If you want to get into PC gaming but your budget is tight, you’re in the right place. Learning how to build gaming pc for cheap is a rewarding project that saves you money and gives you exactly what you need. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a machine that runs modern games smoothly. This guide will walk you through every step, from planning your budget to pressing the power button for the first time.
How To Build Gaming PC For Cheap
This section is your roadmap. Building a budget PC is all about smart choices, not just cheap ones. We’ll focus on getting the best performance for your dollar, where to save, and where to spend a little more for a big upgrade. The goal is a balanced system that won’t need immediate replacements.
Setting Your Budget and Expectations
First, decide how much you can spend. “Cheap” means different things to everyone. A realistic budget for a new, entry-level gaming PC starts around $600-$800. This can handle 1080p gaming on medium to high settings.
- Be Realistic: You won’t get ultra 4K performance on a tight budget. Focus on 1080p resolution, which is the sweet spot for affordable parts.
- Include Everything: Your budget needs to cover the PC, a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and operating system. Don’t forget the OS!
- Leave Room for Sales: If your max is $800, plan a $700 build. This gives you room to grab a part on sale or cover unexpected costs.
Finding the Best Value Parts
This is the most important step. Research is free and saves you the most money. Performance per dollar is your new favorite metric.
- Use Comparison Tools: Sites like PCPartPicker are essential. They check compatibility and find the lowest prices across many retailers.
- Look at Last-Gen: The previous generation of CPUs and GPUs often drop in price when new ones launch. They usually offer fantastic value.
- Consider the Used Market: Graphics cards and CPUs from reputable sellers on eBay or forums can be huge savings. Stick to sellers with good ratings.
Where to Save Money
- PC Case: A $60 case works just as well as a $150 one for airflow, if you choose wisely.
- RGB Lighting: Skip the fancy lights. They add cost but zero performance.
- Motherboard: You don’t need all the high-end ports and features. Get one that fits your CPU and has the connections you need.
Where to Spend a Little More
- Power Supply (PSU): Never buy the cheapest PSU. A bad one can damage your components. Invest in a reliable, 80+ Bronze rated unit from a trusted brand.
- Storage: A small SSD for your operating system and favorite games is worth every penny for the speed boost. Pair it with a larger hard drive for bulk storage.
The Core Components: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Let’s break down each part you need to buy. We’ll explain what it does and what to look for in a budget build.
1. The CPU (Processor)
The CPU is the brain of your PC. For gaming, you don’t need the absolute fastest. A modern 6-core processor is the sweet spot.
- Good Budget Choices: AMD Ryzen 5 series or Intel Core i5 series. Look at models that are one or two generations old.
- Tip: Many CPUs come with a decent stock cooler. This saves you from buying a separate one.
2. The GPU (Graphics Card)
This is the most critical part for gaming performance. This is where the bulk of your budget should go. You want the most powerful GPU you can afford.
- Good Budget Choices: AMD’s RX 6000 or NVIDIA’s RTX 3000 series (like the RTX 3060) offer great 1080p performance. Check benchmarks for the specific games you play.
- Tip: The used market is especially strong here. Just make sure the seller demonstrates it working.
3. Motherboard
The motherboard connects everything. Make sure it’s compatible with your CPU (same socket type).
- For AMD CPUs, you’ll want a B550 or A520 board.
- For Intel CPUs, look at B660 or H610 boards.
- Ensure it has enough USB ports and the right type of slots for your GPU and storage.
4. RAM (Memory)
Get 16GB of DDR4 RAM. It’s the standard for gaming and very affordable. Speed matters less than capacity at this budget, but aim for at least 3000MHz for AMD or 2666MHz for Intel.
- Buy a kit of two 8GB sticks. This runs in “dual-channel” mode, which is faster than a single stick.
5. Storage: SSD and HDD
Use a combination for speed and space.
- SSD (250GB-500GB): Install Windows and your top 2-3 games here for lightning-fast load times.
- HDD (1TB-2TB): Use this for everything else—documents, photos, and the rest of your game library.
6. Power Supply (PSU)
As mentioned, don’t cheap out. Use a PSU wattage calculator online, add about 100-150 watts for headroom, and choose a reliable brand like Corsair, EVGA, or Seasonic. 500-650 watts is usually plenty for a budget build.
7. PC Case
Pick a case that fits your motherboard size (ATX, Micro-ATX) and has good airflow. Mesh front panels are great for this. Make sure it has good reviews for cable management, which makes building easier.
Putting It All Together: The Build Process
Now for the fun part. Building a PC is like adult Legos. Take your time, be gentle, and follow these steps.
- Prepare Your Space: Work on a large, clean, non-carpeted surface. Use an anti-static wrist strap if you have one, or frequently touch the metal part of your case to ground yourself.
- Install the CPU: Open the CPU socket lever on the motherboard. Align the tiny golden triangle on the CPU with the triangle on the socket. It should drop in without any force. Close the lever to secure it.
- Install the RAM: Push down the clips at the ends of the RAM slots. Align the notch on the RAM stick with the one in the slot. Press firmly on both ends until you hear a click and the clips snap back up.
- Install the SSD: Most modern motherboards have a dedicated M.2 slot for SSDs. Insert the SSD at a slight angle and secure it with the tiny screw. If your using a 2.5-inch SSD, you’ll mount it in the case and connect it with cables.
- Prepare the Case: Remove both side panels. Install the standoffs (little brass screws) in the case if they aren’t pre-installed. They align with the holes on your motherboard.
- Install the Power Supply: Slide your PSU into its bay, usually at the bottom-rear of the case. Secure it with the four screws. Don’t plug any cables in yet.
- Install the Motherboard: Carefully lower the motherboard into the case, lining up the rear ports with the I/O shield. Screw it into the standoffs. Don’t overtighten.
- Install the CPU Cooler: If using the stock cooler, it often just clips or screws on. Apply a small pea-sized amount of thermal paste if it’s not pre-applied. Connect its small power cable to the “CPU_FAN” header on the motherboard.
- Install the Graphics Card: Remove the metal slot covers on the back of the case that align with the PCIe slot. Push the GPU firmly into the long PCIe slot closest to the CPU. Secure it with screws to the case.
- Connect All Cables: This is the trickiest part. Connect the large 24-pin cable from the PSU to the motherboard. Connect the 8-pin CPU power cable to the top of the motherboard. Connect power cables to your GPU (it may need one or two 6+2 pin connectors). Connect SATA power and data cables to any hard drives. Finally, connect the front panel cables (power switch, USB, audio) from the case to the tiny pins on the motherboard—consult your motherboard manual for this.
- Cable Management: Use the case’s routing holes and ties to bundle cables neatly. Good airflow depends on this.
- Final Check: Double-check every connection. Ensure the RAM is fully seated and the GPU is locked in. Make sure no loose screws are rattling around inside.
Powering On and Installing Software
You’re almost there. The first boot is always exciting.
- Plug in your monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
- Connect the power cable to the PSU and turn the switch on the back to the “I” position.
- Press the power button on your case. The fans should spin up and lights (if any) should turn on. You may need to press the power button a few times on first boot.
- If you see a message saying “No Boot Device,” that’s normal. You haven’t installed Windows yet.
- Create a Windows installation USB on another computer using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool.
- Plug the USB into your new PC, restart, and press the key to enter the boot menu (often F12 or Delete). Select the USB drive.
- Follow the Windows installation prompts. When it asks for a product key, you can choose “I don’t have a key” and activate Windows later.
- Once in Windows, install your motherboard’s drivers from the manufacturer’s website. Then, install your graphics drivers from AMD or NVIDIA’s site.
- Finally, install your games and enjoy!
Maintaining Your New Budget PC
To keep your PC running fast and cool for years, a little maintenance goes a long way.
- Dust Control: Every few months, open the case and use a can of compressed air to gently blow dust out of the fans, heatsinks, and filters. Do this outside!
- Software Cleanup: Don’t install unnecessary “PC cleaner” software. Just use Windows’ built-in Disk Cleanup and uninstall programs you don’t use.
- Monitor Temperatures: Use free software like HWMonitor to check your CPU and GPU temps while gaming. If they seem very high (over 85-90°C), check your fan curves or improve case airflow.
FAQ Section
Can I really build a good gaming PC for under $800?
Absolutely. By focusing on value-oriented parts from the previous generation and shopping sales, a sub-$800 PC that handles 1080p gaming very well is very achievable. It requires more research, but it’s definitely possible.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a prebuilt gaming PC?
Usually, building it yourself is cheaper for the same performance. Prebuilt systems often cut corners on parts like the power supply or motherboard to hit a price point. Building also gives you full control over every component and is a valuable skill to learn.
What is the most important part for gaming performance?
The graphics card (GPU) has the biggest impact on your framerate and visual settings in games. This is where you should allocate the largest portion of your budget after setting aside money for a reliable power supply.
How long will a budget gaming PC last?
A well-planned budget PC should play new games at 1080p for 3-4 years before you might need to lower some settings. The great thing about building your own is that you can upgrade individual parts later, like adding more RAM or a new GPU, to extend its life.
Do I need to buy Windows?
You can download and install Windows 10 or 11 for free directly from Microsoft. It will work with a small watermark and some personalization features locked until you purchase a license key. You can use it indefinitely like this, or buy a key later.
Is building a PC hard for a beginner?
It’s not as hard as it looks. Most components only fit in one place. If you can follow a detailed guide (like this one!) and watch a couple of YouTube tutorials, you have the skills needed. The key is to take your time and not force anything.
What tools do I need to build a PC?
You really only need a single Phillips-head screwdriver. Having a pair of tweezers for small screws and some zip ties for cable management is helpful, but not required. A well-lit workspace is your best tool.