Build a Powerful Budget Gaming PC with New and Used Components!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Building a Budget PC
3. Choosing the Case and Power Supply
4. Selecting the CPU and Motherboard
5. The Importance of RAM in a Budget Build
6. GPU Options for Budget PCs
7. The Role of Storage in a Budget PC
8. Performance and Gaming Tests
9. CPU Performance in Cinebench
10. Conclusion

Building a Budget PC 💻

Building a PC on a budget can be a challenging task, especially in today's market where prices for graphics cards and memory are still quite high. However, with careful planning and smart purchasing decisions, it is possible to put together a budget machine that not only takes advantage of the latest hardware but also allows room for future upgrades. In this article, we will walk you through the process of building a budget PC, discussing each component along the way and highlighting some great deals we found on the used marketplace.

Choosing the Case and Power Supply 🔌

The case is an essential component of any PC build as it houses and protects all the other components. For our budget build, we opted to find a used case on Facebook Marketplace, saving us some money. We managed to snag a great deal on a case that was never used, providing plenty of space and a bottom-mounted PSU enclosure.

Speaking of power supplies, we also decided to go the used route for this component. After some searching, we found a good deal on a Corsair PSU on Spock, although the actual unit inside the box was not the advertised wattage. It was a bit disappointing, but considering the low price and the fact that it was never used, it should still be sufficient to power the rest of the PC.

Selecting the CPU and Motherboard 💻🖥️

For the CPU, we chose the Pentium G5400 for its decent performance and affordability. This dual-core processor with four Threads may not have the highest core count, but it can handle most modern titles and leaves room for future upgrades to an i5 or i7 on the same socket.

We paired the CPU with an ASUS Prime H310M-A motherboard. This budget-friendly option provides all the necessary features and compatibility for our build. It's worth noting that the CPU and motherboard were sent to us, but we included their original brand new UK prices in our budget analysis.

The Importance of RAM in a Budget Build 🧠

RAM prices have been quite high recently, so it's crucial to make smart choices when it comes to memory in a budget build. We recommend going with a single 8GB stick of DDR4, especially on the Intel platform, as it won't affect performance as much as it would on the AMD Ryzen platform. We were able to find a great deal on Corsair LPX memory, making it a good buy considering the current inflated prices.

GPU Options for Budget PCs 🎮

When it comes to the graphics card, we opted for the 2GB GTX 1050. Although it's not the most powerful card on the market, it offers all the latest support and features, matching the performance of an older high-end GTX 680 while consuming less power and requiring no extra 6-Pin connectors. We chose the Palit version of the card, as it is one of our personal favorite brands.

The Role of Storage in a Budget PC 💾

For storage, we decided to go with a standard 500GB SATA drive that we purchased used for a low price. We made sure to format and test it to ensure it was in good working condition. It's essential to consider the reliability of used hard drives, so we recommend looking for ones with warranties, like the one we got from CEX, which offers a free two-year warranty on their products.

Performance and Gaming Tests 🎮⚙️

After gathering all the parts and assembling the PC, it was time to put it to the test. We started with popular games like Fortnite, Overwatch, and PUBG, aiming for a consistent 60fps at decent settings. The PC delivered on these expectations, providing smooth gameplay with no major frame drops or lag spikes.

We also tested CPU performance using Cinebench, where the Processor scored well in both the multi and single core tests. Additionally, we tried editing a video using Premiere Pro 2015, and the Pentium G5400 handled the task surprisingly well, making it a suitable choice for budget content creators.

Conclusion 🏁

In conclusion, while this budget build may not offer the best bang for your buck, it still provides excellent performance for most current games. Moreover, it presents a modern platform for future upgrades. If you're on a tight budget and willing to consider used components, you can achieve impressive results without breaking the bank. Be sure to check out our upcoming videos, where we'll explore even more budget options using both used and new parts. Thank you for reading, and happy gaming!

FAQ

Q: Can I use this budget build for other tasks, like video editing or content creation?

A: Yes, the Pentium G5400 processor performs well in tasks like video editing and content creation, as demonstrated in our testing using Premiere Pro 2015. While it may not match the performance of higher-end processors, it can handle these tasks adequately, making it a suitable choice for budget content creators.

Q: Is it better to buy new or used components for a budget PC?

A: It ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. Buying used components can save you money, but it comes with certain risks and uncertainties. However, if you are willing to do thorough research, check warranties, and ensure the condition of the components, you can find great deals on the used marketplace. If the guarantees and warranties offered by new hardware are important to you, opting for new components might be the safer choice.

Q: Can I upgrade the CPU in the future with this build?

A: Yes, the ASUS Prime H310M-A motherboard used in this build allows for future CPU upgrades. The LGA 1151 socket supports a range of Intel processors, including the more powerful i5 and i7 models. So, if you decide to upgrade your CPU in the future, you can easily swap it out without needing to change the motherboard.

Q: Are there any risks associated with buying a used hard drive?

A: Buying a used hard drive does come with some risks, as there is a chance of getting a faulty or failing drive. However, to minimize these risks, we recommend looking for used hard drives with warranties. Stores like CEX offer free warranties on their products, providing extra peace of mind. Additionally, be sure to thoroughly test the drive and ensure that it is in good working condition before using it in your build.