Best Budget Gaming PC Build 2024 : Top Picks for Performance and Value
Building a gaming PC on a budget can be both exciting and challenging. With the latest hardware releases in 2024 Best Budget Gaming PC Build 2024, you can create a gaming rig capable of handling popular titles without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best budget gaming PC build for 2024, highlighting components that maximize performance per dollar. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of the perfect setup for gaming on a budget.
Why Build a Gaming PC in 2024?
2024 has brought several exciting advancements in PC hardware. With newer, more efficient CPUs and GPUs, even budget builds can offer high-quality 1080p gaming performance. Plus, a custom build gives you control over future upgrades, ensuring you can keep your system up-to-date without purchasing a whole new PC.
Whether you’re interested in playing AAA titles or popular esports games, this guide will provide a solid foundation for a budget-friendly, high-performance gaming setup.
Best Budget Gaming PC Build (Under $800)
Let’s break down each component for a gaming PC build under $800. Each part has been selected to deliver excellent performance for 1080p gaming, with an emphasis on future-proofing.
1. Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 5 5600
Price: ~$120
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600 provides incredible performance for its price. With six cores and twelve threads, it’s capable of handling both gaming and multitasking with ease. This CPU is ideal for gaming at 1080p and can manage light streaming and content creation if needed.
Alternative: If you’re able to spend a little more, the Intel Core i5-12400 also performs well and may be a better choice if you’re interested in upgrading to Intel’s newer platforms down the line.
2. Graphics Card (GPU): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super
Price: ~$200-250
The GTX 1660 Super is a top pick for budget-friendly gaming. While it’s an older card, it remains highly capable for 1080p gaming in 2024. It can handle most modern games at medium to high settings, with steady frame rates. For those prioritizing frame rates in esports games, this card can easily achieve 60 FPS and beyond in titles like Fortnite, Valorant, and Apex Legends.
Alternative: The AMD Radeon RX 6600 can also be found at a similar price point and offers slightly better performance in some games. Choose based on availability and price.
3. Motherboard: ASRock B450M PRO4 (Micro ATX)
Price: ~$70
The ASRock B450M PRO4 is a budget-friendly motherboard that doesn’t skimp on essential features. It supports Ryzen 5000 series CPUs with a BIOS update, making it compatible with our chosen processor. Plus, it offers support for high-speed DDR4 RAM and has multiple connectivity options, including M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs.
Alternative: The MSI B550M PRO-VDH is a newer chipset and might be better if you’re looking for PCIe 4.0 support for future upgrades.
4. Memory (RAM): Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200
Price: ~$40-50
Best Budget Gaming PC Build 2024, 16GB of RAM is the sweet spot. Corsair’s Vengeance LPX kit offers reliable performance with 3200MHz speed, ensuring smooth gameplay and faster load times. Having two 8GB sticks enables dual-channel memory, which enhances performance in most games.
5. Storage: Kingston NV2 500GB NVMe SSD
Price: ~$30
The Kingston NV2 500GB NVMe SSD provides fast storage at an affordable price. With read and write speeds far exceeding traditional HDDs, this SSD reduces load times and speeds up general system responsiveness. If you need more storage, consider adding a 1TB HDD or an additional SSD later.
Alternative: If you can stretch your budget slightly, go for a 1TB SSD to allow for more game installations without upgrading storage right away.
6. Power Supply (PSU): EVGA 600 W1, 80+ White 600W
Price: ~$40
EVGA’s 600W power supply offers solid performance for a budget-friendly build. It provides enough power for this setup with room to spare for future upgrades, like a more powerful GPU. The 80+ White efficiency rating ensures basic energy efficiency.
Alternative: If you plan on upgrading to a high-end GPU later, consider a 650W 80+ Bronze PSU for added reliability.
7. Case: Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L (Micro ATX)
Price: ~$50
The Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L is a compact, budget-friendly case with a modern design and good airflow. It has multiple fan mounting options, supports Micro ATX motherboards, and provides easy cable management features, making it an ideal choice for a clean and efficient build.
Alternative: The Thermaltake Versa H18 is another affordable case with great airflow and room for future upgrades.
Best Budget Gaming PC Build 2024
Performance Benchmarks
With this build, you can expect solid performance across popular games:
- Fortnite: 1080p, High Settings – ~90 FPS
- Cyberpunk 2077: 1080p, Medium Settings – ~50 FPS
- Valorant: 1080p, High Settings – ~120 FPS
- GTA V: 1080p, High Settings – ~80 FPS
This build should comfortably handle 1080p gaming at medium to high settings, and it can even reach higher frame rates in competitive esports games.
Total Estimated Cost For Best Budget Gaming PC Build 2024
| Component | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 5600 | $120 |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super | $200 |
| Motherboard | ASRock B450M PRO4 | $70 |
| RAM | Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB | $50 |
| Storage | Kingston NV2 500GB SSD | $30 |
| PSU | EVGA 600 W1 600W | $40 |
| Case | Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L | $50 |
| Total | $560 |
This build comes in under $600, leaving some room in the budget for additional components, peripherals, or upgrades like a larger SSD.
Final Thoughts
Best Budget Gaming PC Build 2024, you can build a capable gaming PC on a budget. By carefully selecting each component, you can achieve smooth 1080p gaming performance without spending a fortune. This build is perfect for anyone looking to enter the world of PC gaming or upgrade from an older setup.
Remember that prices and availability may vary, so it’s worth keeping an eye on sales and discounts. With a little patience, you can enjoy a high-quality gaming experience without overspending. Happy building!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can this budget gaming PC handle AAA games?
- Yes, this build is designed for 1080p gaming and can handle most AAA titles at medium to high settings with good frame rates. However, for very demanding games, you may need to adjust settings to maintain smooth performance.
2. Is it possible to build a gaming PC for under $500 in 2024?
- While challenging, it’s possible to build a basic gaming PC for under $500. You may need to make compromises, such as opting for lower-end components or looking for used parts. This build aims to balance performance and longevity at a slightly higher budget.
3. What should I upgrade first in this build?
- The GPU is often the most impactful upgrade for gaming performance. If you have a bit more budget in the future, upgrading to a more powerful GPU (like an NVIDIA RTX 3060 or an AMD RX 6700 XT) can significantly boost gaming performance.
4. Can I use this PC for other tasks besides gaming?
- Absolutely! With a Ryzen 5 5600 and 16GB of RAM, this PC is capable of handling general productivity, light content creation, and multitasking. It’s a versatile build for both gaming and everyday use.
5. How much power supply wattage do I really need?
- For this setup, a 600W PSU is more than enough. If you plan to upgrade to a more powerful GPU in the future, you may want to consider a 650W or 750W PSU for extra headroom.
6. Is 500GB of storage enough for gaming?
- 500GB will hold several games, but if you plan to install larger titles or many games, consider adding additional storage, like a 1TB HDD or another SSD, as your budget allows.
7. Can I assemble this PC myself, or should I get professional help?
- Assembling a PC is quite manageable with the right guides. There are plenty of tutorials available online, and each part comes with an installation manual. However, if you’re uncomfortable, some local computer shops offer assembly services for a fee.
Best Budget Gaming PC Build 2024
Upgrade Path for the Budget Gaming PC
Starting with a Best Budget Gaming PC Build 2024 is just the beginning. Here’s a clear upgrade path to future-proof your build as you gather more funds or see a need for increased performance:
- Upgrade the GPU:
- Recommended Upgrade: NVIDIA RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT.
- Why: Upgrading to a more powerful GPU will improve your PC’s ability to handle higher resolutions and settings, especially in AAA games.
- Increase Storage:
- Recommended Upgrade: Add a 1TB NVMe SSD or a 2TB HDD.
- Why: Games and applications take up more space over time, so increasing storage helps keep your system responsive and reduces load times.
- Add More RAM:
- Recommended Upgrade: 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4-3200 or higher.
- Why: Although 16GB is sufficient for most games, 32GB can improve performance in multitasking and productivity applications, especially if you plan to stream or edit videos.
- Consider a Higher-Quality Power Supply:
- Recommended Upgrade: 650W-750W, 80+ Bronze or Gold-rated PSU.
- Why: Higher wattage and efficiency can support more power-hungry components, increase system stability, and improve energy efficiency.
- Upgrade the CPU and Motherboard:
- Recommended Upgrade: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X or Intel Core i7-13700 and a compatible motherboard.
- Why: Upgrading to a more powerful CPU will improve multitasking and provide a better foundation for future high-performance GPUs.
By following this upgrade path, you can extend the life of your Best Budget Gaming PC Build 2024 and keep it competitive with new releases, ensuring smooth performance for years to come.
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