![How to Build a Budget Gaming PC Under $500: Complete Guide [2024]](http://savingsgrove.com/cdn/shop/articles/cheap-gaming-pc-build.jpg?v=1731207897&width=1100)
Building a budget gaming PC doesn't mean you have to sacrifice performance. This guide will show you how to build a capable gaming rig for under $500 that can handle popular titles like Fortnite, Minecraft, and League of Legends at 1080p resolution.
How to Build a Budget Gaming PC Under $500: Complete Guide [2024]
Whether you're a student on a tight budget or just getting into PC gaming, these component recommendations will help you create a solid foundation that can be upgraded later.
Essential Components for Your Budget Gaming Build
1. CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 4100
At around $79, the Ryzen 3 4100 offers excellent value for budget gaming. This 4-core, 8-thread processor can handle most modern games while providing smooth multitasking performance. It comes with a stock cooler, helping keep costs down. For the best deals, check prices on PCPartPicker.
2. Motherboard: ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0
This micro-ATX motherboard costs approximately $69 and provides all the essential features needed for a budget gaming build. It supports AMD AM4 processors and has one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot for your graphics card.
3. Graphics Card: AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT
At around $169, the RX 6500 XT delivers solid 1080p gaming performance. It can handle most modern games at medium to high settings while staying within our budget constraints. Check current prices on Newegg.
4. RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200
Team Group T-FORCE VULCAN Z or similar RAM kits can be found for about $40. 16GB is the sweet spot for gaming in 2024, and the 3200MHz speed works well with Ryzen processors.
5. Storage: 500GB NVMe SSD
A 500GB NVMe SSD like the WD Blue SN570 costs around $45 and provides fast boot times and quick game loading. You can always add more storage later as your library grows.
6. Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze
At approximately $45, this PSU provides reliable power delivery with room for future upgrades. The 80+ Bronze certification ensures decent efficiency.
7. Case: Thermaltake Versa H18
This $45 micro-ATX case offers good airflow and cable management options while maintaining a clean aesthetic. For more case options, check out our guide on flipping PC components for profit.
Money-Saving Tips for PC Building
- Watch for sales on Micro Center and other retailers
- Consider buying some components used (especially the GPU)
- Check our guide on getting free gift cards to help offset costs
- Look for combo deals on motherboard + CPU packages
Final Words
This $500 gaming PC build offers a great entry point into PC gaming while leaving room for future upgrades. While it won't run every game at maximum settings, it provides a solid 1080p gaming experience for popular titles. Consider checking our guide on saving money on entertainment for more tips on budget gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Budget Gaming PC Builds
Can a $500 gaming PC run modern games?
Yes, a $500 gaming PC can run modern games at 1080p resolution with medium to high settings. While you might need to lower some settings in demanding titles, popular games like Fortnite, Minecraft, CS:GO, and League of Legends will run smoothly at 60+ FPS.
Is it cheaper to build or buy a gaming PC?
Building a gaming PC is typically cheaper than buying a pre-built system, saving you 15-30% on average. Building also allows you to choose exactly which components you want and provides valuable experience for future upgrades and maintenance.
What should I upgrade first in a budget gaming PC?
The graphics card is typically the first component to upgrade in a budget gaming PC, as it has the most direct impact on gaming performance. After that, adding more RAM or upgrading to a faster CPU can provide additional performance improvements.
