THIS IS HOW TO BUILD A -$500 GAMING PC PLEASE READ EVERYTHING AND KEEP SCROLLING DOWN SO YOU CAN HAVE THIS INFORMATION

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BUILD YOUR DREAM GAMING PC FOR LESS THAN $500

To build your first gaming PC, you'll need seven main parts (eight if you include a separate CPU cooler, though most CPUs, like the Intel i3, i5, Ryzen 3, and Ryzen 5, come with stock coolers that work perfectly fine for basic gaming needs). Here are the essentials:

  1. CPU (Processor) – The "brain" of the PC, handling calculations and processes. Budget-friendly options like Intel i3 or Ryzen 3 work well for entry-level gaming, with i5 and Ryzen 5 offering slightly better performance for more demanding games.

  2. Motherboard – The foundation that connects all components, so it's important to choose one that's compatible with your CPU and has the necessary ports and slots for your other parts.

  3. RAM (Memory) – Generally, 16GB is sufficient for gaming, with 16GB offering smoother performance in newer games. However, as game requirements continue to rise, 32GB of RAM can be a smart investment for future-proofing.

  4. Storage – An SSD is ideal for faster loading times, though adding an HDD for extra storage is an option if your budget allows.

  5. Graphics Card (GPU) – This is the most crucial part for gaming performance. A budget GPU can handle popular games at lower settings, but if you can stretch your budget, a mid-range card will provide a better experience.

  6. Power Supply Unit (PSU) – Provides stable power to your components, so make sure it has enough wattage and is from a reliable brand to avoid issues.

  7. Case – Houses all your components. Choose one that fits your motherboard size (e.g., ATX, MicroATX) and allows for good airflow.

Each of these parts is essential, but with careful planning and some savvy shopping, you can balance quality and cost to stay within a $500 budget and still build a solid gaming PC.

Building a gaming PC on a budget of under $500 can be challenging but very feasible, especially for those who understand the basics of PC building and are willing to make smart compromises. With limited funds.

how to build a gaming pc

Take a minute to FIND ALL THE RECOMMENDED PARTS TO COMPLETE YOUR -$500 GAMING PC BUILD

Click the box for tips and explore the photos below for additional details!

  • REOMMENDED CPU TO FIT YOUR -$500 BUDGET

    1.BEST FOR BUDGET

    AMD

    -RYZEN 5 3600

    -RYZEN 5 5500

    INTEL

    -I3 12100/F

    2.EXPENSIVE BUT BEST PERFORMANCE

    AMD

    -RYZEN 5 5600

    -RYZEN 7 3700X

    RYZEN 7 3800X/XT

    INTEL

    -I5 10400/F

    -I5 11400/F

    I5 12400/F

    3.CHEAP BUDGET LESS PERFORMANCE

    INTEL

    -I3 101OO/F

    AMD

    -RYZEN 5 2600/X

    -RYZEN 7 2700/X

    Click under the CPU image for more detailed information about CPUs!

  • 1.BEST( FOR BUDGET AND PEROFRMANCE)

    AMD

    RADEON RX 6600

    RADEON RX 5700XT

    RADEON RX 5700

    NIVIDA

    GEFORCE RTX 2060 SUPER

    GEFORCE RTX 2070

    GEFORCE RTX 2070 SUPER

    2.EXPENSIVE(BEST PERFORMANCE)

    AMD

    RADEON RX 7600

    NIVIDA

    RTX 3060

    3. EXCEPTIONS(OLD CARDS AND LESS VRAM, LESS PERFORMANCE)

    AMD

    RADEON RX5600XT(ONLY 6GB VRAM)

    RADEON RX VEGA 64

    NIVIDA

    GEFORCE RTX 2060(ONLY 6GB VRAM)

    GEFORCE GTX 1080TI(OLD/GOOD PERFORMANCE)

    GEFORCE GTX 1080(OLD)

    4. SUPER BUDGET (EVEN LESS PERFORMANCE )

    AMD

    RADEON RX VEGA 56

    NIVIDA

    GEFORCE GTX 1660 SUPER

    GEFORCE GTX 1660TI

    GEFORCE GTX 1070

    GEFORCE GTX 1070TI

    Click under the GPU image for more detailed information about GPUs!

  • “The motherboard you choose must be compatible with your CPU. Depending on the CPU, you’ll need either DDR4 or DDR5 memory—DDR5 is faster, but most budget CPUs only support DDR4”.

    Motherboards come in three main sizes: ATX, mATX, and ITX. ATX is the largest size, offering the most features, and is often found in high-performance builds. Larger computers generally handle heat better and have more power capacity, which is why the most expensive PCs often use ATX motherboards.

    mATX motherboards are generally the most budget-friendly option, though they aren't the smallest. While mATX cases are still fairly large, they're smaller than ATX cases. Many mATX motherboards are designed with minimal features, targeting budget builds. However, some high-quality mATX boards offer a lot of functionality, making them ideal for budget-conscious builds.

    ITX motherboards are the smallest, used in compact cases for special builds. They tend to be more expensive than mATX motherboards, with a reasonable amount of features. ITX builds require extra attention to cooling, so they may not be ideal for high-power components like i7 or Ryzen CPUs or power-hungry GPUs. ITX motherboards cater to compact, specialized builds rather than budget PCs, despite their smaller size

    Click under the MOTHERBOARD image for more detailed information about MOTHERBOARDs!

  • "Your rig should have a minimum of 16GB of DDR4 RAM, which is sufficient for most games. However, upgrading to 32GB will prevent performance bottlenecks and is ideal for future-proofing. If you start with 16GB to save money, consider upgrading to 32GB as your first upgrade down the line."

    DDR4

    DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) is a type of RAM widely used in modern computers. It offers improved speed, reliability, and power efficiency over its predecessor, DDR3, making it well-suited for gaming, multitasking, and everyday computing. DDR4 operates at lower voltages (typically 1.2V), reducing power consumption and heat generation. Standard DDR4 speeds range from 2133 MHz to 3200 MHz, with higher speeds available for performance builds. While newer DDR5 memory is faster, DDR4 remains a budget-friendly and highly effective option, compatible with most current CPUs, especially in budget and mid-tier systems.

    DDR5

    DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5) is the latest generation of RAM, offering significantly faster speeds and improved efficiency compared to DDR4. It operates at higher frequencies, starting around 4800 MHz and reaching much higher rates, which translates to faster data processing for demanding applications like high-end gaming, content creation, and intensive multitasking. DDR5 also introduces improved power efficiency, using only 1.1V, and supports larger module capacities, making it ideal for future-proofing high-performance systems. However, DDR5 is currently more expensive and is typically compatible only with newer CPUs and motherboards.

    Click under the RAM image for more detailed information about RAM!

  • "NVMe drives are the fastest storage option available, but many motherboards only have one M.2 slot for NVMe. It's best to use the NVMe drive as your C: drive to hold your Windows operating system, ensuring quick boot times and system performance. For additional storage, especially for games, a regular SATA SSD is a great choice for your D: drive."

    NVME-SSD

    NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) storage is an advanced type of SSD that offers incredibly fast read and write speeds by connecting directly to the motherboard via the M.2 slot, using the PCIe interface. This design allows NVMe drives to access data far more quickly than traditional SATA SSDs, making them ideal for fast boot times, quick application launches, and high-performance tasks like gaming or content creation. While they’re typically more expensive than standard SSDs, NVMe drives are increasingly popular for use as the main system drive (C: drive) to maximize overall system responsiveness.

    SSD

    SSD (Solid State Drive) storage is a type of data storage that uses flash memory to deliver much faster read and write speeds compared to traditional HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). SSDs have no moving parts, making them more durable, quieter, and energy-efficient. They significantly improve system performance, offering faster boot times, quicker application loading, and smoother multitasking. While they come in different forms, such as SATA and NVMe, standard SATA SSDs are popular as a cost-effective option for general storage needs, including storing games, files, and applications.

    HDD

    HDD (Hard Disk Drive) storage is a traditional form of data storage that uses spinning magnetic disks to read and write data. While slower than SSDs due to mechanical components, HDDs are a cost-effective option for large storage needs, making them ideal for archiving files, media libraries, and backup storage. HDDs are generally more affordable per gigabyte, making them suitable for budget builds or setups that require extensive storage capacity without a focus on speed. However, they have slower read/write speeds and are more prone to wear over time due to their moving parts.

    Click under the HARDDRIVE image for more detailed information about HARDDRIVEs!

  • "Buying a power supply can be a bit intimidating since the PSU is responsible for keeping your entire gaming PC investment safe. A good rule of thumb is to stick with well-known brands and popular PSU models with many positive reviews online. For a budget build, a cheaper PSU can be fine to keep costs down, but make sure it’s from a reputable brand with a proven track record. Avoid unknown or untested power supplies, as they may not provide reliable or safe performance."

    A power supply unit (PSU) is a crucial component in a computer that converts electrical power from an outlet into usable power for all internal components, such as the CPU, GPU, motherboard, and storage devices. PSUs come in different wattages, and it’s important to select one that provides sufficient power for your system’s needs, especially in high-performance or gaming setups. Power supplies also have efficiency ratings (like 80 Plus Bronze, Gold, or Platinum) that indicate how efficiently they convert power, with higher ratings offering better energy savings and stability. A quality PSU is essential for system reliability and longevity, as it helps prevent power-related issues and protects components.

    Click under the POWER SUPPLY image for more detailed information about POWER SUPPLYs!

  • "CPU coolers are essential components that not only enhance the aesthetics of your gaming PC but also play a crucial role in maintaining optimal temperatures. Lower-tier CPUs, like the Intel i3 and Ryzen 3, require minimal cooling, while higher-end models like the Intel i9 and Ryzen 9 generate significantly more heat, often requiring more effective cooling solutions. When purchasing a new CPU, it’s worth noting that they typically come with stock coolers, which are sufficient for mid-range CPUs like Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Intel i3, and i5. However, for high-performance CPUs like Ryzen 7, Ryzen 9, Intel i7, and i9, investing in a better cooling solution is advisable to ensure efficient thermal management."

    CPU coolers are essential components in a computer that help manage the temperature of the CPU (central processing unit). They come in two main types: air coolers and liquid coolers. Air coolers use heat sinks and fans to dissipate heat, while liquid coolers circulate coolant through a system of tubes and radiators for more efficient heat transfer.

    Effective cooling is crucial, especially for high-performance CPUs that generate significant heat during intensive tasks like gaming or content creation. While many CPUs come with stock coolers adequate for lower-tier models, high-end CPUs often benefit from aftermarket coolers that provide better cooling performance and lower noise levels. Choosing the right CPU cooler can enhance system stability, prolong component lifespan, and improve overall performance.

    Click under the CPU COOLER image for more detailed information about CPU COOLERs!

  • "Cases must be compatible with the size of your motherboard. An ATX motherboard can only fit in an ATX case, but ATX cases typically support both mATX and ITX motherboards due to their larger size. However, mismatching sizes can affect the overall aesthetic of your build. mATX cases generally accommodate both mATX and ITX motherboards, as mATX is smaller than standard ATX but larger than ITX. Most ITX cases, on the other hand, are designed specifically for ITX motherboards because of their compact size. Some cases come with fans, which can be a great choice for budget builds. Opting for a case with RGB fans not only adds visual appeal but can also save you money. To save even more, look for a case that includes its own RGB controller, so you don’t have to purchase one separately. However, keep in mind that the fans included with these budget cases may be of lower quality."

    Click under the CASE/FAN image for more detailed information about CASEs AND FANs!