Budget-Friendly GPU and CPU Options for Gaming | Best AliExpress Deals

Budget-Friendly GPU and CPU Options for Gaming | Best AliExpress Deals

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. GPU Pricing

3. Budget Gaming Options

• 3.1 NVIDIA GTX 750 Ti
• 3.2 GT 1030
• 3.3 GTX 950
• 3.4 GTX 960
• 3.5 GTX 1050
• 3.6 GTX 1050 Ti
• 3.7 AMD RX 370
• 3.8 AMD RX 470
• 3.9 AMD RX 480
• 3.10 AMD RX 570

4. AMD Fire Pro W4100

5. Dell and HP Workstations

• 5.1 Dell OptiPlex 7020
• 5.2 Dell OptiPlex 3020
• 5.3 HP ProDesk 600
• 5.4 HP ProDesk 490

6. CPU Upgrade Options for Workstations

• 6.1 Xeon E3 v2 and v3 CPUs
• 6.2 Xeon E3 1240 v3

7. LGA 2011 Socket for Budget Builds

• 7.1 X79 Version 3.3 K3
• 7.2 X79 Version 282

8. LGA 2011 Version 3 Options

• 8.1 E5 1620
• 8.2 E5 1620 v2
• 8.3 E5 2620 v3
• 8.4 E5 2650 v2
• 8.5 E5 2650 v3
• 8.6 E5 2660 v3
• 8.7 E5 2689 v4
• 8.8 E5 2696 v4

9. Mutant Upgrade Options for LGA 1151 Workstations

• 9.1 QNCT
• 9.2 QQLT
• 9.3 QQLS
• 9.4 QTJ2
• 9.5 QTJ1

10. AM4 Platform for Budget Builds

• 10.1 Ryzen 5 3600
• 10.2 Ryzen 5 5600X
• 10.3 Ryzen 5 1500X

11. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

Welcome to Mykonos Hardware! In this article, we will discuss the current state of the budget gaming market and provide you with some great options for building a budget gaming computer. With GPU prices skyrocketing, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find affordable graphics cards. However, we have scoured the web to find some interesting alternatives that won't break the bank. Let's dive in!

GPU Pricing

Let's address the elephant in the room - GPU prices. Unfortunately, the news is not great. Prices are still incredibly high, and it seems there's no relief in sight. However, there are still some opportunities to find good deals on older graphics cards. Here are a few options that may be worth considering:

Budget Gaming Options

1. NVIDIA GTX 750 Ti: This older graphics card is still capable of delivering decent gaming performance. It's not the most powerful option out there, but it can handle less demanding games with ease. Plus, it's often available at a more reasonable price compared to newer models.

2. GT 1030: Another budget-friendly option from NVIDIA, the GT 1030 is a suitable choice for casual gamers or those with less demanding performance needs. It may not handle the latest AAA titles, but it can run older games and esports titles quite well.

3. GTX 950: If you're looking for a step up in gaming performance, the GTX 950 is worth considering. This graphics card can handle more demanding games and provides a noticeable improvement over the previous options.

4. GTX 960: Moving up the ladder, the GTX 960 offers even better performance for a slightly higher price. With this graphics card, you can expect smooth gameplay in most modern games at 1080p resolution.

5. GTX 1050: The GTX 1050 is a popular choice among budget gamers. It delivers solid performance and can handle most games at 1080p resolution with reasonable settings. Plus, it's often available at a competitive price point.

6. GTX 1050 Ti: For a bit more power, consider the GTX 1050 Ti. This graphics card provides a significant boost in performance over its non-Ti counterpart and is capable of running modern games at 1080p resolution with decent settings.

7. AMD RX 370: For those who prefer AMD GPUs, the RX 370 is a viable option. It offers competitive performance in its price range and is often priced competitively against NVIDIA's offerings.

8. AMD RX 470: Stepping up to the RX 470, you'll see a notable improvement in gaming performance. This graphics card can handle most modern titles at 1080p resolution with high settings, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers.

9. AMD RX 480: If you're willing to splurge a little more, the RX 480 is an excellent option. It delivers great performance in both 1080p and 1440p gaming, and its price has become more reasonable over time.

10. AMD RX 570: The RX 570 is another compelling option from AMD. With its powerful performance and more budget-friendly price tag, it can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with ease.

It's worth noting that these graphics card models may not always be available due to high demand. Be sure to check reputable sellers and consider their pricing, as super good deals may be suspicious or from unreliable sources. Always research the specific model to ensure it meets your requirements, and watch out for any abnormalities (such as incorrect outputs) when purchasing from AliExpress or other platforms. Now, let's move on to other budget-friendly options.

AMD Fire Pro W4100

If you're in need of a low-profile graphics card with multi-monitor capabilities, the AMD Fire Pro W4100 is worth considering. While it may not be suitable for mainstream gaming, it boasts four display port outputs, making it ideal for multi-monitor setups. Additionally, it offers driver support for several years to come.

Dell and HP Workstations

For budget builders, Dell and HP workstations can be an attractive option. These pre-built systems often come at very attractive prices on platforms like AliExpress and eBay. While they may have limitations in terms of upgradability, they can still serve as a solid foundation for entry-level gaming setups. Here are a few models to consider:

1. Dell OptiPlex 7020: This Dell workstation offers a good balance between performance and price. With its compact size, it's suitable for those with limited space. Ensure that you're purchasing the full tower chassis version, as the low-profile or mini versions may limit your ability to install a dedicated graphics card.

2. Dell OptiPlex 3020: Another Dell workstation to consider is the OptiPlex 3020. Like the OptiPlex 7020, ensure you choose the full tower chassis version to have the option of installing a dedicated graphics card.

3. HP ProDesk 600: HP's ProDesk 600 is another viable option for budget builders. While it may come with entry-level CPUs like Pentium or Celeron, it can easily be upgraded to more capable processors for improved performance. Again, choose the full tower chassis for better compatibility with graphics cards.

4. HP ProDesk 490: Finally, the HP ProDesk 490 offers similar specifications and upgrade potential to the ProDesk 600. Consider this model if you're specifically looking for an HP workstation.

It's important to note that these workstations often come with lower-end CPUs like Pentium, Celeron, or Core i3/i5. You may want to consider upgrading the CPU to a more powerful Xeon E3 v2 or v3 model for improved performance. Let's discuss the CPU upgrade options in more detail.

CPU Upgrade Options for Workstations

If you decide to go with a Dell or HP workstation, upgrading the CPU can significantly improve performance. Here are some viable CPU upgrade options:

1. Xeon E3 v2 and v3 CPUs: The Xeon E3 v2 and v3 series processors offer excellent value for money. They typically have four cores and eight Threads, providing a significant performance boost over lower-end CPUs. Look for models like the Xeon E3-1270 v2 or Xeon E3-1240 v3, which offer similar performance to the Intel Core i7-3770 or Core i7-4770, respectively.

2. Xeon E3 1240 v3: The Xeon E3-1240 v3 is a budget-friendly option with four cores and eight threads. It's comparable in performance to the Intel Core i7-4770 and can be found at a reasonable price on platforms like AliExpress.

It's important to check the compatibility of the specific Xeon CPU you're considering. Some models may not have integrated graphics, so ensure you have a dedicated graphics card installed before making the purchase.

LGA 2011 Socket for Budget Builds

For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the LGA 2011 socket can be a great choice. While prices are still high due to market demand, there are some interesting options available. Let's discuss them further:

1. X79 Version 3.3 K3: This motherboard is a replacement for the popular X79 version 282. It offers similar functionality but comes in a newer version with an updated appearance. While it lacks SATA 3 ports and USB 3 ports, it still provides the basics needed for a budget gaming or workstation build.

2. X79 Version 282: If you can find the original X79 version 282 at a reasonable price, it's still a solid option. It has SATA 3 and USB 3 ports, making it slightly more versatile compared to the X79 Version 3.3 K3.

Now, let's explore the CPU options for the LGA 2011 socket.

LGA 2011 Version 3 Options

The LGA 2011 version 3 platform offers several CPUs that are worth considering for budget builds. Here are some options to look out for:

1. E5 1620: The E5-1620 is a budget-friendly CPU with four cores and eight threads. While it may not offer the highest clock frequency, it's still a decent option if you're on a tight budget.

2. E5 1620 v2: Be cautious when considering the E5-1620 v2. While it may seem appealing due to its low price, it has a locked multiplier, making it impossible to overclock. It's best to stick with the original E5-1620 CPU.

3. E5 2620 v3: The E5-2620 v3 offers eight cores and 16 threads, making it a powerful option for budget builds. It's compatible with DDR4 memory and performs similarly to the Intel Core i7-5820K.

4. E5 2650 v2: The E5-2650 v2 is a slightly more expensive option with 10 cores and 20 threads. It offers comparable performance to the Intel Core i7-6900K and requires less power.

5. E5 2650 v3: The E5-2650 v3 is similar to the E5-2650 v2 in terms of performance but consumes less power. It's a good choice for those who want to minimize power consumption and heat output.

6. E5 2660 v3: If you're looking for a higher clock frequency, the E5-2660 v3 is a great choice. With 10 cores and 20 threads, it offers decent performance for budget builds.

7. E5 2689 v4: The E5-2689 v4 is a higher-end option with 10 cores and 20 threads. While it may cost a bit more than other CPUs in this range, it offers impressive performance for the price.

8. E5 2696 v4: The E5-2696 v4 is the most powerful CPU option in the LGA 2011 version 3 lineup. With 22 cores and 44 threads, it can handle demanding tasks with ease. However, be prepared to pay a higher price for this level of performance.

Mutant Upgrade Options for LGA 1151 Workstations

If you're specifically looking to upgrade an LGA 1151 workstation, consider the following mutant CPUs:

1. QNCT: The QNCT is an excellent ultra-budget option, offering six cores and six threads. While it may not have the highest clock frequency, it provides adequate performance for budget builds.

2. QQLT: With six cores and 12 threads, the QQLT offers better multi-threaded performance compared to the QNCT. It's a solid choice for those who want a balance between price and performance.

3. QQLS: For more power, the QQLS is an eight-core CPU with 16 threads. It can handle demanding tasks and provides a noticeable boost in performance over the QNCT and QQLT.

4. QTJ2: The QTJ2 is a great option, offering six cores and 12 threads at a higher clock frequency. With its improved performance, it can handle more demanding applications and games.

5. QTJ1: For even better performance, consider the QTJ1. This eight-core CPU with 16 threads offers unlocked multipliers and higher clock frequencies. With proper cooling, it can provide excellent performance for gaming and demanding applications.

AM4 Platform for Budget Builds

Moving on to modern platforms, the AM4 socket offers great options for budget builders. While it may be challenging to find good deals on AliExpress, local markets often have competitive prices. Here are some options to consider:

1. Ryzen 5 3600: The Ryzen 5 3600 is a sweet spot for budget builders. With six cores and 12 threads, it offers excellent gaming performance and multitasking capabilities. If you can find it for a reasonable price, it's a great choice.

2. Ryzen 5 5600X: For those with a bit more budget, the Ryzen 5 5600X is worth considering. With its six cores and 12 threads, it outperforms many eight-core CPUs from previous generations. It's an exceptional choice for gaming and productivity tasks.

3. Ryzen 5 1500X: If you're on an extremely tight budget and need a temporary solution, the Ryzen 5 1500X is a viable option. While it may not pack as much power as other models, it can still handle basic gaming and everyday tasks.

When purchasing an AM4 motherboard, try to find one with PCIe 4.0 support. While it may not be necessary for budget builds, it will future-proof your system. Additionally, invest in fast memory with tight timings to maximize the performance of your Ryzen CPU.

Conclusion

Building a budget gaming computer can be a challenge in today's market. However, by exploring alternative options and making informed choices, you can still find affordable components that offer great performance. Whether you're considering older GPUs, Dell and HP workstations, or upgrading CPUs, there are options available to suit your budget and needs. Remember to research each component and make sure it meets your specifications before purchasing. Happy gaming!

Highlights

• Despite the high GPU prices, there are still affordable options available, such as the NVIDIA GTX 750 Ti, GT 1030, and AMD RX 370.
• Dell and HP workstations offer budget-friendly options for building a gaming computer, with models like the Dell OptiPlex 7020 and HP ProDesk 600.
• Upgrading the CPU in a workstation can significantly improve performance, with Xeon E3 v2 and v3 CPUs being popular choices.
• The LGA 2011 socket provides budget-friendly options for building a gaming computer, with the X79 motherboard series and CPUs like the E5 1620 and E5 2620 v3.
• Mutant CPUs, such as QNCT and QQLT, offer budget-friendly options for upgrading LGA 1151 workstations.
• The AM4 platform provides excellent choices for budget builds, with CPUs like the Ryzen 5 3600 and Ryzen 5 5600X offering great performance for the price.

FAQ

Q: Where can I find affordable GPUs in the current market? A: While GPU prices are high, you can still find affordable options on platforms like AliExpress and eBay. Consider older models like the NVIDIA GTX 750 Ti or explore the AMD RX series.

Q: Are Dell and HP workstations worth considering for budget builds? A: Yes, Dell and HP workstations can be great options for budget builds. While they may have limitations in terms of upgradability, they offer solid performance at an attractive price point.

Q: Can I upgrade the CPU in a workstation to improve its performance? A: Yes, upgrading the CPU in a workstation can significantly improve performance. Consider options like Xeon E3 v2 and v3 CPUs to boost your workstation's capabilities.

Q: What are some budget-friendly options for the LGA 2011 socket? A: The X79 motherboard series and CPUs like the E5 1620 and E5 2620 v3 offer budget-friendly choices for the LGA 2011 socket. These options provide decent performance for the price.

Q: Are there any affordable options for upgrading LGA 1151 workstations? A: Yes, mutant CPUs like QNCT and QQLT offer budget-friendly options for upgrading LGA 1151 workstations. These CPUs provide a noticeable boost in performance without breaking the bank.

Q: What CPUs should I consider for a budget build on the AM4 platform? A: CPUs like the Ryzen 5 3600 and Ryzen 5 5600X offer excellent performance for budget builds on the AM4 platform. These options provide a combination of gaming and multitasking capabilities.

Please note: The resources Mentioned in this article, including specific product links, can be found in the accompanying document for easy access.