confident about the assembly part, with my handy skills from remodeling our kitchen and bathroom. My understanding of PC operations is very basic; my go-to fix is to unplug and replug things. I'm a bit confused by GPU names and just want to make sure I set realistic expectations before spending $500. I'm aiming for 1080p gaming—especially Fortnite and some AAA titles like Forza and Spider-Man—with potential for upgrades in RAM, GPU, and maybe even 1440p down the line. I'm open to buying new and used components, considering places like AliExpress, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. I'm not worried about peripherals for now, just looking for recommendations on components, resources for deals and guides, and insights on whether this budget is reasonable or if I'd just end up with a 'paperweight'. Also, would it make more sense to upgrade my old Dell workstation instead of building a new one? Thanks for any help!
5 Answers
For basic gaming, consider a MacBook M1 if you're spending $300-$400. It handles casual games well and can be useful for future schoolwork. But if you're set on building a PC, definitely aim for a setup based on the Ryzen 5600 and a decent GPU to ensure a good experience!
Thanks for the suggestion! I think a PC build is a better fit for us in the long run.
You can piece together a decent rig by hunting for good deals. Look for an MSI B550 motherboard, a Ryzen 5 5600 CPU, and aim for 32GB RAM. Swap in an SSD for fast loading times and grab a solid used graphics card like the RTX 4060. It may take a lot of patience, but you’ll find solid options if you dig around!
Good luck! I know it's a bit overwhelming, but you'll get there!
That's really helpful! I’ll be on the lookout for those parts.
If your goal is solid gaming experience for your son, a used console might actually give you better value than a gaming PC at this budget. An Xbox Series X or PS5 would outperform most $500 PCs. However, I get that you're interested in coding and building, so just be aware of the trade-offs.
True, but part of this build is to give him a better learning opportunity. I want him to explore coding too.
That makes sense! Getting a PC can be a great way to learn and grow in tech.
With a $500 budget, you're probably better off looking for used parts. A new setup might struggle with solid 1080p gaming, especially on AAA titles. You can find a used GTX 3060 Ti for about $200 or a 3070 for around $250, which would be decent for 1080p gaming. Pair that with a Ryzen 5 5600, which typically costs around $120 new, and you'd be on the right track. Just keep in mind the importance of buying used components to stretch your budget further. Upgrading your old Dell is a fun idea but likely wouldn't give you the performance you're looking for. Stick to the build!
I thought about upgrading my old Dell for some quick wins too! Spending a little to improve the current setup might help touch the surface before going all out with the build.
Yeah, I've heard Ryzen CPUs like the 5600 are pretty good. That could save you some cash to invest in a solid GPU.
For $500, you could absolutely find great deals on second-hand parts from places like Facebook Marketplace. Start with an Intel i5 CPU from the 9000 or 12000 series, then browse for GPUs in the $200-$300 range. PC Part Picker is your best friend for checking compatibility and pricing! Just make sure to get sufficient power supplies, depending on your components.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely check out PC Part Picker, sounds super useful.
Yeah, it’s a game-changer for first-time builders. Helps avoid compatibility issues!
It definitely keeps options open for coding and learning!