Looking to build a build a budget gaming pc for just $500? It’s not always the easiest to find the best possible hardware for your gaming pc build, and in the lower budget ranges, there is no exception. $500 is for those builders who just want to build a no-frills pc and just get up and playing the games they love. In the $500 budget range, you can expect to play PC games scaled down at 1920×1080 resolutions. L
$500 Gaming PC Build – January 2019 Updates
This is the first time we have included a budget gaming pc build in the $500 range in a long time, however, there are individuals definitely interested and want to build a gaming pc at the cheapest possible cost, and it’s possible. Included in the $500 build is an Intel i3 8100 CPU, and a GTX 1050 3Gb graphics card — those purchasing this build should expect to play PC games with scaled back setting well at 1080p resolutions. Overall, this is a solid best bang for your buck $500 gaming pc build for
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The Best $500 Gaming PC Build | January 2019
Capability: Game at Smoothly with High settings and FPS at 1920X1080 resolutions in most games.
| Hardware Link | Price | Image | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated Price: | $504 (January 2019) | ||
| Processor |
|
$118.99 |  |
| Motherboard | ASRock H310M-HDV LGA1151/Intel H310/DDR4/SATA3&USB3.1/GbE/MicroATX Motherboard | $58.99 |  |
| Graphics Card | EVGA GeForce GTX 1050 SC Gaming, 3GB GDDR5, DX12 OSD Support (PXOC) Graphics Card 03G-P4-6153-KR | $139.99 |  |
| RAM | Corsair LPX 8GB DDR4 DRAM 2133MHz C13 for DDR4 Systems 8 DDR4 2133 (PC4 17000) DDR4 2133 | $62.99 |  |
| SSD | Kingston A400 SSD 120GB SATA 3 2.5” Solid State Drive SA400S37/120G – Increase Performance | $25.99 |  |
| Power Supply | Corsair CX Series, CX500, 500 Watt (500W) Power Supply, 80+ Bronze Certified | $58.49 |  |
| Computer Case | ROSEWILL ATX Mid Tower Gaming Computer Case, supports up to 400 mm long VGA Card, comes with two fans pre-installed – Front 120 mm Fan x 1, Rear 120 mm Fan x1 (TYRFING) | $39.99 |  |
Overview | Best Gaming PC Build for $500
The CPU used in the January 2019 Gaming PC Build of the Month is the Intel i3 8100. This CPU is one of the best budget
The graphics card in the $500 gaming pc build is a GTX 1050 3GB card. The GTX 1050 can provide a gamer with smooth 1080p gameplay with some reduced settings in your games — what this means is that no a $500 gaming pc won’t max all games out at standard HD resolutions, but it is 100% playable if you scale those settings back a bit, of which will garner your the best FPS possible.
The motherboard chosen is a budget board that does everything you need — it supports the CPU and brings compatibility to all of the hardware included in the $500 gaming pc build. The motherboard included is s smaller MicroATX ASRock H310M-HDV motherboard, which has the following specifications (learn more at AsRock.com):
- Supports 8th Generation Intel®Core™ Processors (Socket 1151)
- Supports DDR4 2666
- 1 PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 PCIe 2.0 x1
- Graphics Output Options: DVI-D, D-Sub, HDMI
- 7.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC887 Audio Codec), ELNA Audio Caps
- 4 SATA3
- 4 USB 3.1 Gen1 (2 Front, 2 Rear)
- Supports Full Spike Protection, ASRock Live Update & APP Shop
The RAM included is all you’ll need for this build, which is 8GB of DDR4 RAM with a Corsair LPX 8GB kit.
For storage, this build includes a modest 120GB using a Kingston A400 120GB SSD. The positive is that this is a very affordable SSD however, you may run out of space faster than you think — so you could consider upgrading to the 240GB or higher versions instead, or simply add in another later on when you run out of space.
The included power supply unit in this pc build is the reputable and affordable Corsair CX Series, CX500, with enough juice to power this build and for a good cost.
The $500 gaming pc build is a perfect starter PC for those who just want to get a cheap gaming PC and to just get up and playing their favorite PC games. The beauty of building your own PC, is that you can always swap hardware in the future to upgrade, or get specific hardware that matches your style and tastes. If you are interested in learning more about what other budgets can get you, then check out the other builds here at Newb Computer Build or simply leave a comment below if you have any questions.
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Take a look at all of the Best Gaming PC Builds for 2019
Comments 5
Hi Corey,
Thank you for responding to my previous post; really good advice.
I had another question for you.
The motherboard that is listed on your $1,500 build (GIGABYTE X470 AORUS ULTRA GAMING (AMD Ryzen AM4/ X470/ USB 3.1 Gen 2 Front Type C/ ATX/ DDR4/ Motherboard) does not get the best reviews on amazon. 25% of the reviews are only 1 star. Could you recommend another MOBO? I get a little skeptical when there are so many negative reviews on any product. Any additional suggestions would be most appreicated.
Thank you and best regards,
Tom
Author
Hi Tom,
The Gigabyte X470 Aorus isn’t a bad board, but I do agree the amazon reviews can be off putting. A better board for not much more could be the MSI X470 GAMING PRO CARBON or if you want to spend a little less you could go with the MSI X470 GAMING PLUS — both would do the trick.
Thank you very much Corey, very cool!! Yes if I am going to build a $1000 + computer, an extra 50 to $100 for a good board is no big deal. Better to have quality now than problems later on.
Have a good evening/week!
:))
Author
Hi Tom,
For video editing specifically in the $1000 range, I’d probably suggest squeezing a Ryzen 7 2700X in there and pair it with the best gpu that you can fit within that budget, perhaps somewhere between a GTX 1050 Ti or a GTX 1060 up to a GTX 1070. And then over time try to maximize your RAM up to 32GB. To give you an idea I would check out our $1500 gaming build here and get a cheaper GPU, and perhaps a cheaper case and motherboard to help minimize costs: https://newbcomputerbuild.com/gaming-pc-builds-of-the-month/1500-gaming-pc-build-best-of-january-2019/
Hi Corey, what would you suggest for a good $1000 video editing pc. I would like to utilize potentially 3 monitors as well. Any suggestions on the video card and other general good components?
Thanks,
Tom