Having a budget gaming setup is a goal that many of us gamers want to achieve, and though it can be an intimidating task to accomplish, we can safely say that it is a worthwhile investment.
Building your own gaming PC can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you’re on a tight budget. A good budget gaming setup, one that will let you play with the exciting new Valorant update, doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With careful planning, smart part selection, and a little bit of DIY spirit, you can enjoy smooth gaming performance without draining your wallet.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started.
Step 1: Define Your Budget and Goals in Building the Best Budget Gaming PC
Determine your spending limit before making any purchases. For a true budget gaming setup, most beginners aim for the $500–$800 range. This amount won’t get you ray tracing and ultra settings on AAA titles, but it will give you a reliable PC that can handle popular games like Fortnite, Valorant, Minecraft, and CS2 at 1080p.
Think about your goals:
- Do you wish to play high-frame-rate Esports games?
- Are you okay with medium settings in AAA games?
- Do you need room for upgrades later?
These questions will shape your build.
Step 2: Choose the Right CPU and GPU Combo
The heart of any gaming PC is the CPU and GPU. For a budget gaming setup, you’re looking for a good balance between your CPU and GPU. Overspending on one while cheapening out on the other will lead to bottlenecks.
• CPU Recommendation:
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600G – Great value, includes integrated graphics
- Intel Core i3-13100F – Strong single-core performance at a low price
• GPU Recommendation:
- AMD Radeon RX 6600 – Solid 1080p performance
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super – Still a good pick for budget builds
- Consider used GPUs (e.g. GTX 1070 or RX 580) if you’re comfortable with second-hand parts
If you’re starting small with your budget gaming build, you could even run your system on an APU like the Ryzen 5 5600G and add a GPU later when your budget allows.
Step 3: Pick a Compatible Motherboard for Your Cheap Gaming PC Build
After deciding on a CPU, choose a motherboard that meets the requirements for your budget gaming setup and is compatible with the socket type. Budget boards often don’t support overclocking, but that’s usually fine at this price range.
- AMD Build: B550 or A520 motherboard
- Intel Build: B660 motherboard for newer 13th-gen CPUs
Keep an eye out for features like enough USB ports, at least two RAM slots, and M.2 compatibility.
Step 4: Choosing the Right Budget Gaming Components for Memory and Storage
Making sure that your PC has enough RAM and Storage is important because if your computer doesn’t have them, you’re not going to be able to play the games you want to play. With that said, here are the specs for RAM and Storage that we suggest you should get:
• RAM:
You’ll want at least 16GB of DDR4 RAM. Dual-channel (2x8GB) kits are preferred for better performance.
• Storage:
Go with a 500GB NVMe SSD if possible. It’s faster than a SATA SSD and doesn’t cost much more. If you require additional storage for media and games, you may simply add a 1TB HDD later.
Step 5: Power Supply and Case Is Important for a Low-Cost Gaming Setup
Of course, you shouldn’t forget the power supply and case for your CPU (Central Processing Unit). The power supply, as its name implies, will be the one supply power to make your budget gaming setup run. But if you’re not careful, they might fry your PC and could even lead turn to fire hazards.
Here’s what you need to look for when buying a PSU and case for your budget PC for gaming:
• PSU:
Don’t skimp on the power supply. A cheap PSU can fry your components. Look for:
- 80+ Bronze certification or better
- 500W–600W capacity (enough for most budget builds)
• Case:
Pick a case with good airflow and enough room for your GPU and future upgrades. Mid-tower ATX cases are standard and budget-friendly. Entry-level models from companies like Corsair, NZXT, and Cooler Master frequently cost less than $60.
Step 6: Cooling and Peripherals
Stock coolers that come with Ryzen CPUs or Intel non-K models are usually enough. Don’t invest in a fancy cooler unless you’re upgrading down the line.
Peripherals for Your Budget Gaming Setup:
- Monitor: Aim for a 1080p 60Hz or 75Hz display. If your GPU can handle it, 144Hz can be a great experience for esports titles.
- Keyboard/Mouse: Mechanical keyboards are great, but a basic combo set will work fine too.
- Headset or Speakers: A decent pair of budget headphones can boost your immersion.
Step 7: Putting It All Together for Your Affordable Gaming Computer
Once you have all your parts, follow online tutorials or manuals to build your system. It’s easier than you think, and plenty of YouTube guides walk you through each step.
If you don’t feel confident, you can ask a friend for help or even pay a local tech shop a small fee to assemble it.
Final Thoughts: Is a Budget Gaming Setup Worth It?
Absolutely. A well-built budget gaming setup can deliver excellent value, letting you enjoy the latest games without spending thousands. It also gives you full control over upgrades, so you can improve performance down the line.
More importantly, you learn a lot about how computers work, which can help you troubleshoot, maintain, and eventually build higher-end rigs.
So don’t wait—start planning your budget gaming setup today and experience the satisfaction of building your own gaming machine.
Be sure to read our other guide articles to keep up with what’s hot and what’s not in the gaming world. Oh, and we also got some exciting new Valorant update info we think you should know about. Stay tuned and catch the gaming current with GameEels!
