Is 400 Enough for a Decent Gaming PC in 2023?

As of August 2023, a budget of 400 is quite limited when it comes to building or buying a gaming PC. However, it is possible to construct or purchase a system capable of handling some gaming, particularly with older or less demanding games. In this article, we explore the options and considerations for building or purchasing a gaming PC within this budget.

1. Pre-built Systems: Entry-Level Options

Some manufacturers offer pre-built systems around this price point. Refurbished or used options tend to provide better specifications for the same budget. Integrated graphics like AMD's Ryzen APUs or Intel's Core i3/i5 with Iris Xe are commonly used. These can handle light gaming but will struggle with more demanding titles.

2. Building Your Own PC: Budget Components

If you are open to building your own PC, you can find budget components that will help you achieve a gaming system. Here's a rough breakdown of what you might get for around 400:

CPU

Look for budget CPUs such as AMD Ryzen 3 or Intel Core i3. These processors are affordable and suitable for basic gaming.

Motherboard

A compatible low-cost motherboard is essential. The B350 motherboard is a good choice for budget builds.

RAM

8GB of DDR4 RAM is a good starting point. This should be sufficient for basic gaming, though extra RAM can always be added later.

Storage

Consider a 240GB SSD for faster load times or a larger HDD for more storage. NVMe SSDs may be a better option if space is a concern.

Graphics Card

This is where the budget gets tight. For gaming, you might need to look for older models like the GTX 1650 or AMD RX 570, which can sometimes be found used within your budget.

3. Considerations

Performance Expectations

With a 400 budget, you should expect to play older or indie titles at lower settings. AAA games may not run well, especially at higher settings. However, you can still enjoy some titles at medium to low settings.

Future Upgrades

If you build your own PC, consider components that allow for future upgrades. Starting with a good motherboard and power supply can help you handle future hardware changes. For example, a B550 motherboard supports PCIe 4.0, which offers better future-proofing.

Sales and Discounts

Keep an eye on sales or clearance events, which might allow you to stretch your budget further. Some popular online stores regularly offer discounts on PC components.

Conclusion

While 400 is a very tight budget for a decent gaming PC, it is possible to put together a functional system for light gaming. However, by today's standards, a gaming PC that cannot handle 1080p at high settings on some common titles, especially those a year old or newer, is not considered decent. A 1050Ti is often seen as too weak, as it won't hold up well for the next 2 to 3 years.

To get a more powerful system, you might want to increase your budget by a few dozen dollars. This additional cost would allow you to get components like a 1080Ti or RTX 3060, which would provide better performance and longevity. However, for those on a strict budget, a pre-built system with better specs might be a better option.