Building a Budget Gaming PC: Cyberpunk on a Shoestring Budget 2024

PARTS LIST:

• MOTHERBOARD - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dl33HTn
• CPU - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DCzhN69
• CPU FAN - https://amzn.to/49OE6Hp
• MEMORY - https://amzn.to/3SXO5Dd
• SSD - https://amzn.to/49Pn1x4
• POWER SUPPLY - https://amzn.to/3Tev0Ov
• CASE - https://amzn.to/3TfeNZD
• GPU - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DD4TWtX
• CASE FANS - https://amzn.to/3TgTcjA
• FAN SPILTER - https://amzn.to/3V2th0l

In the ever-evolving world of gaming, the misconception that PC gaming requires deep pockets persists. However, our journey today challenges that notion as we delve into the creation of a gaming setup that won't break the bank. We've constructed a budget-friendly gaming PC capable of handling demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077. Before we embark on this adventure, I have an exciting announcement—merchandise! But let's not get ahead of ourselves; we'll get to that later. Now, let's dive into the heart of the matter—the build.

The Motherboard Build

Our foundation is a B450M motherboard, a wise $48 investment from AliExpress. While the temptation to opt for a lesser-known A320 board exists, it's essential to consider the limitations they bring. Lack of BIOS support, memory overclocking, CPU voltage tweaking, and limited CPU and cooler support make them less desirable. Pairing our motherboard with the Ryzen 5 3500X, a budget-friendly six-core CPU at under $60 from AliExpress, lays the groundwork for a powerful yet economical gaming system.

Cooling and Memory

To cool our CPU, a $9 Wraith Stealth from Amazon does the job efficiently. For memory, we've chosen 16GB of DDR4 RAM for $32, running at 3200 MHz with a CAS latency of 16. This RAM is more than adequate for 95% of users, but for a little extra, one can opt for 3600 MHz CL18 memory. Completing the motherboard ensemble is a 512GB NVMe SSD for $30, ensuring fast load times and ample storage space.

Power Supply and Case

Powering our system is the Thermaltake Smart 500W power supply, a reliable $40 choice from Amazon. Encasing our components is the Thermaltake Versa H18—a user-friendly case offering good airflow, cable management, and a power supply basement. Its $1 case fans and $7 fan splitter provide additional cooling control via the BIOS.

GPU and Final Touches

The heart of our gaming experience lies in the RX 580 8GB GPU, a trusty $60 investment from AliExpress. Despite AMD shifting the 580 to Legacy drivers, its mature drivers and unbeatable price make it an excellent choice for budget gamers. Now, armed with a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, we power on our system, entering the BIOS and enabling XMP for optimal performance.

Gaming and Temperatures

Both the Ryzen 5 3500X and the 1500X handle CPU-intensive games like Cyberpunk 2077, New World, and Hogwarts Legacy with ease. Temperatures remain impressive, with CPUs reaching 70°C and the RX 580 at 73°C after an hour-long gaming session. The system offers solid performance on medium settings at 1080p, providing room for further upgrades in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, building an affordable gaming PC need not compromise performance. Our $300 gaming rig showcases the potential for budget-friendly gaming without sacrificing quality. With gaming temperatures in check and the promise of future upgrades, this budget-friendly build is a great choice for both new and seasoned gamers. Thank you for joining us on this adventure, and happy gaming in the new year!