Whether it’s better for a gamer to design a system or purchase one of the best prebuilt PCs is a debate that’s been raging for years. Particularly for inexperienced PC builders, it’s tempting just to spend money on a ready-to-go system instead of struggling to design a cheap PC build. In reality, while the prebuilt approach is the fastest way to enjoy the many benefits of PC gaming, selecting and installing parts to build a customized rig is now easier than ever before. There are plenty of online resources that suggest compatible build configurations, replete with links to purchase the necessary components at the lowest prices possible.
When assembling a budget gaming PC build, some key factors include deciding on an Intel or AMD processor which will dictate the choice of other components like motherboards. Buyers will also have to wrestle with whether to save money on a CPU with integrated graphics or choose a budget graphics card which adds to the total cost of a system considerably. Finally, even an affordable gaming PC can come in a variety of form factors from mini ITX to ATX, housed in compact or full-tower cases. Whatever route a gamer goes, these four budget gaming PC build options are great introductions to the exciting world of custom-made PCs.
The Best Budget Gaming Monitors in 2024
Need a gaming monitor on a budget without making any compromises? Here are some of the best in the business.
How Much Should I Spend On A Gaming PC In 2024?
The team at Game Rant has published (and regularly updates) guides that cater to a variety of budgets for gamers divided into multiple price-based tiers:
For users looking to spend or budget around $500, Game Rant recommends one of the 4 builds below depending on one’s desired use and upgrade requirements in the future:
The Best Overall Gaming Build Under $500
The Best Value-Centric Gaming PC Build Under $500
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Intel Core i3-14100F
Intel Core i3-14100F is a refreshed version of the i3 13100F, now with higher clock speeds that go beyond 4.5GHz. Based on the Raptor Lake Refresh architecture, the CPU brings 4 performance cores and a total of 8 threads to get started with any small or medium-scale application. With its capable single-core performance, it is able to outperform almost every entry-level processor in gaming while remaining efficient.
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Patriot Viper Steel DDR4 16GB (1 x 16GB) 3200 MHz
Patriot’s Viper Steel line of DDR4 memory uses a custom aluminum heat spreader to keep temperatures in check. The Patriot Viper Steel DDR4 16GB ram supports XMP 2.0 for excellent overclocking potential.
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MSI PRO H610M-G DDR4
MSI PRO H610M-G is an entry-level LGA1700 motherboard for Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th-gen CPUs with support for basic components like DDR4 memories, a graphics card, M.2 SSDs, and SATA drives. Despite being entry-level, the board comes with EZ Debug LEDs for troubleshooting and will be ideal for ultra-budget gaming/office builds.
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ASRock Intel Arc A380
ASRock Intel Arc A380 is a low-profile GPU that takes very little space inside the chassis but boasts an effective cooling solution, packed with two small fans. The ARC A380 is an entry-level GPU aimed at providing a satisfactory gaming experience on medium settings. Its sub-$150 price tag allows users to build a gaming build costing $300-$500.
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Kingston NV2 500G M.2 2280 NVMe Internal SSD
The Kingston NV2 500G SSD uses Gen 4×4 NVMe PCIe technology. This drive delivers read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,800 MB/s. It’s designed for systems requiring fast performance, in both laptop and desktop builds. It is suitable for most applications thanks to the compact, single-sided M.2 2280 design. And the low power requirements mean that it produces minimal heat.
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Apevia CAPTAIN550 ATX Power Supply
The Apevia CAPTAIN550 watt power supply packs a wallop for an incredibly affordable price. The CAPTAIN550 features an automatically thermally controlled 120 mm fan and all-black cables to blend in with modern gaming rigs. Connectors include: 1 x 20/24pin Main Power, 1 x P8pin(P4+4pin), 1 x 6/8pin PCI-express, 12V, 3 x SATA, 3 x Peripheral, 1 x Floppy.
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Thermaltake Versa H18
$52 $55 Save $3
The Thermaltake Versa H18 is an excellent option for new PC builders or gamers assembling a compact, power-efficient rig. The Versa H18 is a Micro-ATX case with an acrylic side window allowing a clear view into the most impressive builds. The mesh front panel maintains an efficient airflow, and the cable routing gap makes hiding unsightly cables behind motherboards simple. Hidden drive bays have room enough for two 2.5-inch and two 3.5-inch storage devices.
Total Estimated Cost: $488
Assembling the best budget gaming PC at around the $500 mark is an increasingly complex issue given how inflation is hitting both DRAM and SSD prices which is reflected in stagnating GPU prices (while continuing to deal with increasing VRAM requirements) as well. The brains of this build is the newly released 14th generation Intel Core i3 14100F CPU that packs an impressively high clock for a locked CPU with a stock cooler in tow to keep budgets in check going into 2024.
It is bundled with the well-priced MSI PRO H610M-G DDR4 motherboard that offers an M2 slot, Gigabit ethernet, and a low-profile design even as it clocks in towards the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to pricing for an entry-level Intel Socket LGA 1700 motherboard. It also comes with a secondary M2 slot for a Wi-Fi adapter for users inclined to go that route in the future.
The motherboard above needs to be updated to a higher version of the onboard BIOS to support the Intel Core i3 14100F. If users are unsure of how to proceed, the team at Game Rant recommends buying a newer budget motherboard that supports the 14th-generation CPU out of the box instead.
With a single 16GB to-spec RAM module picked for the current build, users can push their memory configuration to 32GB with ease by buying another cost-effective Patriot Viper memory module in the future for the empty DIMM slot. On the GPU front, the discounted low-profit ASRock Arc A380 offers acceptable performance at a price tag where it delivers a higher amount of VRAM on offer than the competition.
For this budget gaming build, the well-priced Thermaltake Versa H18 provides more potential for expansion than most other compact cases and has a clear side window for a premium look. Gamers can install up to four 2.5-inch hard drives or 2 x 2.5-inch and 2 x 3.5-inch hard drives simultaneously, with the 500GB Kingston NV2 NVMe SSD allowing users to take advantage of all 4 going forward.
With a 550W Apevia PSU in play to ensure there is enough power on tap for the CPU and GPU to run smoothly, the build still manages to come in at just under $500, while delivering significantly better value for money than its competition in 2024. On the cooling front there is a single fan preinstalled at the rear of the case, but up to eight more can be installed. Combined with a mesh front panel, the fan layout of the Versa H18 should keep the temps of this relatively low-powered gaming rig under control.
The Best CPU Coolers in 2024
Modern CPUs often require powerful and sustained cooling to maximize their overclocked performance. Here are some of Game Rant’s best picks!
The Best APU Build Under $500
The Best AMD APU Graphics Gaming Build Under $500
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AMD Ryzen 5 8600G 6-Core, 12-Thread CPU
The AMD Ryzen 5 8600G 6-Core, 12-Thread CPU is a powerful entry-level gaming APU that combines AMD’s efficient and performant mobile Zen 4 cores with a capable iGPU in the shape of the AMD Radeon 760M.
It packs in acceptable gaming performance at a price point that decimates most of its comparable discrete GPU and CPU combinations even as it is one of the first CPUs or APUs that pack AMD’s Ryzen AI tech to support on-chip AI acceleration.
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CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 6400MHz 32GB
$110 $117 Save $7
Corsair’s Vengeance RGB DDR5 RAM kit features dual RAM modules, each having 16GB memory capacity. It’s XMP 3.0 compatible and is easier to overclock to its advertised frequency at tight timings. Aesthetically, the RAM sticks look gorgeous as a result of RGB LEDs on top of those aluminum heat spreaders.
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MSI PRO A620M-E Pro Series Motherboard
The MSI PRO A620M-E Pro Series Motherboard is a budget motherboard that can easily handle entry-level AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series CPUs.
It supports overclocked DDR5 RAM, a single M2 PCI-E slot, and 6 USB ports, allowing users to build both, an entry-level PC and an HTPC with a newer Socket AM5-based CPU.
While it is marketed as a business line product, users can easily use it to get budget PC gaming builds going without any tweaks needed.
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XPG 1TB GAMMIX S70 Blade SSD
The XPG 1TB GAMMIX S70 Blade SSD is an excellent value-added SSD that offers some of the fastest possible speeds one can get on PCI-E 4.0 making it a great addition to both PCs and game consoles for those looking to spruce up their PS5’s storage this summer. With a heat spreader that the company states works well for the PS5 console and a powerful controller able to handle the highest possible read/write speeds one could need as a consumer, the Gammix S70 Blade is a complete package with a price no one can argue with.
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Thermaltake Smart BM2 550W
The Thermaltake Smart BM2 500W ATX power supply is made for smart PC builds, with an efficiency rating of up to 86%. The power supply’s 120 mm Ultra Quiet fan manages substantial airflow without annoying background noise. The Thermaltake Smart BM2 500W provides the security of a 5-year warranty.
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Zalman T7 ATX Mid Tower PC Case
The Zalman T7 ATX Mid-Tower PC Case features a front mesh panel for maximum airflow and a transparent side viewing window. The case includes 2 pre-installed 120 mm fans and accommodates ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards.
Total Estimated Cost: $594
Most gamers are hesitant to purchase a ‘gaming PC’ without a discrete GPU as part of its spec count, irrespective of its real-world performance in games. AMD’s newest Zen 4 mobile cores-based Ryzen 5 8600G plans to change that once and for all. It offers far better efficiency than its competition even as it considerably outperforms its predecessors from the 5000G lineup in both CPU and GPU-centric benchmarks.
Coming in above the $500 mark, this build has multiple advantages, even as it leverages an entry-level A620 chipset-based motherboard from MSI to do so. This, in turn, allows it to employ higher-clocked DDR5 RAM from Corsair that costs just north of $100. Given that higher-clocked memory is also crucial to allowing Radeon 760M iGPU to truly shine, the low-latency, and higher-clocked offering tends to bolster gaming prowess considerably.
The APU’s 8 compute units enable gamers to play esports titles and most modern games at low to medium settings with relative ease, with an optional upgrade to a discrete GPU down the line. For users who need more cores on the CPU or a beefier iGPU, AMD’s more capable Ryzen 7 8700G is also a viable choice for the processor/APU slot for this build, albeit at a significantly higher price tag.
Without a dedicated graphics card, this budget PC build is all about simplicity, and an ATX case such as the Zalman T7 makes for an easy upgrade for users looking to indulge in a GPU upgrade down the line. With as much as 305mm of available length for longer GPU upgrades than the competition and support for as many as 8 fans in a casing built around maximizing airflow, the Zalman already offers 2 preinstalled 120mm fans to ensure the PC is easier to build versus most of its competition which often results in a separate case fan purchase as it pairs to an above-average Ryzen stock cooler.
To give life to the best budget gaming PC with Ryzen-based integrated graphics, the Thermaltake Smart BM2 550-watt White Certified PSU may seem like overkill, considering the total power consumption of the system is around 150–200 watts. Even so, the PSU adapts well to low-power budget PCs and provides flexibility if a gamer wishes to add a graphics card or more components in the future. The 120 mm fan in the PSU is whisper-quiet, so it won’t disturb movie-watching in living rooms or gamers sensitive to excessive background noise, making this a great entry-level gaming PC that can also double as a capable HTPC down the line.
The build continues to offer the best upgradability for gamers looking to change the CPU/APU or the GPU down the line with a potential PSU upgrade in tow for the latter, making it a balanced, yet modular build to go for in 2024 at a sub $500 price tag.
The Best Budget CPUs in 2024
Looking to upgrade your CPU on a budget? Here are our picks for the best budget CPUs you can buy right now!
The Best Budget Unlocked Gaming PC Build Under $500
Going Team Red On A Limb
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AMD Ryzen 7 5700X CPU
The AMD Ryzen 7 5700X is a mid-to-high-end gaming CPU that has a maximum clock speed of 4.6 GHz. According to AMD it can deliver over 100 FPS performance in some of the world’s most popular games with a compatible graphics card. The processor has 8 cores and 16 processing threads, which are based on the AMD Zen 3 architecture.
Other specs include 36 MB of cache, DDR4-3200 support, and overclocking capability. The AMD Ryzen 7 5700X CPU is compatible with a Socket AM4 motherboard.
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Silicon Power Value Gaming DDR4 16GB (8GBx2) 3200MHz (PC4 25600) CL16 RAM
The Silicon Power Value Gaming RAM is a DDR4 memory module engineered to enhance the capabilities of desktop PCs. It offers a memory size of 16GB and speeds of 3200 MHz. This RAM is designed to be compatible with Intel Coffee Lake processors and adheres to Intel Extreme Memory Profile (Intel XMP) standards, ensuring seamless integration with various systems.
Equipped with an aluminum heat sink, the RAM efficiently dissipates heat while its 1.35V low voltage reduces power consumption for hardware components. These attributes contribute to maintaining swift and stable performance during extensive gaming periods or intensive workloads.
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MSI B550-A PRO ProSeries
MSI B550-A PRO is an ATX motherboard with B550 chipset that supports CPU overclocking. The board comes with sufficient slots, headers, and ports to support multiple RAM sticks, expansion cards, cooling solutions, as well as storage drives on a budget. Compatible with Ryzen 1000 to 5000 series, it is an ideal choice for budget gaming builds where overclocking is a crucial factor.
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SURALLOW RX 580 8GB Graphics Card
The SURALLOW graphics budget gaming card is the best pick for users looking for an efficient GPU with great cooling capabilities. It features a triple heat dissipation system that keeps the noise and temperature low even when playing GPU-intensive titles. Also, it is designed on a 14 NM process and features 8GB GDDR5 memory with a 1750 MHz, allowing it to provide enthusiasts with seamless and immersive gaming experience.
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TEAMGROUP MP33 512 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME SSD
$39 $50 Save $11
The TEAMGROUP MP33 512 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME SSD utilizes the latest generation of 3D flash memory for speeds up to 3 times faster than SATA III. Compact and blistering fast, the TEAMGROUP MP33 can achieve read/write speeds of up to 1700/1400 MB/s. This SSD supports the latest M.2 2280 storage specification of next-generation Intel and AMD motherboards.
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Thermaltake SMART 600W ATX PSU
The Thermaltake SMART 600W ATX is a power supply unit that is designed to provide reliable and efficient power for your computer. This unit delivers 600 watts of continuous output. It complies with both Intel ATX 12V 2.31 and EPS 12V 2.92 standards, ensuring compatibility with many PC builds.
The SMART 600W ATX has received an 80 PLUS certification, indicating 80% efficiency under a typical load. This power supply supports two PCI-E 6 plus 2-pin connectors.
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GAMDIAS ATX Mid Tower Gaming Computer PC Case
The GAMDIAS Aura GC2 is another great mid-tower ATX PC case. It comprises a tempered glass casing through which users can view all the components inside. Besides enabling users to view inside, the PC case is suitable for RGB connection with a compatible motherboard. It has four built-in 120mm ARGB fans, which help cool down the PC while working hard during gaming sessions. Also, unlike other PC cases that require tools during installation, this case is completely tool-free.
Total Estimated Cost: $558
Users looking for an all-AMD build can lean towards a beefier CPU or a GPU. For most, however, going down to AMD’s dated (and cheaper) quad or hexacore offerings can be a bit too much in terms of performance bottlenecks. The build above leverages the octa-core Ryzen 7 5700X CPU to push a gaming PC that can handle most simulation games significantly better than the competition.
The mid-range MSI Pro Series B550 motherboard offers two more DIMM slots for users looking to upgrade to 32GB down the line, while also throwing in a fast, inexpensive 16GB DDR4 RAM kit from Silicon Power to handle most games on a budget with ease. To cater to users on the fence for a better, cheaper GPU in 2024, the cut-down RX 580 with 2048 SP (versus the original’s 2304) makes for an acceptable entry-level offering, even as the build continues to be upgrade-friendly for gamers looking to get higher-end hardware down the line.
The mid-range Gamdias ATX case coupled with a fast Kingston NVMe 4.0 SSD and a balanced 600W PSU all offer excellent value for money to round off what is a balanced, unlocked AMD CPU build which can be upgraded to a higher-end GPU with ease down the line. For users looking to keep things a little less RGB while staying as close to $500 as possible, however, the team recommends opting for an alternate case like the excellent Zalman S3 instead.
Best Budget PC Cooling Options in 2024
For a minimal investment, these air and liquid PC cooling solutions will keep costly CPUs from overheating.
The Upgrade-Friendly Budget Gaming Build Under $500
Ryzen 7000 Series Galore
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AMD Ryzen 5 7600
The Ryzen 5 7600 is the entry-level, yet very capable, gaming CPU from AMD that features 6 cores, 12 threads, and 32MB of L3 cache. It has a base clock speed of 3.8GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.1GHz. The Ryzen 5 7600 is an unlocked processor with a default TDP of 65W. It also has integrated RDNA 2 graphics and is the cheapest offering in the lineup with an iGPU.
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G.Skill Flare X5 Series (AMD Expo) 6000MHz 32GB (CL36)
The G.Skill Flare X5 Series RAM kits are DDR5 RAMs that operate at an overclocked 6000MHz sweet spot for AMD AM5 processors with a lower latency EXPO profile available to allow users to overclock their memory with a push of a button while costing significantly lower than the competition.
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MSI PRO A620M-E Pro Series Motherboard
The MSI PRO A620M-E Pro Series Motherboard is a budget motherboard that can easily handle entry-level AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series CPUs.
It supports overclocked DDR5 RAM, a single M2 PCI-E slot, and 6 USB ports, allowing users to build both, an entry-level PC and an HTPC with a newer Socket AM5-based CPU.
While it is marketed as a business line product, users can easily use it to get budget PC gaming builds going without any tweaks needed.
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TEAMGROUP MP33 512 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME SSD
$39 $50 Save $11
The TEAMGROUP MP33 512 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME SSD utilizes the latest generation of 3D flash memory for speeds up to 3 times faster than SATA III. Compact and blistering fast, the TEAMGROUP MP33 can achieve read/write speeds of up to 1700/1400 MB/s. This SSD supports the latest M.2 2280 storage specification of next-generation Intel and AMD motherboards.
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Thermaltake SMART 600W ATX PSU
The Thermaltake SMART 600W ATX is a power supply unit that is designed to provide reliable and efficient power for your computer. This unit delivers 600 watts of continuous output. It complies with both Intel ATX 12V 2.31 and EPS 12V 2.92 standards, ensuring compatibility with many PC builds.
The SMART 600W ATX has received an 80 PLUS certification, indicating 80% efficiency under a typical load. This power supply supports two PCI-E 6 plus 2-pin connectors.
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LIAN LI LANCOOL 216 PC Case
$100 $103 Save $3
The LANCOOL 216 is a mid-tower case with all-around mesh panels for optimal airflow. Thanks to its modular rear panel, it can be optimized for air or water cooling. It includes 2 x 160mm and 1 x 140mm pre-installed PWM fans and an innovative rear PCIe fan bracket to maximize airflow.
Total Estimated Cost: $587
For gamers looking for the most upgrade-friendly build closer to $500 while deferring their GPU choice for later, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600 packs a unique value proposition, bundling a stock air cooler, integrated graphics, and an unlocked hexacore Zen 4-based chip in a neat package that clocks in just over $200. The entry-level MSI A620-based PRO offering has users covered on the basics, complementing the Ryzen 5 7600’s value proposition considerably well.
On the PSU end, the Thermaltake Smart 600W can handle most entry-level GPUs, even as the build leaves the choice of a future GPU upgrade open along with a larger storage medium than the bundled 500GB Teamgroup PCI-E 3.0 SSD on offer currently. With 32GB of fast no-nonsense AMD-specific EXPO RAM from G.Skill, this makes for a potent, yet powerful alternative to most other builds targeting a sub-$500 price tag.
The Lian Li Lancool 216 case offers excellent airflow, a streamlined design, and great looks at a price point that it continues to dominate more established brands at in terms of functionality and value for money alike in 2024. It should handle most large GPUs with ease even though users are advised to upgrade the PSU before adding anything significantly higher in terms of power draw than the currently-recommended PSU can handle as stated above.
The Best Motherboards For AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D CPUs
The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D is the new king of the hill for gaming CPUs, but what is the best motherboard to pair it with as part of an upgrade?
More Budget Gaming Build Choices Than You Bargained For?
With everything from groceries to consumer electronics rising in price, eventually, it may become impossible to assemble a capable gaming PC for under $500. This inflationary pressure means that value system builders are constantly switching parts around to get the best value for their money on a weekly or monthly basis. The team at Game Rant aims to allow users to stay abreast of the latest developments in the space and purchase PC hardware that is relevant well into 2024 with upgradeable hardware being prioritized over and above its cheaper alternatives where possible.
The first build suggests using a 14th-generation Intel Core i3 14100F CPU, while the others rely on AMD’s 5000 or 7000/8000G series processors with integrated Radeon graphics. Deciding between these options has ramifications for approaching the rest of a new system’s configuration.
The second build takes things in a different vein, pushing for a more powerful APU in the shape of the Ryzen 5 8600G that offers a mix of power and efficiency in addition to a powerful iGPU for gamers looking to do more with less on the board.
The third build turns back to the old and trusty AM4 socket, leveraging the tried and tested Ryzen 5 5700X as well as an older, but fairly powerful RX 580 to deliver stellar gaming performance in a budget-centric offering in 2024.
The final build sets the stage for larger upgrades down the line, skipping on a discrete GPU for a later upgrade, going for the AMD Ryzen 5 7600 to get the starter blocks ready for a potentially potent gaming PC down the line even as it comes out with a fully functional choice under $600.
Need prebuilt PC options? Check out Game Rant’s list of the best gaming PCs in 2024!
The Best Gaming PC Builds For $1000
Building a gaming PC individually just became easier as Game Rant showcases three of the best and most balanced PC builds.
FAQ
Q: Is it cheaper to build your own gaming PC, rather than to buy a prebuilt system?
In most cases, finding the best prices for each component individually will save money over prebuilt options. Also, you may learn how to replace parts on your own instead of sending in a prebuilt PC for expensive repairs or buying a new system entirely.
Q: What should I consider when assembling a custom gaming PC?
Some factors to consider when putting together your own gaming PC are budget, what types of games you play, what resolution you want to play games at, and how much space you have for either a full tower or compact system.
Q: What are the most critical components of a gaming PC?
Some key parts of a gaming PC are the processor, motherboard, case, and graphics card. The graphics card will usually affect a budget the most, but also ensure that a CPU is compatible with a motherboard and that all parts will fit in the selected case.
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