Building a Budget Gaming PC with a $1300 Budget
When you're on a budget, making wise choices can still lead to a high-performance gaming PC. With $1300, you can assemble a solid build that will provide an excellent gaming experience for years to come. Let's dive into the recommended components and step-by-step build guide.
1. Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti
The NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti is a great choice for its price point and excellent performance. Despite being in limited stock, it still represents a good value compared to other high-end GPUs that might exceed your budget. In the Netherlands, expect to pay around $500 for a decent non-founder edition.
2. Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 560 or Intel Core i7-10700K
Choosing the right processor hinges on stock availability and price. If you can find an AMD Ryzen 5 560 around $300-$350, this is an excellent option for its performance. However, should you only find the Intel Core i7-10700K, which typically costs around $350, it's a solid choice as well. This brings the total to approximately $850 for the two critical components.
3. Motherboard: Gigabyte B460M Aorus Pro
The motherboards acclimating to an Intel i7-10700K should be reliable and affordable. The Gigabyte B460M Aorus Pro is a good choice, offering 4 PCI slots and various other useful features at a reasonable price point of around $100.
4. RAM: 16GB DDR4 3000MHz
For RAM, look for 3000-3200MHz 16GB kits. You can get two 8GB sticks, such as the Origami DDR4 Aegis 8GB 3000MHz. Each kit is typically priced around $38, bringing the total to approximately $76.
5. Storage: Kingston A400 960GB SSD
A high-speed SSD is crucial for gaming. The Kingston A400 960GB SSD is an excellent option, priced at around $90. This will be your primary storage, ensuring quick loading times and performance.
6. Case: Aerocool Streak Midi Tower
For the case, a good Midi Tower is necessary to provide enough space for all components. The Aerocool Streak Midi Tower is a budget-friendly option, typically priced around $35.
7. Cooling and Airflow: A45 Liquid CPU Cooler and Small Fans
Cooling the CPU is essential, especially if you plan to overclock. The Corsair Hydro Series H45 is a great choice for liquid cooling, priced around $55. Additionally, get two small 12mm fans (like the Arctic P12) for extra airflow. Each fan typically costs around $15, so for two, you would spend around $30.
In total, this build will cost you around $1215, providing excellent performance and a solid investment for the next 3-4 years. If any part costs less than expected, you can further adjust the build to stay within the $1300 budget. This is not a perfect build, but it should provide an outstanding gaming experience at a reasonable price.