Budget PC Gaming Rig
By GenotypeJim
So you really want to play PC games but you're on a very tight budget. Perhaps you're only a casual gamer or you can only convince your family to spring for a "school work" rig and not a console. Well here's a super cheap, yet competent 1080p gaming system for you to assemble. You could go cheaper with a lower CPU (G3900 $55) and an old 750ti but there will be games that simply won't run on such a machine.
I'm using PC Case Gear for the build solely as they have the best website for my editing purposes and competitive prices.
All prices are in Dollarydoos AUD
Warning: The motherboard will only support this CPU with a BIOS update (P1.10). Contact your PC store before purchasing to check if it has the latest version installed. If not, you would need a 6 series chip handy to boot into BIOS and perform the update. Your PC store may be able to assist you with this. MSY have this listed as a $10 charge on their website.
Updates:
- 20/03/17 - Swapped GPU for in stock model, cheaper ram, updated rant. saved $9
- 1/07/17 – Updated rig, edited for Steemit, drank lots of tea. Note: Some items are out of stock due to the mining craze, just hold in there as it’ll be over soon enough I think. The CPU is now not in stock at PCCG. I cannot recommend a lower chip, so try sourcing it from another store in the mean time.
THE PARTS
TOTAL = $595
PCCG Link HERE
THE REST OF YOUR BUILD
Some of you looking to build a rig like this may be building your very first system. So here is the rest of what you will need to start gaming. I won't update this section as often, think of it more as a general guide to a complete PC.
Monitor:
1920x1080 (Full HD) / 21.5" / LED / 5ms response / 60Hz (fps)
You WILL be playing at 1080p with this rig, so you should have a full HD screen to match.
Acer K222HQL 21.5in Widescreen LED Monitor $129
Windows 10 Home:
x64 (not x32)
You can still upgrade a Windows 7 or 8.1 key to 10 if you you use assistive technology (click HERE to find out how). You can also create an install disk for free using a blank USB and the Windows Media Creation Tool (HERE). If you have the cash for parts but not your OS yet, you can use the Media Tool to install Windows (skip the activation screen), then use Windows until you can afford to enter a key. There are cheaper places to buy keys online, but I won't recommend a particular site to buy from - Google is your friend and PLEASE buy user protection if the site offers it.
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 32bit/64bit USB Flash Drive $149
Keyboard and Mouse:
Don't believe the hype! You don't need a $150 mechanical keyboard and $100 RGB mouse to play games well. I gamed for years on $15 keyboards and $10 Ebay mice. We've mastered this technology, so cheap does not mean terrible. Here are some options to suit your budget:
- The "It will do":
Microsoft Wired Desktop 600 Keyboard & Mouse Combo $24 - Wireless if you must:
Microsoft Wireless Desktop 3050 Keyboard & Mouse Combo $59 - Fine! If you must have RGB:
Cougar Deathfire EX RGB Keyboard and Mouse Gaming Combo $69
Controller:
I love playing driving and 3rd person games with a controller. Most games have controller support and if they do it's for an Xbox controller. You just have to decide what flavor you want...
Microsoft Xbox 360 Black Wired Controller for Windows $29
Microsoft Xbox 360 Black Wireless Controller for Windows $39
Microsoft Xbox Controller & Cable for Windows $69
Microsoft Xbox One Controller with Wireless Adaptor for Windows $79
Headphones:
OK so no matter what I put here, there will be someone online who'll contradict me, but just like keyboards and mice, we kinda have this tech sorted. At this price point you should find most sets are of a very good quality. Pick a nice colour and whether you prefer fake leather or felt ear pieces (cue audiophile outrage in 3...2..1...)
Pro Tip: Look up some YouTube reviews on your top 3 and go from there
HyperX Cloud Core Gaming Headset $59
Tt eSPORTS Level 10 M Headset Black $69
Logitech G231 Prodigy Stereo Gaming Headset $69
HyperX Cloud Stinger Headset $69
Logitech G430 Surround Gaming Headset $79
PUTTING IT TOGETHER:
There are sooo many YouTube videos devoted to building your first PC. Here is one for example:
OTHER VIDEOS TO CONSIDER:
Note: This is with the Ti version, you'll have to spend another $40 to match the video directly below:
Find out more about how the 1050 and Ti compare HERE and in the vid below (note the overpowered CPU Gamers Nexus use to test with though):
Another look at the differences between the 1050 and Ti (+1060 as well). Don't know what CPU was used:
Finally, here's a 1050 overview too:
WHY NOT A CONSOLE?
PCMR golden crown off. Yeah, it's a valid question at this price point. If you're just looking for the cheapest way to play some games in the here and now, then sure, go grab an Xbox One, PS4 Slim or even a Nintendo Switch. Seriously, they have some great deals going now.
OK, so why build the rig above?
- Steam
- You actually need a PC for work/school
- You prefer browsing the internet on a real screen
- You want cheaper games
- You want to escape the new console churn
- You only want to pay for a game once
- You don't want to pay for multiplayer
- You want to play PC exclusives
- You want to learn coding
- You only have a $600ish budget
- You see this rig for what it is... a stepping stone... a cheap yet easily upgradable system. You could get another SSD and put them in Raid 0 for faster boot times and order a meat lovers pizza. Add a 3TB HDD and install every Steam game you own while chugging a big bottle of Mountain Dew. Swap out that chip for an i7 7700K then murder 2 bags of Mission Cheezy Nacho corn chips (cause we all know Doritos are for suckers). Finally, throw down for two GTX 1080 TIs in SLI, full water loop, LED RGB everything, an X34 Predator, absolutely CRUSH your next game of choice then ride a pod of trained dolphins off into the sunset...
Have I missed anything above?
All jokes aside, I think JERMgaming sums it all up perfectly in the following update video for his Potato Masher - Pro PC!
Thank you for taking the time to read through my guide.
Please up-vote this post if it was helpful to you.
Check back monthly as I continue to edit and update this story!
You can also donate a beer to me via BTC at: 18ZN99EW4gJxixoxTnu8Vyk2GYvZjqMAMk
Thanks for this article... I have a laptop and a PC both are old (6 six years old laptop and PC that hasn't been upgraded since at least 5 years)....
for my PC I only need a RAM but there are many types and I don't know whcih to purchase
By the way, I liked your "Why Not a Console?" it's true.. the reason I mainly game PC is because of Steam!! (and because of HumbleBundle... I still have some of their games that I can gift)
Ah cool, yeah I have a massive list of game keys too. What are your PC's specs and what country are you in? I'll try and source some upgrade options for you... although RAM prices have been increasing recently due to shortages.
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