Gaming computers are sophisticated computers that typically cost up to $5000. The equipment gamers use makes the difference between fast response times and dying during gameplay, which is why gamers invest in superior gaming equipment such as excellent graphics cards and the best processors to ensure they have an optimal gaming experience.
You can build a solid gaming computer without a massive budget. Use these tips to determine which components you should invest in and where you can economize to build the best gaming PC with your available funds.
Gaming Monitors
Gaming monitors let you see your game. Gamers prioritize screen size, excellent response times, and good resolution for their monitors. Some gamers prefer a flat-screen monitor, while others want a monitor with a curved screen. Hz refers to hertz, which is how many times the monitor updates its display per second. Monitors with faster refresh rates show new images faster than monitors with lower refresh rates. Today, many gamers opt for monitors with 144Hz or 240Hz, but some of the best gaming monitors on the market include monitors with 60Hz.
A monitor’s resolution affects the image quality. While some gamers prefer monitors with 4K resolution, they need powerful processors to handle the demand. Gamers can opt for a monitor with 1080p and enjoy strong picture quality.
The best budget gaming monitor is the Acer Nitro XV340CK. Priced below $600, the Acer Nitro is one of the most affordable monitors gamers can buy. This 34-inch monitor has a large screen, promoting an immersive gaming experience. It exceeds the minimum image quality requirements with a display of 3440 pixels by 1440 pixels. It’s also FreeSync compatible, ensuring a smooth visual display. The Acer Nitro monitor has a 1MS response time, meaning it takes one millisecond for the monitor to change colors. 1MS is the minimum response time gamers prefer to ensure optimal response times during gameplay.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Your computer’s CPU, or processor, is like its brain. It determines what commands need to be issued to the different components in your computer. A slow processor will reduce your response times during gameplay. Multi-core processors are faster than single-core processors. They perform more calculations per second than single-core processors, which is why many gaming enthusiasts often opt to invest in processors with multiple cores. You may not need ten cores to achieve superb results. Take time to explore your options before you buy your processor and consider purchasing a used CPU in your price range.
Motherboard
Your motherboard connects the processor to the hardware in your computer. Once the processor is ready to issue commands, the motherboard carries those instructions to the appropriate components. Your motherboard must be compatible with your processor, which is why you may want to consider shopping through PCPartPicker. PC PartPicker has building guides to help you assemble your gaming computer, and it alerts you if you’re looking at components that aren’t compatible.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
Your GPU, or graphics card, produces the visual display on your monitor during gameplay. Graphics cards with a high frame per second (FPS) refresh rate are best for gaming enthusiasts because they ensure players see visual changes in the game immediately. While a powerful GPU is essential, you can build your gaming computer within a lower price range and add another graphics card later to improve the refresh rate.
Keyboard
Your keyboard lets you input data and issue commands. Players can choose between full-size keyboards, tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards, and 60 percent keyboards. Tenkeyless keyboards don’t have a number pad on the side of the keyboard, while 60 percent keyboards omit the number pad, function keys, and arrow keys. While some players opt to invest up to $399 on gaming keyboards, it’s possible to buy a solid gaming keyboard for $50. You won’t enjoy the heightened response times mechanical keyboards offer, but you’ll have an RGB backlit keyboard with quiet switches that’s water and dust-resistant.
Assembly
Refer to instruction guides, articles, and videos compiled by assembly experts for guidance when you’re putting your gaming computer together. It’s possible to save money on your PC by reusing old parts, such as a tower, or buy a used tower from another player who’s upgrading their system. Learning how to assemble your PC yourself enables you to start with the basics and expand your system or replace parts later.
Building a gaming computer on a budget involves choosing which computer components to invest in and where you can save money. Purchasing used parts, reusing computer parts you already own and shopping for budget components are effective ways to save money when you’re building your own gaming PC.
