Is It Cheaper To Build A Pc

Are y'all looking for an cheap gaming estimator that tin easily handle your favorite games? Below, you'll find six dissimilar budget gaming PCs that volition serve you lot well into 2022 (and beyond).

In this day and age of incredible graphics and extremely enervating video games, you lot, as a PC gamer, must have a capable system if you want to play your favorite games in the way they were designed to exist played.

And, although some console gamers might tell yous that PC gaming is too expensive to become into, the reality is that even if you are working with a tight budget, you tin build (or buy) a cheap gaming PC that tin can evangelize excellent performance at 1080P resolution in most games.

And, if you're willing to spend betwixt $700-$800 you can even go a VR-ready gaming PC that is capable of utilizing an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive headset. In this guide, I've given yous 6 different cheap PC builds that you tin use every bit is, or that you tin can use equally a base to put together your own part listing.

These aren't the best gaming PCs you tin can build, simply for the price their performance is incredible and for the virtually part, the majority of them will offering a improve PC gaming experience than consoles will.

In the terminate, you'll have a plan of activeness, likewise as a number of different components to choose between, and you'll be well on your way to building the best gaming PC for your budget. For each option, you'll also find a link to a comparable prebuilt gaming PC. So, if y'all don't desire to build your own system, yous tin cheque out a prebuilt gaming PC for a similar toll.

FAQ: Questions to Ask Earlier You Build Your Budget PC

If y'all're on the fence of whether or non you should build your own cheap gaming PC, or you have questions, we've provided a list of frequently asked questions below to assistance you find the answers you're looking for.

one. Is building a gaming PC difficult?

Anyone who knows how to read or even how to lookout man a video and how to use a screwdriver can build their own PC. (Although, if you've seen the PC edifice video that was released from 'The Verge' a few years back, that is an example of how NOT to build a PC. Check out our guide on the common PC edifice mistakes that first-fourth dimension builders make in order to get an idea of what NOT to do.) I should also add together, too, that you lot exercise demand some patience when building your own computer. Building a gaming PC is not rocket science and is not likewise difficult of a task.

Nonetheless, there are moments that can arise during the building process that tin be frustrating. The good news, though, is that there are enough of guides out there that can assistance walk you through the edifice procedure to minimize the chances of you running into these kinds of problems.

Most builders won't face likewise many issues during their first build and even the most tech-challenged individuals could probably get through their ain PC build if they are patient plenty.

I've also put together a pace-by-step guide to help first-fourth dimension builders through the building procedure. You lot tin can access information technology here.

2. How much should a upkeep gaming PC Cost?

In a normal marketplace, building a PC is typically cheaper than it is today. Thanks to supply shortages, sure components have gone up significantly in toll. These rise in prices are starting to mellow out a bit every bit nosotros head into the middle of 2022, simply it is still much more expensive to build a computer than it was a few years agone.

Traditionally, you could spend $500 on a cheap gaming PC and accept a system that would exist able to max out near games on a 1080P display. Equally of correct now, though, the 1080P-killing graphics cards that used to cost ~$150-$200 now cost a scrap more.

While prices are dropping, a prebuilt gaming PC can be a solid alternative. The companies that provide prebuilt systems are able to purchase their components at much more than reasonable prices by buying them in bulk. You can check out our recommendations for the best budget prebuilt gaming PC at each toll range in the sections below.

For more information on the price of building a PC, cheque out our guide How Much Does information technology Price to Build A PC Correct Now?

3. Is building your own PC cheaper in 2022?

Up until recently, building your own PC has typically been cheaper than buying a prebuilt gaming PC with like hardware. Even so, every bit of right now, in that location is a global shortage of supplies (due to a number of reasons) and that shortage has had a drastic impact on the price and availability of the components necessary to building a PC.

The good news is that prices have started to come up down and it is again condign more affordable to build your ain PC. Your best bet is to compare the prices of the PC builds listed below and a comparable prebuilt gaming PC to see which selection would be better for you lot.

4. How do I build a gaming PC for the first time?

To build a PC you demand a specific set of components, an operating organisation, and a screwdriver. While the process might seem daunting, every bit long as you lot follow a solid PC edifice guide, you should exist able to cease your build without any problems. I walk y'all through how to build your own PC in this step-past-step PC edifice guide.

v. Should you build a cheap gaming PC or get a console?

There are two sides to this question… Yeah, I am a diehard PC fan. But i of my favorite video games happens to be Madden. And, upwardly until Madden 2019, Madden wasn't available on PC. So, if I wanted to play Madden in the past, I besides had to take an XBox One. (Yes, that'southward right, I have a console…)

Or, if yous wanted to play a game similar Blood-red Expressionless Redemption ii at launch, you would take needed a panel to play it. If you're a baseball fan and you lot want to play MLB The Show, your just selection is to go a PlayStation, and Xbox, or a Switch.

So, before you go out and build a new budget gaming calculator, you lot need to make sure that yous understand that sure games aren't bachelor on PC. But, at the same time, what you lose on a console, you gain on a PC. There are as well enough of games that are exclusive to PC, similar, for instance, League of Legends (also one of my favorite games.)

And, overall, the in-game experience on a PC is better than it is on a console. That's simply because on the PC you can play with improve visuals, more than detailed graphics, and smoother gameplay. And, of course, on average, PC games tend to be cheaper and there are as well a lot more of them. (Although, with the launch of the PS5, the gap between platforms is closing. Bank check out our guide PC vs PS5: Which is Better for Gaming? to learn more.)

So, while a console will toll you less upfront (unless you get with a actually cheap PC), if you purchase a lot of games, in the long run, a PC will win out. Ultimately, though, if you're like me, you merely go both and enjoy the best of both worlds.

Quick-Expect: Our Meridian Picks for the Best Cheap Gaming PCs

In this section, I've taken six different price points ($300, $400, $500, $600, $700, & $800) and I've put together budget-friendly gaming PC builds for each budget. These builds tin can either be used as is, or they can serve equally a base that y'all can customize to your liking. I've likewise linked to a comparable prebuilt gaming PC for each price range.

	NAME	SPECS
VR/1440P	$800 Gaming PC	Intel i5-11400F RTX 3050 16GB DDR4 RAM 480GB SSD	Come across PRICE » PRE-Built »
BALANCED	$700 Gaming PC	Intel i5-11400F RX 6500 XT 16GB DDR4 RAM 480GB SSD	See PRICE » PRE-Congenital »
Budget VR	$600 Gaming PC	Intel i3-10100F RX 6500 XT 16GB DDR4 RAM 480GB SSD	SEE PRICE » PRE-Congenital »
1080P	$500 Gaming PC	Intel i3-10100F GTX 1050 Ti 8GB DDR4 RAM 480GB SSD	SEE Cost » PRE-BUILT »
ENTRY	$400 Gaming PC	Intel i3-10100F RX 550 4GB 8GB DDR4 RAM 240GB SSD	SEE Toll » PRE-BUILT »
BAREBONES	$300 Gaming PC	Ryzen iii 3200G 8GB DDR4 RAM ASUS A320M 240GB SSD	Meet PRICE » PRE-Congenital »

*I update these builds about once per calendar week and if the full price is over the price range I accept fix ($thirty threshold) then information technology'south likely that one (or more) of the components included in the build saw a toll increment since I had terminal updated the build.

1. Powerful $800 Gaming PC (VR-READY)

$800 Budget Gaming PC Build What if I told yous that for ~$800 y'all could build a computer that could serve every bit a solid 1080P or 1440P PC gaming machine? Or, that could support the Oculus Rift?

That's what this $800 gaming PC brings to the table. Thank you to an Intel Core i5-11400F CPU, an NVIDIA RTX 3050 video card, and 16GB of DDR4 RAM, this budget PC build is capable of playing about games on a 1440P 60Hz monitor at medium-to-higher settings with acceptable frame rates. And, if you lot want to jump into the world of Virtual-Reality gaming, this build meets the requirements to run an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive as well.

And, of grade, if you just want to play on a 1080P monitor, this budget organisation will hands be able to handle that as benchmarks for the RTX 3050 show that information technology tin handle 1080P gaming incredibly well. In fact, pairing this build with a cheap 144Hz gaming monitor would make for a great gaming PC for PUBG, GTA, Fortnite, Apex Legends, or any other highly-competitive game.

The build also includes a 480GB SSD and a 600W power supply that will handle any upgrades or additions you might want to make in the futurity. And, while you can choose whatever case that suits your personal preferences, nosotros've included a decent mid tower example.

Ultimately, this is one of the best budget gaming PCs available. Information technology tin easily handle 1080P gaming, it will serve well for 1440P gaming, and it tin even run games on a 4K monitor on mediumish settings.

Part List for $800 PC Build

CPU	Intel Cadre i5-11400F	VIEW
MOBO	ASUS H510M	VIEW
GPU	ASUS RTX 3050	VIEW
RAM	TEAMGROUP 16GB	VIEW
SSD	ADATA 480GB	VIEW
CASE	Raidmax NEON	VIEW
PSU	EVGA 600W	VIEW
ODD	Install O.S. from USB
Bone	Windows	VIEW

Thou Full: $770-$830

Cost ON AMAZON »

SHOP PRE-Congenital »

*Component prices fluctuate daily. Click hither to check electric current pricing.

**Yous'll need an operating system. Windows costs ~$100. However, you tin still install Windows for gratis and it will work indefinitely without activating information technology—there will but be a watermark at the bottom left of your desktop request you to activate information technology.

two. Best Cheap Gaming PC for $700

$700 Budget Gaming Computer

With an Intel Core i5-11400F CPU and an AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT GPU, this is one of the best budget gaming PC builds for ~$700. It is even capable of performance as an entry-level 4K gaming organisation (it tin can run non-enervating games on a 4K monitor).

The processor/graphics carte du jour combination volition even meet the required specifications for running the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive—and so virtual reality is also doable with this setup.

This $700 gaming PC also comes with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a squeamish-looking mid belfry case with 3 pre-installed fans. This isn't the greatest case in the earth, merely for right at $l, you become a nice case with decent airflow, plenty of room, and squeamish aesthetics, too. For storage, y'all also become a 480GB solid state drive. And, for the power supply, the 600W unit will give y'all enough of power to make upgrades or additions in the time to come.

Overall, this budget build will offer ideal functioning in 1080p gaming, or on a 1080P 144Hz, monitor, and decent performance in 1440P gaming, and it is one of the all-time options for $700 in 2022.

Part List for $700 PC Build

CPU	Intel Core i5-11400F	VIEW
MOBO	ASUS H510M	VIEW
GPU	XFX RX 6500 XT	VIEW
RAM	TEAMGROUP 16GB	VIEW
SSD	ADATA 480GB	VIEW
Example	Raidmax NEON	VIEW
PSU	EVGA 600W	VIEW
ODD	Install O.S. from USB
OS	Windows	VIEW

Grand Total: $670-$730

PRICE ON AMAZON »

Shop PRE-BUILTS »

*Component prices fluctuate daily. Click hither to cheque current pricing.

**You'll demand an operating organization. Windows costs ~$100. However, you lot can notwithstanding install Windows for complimentary and it will work indefinitely without activating it—in that location will just be a watermark at the lesser left of your desktop asking you lot to activate information technology.

three. A Solid $600 Gaming PC Build

$600 Budget Gaming Desktop

For right effectually $600, you can throw together a solid gaming desktop that will max out any game on the market on a 1080p monitor likewise as a system that will fifty-fifty exist able to handle near games on a 1440p 60Hz monitor (although, you wouldn't be able to play more demanding games on some of the all-time 1440P 144Hz monitors with this setup) also.

And, for pop games like Elden Band, Minecraft, Fortnite, or Call of Duty, this computer will be able to handle them with ease.

Likewise, with an Intel Core i3-10100F CPU, an AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT graphics card, and 16GB of memory, this $600 gaming calculator build is actually capable of running an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive!

The lesser line, though, is that this system is a really adept budget gaming PC for the money and it will hands last y'all through 2022 and beyond.

Function Listing for $600 PC Build

CPU	Intel Core i3-10100F	VIEW
MOBO	ASRock H410M	VIEW
GPU	XFX RX 6500 XT	VIEW
RAM	TEAMGROUP 16GB	VIEW
SSD	ADATA 480GB	VIEW
CASE	Raidmax NEON	VIEW
PSU	EVGA 600W	VIEW
ODD	Install O.Southward. from USB
OS	Windows	VIEW

Grand Total: $570-$630

PRICE ON AMAZON »

Store PRE-BUILTS »

*Component prices fluctuate daily. Click hither to check current pricing.

**You'll demand an operating organisation. Windows costs ~$100. Withal, you can still install Windows for free and it will work indefinitely without activating it—in that location volition just be a watermark at the bottom left of your desktop asking yous to activate it.

4. Best Cheap Gaming PC for $500

$500 Budget Gaming PC If you're looking to get the best upkeep gaming PC for $500 this side by side build will nowadays you with solid performance.

These parts are capable of producing an experience on par with a big custom PC builder's $1,000+ prebuilt gaming PC.

Thanks to an Intel Cadre i3-10100F processor, a GTX 1050 Ti graphics card, and 8GB of DDR4 RAM, the cheap $500 gaming PC build listed below tin can max out pretty much any game on a budget 1080p monitor, also equally play non-demanding games at 1440p on medium-to-high settings.

And, while 8GB of RAM may not be ideal for gaming in 2022, we did include a single 8GB stick of RAM then that you can quickly and easily add together a second 8GB stick of RAM in the near futurity.

This arrangement besides comes with a 480GB SSD and a 500W power supply—which should permit yous to upgrade to a better video menu with no bug.

Overall, this organization is a good starter build for anyone looking to get into PC gaming or anyone who is looking for the all-time cheap gaming PC for $500.

Office Listing for $500 PC Build

CPU	Intel Core i3-10100F	VIEW
MOBO	ASRock H410M	VIEW
GPU	ASUS GTX 1050 Ti	VIEW
RAM	Patriot Signature 8GB	VIEW
SSD	ADATA 480GB	VIEW
Instance	Raidmax NEON	VIEW
PSU	EVGA 500W	VIEW
ODD	Install O.Due south. from USB
Bone	Windows	VIEW

G Total: $470-$530

Cost ON AMAZON »

SHOP PRE-BUILTS »

*Component prices fluctuate daily. Click here to check current pricing.

**You'll need an operating system. Windows costs ~$100. Even so, you tin can still install Windows for gratis and it will work indefinitely without activating it—there will just be a watermark at the bottom left of your desktop asking you lot to activate it.

v. $400 Ultra Upkeep Gaming PC

$400 Budget Gaming PC At that cost point, you tin build a budget gaming PC that will let you to play games like Rocket League, League of Legends, and Dota 2 on higher settings.

And, by building it yourself, you tin avert having to deal with the depression-quality power supplies and motherboards that the big figurer companies like to throw in their builds, or getting stuck with a cheap gaming laptop.

This $400 gaming PC build comes with an Intel Core i3-10100F processor, 8GB of DDR4 memory, a GT 1030 graphics carte du jour, a 500W power supply, and a cool-looking mid belfry instance. The larger ability supply and the roomier case size volition make upgrading this budget gaming PC a lot easier in the future.

Ultimately, the desktop PC build listed below is based on my research on the best parts available for a cheap gaming PC.

Part List for $400 PC Build

CPU	Intel Cadre i3-10100F	VIEW
MOBO	ASRock H410M	VIEW
GPU	MSI GT 1030	VIEW
RAM	Patriot Signature 8GB	VIEW
SSD	PNY 240GB	VIEW
Instance	Raidmax NEON	VIEW
PSU	EVGA 500W	VIEW
ODD	Install O.Southward. from USB
OS	Windows	VIEW

Grand Total: $370-$430

Toll ON AMAZON »

Shop PRE-BUILTS »

*Component prices fluctuate daily. Click here to check current pricing.

**You'll need an operating system. Windows costs ~$100. However, you tin can withal install Windows for free and it will work indefinitely without activating it—in that location volition just be a watermark at the bottom left of your desktop asking you to activate it.

6. Best Cheap Gaming PC for $300

$300 Budget Gaming PC For gamers or students who are headed dorsum to school who are working with an extremely tight upkeep, it is possible to throw together a gaming PC for nether $300. The downside of putting together such a organization is that you'll be stuck with integrated graphics.

Notwithstanding, the upside of this build is that with simply an upgrade to the CPU and video bill of fare you will have a very powerful cheap gaming PC.

Only, even equally is, with the AMD Ryzen 3 3200G and its integrated Vega graphics, and 8GB of DDR4 RAM, this PC build is capable of handling virtually games at 1080P resolution on lower-to-medium settings.

So, if you are severely strapped for greenbacks now, but you want something that will permit you play your favorite games on lower-to-medium settings and will as well let you upgrade to a high-end arrangement afterwards on down the road, and so this is probably one of the best budget gaming PCs y'all can build for the toll.