The Ultimate Budget Gaming PC: Build It and Game Like a Pro!

The Ultimate Budget Gaming PC: Build It and Game Like a Pro!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Building a Gaming PC on a Budget
3. Selecting the Right CPU: Ryzen 5 7500F
4. Saving Money on Windows Activation with GVG Maul
5. Choosing the Motherboard: Gigabyte B650 MD3 HP
6. Going for DDR5: Team Group Vulcan RAM
7. Futureproofing with Gen 4 SSD: Adata XPG P41 Plus
8. Graphics Card Options: RX 6600 vs RX 7600
9. Power Supply Recommendations: SEOT Tab GN 650W
10. The Perfect Budget PC Case: DIY PC Q3 V2
11. Putting It All Together
12. Performance testing and Results
13. Conclusion

🖥️ Building a Gaming PC on a Budget

Building a gaming PC doesn't have to break the bank. In this article, we will show you how to get into the AM5 platform for as cheap as possible, with a budget of only $700. We'll be using the Ryzen 5 7500F CPU, a cost-effective option that offers impressive performance. But first, let's explore the different components we'll be using and why they are perfect for a budget-friendly build.

💻 Selecting the Right CPU: Ryzen 5 7500F

The heart of any gaming PC is the CPU, and the Ryzen 5 7500F is an excellent choice for budget-conscious builders. This 6-core, 12-thread processor offers exceptional performance at a fraction of the cost of its more popular counterparts. With no integrated graphics, it's perfect for gamers who plan to use a dedicated graphics card. While it doesn't come with a stock cooler, we recommend the SC 214 XT ARGB as an affordable and efficient cooling solution.

💰 Saving Money on Windows Activation with GVG Maul

Windows activation can often add significant costs to a PC build. However, with our sponsor, GVG Maul, you can save money on your Windows activation. GVG Maul is an online marketplace that offers Game keys and Windows licenses at affordable prices. By using the code "tb20" at checkout, you can enjoy a generous discount. Simply purchase a key from GVG Maul, copy and paste it into Windows, and voila! You have an activated version of Windows without breaking the bank.

🏢 Choosing the Motherboard: Gigabyte B650 MD3 HP

The motherboard is a crucial component that determines the upgrade potential of your PC. Despite being part of Gigabyte's budget line, the B650 MD3 HP offers impressive features for the price. It provides two 4-Pin CPU power connectors, four RAM slots, and ample PCIe and M.2 slots. This motherboard ensures that your system is futureproof, allowing you to easily upgrade your CPU and GPU in the coming years.

🖥️ Going for DDR5: Team Group Vulcan RAM

With the advent of the AM5 platform comes the opportunity to upgrade to DDR5 RAM. In our build, we've selected Team Group Vulcan DDR5 RAM, which boasts a whopping 32GB capacity and a frequency of 5600MHz. While it may not have RGB lighting, it fits perfectly into our budget and complements the sleek aesthetic of the build.

💾 Futureproofing with Gen 4 SSD: Adata XPG P41 Plus

To ensure that our build is futureproof, we've chosen the Adata XPG P41 Plus as our SSD. This Gen 4 SSD offers blazing-fast speeds and ample storage with its 1TB capacity. By investing in a Gen 4 SSD, you're setting yourself up for improved performance in the future, with the option to upgrade your GPU or other components without bottlenecking your system.

🎮 Graphics Card Options: RX 6600 vs RX 7600

When it comes to selecting a graphics card, we have two options that fit within our budget: the RX 6600 and the RX 7600. The RX 6600 can be found in the used market for around $150 to $160, while the RX 7600 offers a more powerful option at a slightly higher price. Both cards provide excellent performance for 1080p gaming, and the upgradeability of the AM5 platform ensures that you can easily swap out the GPU in the future.

⚡ Power Supply Recommendations: SEOT Tab GN 650W

A reliable and efficient power supply is essential for any gaming PC. We recommend the SEOT Tab GN 650W, which provides more than enough power for our build and leaves room for future upgrades. If you plan on upgrading to a high-end Nvidia GPU, consider the 750W version for compatibility. SEOT Tab power supplies are known for their reliability and are a popular choice in the PC-building community.

🏢 The Perfect Budget PC Case: DIY PC Q3 V2

The DIY PC Q3 V2 case offers incredible value for its price. With pre-installed RGB fans and a sleek design, it provides the aesthetics that many builders desire in a higher-end case. Despite its affordability, it offers ample space for cable management and component installation. Our choice of the black variant with tempered Glass gives the build a sophisticated look. If you prefer a different color, the case is also available in white.

🛠️ Putting It All Together

Now that we've discussed all the components, it's time to put everything together. Start by installing the Ryzen 5 7500F CPU and the SC 214 XT ARGB cooler onto the Gigabyte B650 MD3 HP motherboard. Install the RAM, ensuring it is properly seated in the slots. Connect the Adata XPG P41 Plus SSD and any other storage devices you may have. Insert the chosen graphics card into the designated PCIe slot.

Next, connect all the necessary cables, including the power supply cables, SATA cables, and front panel connectors. Take your time to ensure everything is properly connected and organized. Once everything is in place, close the DIY PC Q3 V2 case with the tempered glass side panel to showcase your build.

🔥 Performance Testing and Results

With the build complete, it's time to put it to the test. We ran various benchmarks and played demanding games to gauge its performance. The Ryzen 5 7500F, paired with the RX 6600 or RX 7600, proved to be a powerful combination for 1080p gaming. High refresh rates and smooth gameplay were achieved, surpassing our expectations for a budget build.

In terms of benchmarks, the build scored an impressive 8,333 in 3DMark Timespy, translating to a cost per point ratio of 8 cents. This ratio indicates excellent value for the money spent. However, the true value lies in the AM5 platform's future upgrade potential, allowing gamers to easily swap out components for years to come.

💡 Conclusion

Building a gaming PC on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing performance or futureproofing. With careful component selection, you can create a system that meets your gaming needs without breaking the bank. The Ryzen 5 7500F, coupled with the RX 6600 or RX 7600, provides a solid foundation for gaming at 1080p and will allow for easy upgrades in the future. So, what are you waiting for? Start building your budget-friendly gaming PC today!

FAQ:

Q: Can I use the Ryzen 5 7500F for tasks other than gaming? A: Yes, the Ryzen 5 7500F offers excellent performance for tasks such as content creation, video editing, and productivity. Its high core count and thread count make it a versatile CPU for various applications.

Q: Can I upgrade the graphics card in the future? A: Absolutely! The AM5 platform provides easy upgrade options, allowing you to swap out the graphics card for a more powerful one as your needs evolve.

Q: Does the DIY PC Q3 V2 case come with any additional fans or RGB lighting? A: Yes, the DIY PC Q3 V2 case comes with pre-installed RGB fans, ensuring proper airflow and adding a touch of aesthetic appeal to your build.

Q: Is the Adata XPG P41 Plus SSD compatible with older motherboards? A: No, the Adata XPG P41 Plus SSD requires a motherboard with a Gen 4 PCIe slot. If your motherboard does not support Gen 4, you may need to consider a different SSD.

Q: Can I use the Windows license purchased from GVG Maul on multiple PCs? A: No, the Windows license purchased from GVG Maul is valid for a single PC only. You will need a separate license for each system.

Resources:

• GVG Maul (Windows activation and game keys)