If you’re in the market for a new computer, you may have realized that the price of a high-performance machine can quickly add up. However, with a little bit of research and a few key investments, you can build a budget PC that performs just as well as a high-end machine.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Choose the right components
The most important factor in building a budget PC is choosing the right components. Here are the key components you’ll need:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-10400F or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Motherboard: ASRock B450M Pro4 or Gigabyte B450 AORUS M
- Storage: Kingston A2000 500GB NVMe SSD
- Power Supply: EVGA 600W 80+ Bronze
When choosing components, it’s important to find the balance between performance and price. The above components offer excellent performance for the cost and should last you a few years before you need to upgrade.
- Get the right tools
Before you start building your PC, make sure you have the right tools. You’ll need:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Anti-static wrist strap
- Zip ties or cable ties
These tools will help you build your PC quickly and efficiently, without damaging any components.
- Assemble your PC
Once you have all the components and tools, it’s time to start building your PC. Here are the steps:
- Install the processor
- Install the RAM
- Mount the motherboard
- Connect the power supply
- Install the graphics card
- Connect the storage
- Install the case fans
- Connect all the cables
- Install the operating system
If you’re new to building PCs, there are many online tutorials and videos that can help you with each step.
- Overclock your PC
Overclocking is the process of making your PC run faster than its standard speed. By overclocking your PC, you can get more performance without having to spend more money on upgrades.
To overclock your PC, you’ll need to install a overclocking software such as Intel Extreme Tuning Utility or AMD Ryzen Master. These programs will allow you to increase the clock speed of your processor and graphics card, which will result in better performance.
- Maintenance and upgrades
To keep your budget PC running smoothly, you’ll need to perform regular maintenance and upgrades. Here are a few things you can do:
- Keep your PC clean: Dust can build up in your PC, which can cause overheating and other problems. Make sure to clean your PC regularly with a can of compressed air.
- Monitor your temperature: Your PC’s temperature can rise quickly if there’s not enough airflow. To prevent overheating, make sure to monitor your PC’s temperature and adjust the case fans accordingly.
- Upgrade your components: As technology advances, your PC may start to feel slow. To keep your PC running smoothly, you may need to upgrade some components.
Conclusion
Building a budget PC can seem overwhelming at first, but with the right tools and components, it’s a fun and rewarding experience. By investing in the right components and performing regular maintenance and upgrades, you can build a high-performance budget PC that will last you for years to come.