It’s no secret that being a gamer and building a gaming pc on a budget can be two very different things, especially when it comes to the hardware needed to run the latest games. For example, like the Asus CUK ROG Zephyrus Duo Gaming Laptop, Alienware Area-51m, and Acer Predator Triton 700 show that these high-end computers can cost big bucks. Check out the list CNet’s collection of best gaming laptops
One way to get quality gaming equipment like this on a budget is to simply build your own PC.
Of course, while building your own PC is cheaper, you’ll still be spending a lot. Fortunately, there are ways for you to trim the build price until it’s at a level that you’re comfortable paying for.
Here’s what you need to remember when building a gaming PC on a budget.
Check all your options
Even the cheapest gaming components can be expensive, especially when you’re choosing key parts that will power up your PC, like its CPU, GPU, and RAM. In fact, budget choices (which are usually low/mid-ranged components) like the AMD Ryzen 3 2200 CPU and Radeon RX 570 GPU can still cost you a good $300 each.
Fortunately, you can get discounted esports quality gear by looking into second-hand options. Adorama’s list of computer accessories includes used RAM, fans, and power supplies that are more affordable options.
For example, they’re offering an ASUS ROG STRIX GeForce RTX 2060 GPU—one of the best mid/high-ranged GPUs on the market—for a little under $370.
Moreover, if you have a PC or gaming laptop that’s no longer in use, you can tear it down and salvage some of its parts.
You don’t need an IPS monitor
There are two common monitor types on the market: TN and IPS. Between the two, IPS monitors have a more accurate colour display. This also means that they’re twice as expensive as their TN counterparts.
But unless you’re really looking for it, it’s difficult to spot the display differences between a TN and IPS monitor.
Besides, TN monitors tend to be with better refresh rates and response times. The Asus VP228HE, one of the most recommended budget monitors on the market, is available for under $100. VP228HE is already equipped with the company’s flicker-free tech and built with a 1ms response time, granting gamers the best experience possible.
Cosmetics should be a low priority
We get it; you want your cooling fans to flash purple and your keyboard to look like Corsair’s handsome platinum design. However, the sleeker the equipment looks, the more expensive they are.
For instance, that Corsair K95 that you’ve been eying comes in at around $200. You can get similar specs in STOGA’s or HyperX’s lines for a little under $70. They’re made out of plastic and don’t have wrist pads, but they get the job done with their clicky switches and media keys.
Remember this rule whenever you’re choosing a PC body and other components with “nicer-looking” alternatives. You can always upgrade those when you have the extra coin.
Conclusion
Building a great gaming PC doesn’t have to be expensive. As long as you’re smart about your purchases, you can have a perfectly good gaming pc on a budget and even a really powerful one at $1,000.