Welcome to Newb Computer Build’s February 2024 edition of Gaming PC Builds of the Month!
Navigate:
- Best $1500 Gaming PC Build of the Month
- Best $1000 Gaming PC Build of the Month
- Best $800 Gaming PC Build of the Month
- Best $500 Gaming PC Build of the Month
February 2024 marks an exciting month in the realm of gaming PC builds. Key highlights include the release of Nvidia’s RTX 40-series Super, offering enhanced performance and value. AMD’s RX 7600 XT has also made its debut, boasting 16GB of VRAM, potentially outperforming its Nvidia counterparts in its price range. Further, AMD’s Ryzen 8000G series caters to budget gamers, blending powerful CPU cores with capable Radeon 780M graphics, ensuring robust performance in demanding games. These advancements promise to reshape gaming experiences across various budgets and preferences, however, some are not on the market yet, such as the Ryzen 5 8500G, which could be an addition to our $500-$800 budget builds, but perhaps will be included in the coming months — so let’s see what this month has in store below.
With the PC market expected to rebound further in 2024, this year presents an exciting time for PC builders. The upcoming refresh cycle will likely drive demand for new builds. The overall PC market is projected to grow compared to last, so 2024 is shaping up to be an ideal year for getting the most out of every dollar spent on PC gaming hardware. So check out the best gaming PC builds of the month for February 2024 for every budget from $500 to $1500 and above that will play any PC game on the market.
Questions? Feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll help you out.
February’s biggest updates: Not a whole lot to yell home about if you’re checking in from last month, but the builds hold strong in terms of performance per dollar spent on gaming hardware and there have been some adjustments to like for like hardware to accommodate for this as well.
If you are new here — PC gaming has been growing quite a lot over the last few years and 2024 is expected to continue the same trend. Costs have been holding strong overall, and I’d say the biggest update for this month is being able to take advantage of post-holiday deals and the fact that prices should slowly decline overall as demand for PC hardware declines after the gift-giving season.
So let’s get started and jump right into this month’s updates below.
Make It Yours: Remember, every gaming PC can be unique, so feel free to swap components, like cases, if you have a particular style in mind. And if you have questions about compatibility, just drop a comment.
Maximizing Performance per Dollar: I compile each of these builds for you, to assure you that every cent you spend goes towards maximizing your PC and gaming performance. These are the best bang for your buck options for various budgets, so you can enjoy gaming at 1080p, 1440p, and even 4K, depending on your goals.
Choosing Your Build Based on Your Needs: Not sure which build suits you best? Here’s a quick rundown:
- $1500 PC Build: For gaming at 2K resolutions into 4K
- $1000 PC Build: For gaming MAX settings at 2K resolutions
- $800 PC Build: For gaming at MAX settings 1080p resolutions into 2K
- $500 PC Build: For being able to game in any game at 1080p.
Bookmark our Best Gaming PC Builds Page to Keep up to Date With the Monthly Gaming PC Builds, or subscribe here.
The Best $1500 Gaming PC Build of the Month
Performance: Crush games at 1080p, 1440p, and even 4K with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and an RTX 4070 Graphics Card.
*This Gaming PC Build is powered by the Ryzen 7 7800X3D and an RTX 4070 Graphics Card
1. CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 8-Core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D's exceptional gaming performance is attributed to its fast processing capabilities, advanced Zen 4 architecture, and innovative 3D V-Cache technology. These features contribute to its recognition as one of the best gaming CPUs on the market, outperforming many of its competitors, including those from AMD's lineup and Intel's flagship processors.
Replacing the previous chip in this build, the Ryzen 7600X -- the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is THE BEST GAMING CPU you can buy, and with great power efficiency, it doesn't even require extreme cooling solutions, for an overall gaming beast that stays cool and quiet.
- The processor provides dependable and fast execution of tasks with maximum efficiency. Graphics Frequency: 2200 MHZ.Number of CPU Cores : 8. Maximum Operating Temperature (Tjmax) : 89°C.
- Ryzen 7 product line processor for better usability and increased efficiency
- 5 nm process technology for reliable performance with maximum productivity
- Octa-core (8 Core) processor core allows multitasking with great reliability and fast processing speed
- 8 MB L2 + 96 MB L3 cache memory provides an excellent hit rate in short access time enabling improved system performance
- Processor with 4.20 GHz clock speed for reliable and fast execution of instructions to ensure maximum convenience and feasibility
- Comes with AMD Radeon Graphics controller for amazing graphics output
Amazon Price: $386.56
2. Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S Redux
- Streamlined, more affordable redux line version of the award-winning NH-U12S heatsink
- Slim 120mm size for excellent case, RAM, and PCIe compatibility: fits most tower cases (158mm height), doesn’t overhang the RAM slots, doesn’t block the PCIe on most ATX and Micro-ATX motherboards
- Quiet NF-P12 redux-1700 120mm fan with PWM for automatic speed control: full cooling performance under load, near silent at idle!
- Pre-applied high-quality NT-H1 thermal paste & SecuFirm2 mounting system for easy installation on Intel LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA2011, LGA2066 and AMD AM4 & AM5
Amazon Price: $54.95
3. Motherboard: MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi Gaming Motherboard
- Supports AMD Ryzen 7000 Series Desktop Processors
- Supports DDR5 Memory, Dual Channel DDR5 6000+MHz (OC)
- Enhanced Power Design: 12+2+1 Duet Rail Power System, dual 8-pin CPU power connectors, Core Boost, Memory Boost
- Premium Thermal Solution: Extended Heatsink, MOSFET thermal pads rated for 7W/mK, additional choke thermal pads, and M.2 Shield Frozr are built for a high-performance system and non-stop work
- Lightning Fast Game experience: PCIe 4.0 slots, Lightning Gen 4 x4 M.2 with M.2 Shield Frozr, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20G
Amazon Price: $164.99
4. Graphics Card: GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G Graphics Card
The RTX 4070's strengths in 1440p gaming performance, its advanced ray tracing capabilities backed by DLSS 3, the efficiency of the Ada Lovelace architecture, and its ability to handle 4K gaming make it a compelling choice for gamers. Its power efficiency and relatively modest price further enhance its appeal as a solid choice for a wide range of gaming needs.
- Powered by NVIDIA DLSS 3, ultra-efficient Ada Lovelace architecture, and full ray tracing
- 4th Generation Tensor Cores: Up to 4x performance with DLSS 3
- 3rd Generation RT Cores: Up to 2x ray tracing performance
- Powered by GeForce RTX 4070
- Integrated with 12GB GDDR6X 192-bit memory interface
- WINDFORCE Cooling System, RGB Fusion, Dual BIOS, Protection metal back plate, Anti-Sag Bracket
Is the RTX 4070 not up to your speed? Check out the alternative graphics card suggestion for the best $1500 PC build on the hardware alternatives page.
Cost (Amazon): $549.99
5. RAM: Crucial Pro RAM 32GB Kit (2x16GB) DDR5 5600MT/s
- Plug-and-play extreme performance. Downclock capable for systems that only support 5200MT/s or 4800MT/s
- Universal compatibility. Compatible with 12th–13th Gen Intel Core or AMD Ryzen 7000 Series desktop CPUs
- Supports both Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO on the same module to recover memory speed if the CPU suppresses it in 4 DIMM configurations
- Game at higher frame rates, multitask better, enhance productivity, save time and money
- ECC type = non-ECC, form factor = UDIMM, pin count = 288-pin, PC speed = PC5-44800, voltage = 1.1V, rank and configuration = 1Rx8
Amazon Price: $107.99
6. SSD: Crucial P3 Plus 1TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe
- NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology with up to 5000MB/s sequential reads, random read/write 650K/800K IOPS
- Spacious storage up to 4TB
- Performs up to 43% faster than the fastest Gen3 NVMe SSDs
- Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity and reliability
- Backward compatibility with Gen3
Amazon Price: $57.99
7. Power Supply: Cooler Master MWE Gold 850 V2 Full Modular, 850W, 80+ Gold Efficiency
- 2 EPS Connectors : 2 EPS connectors included with all models for universal current generation motherboard compatibility.
- High Temperature Resilience: The new gen offers an increase in operating temperature to its predecessor to a maximum of 50 degrees Celsius.
- FullY Modular: Modular flat black cables reduce clutter, increase airflow, and improve overall efficiency and thermal performance.
- Hydro Dynamic Fan: The 120mm HDB fan creates less friction, for a smoothly and low RPM operations, while keeping the noise level down.
Amazon Price: $95.99
8. PC Case: Zalman Z7 NEO ATX Mid-Tower Gaming PC Case
- RGB LED Controller (RGB LED Lighting SYNC Ready): SYNC with the RGB LED control software provided by the Zalman allowing various RGB Modes and Colors (6 Pin / 8 ports) with RGB LED Control Button
- 4x Pre-insalled 120mm RGB LED Ring Fans provide various lighting effects (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, Violet, Sky Bule, Light Blue) with Action Mode
- Tempered Glass front and side panels for beautiful aesthetic view of the inside components
- High-End System with excellent compatibility for multiple insertions of different product combos
- Zalman's Cable Management: Lineage Space Design for Clean Interior Look
Amazon Price: $79.99
ESTIMATED PRICE: $1498.45 (Updated: February 2024)
Overview | Best Gaming PC Build of the Month for Under $1500
For those seeking the ultimate in gaming performance, the $1500 PC build is a dream come true. At its heart is the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, a top-tier gaming CPU known for its exceptional performance and quiet, efficient operation. This powerhouse is complemented by 32GB of advanced DDR5 memory, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsiveness. The build also features the RTX 4070 graphics card, pushing gaming experiences into 4K and beyond. While this setup already delivers extraordinary performance, there’s always the possibility of further enhancements. Upgrading the CPU or GPU could unlock even greater capabilities, tailoring the build to your specific gaming needs and aspirations. This $1500 build is not just a PC, but a pathway to unparalleled gaming experiences, customizable to meet the pinnacle of gaming excellence.
$1500 Gaming PC Build of the Month Upgrades
If you want even more power, consider upgrading your CPU or GPU. Find upgrade suggestions on the full $1500 gaming PC build page.
The Best $1000 Gaming PC Build of the Month
Capability: Play games at max settings at 1080p and even 2K with the Ryzen 5 7600 and the RTX 4060 Ti Graphics Card.
Powered by the Ryzen 5 7600 and the RTX 4060 Ti Graphics Card
1. CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600
The Ryzen 5 7600 is an excellent choice for gaming, offering significant improvements over previous generation CPUs and competitive performance at a more budget-friendly price point. It benefits from the advanced features of the Zen 4 architecture and performs well in gaming benchmarks, making it a suitable option for gamers seeking a balance between performance and cost.
- POWERFUL GAMING STARTS HERE
- 6 Cores and 12 processing threads, based on AMD "Zen 4" architecture
- 5.2 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 38 MB cache, DDR5 support
- For the state-of-the-art Socket AM5 platform, can support PCIe 5.0 on select 600 Series motherboards
- AMD Wraith Stealth cooler included
Amazon Price: $229.00
2. Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black CPU Air Cooler
- The Ryzne 7600x is one efficient CPU, however does need a stock cooler, and the Hyper 212 does the trick!
Amazon Price: $29.99
3. Motherboard: GIGABYTE B650M DS3H
This is a great budget B650 motherboard with the following specifications:
Amazon Price: $139.99
4. Graphics Card: GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Eagle 8GB Graphics Card, 3X WINDFORCE Fans
The RTX 4060 Ti is a good choice for 1080p and 1440p gaming, offering DLSS 3 support and excellent ray tracing capabilities. However, its limitations in VRAM and memory bandwidth, along with its performance at higher resolutions, make it less suitable for more demanding games and future-proof gaming at higher resolutions such as 4K - so if this is your target gaming performance or resolution - then check out the best $1500 pc build and its upgrade alternatives.
- Powered by NVIDIA DLSS 3, ultra-efficient Ada Lovelace architechture, and full ray tracing
- 4th Generation Tensor Cores: Up to 4x performance with DLSS 3
- 3rd Generation RT Cores: Up to 2x ray tracing performance
- Powered by GeForce RTX 4060 Ti
- Integrated with 8GB GDDR6 128-bit memory interface
- WINDFORCE Cooling System, RGB Fusion, Dual BIOS, Protection metal back plate
Price: $399.99
5. RAM: Crucial RAM 16GB Kit (2x8GB) DDR5 4800MHz CL40 Desktop Memory
(*DDR5 Memory is here in the best $1000 gaming PC build!) Included is a total of 16GB of DDR5 4800MHz memory.
Amazon Price: $52.99
6. SSD: Crucial P3 Plus 1TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD, up to 5000MB/s
- NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology with up to 5000MB/s sequential reads, random read/write 650K/800K IOPS
- Spacious storage up to 4TB
- Performs up to 43% faster than the fastest Gen3 NVMe SSDs
- Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity and reliability
- Backward compatibility with Gen3
- We can be contacted here: Toll-free for US & Canada: 800-336-8915 Phone: 1-208-363-5790 Email: crucial.support@micron.com Hours (MST): Monday - Friday: 7am - 6pm
Amazon Price: $57.99
7. Power Supply: Cooler Master MWE Gold 850 V2 Full Modular, 850W
Amazon Price: $95.99
8. PC Case: Zalman S2
- Full Acrylic Side Panel for ATX Mid Tower Computer PC Case
- Front Design for maximized Airflow with two front 120mm fan pre-installed (& one rear 120mm fan pre-installed)
- Convenient Interface with one USB, 3.0 & two USB 2.0
- Power Supply unit dedicated space for improved cooling performance
- 7 PCI Expansion Slots with Bottom and top Magnetic Dust Filter
Amazon Price: $54.99
Estimated Cost: $977.94 (Updated: February 2024)
Overview | $1000 Best Gaming PC Build of the Month
The $1000 PC build hits that sweet spot between budget and performance. This December, it boasts the Ryzen 5 7600 CPU and an upgraded RTX 4060 Ti for outstanding gaming at 1080p and 1440p. Plus, it comes with its own cooler, and you can even upgrade to an AIO cooler for an extra touch.
$1000 Gaming PC Build of the Month Upgrades
To read the full overview and for a list of hardware alternatives, please visit the FULL Best $1000 Gaming PC Build Page
If you visit the full overview for the best $1000 build you’ll also find hardware alternatives and upgrades. This can be upgraded hardware including a better graphics card, more memory, or even more storage space should you need it.
The Best $800 Gaming PC Build of the Month
Capability: Enjoy smooth gaming at high settings and FPS at 1080p with the Intel Core i3-13100F and an RTX 6700 XT Graphics Card.
Powered by the Intel Core i3-13100F and an RTX 6700 XT Graphics Card
1. CPU: Intel Core i3-13100F Desktop Processor
The Intel Core i3-13100F is a great choice for gamers looking for a cost-effective solution for 1080p gaming. It provides good performance in popular games and is an excellent option for budget-conscious gamers. However, for higher-resolution gaming or more demanding titles, considering a more powerful CPU may be beneficial, which if this is the case, you could check out the best $1000 gaming PC build here.
However, the 13400f is s top-of-the-line gaming CPU is in this price range and for this budget range for a gaming PC -- beating out its competition in gaming performance, even in the higher cost ranges. This CPU is like the Intel i3 13100, but cheaper and without integrated graphics.
- 4 cores (4 P-cores + 0 E-cores) and 8 threads
- Performance hybrid architecture integrates two core microarchitectures, prioritizing and distributing workloads to optimize performance
- Up to 4.5 GHz. 12M Cache
- Compatible with Intel 600 series and 700 series chipset-based motherboards
- Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, and PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 support. Intel Optane Memory support. Intel Laminar RH1 Cooler included. Discrete graphics required
Amazon Price: $119.99
2. Cooler: Intel Laminar Cooler (Included)
-
This is the stock cooler for the Intel Core i5 12400. It would be recommended that if you want to overclock upgrade this to an after-market CPU cooler (see hardware alternatives for options)
Price: *Included
3. Motherboard: GIGABYTE B760M DS3H DDR4 (LGA 1700 Intel B760 M-ATX
- Intel LGA 1700 Socket: Supports 13th and 12th Gen Intel Core Series Processors
- DDR4 Compatible: Dual Channel DDR4, 4 DIMMs
- Sturdy Power Design: 6+2+1 Hybrid Digital VRM Design
- Comprehensive Thermal Design: M.2 Thermal Guard
- Next-Gen Connectivity: PCIe 4.0, NVMe PCIe 4.0 x2 M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
- Fast Networking: 2.5GbE LAN
- Fine Tuning Features: RGB FUSION 2.0, Supports Addressable LED & RGB LED Strips, Smart Fan 6, Q-Flash Plus Update BIOS without installing, CPU, Memory, and GPU
4. Graphics Card: XFX Speedster SWFT309 AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT CORE Gaming Graphics Card
The $800 gaming PC build includes an AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT, which offers top-of-the-line $800 gaming PC performance, blasting through the previous card offerings in this spot and providing very high 1080p FPS gameplay.
- Memory Speed:16 GBPS
- Chipset: AMD RX 6700 XT
- Memory: 12GB GDDR6
- Boost Clock: Up To 2581MHz
- Cooling: XFX Speedster SWFT309 Triple Fan
Price: $349.99
5. RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 X 8GB) DDR4 3600
16GB of RAM is the sweet spot for any gaming PC out there and should be all you need -- however, there is always room to upgrade!
Amazon Price: $40.99
6. SSD: Crucial P3 1TB PCIe Gen3 3D NAND
- NVMe (PCIe Gen3 x4) technology with up to 3500MB/s sequential reads, random read/write 650K/700K IOPS
- Spacious storage up to 4TB
- Performs up to 33% better than the previous generation
- Solid Gen3 performance
- Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity and reliability
Amazon Price: $57.99
7. Power Supply Unit: Thermaltake Toughpower GX2 600W
- CERTIFIED GOLD - Supporting 80 Plus Gold efficiency up to 90% and optimized for C6 or C7 States ready
- NON MODULAR CONNECTORS – Main Power (24 pin) x 1/ ATX 12V (4plus4 pin) x 1/ SATA (5 pin) x 6/ PCI-E (6plus2 pin) x 2/ peripheral (4 pin) x 3/ FDD x 1
- ULTRA QUIET 120MM FAN – Dynamic Bearing fan s superior cooing performance and silent operation
- HIGH QUALITY CAPACITORS - High quality capacitors provide superb performance and reliability
- LOW RIPPLE NOISE – Ensure excellent power supply stability Keep performance-critical components such as VGA card to operate reliably for longer
- SINGLE plus12V RAIL DESIGN - Powerful 12Vplus Single rail supports today's GPU demands supporting DC to DC design for stable reliable power
- [INDUSTRY GRADE PROTECTIONS] - (OPP) Over Power (OVP) Over Voltage (UVP) Under Voltage and (SCP) short circuit protections. Input Frequency Range 47Hz - 63Hz
Amazon Price: $59.99
8. PC Case: Zalman S2 ATX Mid Tower Computer PC Case
- Full Acrylic Side Panel for ATX Mid Tower Computer PC Case
- Front Design for maximized Airflow with two front 120mm fan pre-installed (& one rear 120mm fan pre-installed)
- Convenient Interface with one USB, 3.0 & two USB 2.0
- Power Supply unit dedicated space for improved cooling performance
- 7 PCI Expansion Slots with Bottom and top Magnetic Dust Filter
Amazon Price: $54.99
Estimated Price: $783.93 (Updated for February 2024)
Overview | Best Gaming PC Build of the Month for Under $800
The $800 PC build offers an excellent gaming experience at 1080p and even 1440p. The new Intel i3 13100F CPU is a solid choice, and it’s paired with an RTX 6700 XT for top-notch gaming performance.
$800 Gaming PC Build of the Month Upgrades
The best $800 gaming PC build can be further upgraded — visit the full overview page for a full overview of this build including suggestions for hardware upgrades including a higher-performing CPU, a high-performing graphics card for those more intense games, or even a better PC case.
The Best $500 Gaming PC Build of the Month
Capability: Game at 720p to 1080p resolutions in most games.
Powered by the Ryzen 5 5600G CPU with Integrated Radeon RX Graphics
1. CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G 6-Core 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Radeon Graphics
Alt CPU (=~5% more performance): AMD Ryzen 7 5700G 8-Core, 16-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Radeon Graphics ($169.99)
(*You don't need a graphics card with this CPU as it comes with Integrated Radeon Graphics for smooth 1080p gaming)
- Features best-in-class graphics performance in a desktop processor for smooth 1080p gaming, no graphics card required
- 6 Cores and 12 processing threads, bundled with the AMD Wraith Stealth cooler
- 4.4 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 19 MB cache, DDR4-3200 support
- For the advanced Socket AM4 platform
Amazon Price: $139.99
2. Cooler: AMD Wraith Stealth Cooler (Included)
This cooler is included with the AMD Ryzen 5700G CPU
3. Motherboard: ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS (WiFi) AMD AM4 (3rd Gen Ryzen™) microATX Gaming Motherboard
This motherboard is a quality budget Micro ATX sized board, that features everything you'd need in a $500 PC, including:
- AMD AM4 Socket: l Ready for Ryzen 5000 Series/ 4000 G-Series/ 3000 Series Desktop Processors
- Comprehensive cooling: Large VRM heatsink, PCH heatsink and Fan Xpert 2+
- Made for online gaming: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, TUF LANGuard and TurboLAN technology
- Gaming Connectivity: BIOS FlashBack button, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 32Gb/s M.2 onboard, SATA 6Gb/s, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, DisplayPort/HDMI/D-Sub
- Gaming Look and Feel: ASUS-exclusive Aura Sync RGB lighting, including RGB headers and a Gen 2 addressable RGB header for greater customization
Amazon Price: $99.99
4. Graphics Card: *Integrated Radeon RX Graphics Included
The Ryzen 5 5600G comes with integrated Radeon Graphics at a graphics frequency of 1900 MHz and a graphics core count of 7.
5. RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 X 8GB) DDR4 3600 MHz
16GB is an upgrade to the $500 gaming PC build, and might even be more than you actually need. However, at the moment 16GB kits are close in cost to 8GB ones at the moment anyhow -- so it only makes sense.
Amazon Price: $49.99
6. SSD: Crucial P3 1TB PCIe Gen3 3D NAND NVMe
- NVMe (PCIe Gen3 x4) technology with up to 3500MB/s sequential reads, random read/write 650K/700K IOPS
- Spacious storage of up to 4TB
- Performs up to 33% better than the previous generation
- Solid Gen3 performance
- Rated at MTTF greater than 1.5 million hours for extended longevity and reliability
Amazon Price: $57.99
7. Power Supply Unit: Thermaltake Smart 500W 80+ White Certified PSU, Continuous Power with 120mm Ultra Quiet Cooling Fan
500W is plenty for this pc build and the Thermaltake Smart 500W RGB does the trick perfectly.
- Delivers 500 Watt Continuous output at plus 40 degrees. Compliance with Intel ATX 12 Volt 2.31 and EPS 12V 2.92 standards
- 80 PLUS Certified, 80 percent efficiency under typical load
- Supports (2) PCI E 6plus2pin Connectors. Active (PFC) Power Factor Correction, MTBF: 100,000 hours
- Industry Grade Protections: (OPP) Over Power Protection, (OVP) Over Voltage Protection, (SCP) Short Circuit Protection
- High-Quality Components
- Equipped with a powerful plus 12 Volt rail, superior performance under all types of system loading
- 5 Year Warranty
Amazon Price: $39.95
8. PC Case: Zalman S2 ATX Mid Tower Computer PC Case
- Front Design for maximized Airflow with two front 120mm fan pre-installed (& one rear 120mm fan pre-installed)
- Convenient Interface with one USB, 3.0 & two USB 2.0
- Power Supply unit dedicated space for improved cooling performance
- 7 PCI Expansion Slots with Bottom and top Magnetic Dust Filter
Amazon Price: $54.99
Estimated Price: $432.91 (Updated for February 2024)
(*Using integrated graphics)
Overview | Best Gaming PC Build of the Month for Under $500
The $500 PC build is a fantastic entry point for PC gaming. It’s powered by the Ryzen 5 5600G CPU and integrated graphics, which means you can get gaming without a dedicated GPU for now. Upgrade later when you’re ready for more power.
$500 Gaming PC Build of the Month Upgrades
As with all of the gaming PC builds of the month, there are plenty of upgrades that you could consider if you had just a bit more to spend. You can check these out here:
Operating Systems for Your Gaming PC
Don’t forget to get an operating system! You can find Windows 11 keys online, and there are guides to help you install it. If you prefer, you can explore open-source options like Ubuntu or SteamOS.
| OS Link | Price | Image | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 or 11 |
Make a Windows 11 Installation Media OR View this video on the Easiest How to Make Your Own Windows Boot USB |
Download and install Windows on a USB (Need another PC) |  |
| Ubuntu (Linux OS) | Ubuntu – Desktop | Free (open source) |  |
| SteamOS | SteamOS – “Build your own Steam Machine” | Free |  |