Building a gaming PC is an exciting activity as it allows you to customize as per your choice. A gaming PC contains components like CPU, GPU or graphics card, memory, storage, case, power supply, and peripheral parts. Depending on the portfolio of games, you can opt for the right choice of graphics card. You can also choose the different components based on the recommended specifications of your preferred games. It is possible to build a gaming PC for $500 by searching for the correct components within your budget.
Customization allows you to explore different choices. You can allocate the budget to different components based on its significance. For example, a graphics card is the primary and essential part for any gaming application. You cannot compromise on the GPU as it can influence the overall gaming experience. This does not mean that you have no other choice but to spend a large amount. You can easily opt for a graphics card that falls within your price range. There are a variety of options with differences in the specifications.
It is necessary to look at the number of cores in the graphics card. This stores all the data instructions. Besides the number of cores, you can see the capacity, processing speed, and power consumption. The hardware settings should be able to support your favorite gaming applications. After finding the perfect GPU, you can look for other components to build a gaming PC for $500. This includes a processor that can handle the intensive games of your choice. Additionally, you must search for the perfect RAM and storage to complete the entire build.
Building a gaming PC for $500 with the components
1. CPU
This is one of the most important components when you would like to build a gaming PC for $500. A CPU or processor handles all the data instructions and provides an output in return. If you run multiple applications at the same time or run CPU intensive games on a regular basis, you would need a compatible processor. A CPU with the right capacity and processing speed can avoid any unnecessary delays and lags.
AMD Ryzen 5 3400G 4-core, 8-thread unlocked desktop processor with Radeon RX graphics can be an excellent choice. It costs around $389.99 on Amazon. It has an integrated graphics card which means you would not need an additional GPU. This is ideal for running a wide variety of games. If you are a beginner, you can always start with this processor and upgrade to a new GPU in the future. With the involvement of four cores, you can expect optimum performance capability.
If you do not prefer a CPU with integrated graphics, you can opt for AMD Ryzen 3 3300X 4-core processor. It can deliver excellent gaming performance due to the presence of four cores. The base clock rate is 3.8GHz, while the boost speed can go up to 4.3GHz. You can buy this for around $189.99. As it does not contain a graphics card, you can use the budget for securing a capable and efficient GPU.
2. Motherboard to build a gaming PC
A motherboard is an important physical component that contains slots for all the hardware connections. It can be considered as a central storehouse or location that provides a spot for memory, storage like HDD or SSD, and GPU. While finding a motherboard, you must ensure compatibility for each of these components. If the motherboard is compatible, you can always opt for a new GPU or RAM in the future. Selling your used RAM for cash and replacing it with a newer option with higher speed is an excellent idea for more applications. It can expand the type of applications and also give you an enhanced processing speed.
To build a gaming PC for $500, you can go with the Asus Prime B450M-A/CSM AMD AM4 motherboard. This is a budget Micro-ATX sized board priced at $79.99 that has an AMD AM4 socket. You can pair it with 3rd/2nd/1st Gen AMD Ryzen CPU. Also, you can expect fast connectivity with 1Gb LAN, DVI display, HDMI 2.0b, and D-Sub display outputs.
3. Graphics Card
If you are going with an integrated Radeon RX option, you would not need to worry about investing in a graphics card. Though an integrated card has its own advantages, many gamers prefer the freedom of a discrete GPU. It can increase the range of gaming applications by supporting most of the popular games. As the GPU is one of the most expensive components while building a gaming PC for $500, it is necessary to research and wait for the right one.
For $169.99, you can buy GeForce GTX 1650 GPU. It is an excellent 1080p gaming GPU that delivers breakthrough graphics with Nvidia Turing architecture. Some of the other options include GTX 1050 Ti and RX 560. You can always opt for a budget GPU at the start. After using it to the maximum capacity, you can sell the used GPU for cash and opt for a newer upgrade. This way, you can stay within your budget, yet enjoy the benefits of higher specifications with passing time.
4. RAM for building gaming PC for $500
RAM capacity can influence the capability of multitasking without stopping or slowing down the entire system. Patriot Viper Steel DDR4 8GB (2 separate of 4GB each) 3200MHz at price of around $52.99 is an excellent RAM choice. Generally, 8GB is a sufficient capacity for most gaming applications. You can always upgrade to 16GB if the need arises based on your activities.
5. SSD
SSD is a storage device that can save all the data for programs, applications, files, images, and videos. SSDs have much faster processing speed as compared to HDD. A good option includes the PNY CS900 240GB 3D NAND priced at $32.99. A 240GB capacity is a good start when you are building a budget gaming PC.
6. Power Supply
You can choose the Thermaltake Smart RGB 500W power supply for adequate energy efficiency. Priced at $54.99, it is an excellent component to build a gaming PC for $500.
7. PC Case
For $48.49, you can opt for Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L Micro-ATX Tower. It has features like edge-to-edge acrylic side windows, front magnetic design dust filter, and additional space behind the motherboard tray.
Besides these components, you would also need a cooler to prevent overheating. An AMD Wraith Stealth cooler is included along with the AMD Ryzen3 3300X. All these components can help you to build a gaming PC for $500.