How to Build a Gaming Computer Cheap?
Building a gaming computer can be an exciting project, but it can also be a costly one. However, with some careful planning and research, it’s possible to build a powerful gaming computer on a budget. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of building a gaming computer cheaply, without sacrificing performance.
Why Build a Gaming Computer Cheap?
Before we dive into the details, let’s talk about why building a gaming computer cheap is a good idea. Here are a few reasons:
- Cost savings: Building a gaming computer yourself can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying a pre-built gaming computer.
- Customization: When you build a gaming computer yourself, you can choose the exact components you want, which means you can customize your system to fit your specific needs and budget.
- Upgradability: Building a gaming computer yourself makes it easier to upgrade individual components in the future, which can extend the life of your system.
Components to Consider
When building a gaming computer, there are several components to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:
- CPU: The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of your computer and handles general computing tasks. For gaming, you’ll want a CPU with a high clock speed and multiple cores.
- GPU: The graphics processing unit (GPU) is responsible for rendering graphics and is the most important component for gaming. Look for a GPU with a high clock speed and plenty of memory.
- Motherboard: The motherboard is the main circuit board of your computer and connects all the other components together. Make sure it’s compatible with your CPU and has enough slots for your RAM.
- RAM: Random access memory (RAM) is where your computer stores data temporarily while it’s being processed. For gaming, you’ll want at least 16GB of RAM.
- Storage: Storage refers to the hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD) where your computer stores its operating system, programs, and data.
- Power supply: The power supply provides power to all the components in your computer. Look for a power supply with a high wattage rating and 80+ certification.
Budget Breakdown
To build a gaming computer cheaply, you’ll need to prioritize your spending. Here’s a rough breakdown of how you can allocate your budget:
| Component | Budget Allocation |
|---|---|
| CPU | 20-30% |
| GPU | 30-40% |
| Motherboard | 10-20% |
| RAM | 10-20% |
| Storage | 5-10% |
| Power supply | 5-10% |
Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve covered the components and budget breakdown, let’s go through the step-by-step process of building a gaming computer cheaply:
Step 1: Choose Your CPU
For a budget-friendly gaming computer, you’ll want a CPU with a high clock speed and multiple cores. Here are some options to consider:
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X: A powerful CPU with 6 cores and 12 threads, priced around $300.
- Intel Core i5-11600K: A fast CPU with 6 cores and 12 threads, priced around $250.
Step 2: Choose Your GPU
For a budget-friendly gaming computer, you’ll want a GPU with a high clock speed and plenty of memory. Here are some options to consider:
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super: A powerful GPU with 6GB of memory, priced around $200.
- AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT: A fast GPU with 6GB of memory, priced around $200.
Step 3: Choose Your Motherboard
When choosing a motherboard, make sure it’s compatible with your CPU and has enough slots for your RAM. Here are some options to consider:
- ASRock B450M Steel Legend Micro ATX: A budget-friendly motherboard with a micro ATX form factor, priced around $50.
- MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX: A feature-rich motherboard with a standard ATX form factor, priced around $100.
Step 4: Choose Your RAM
For gaming, you’ll want at least 16GB of RAM. Here are some options to consider:
- Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200MHz: A fast and affordable RAM kit, priced around $60.
- HyperX Fury 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 2400MHz: A budget-friendly RAM kit, priced around $40.
Step 5: Choose Your Storage
For storage, you’ll want a fast and affordable option. Here are some options to consider:
- Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" HDD: A budget-friendly hard drive, priced around $50.
- Kingston A2000 500GB NVMe SSD: A fast and affordable solid-state drive, priced around $60.
Step 6: Choose Your Power Supply
For a power supply, you’ll want one with a high wattage rating and 80+ certification. Here are some options to consider:
- Corsair CX550M 550W 80+ Bronze Certified: A budget-friendly power supply with a high wattage rating, priced around $60.
- EVGA 550 GS, 80+ Gold 550W: A feature-rich power supply with a high wattage rating, priced around $80.
Conclusion
Building a gaming computer cheaply requires careful planning and research. By prioritizing your spending and choosing the right components, you can build a powerful gaming computer on a budget. Remember to consider the budget breakdown, choose the right CPU, GPU, motherboard, RAM, storage, and power supply, and follow the step-by-step guide to build your gaming computer cheaply. Happy building!