Building a budget-friendly gaming PC doesn’t have to be a daunting ordeal. With a sound strategy, you can assemble a capable gaming system for less than $500. Here’s how you can make the most of your budget without compromising too much on performance.

Choosing the Right Processor

The processor (CPU) is the heart of your system, and making the right choice here can significantly impact your overall experience. For a budget build, look toward AMD’s Ryzen series or Intel’s Pentium/Celeron lines. AMD’s Ryzen 3 CPUs such as the Ryzen 3 3200G offer excellent value with integrated Vega graphics that can handle light to moderate gaming. If you prefer Intel, the Pentium Gold G5400 is often a solid, cost-effective option.

Finding a Budget Graphics Card

Graphics cards (GPUs) are crucial for gaming performance. Although high-end GPUs can easily exceed your entire budget, several affordable options can still provide a good experience. The NVIDIA GTX 1650 and AMD RX 570 are valuable options. They balance performance and cost, allowing you to play modern games at 1080p with decent settings. To stretch your dollar further, consider buying a used GPU