Can a PC be simultaneously new, cheap, and gaming?

The goal of creating a powerful and affordable PC for gaming has always been a lofty aspiration. Advancements in technology have seen both AMD and Intel chip in, offering budget options that deliver impressive performance. In this article, we explore whether it's possible to build a new, budget-friendly PC that can handle modern games at medium to high settings.

Understanding the Landscape

When considering a budget-friendly gaming PC, it's crucial to understand what components are available and how they can work together to create a cost-effective yet powerful setup. Factors like CPU, GPU, motherboard, RAM, storage, and power supply all play a significant role. Let's break down the scenarios and potential builds.

Building a Budget-friendly Gaming Rig

Here are the components that can be included in a build that fits a reasonable budget while still providing decent performance:

Build Guide:

AMD Ryzen 5 Processor: The Ryzen 5 series offers a good balance between performance and cost. It provides the power needed for medium-to-high settings in modern games. Radeon RX N card: A next-generation card can handle most games with fluid performance. B450 Motherboard: This offers support for Ryzen 3000 and can handle RAM and storage without breaking the bank. 16GB DDR4 3200 RAM: For stability and performance, 16GB is a reliable amount of RAM. 2TB HDD 500GB NVMe SSD: A combination of these storage options gives you ample space for games, OS, and files. 500W PSU: A decent power supply by a well-known brand is essential for stability. Case: A good quality case that provides adequate airflow. 1650 Super GPU: For gaming at medium-to-high settings, the 1650 Super is a solid choice.

The total cost of this build can be around $600, and this will allow you to play esports titles at 1080p with medium settings at over 144fps, while still handling 60fps at 1080p high/ultra settings for other games.

Market Trends and Competitiveness

The market dynamics have significantly impacted prices, especially in the wake of competition between AMD and Intel. When AMD entered the market with their Ryzen processors, it sparked a price war, leading to a significant reduction in costs for consumers. This competitive pricing not only benefits consumers but also ensures that the latest technologies are more accessible.

Key Points:

Previously, Intel dominated the processor market, but AMD's entry forced price reductions. AMD's focus on affordability has made their products more accessible to a wider audience. New updates to AMD processors, such as the Ryzen 7 2700 compared to the 3rd generation, still provide solid gaming performance despite being more current. While AMD may not be as cheap as it once was, the competition ensures that prices remain manageable.

Considerations for High-end Gaming

While budget-friendly builds are feasible, it's important to note that top-tier gaming requires more expensive components. The following considerations are critical in achieving a high-performance setup:

High-end CPU: An i5 or i7 is a minimum requirement, with better performance from AMD equivalents. Expensive GPU: A mid-level GPU is necessary, and a decent power supply is essential. High-frame-rate Monitor: Higher refresh rates come at a premium. Gaming Motherboard: One should have 4-5 PCIe slots and wide, direct channels to the CPU. Additional RAM: At least 16GB is advisable. Cooling: Adequate cooling is essential to avoid thermal throttling.

While older games can be played on less powerful components, the newest games require more robust configurations to ensure smooth performance.

Alternative Options: Gaming Laptops

For those who prefer portability, gaming laptops offer a viable alternative. A well-configured gaming laptop can cost around $650 and offer similar performance to a desktop build. However, gaming laptops are specifically designed for portability and can be more exclusive.

Some newer AMD laptops are especially notable, as they are built to deliver top-notch performance for gamers on the go. A decent gaming laptop with an AMD processor can be a great investment in both performance and portability.

Conclusion

In summary, building a new, cheap, and gaming PC is entirely possible, but it requires careful consideration of the components and their respective costs. By leveraging affordable options from AMD and Intel, you can create a cost-effective gaming rig that can handle modern games.