I'm a student in the Philippines building my first PC, with a budget of around ₱20,000. I'm currently considering a Ryzen 5 5500G with the included Wraith Stealth cooler, an A520M-K V2 motherboard, HKC DDR4 memory, a 256GB drive, an Inplay X200 case with three fans, and an MGI MAG A650W 80+ Bronze power supply. I'm planning to skip a dedicated graphics card for now because of the budget. Are there better-value parts or changes you would recommend?
3 Answers
Consider buying some parts used, especially if you’re trying to fit everything into ₱20,000. Just test them carefully and prioritize a reliable power supply and motherboard.
The best processor depends on what you’ll use the PC for. For basic work and lighter games, an integrated-graphics chip can work, but don’t expect great performance in demanding online games without a dedicated GPU. If the prices are close during a sale, compare the Ryzen 5 5500GT, 5600G, 5600GT, and Ryzen 7 5700G. If those are too expensive, a Ryzen 5 4600G or 4650G could offer better value. Another option is a cheaper Ryzen 5 3500X paired with a used RX 550, although that changes the upgrade path.
You can probably save a little on the motherboard by choosing the least expensive decent A520 model. Some MSI boards include useful debug LEDs, but check reviews and avoid a board that has poor power delivery or limited support. For memory, HKC may not actually be cheaper than established brands, so compare prices for 16GB of DDR4 from brands such as Hiksemi or Datotek. Also consider a 512GB NVMe drive instead of a 256GB one; sale prices on Biwin drives can make the extra capacity worthwhile. The ASRock Pro-650B is another power-supply option worth checking if it’s available for around ₱2,000–₱2,200. Waiting for a major sale could help stretch the budget.
I’m planning to leave out the graphics card for now because I can’t afford one within the current budget.