Building a good cheap gaming PC is a fantastic project that saves you money and gives you a custom machine. This guide will show you exactly how to build a good cheap gaming PC without sacrificing the performance you need for modern games.
The idea isn’t to build the absolute cheapest computer possible, but to create a system that offers the best value for your money. You’ll get a rig that handles today’s popular titles at smooth frame rates, all while staying within a sensible budget. It’s about smart shopping and knowing where to focus your funds.
How To Build A Good Cheap Gaming PC
The core of this process is balancing component costs. You’ll spend more on parts that directly affect gaming performance, like the graphics card and CPU, and save on areas that don’t, like fancy cases or excessive lighting. With some research and patience, you can assemble a powerful machine that rivals pre-built systems costing hundreds more.
Understanding Your Budget and Goals
Before you buy a single screw, you need a plan. A clear budget and performance target will guide every decision.
First, define what “cheap” means to you. In PC building, budgets often fall into these rough categories:
* Entry-Level ($500 – $700): Handles esports titles (Fortnite, Valorant) at high refresh rates and older AAA games at medium-to-high settings.
* Mid-Range Value ($700 – $1000): The sweet spot. Plays most modern AAA games at 1080p or 1440p with high settings and good frame rates.
* High-Value ($1000 – $1300): Can comfortably handle 1440p gaming and even dabble in 4K or high-refresh-rate gaming.
Next, decide on your target resolution and frame rate. Are you playing on a standard 1080p 60Hz monitor, or a faster 144Hz one? Aiming for 1440p? This choice heavily influences which graphics card you should buy.
Finally, make a list of the games you play most. A PC built for competitive shooters needs a fast CPU and high frame rates, while one for open-world adventures benefits more from a powerful GPU.
The Core Components: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Here’s where we break down every part you need, explaining what to look for and where to save.
1. The CPU (Processor)
The CPU is the brain of your PC. For gaming, you don’t need the absolute most expensive chip, but you need one that won’t hold your graphics card back.
* Recommendation: Look at AMD’s Ryzen 5 series or Intel’s Core i5 series. Current generation models like the Ryzen 5 7600 or Core i5-13400 are excellent choices. The previous generation (like Ryzen 5 5600) often see huge price drops and remain incredible value.
* Where to Save: Avoid the flagship CPUs (i9, Ryzen 9) for a budget build. The money is better spent elsewhere. Also, most CPUs come with a decent stock cooler, so you can skip buying a separate one initially.
2. The GPU (Graphics Card)
This is the most important component for gaming performance. It renders the images you see on screen. A large portion of your budget should go here.
* Recommendation: The GPU market has tiers. For 1080p, look at cards like the NVIDIA RTX 4060 or AMD Radeon RX 7600. For 1440p, the RX 7700 XT or RTX 4070 are great. Always check recent benchmarks for the games you play.
* Where to Save: Consider last-generation cards. An AMD RX 6700 XT often provides better value than some new mid-range cards. Also, look for sales and avoid overclocked models with huge price premiums; the performance difference is usually minimal.
3. Motherboard
The motherboard connects everything together. Choose one that’s compatible with your CPU and has the features you need.
* Recommendation: For an AMD Ryzen 7000 CPU, you’ll need an AM5 motherboard (B650 chipset is a good choice). For an Intel 13th/14th Gen, you need an LGA 1700 board (B760 chipset). Don’t overspend on features you won’t use.
* Where to Save: A basic B-series or B-chipset motherboard is perfect. You don’t need the high-end Z-series boards meant for overclocking expensive CPUs. Just ensure it has enough USB ports and the right slot for your GPU.
4. RAM (Memory)
Games need system memory to run smoothly. 16GB is the standard for gaming today.
* Recommendation: Get 16GB (2x8GB sticks) of DDR4 or DDR5 RAM, depending on your CPU/motherboard platform. Aim for a speed of at least 3200MHz for DDR4 or 6000MHz for DDR5.
* Where to Save: Stick with 16GB. 32GB is nice but not necessary for a strict budget. Also, brand name isn’t super critical for RAM; many lesser-known brands use the same reliable chips.
5. Storage (SSD)
An SSD is non-negotiable for a modern PC. It makes your system and games load incredibly fast.
* Recommendation: A 1TB NVMe SSD is the ideal starting point. They plug directly into the motherboard and are very affordable now. Brands like Crucial, Kingston, and Western Digital offer reliable options.
* Where to Save: You can start with a 500GB SSD if you only play a few games, but 1TB is a better value long-term. Avoid old-fashioned SATA SSDs or hard drives for your main drive; the price difference to a basic NVMe is small.
6. Power Supply (PSU)
The PSU powers all your components. Never cheap out here—a bad PSU can fail and damage other parts.
* Recommendation: Get a unit from a reputable brand like Corsair, Seasonic, or EVGA. Look for a 80 Plus Bronze efficiency rating or higher. For most budget builds, a 550W to 650W PSU is sufficient.
* Where to Save: Buy a quality unit at the right wattage; you don’t need a 1000W platinum-rated PSU. Use online PSU calculators to estimate your needs, then add about 100-150W of headroom.
7. Case
The case holds everything. It needs to fit your components and have decent airflow to keep things cool.
* Recommendation: Look for a mid-tower case from brands like Fractal Design, Phanteks, or NZXT. Key features to look for are a mesh front panel for airflow and at least two included fans.
* Where to Save: A $60-$80 case can be excellent. Avoid extremely cheap cases with poor build quality and no airflow. You don’t need tempered glass or RGB lighting; prioritize function over form.
The Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
Now, let’s put it all together. Building a PC is like adult LEGO—if you follow the steps, it’s straightforward.
What You’ll Need: A Phillips-head screwdriver, a clean workspace, and an anti-static wristband (optional but recommended).
Step 1: Prepare the Case
Take the case out and remove both side panels. Locate the standoff screws for the motherboard (they raise it off the case) and install them according to your motherboard’s size. Install the case fans if they aren’t already mounted.
Step 2: Install the CPU onto the Motherboard
Do this before the motherboard goes in the case. It’s easier. Open the CPU socket lever on the motherboard. Align the tiny triangle on the CPU corner with the triangle on the socket. Gently place the CPU in—it should drop in without any force. Close the lever to secure it.
Step 3: Install the RAM
Push down the clips on the RAM slots. Align the notch on the RAM stick with the one on the slot. Press firmly on both ends until you hear a click and the clips snap back up automatically. Use slots 2 and 4 (usually) for dual-channel performance.
Step 4: Install the M.2 SSD
Locate the M.2 slot on your motherboard, usually above the primary GPU slot. Unscrew the standoff, insert the SSD at a slight angle, then press it down and secure it with the tiny screw.
Step 5: Install the Motherboard into the Case
Carefully lower the motherboard into the case, aligning its rear I/O shield with the cutout. Screw it into the standoffs using the provided screws. Don’t overtighten—snug is enough.
Step 6: Install the Power Supply
Mount the PSU in its designated chamber at the bottom rear of the case, with the fan facing downwards (if the case has a bottom vent) or upwards. Secure it with four screws.
Step 7: Install the CPU Cooler
If using the stock cooler, it often has pre-applied thermal paste. Simply align it with the mounting brackets and press down, securing it with the provided mechanism. If using an aftermarket cooler, follow its specific instructions.
Step 8: Install the Graphics Card
Remove the appropriate PCIe slot covers from the back of the case. Open the PCIe slot clip on the motherboard. Align the GPU with the slot and push down firmly until it clicks. Secure it to the case with one or two screws.
Step 9: Cable Management
This is the trickiest part for beginners. Connect all the necessary cables:
* 24-pin ATX cable from PSU to motherboard.
* 8-pin CPU power cable from PSU to top of motherboard.
* PCIe power cables from PSU to the graphics card.
* SATA power cables to any storage drives.
* Connect the case front-panel cables (power switch, USB, audio) to the small headers on the motherboard (consult your manual).
Route cables behind the motherboard tray if possible and use zip ties to keep things neat. Good airflow depends on good cable management.
Step 10: First Boot and Setup
Double-check all connections. Plug in your monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Turn on the power supply and press the case’s power button. If everything is connected right, you should see the BIOS/UEFI screen.
You’ll need to install Windows from a USB drive and then download the latest drivers for your motherboard, GPU, and other components from the manufacturers’ websites.
Where to Find the Best Deals
Saving money is key to building a good cheap gaming PC. Here are the best places to shop:
* PC Part Picker (Website): This is your essential tool. It lets you build a list, checks compatibility automatically, and finds the lowest prices across multiple retailers.
* r/buildapcsales (Reddit): A community dedicated to sharing PC hardware sales. You can find incredible discounts here.
* Retailers: Check major sites like Newegg, Amazon, and Best Buy daily. Don’t forget to look at direct sales from manufacturers like AMD or NVIDIA for GPU reference models.
* Open-Box & Used: Consider buying the GPU or CPU used from reputable eBay sellers with good ratings. Retailers also sell “open-box” items that are often like new at a discount.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced builders can make errors. Here’s what to watch out for:
1. Ignoring Compatibility: Your CPU must fit the motherboard socket (AM5 for Ryzen 7000, LGA 1700 for Intel 13th/14th). Your RAM must be the right type (DDR4 or DDR5). Always use PC Part Picker.
2. Skimping on the PSU: A low-quality power supply is a fire hazard and can kill your components. Stick with known brands.
3. Forgetting to Enable XMP/DOCP: Out of the box, your RAM will run at a slow default speed. You must enable the XMP (Intel) or DOCP (AMD) profile in the BIOS to get the advertised speed you paid for.
4. Poor Airflow: Don’t pack components into a case with no ventilation. Ensure you have at least one intake fan and one exhaust fan.
5. Not Testing Before Final Assembly: It’s a good idea to do a “test bench” build outside the case first, with just the CPU, cooler, one RAM stick, and GPU, to ensure everything powers on before you cable manage everything.
FAQ Section
Q: How much does it cost to build a good cheap gaming PC?
A: You can build a very capable 1080p gaming PC starting around $600-$700. A more balanced mid-range system for 1440p gaming typically costs between $800 and $1,200.
Q: Is it cheaper to build or buy a prebuilt gaming PC?
A: Generally, building it yourself is cheaper because you avoid the labor cost and can shop for each part’s best deal. Prebuilts sometimes have good sales, but they often use cheaper motherboards, power supplies, and RAM to cut corners.
Q: What is the most important part for gaming PC performance?
A: The graphics card (GPU) has the biggest impact on gaming frame rates and visual settings. The CPU is also very important, especially for high frame-rate gaming and avoiding bottlenecks.
Q: How long will a budget gaming PC last?
A: A well-chosen budget PC should play new games at good settings for 3-4 years. After that, you might need to lower graphics settings. The great thing about building your own is that you can upgrade individual parts later, like the GPU or adding more RAM.
Q: Do I need to buy Windows?
A: You can download and install Windows 10 or 11 for free directly from Microsoft. It will work fully but have a small watermark and some personalization features locked until you purchase a license key, which you can add later.
Building your own computer is a rewarding experience that gives you a powerful machine tailored to your needs. By focusing your budget on the GPU and CPU, making smart choices on other parts, and shopping for deals, you can create a system that provides amazing performance without breaking the bank. Take your time during assembly, follow the guides, and you’ll have a great gaming PC ready to go.