Looking to maximize gaming power without blowing your budget? This step-by-step guide walks you through constructing a PC that delivers impressive performance while keeping costs down.
1. Choosing Your Processor
Consider budget-friendly CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G or Intel Core i5-12400F. Both provide solid frame rates in modern games without breaking the bank.
2. Picking a Graphics Card
Look at options such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6600. These GPUs handle 1080p gaming on high settings for most titles at a wallet-friendly price point.
3. Motherboard & RAM Selection
Opt for a B450 or B660 motherboard offering stable VRMs and essential features. Pair it with 16 GB of DDR4 at 3200 MHz to ensure smooth multitasking and in-game performance.
4. Storage Configuration
Install a 500 GB NVMe SSD for your OS and frequently played games, and add a 1 TB SATA SSD for secondary storage—balancing speed and capacity effectively.
5. Power Supply & Cooling Solutions
Select a reliable 550 W PSU with an 80+ Bronze rating or better. Use the stock cooler included with AMD CPUs or choose an economical aftermarket air cooler to maintain safe temperatures.
6. Case & Essential Peripherals
Pick a budget-friendly case with good airflow and cable management. For peripherals, quality keyboard and mouse bundles under £50 deliver solid performance without overspending.
7. Assembly & Stress Testing
Follow your motherboard’s manual closely, apply thermal paste correctly, and run stress tests with tools like AIDA64 and 3DMark to confirm system stability.
By following these recommendations, you’ll assemble a gaming rig that offers great value while delivering impressive performance. Enjoy your new PC!