PC Build Navigation:
- $1500 Gaming PC Build
- $1000 Gaming PC Build
- $800 Gaming PC Build
- $500 Gaming PC Build
- Gaming PC Peripherals & Components Ideas
Welcome to the March 2021 Gaming PC Builds of the Month – bringing you the best budget builds from $1500 to $1000, $800, and $500 and all in between.
One note before getting started with the pc builds this month — the previous $700 build has now been made into an $800 pc build. This is because, with the current nature of graphics card supplies and other changes in the market, the $700 is really more like an $800 budget. In these articles, I strive to provide builds that maximize gaming performance per dollar spent, and the $800 build should realistically be able to max games at 1080p and play into 2K resolutions, and with that being said also needed a bit of memory upgrade as well to now include 16GB instead of the previous 8GB to keep up with this performance expectation.
March’s pc build hardware updates: It is STILL hard to build the higher-end pc builds. If you’ve been trying to build a pc, you would have noticed just how hard graphics cards have been to get, which is a mixture of crypto miners scraping them up and scalpers in general upon new releases.
First, in the processor space, AMD’s Zen 3 Ryzen 5000 processors are currently and plainly the best gaming CPUs on the market right now, however, even though AMD has struggled to keep up with demand, you should be able to still find them.
Over the next couple of months, we should see Intel sweep in with their newest codenames Rocket Lake processors, which some are saying might shake up the gaming market, as this comes with Intel’s newest architecture in something like six years.
Second, The RTX 3060 12GB graphics card has finally launched – and with the exact same anticipation from all pc hardware enthusiasts and gamers alike, with the well ef the scalpers who bought them all out right away mentality.
Let’s not fret too much though, as Nvidia has reacted to crypto miners buying up all of the GPU hardware by releasing the 3060’s with “Mining Restrictions” after their announcement “Geforce Is Made for Gaming, CMP Is Made to Mine”, which could potentially half the hash rate of crypto mining, which would make them way less attractive for miners. To alleviate the demand, they have also promised special GPUs specifically for the mining market (which in my opinion makes perfect sense, let’s just hope it works).
And let’s not forget that AMD is releasing new cards in the starting weeks of March in their Radeon RX 6000-series line over and above the already released RX 6900 XT, RX 6800 XT, and RX 6800. I’m anticipating that these new GPUs will compete with the just-released RTX 3060 and in between the RTX 3060 Ti in terms of performance.
As mentioned, each of the pc builds here are based mostly on a performance per dollar spent. What this means is that the focus is on maximizing performance before aesthetics. However, each of the builds below will look amazing, but if you have particular preferences in the overall look in your builds, then feel free to customize. If you have any questions do feel free to ask them in the comments!
Which March 2021 PC Build is right for you?
Included in the gaming PC builds of the month, you will find builds anywhere in-between $500, $800, $1000, and $1500. This should accommodate most PC gamers out there that play in a multitude of gaming settings, maxing games anywhere from 1080p, 1440p and play really well into 4K.
If you are not sure which pc build is right for you based solely on your budget, then here is a quick breakdown on which build may be a right fit for you:
- $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.
Best of luck building the best possible gaming pc build this March 2021. If you have any questions be sure to leave a comment or simply join our new Facebook Group: Gaming PC Builders Facebook Group.
Bookmark our Best Gaming PC Builds for 2021 Page to Keep up to Date With the Monthly Gaming PC Builds, or subscribe here.
The Best $1500 Gaming PC Build | March 2021
Performance: Game with Extreme settings and High FPS at resolutions of 1920×1080 (1080P) & 2560×1440 (1440p) + good gameplay at 4K
*This Gaming PC Build is powered by the AMD Ryzen 5600X CPU and an RTX 3070 Graphics Card
1. CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
*Note: Stock is low on this, so it may be hard to get one at the moment - so keep an eye out!
- AMD's fastest 6 core processor for mainstream desktop, with 12 processing threads
- Can deliver elite 100+ FPS performance in the world's most popular games
- Bundled with the quiet, capable AMD Wraith Stealth cooler
- 4.6 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 35 MB of cache, DDR-3200 support
- For the advanced Socket AM4 platform, can support PCIe 4.0 on X570 and B550 motherboards
Amazon Price: $381.45
***Alternative if no stock / Equivalent CPU option: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X ($329.99)
The 3700x has been included in this build for a long while and is still great, so if you want to still go with it you can, especially if you find it on sale!
- The world's most advanced processor in the desktop PC gaming segment
- Can deliver ultra-fast 100+ FPS performance in the world's most popular games
8 Cores and 16 processing threads, bundled with the AMD - Wraith Prism cooler with color-controlled LED support
4.4 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 36 MB of game Cache, ddr-3200 support
For the advanced socket AM4 platform, can support PCIe 4.0 on x570 motherboards
2. Cooler: Stock AMD Wraith Stealth Cooler
The Ryzen 5600X is an amazing CPU in so many ways, in that it doesn't necessarily need to be overclocked and comes with a great Wraith Stealth Cooler, this saves you with a little more cash for other upgrades!
3. Motherboard: GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite Wi-Fi
- Supports AMD 3rd Gen Ryzen/ 2nd Gen Ryzen/ 2nd Gen Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics/ Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics processors
- Dual channel non-ECC unbuffered DDR4, 4 DIMMs
- 12+2 phases digital VRM solution with DrMOS
- Advanced heatsink design with enlarge heatsink
- Dual ultra-fast NVMe PCIe 4.0/3.0 x4 M.2 with single thermal guards
- Memory storage capacity: 1000 TB
Amazon Price: $199.99
4. Graphics Card: ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3070 Twin Edge
*If not in stock: Search for other RTX 3070's in stock
*Note: Stock on these newer GPU's has been limited, so keep checking for other RTX 3070 cards as well. The RTX 3070 is a newer graphics card that absolutely performs amazingly in all games at higher resolutions. You can also keep checking the actual NVIDIA.com listings to see if they are in stock here.
Guestimated Price: $530
Alternative Graphics Card: MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 2070 Super 8GB GDRR6
*If not in stock: Search for other RTX 2070's in stock
If you want a graphics card right away and there are not RTX 3070's available, an alternative could be the older RTX 2070 SUPER. *Do note, that because of the major limited supply levels in all of the newer graphics cards, people seem to also be buying up the older ones as well. This leaves you with three options - wait for stock, buy used, or pay way too much from a scalper!
If you are having trouble finding a graphics card, here's a useful resource: Tomshardware's GPU Ranking hierarchy
5. RAM: Crucial Ballistix 3600 MHz DDR4 DRAM
16GB of RAM is the perfect spot for any high-end gaming pc - included is a 16GB kit of Crucial Ballistix 3600Mhz Gaming Kit - the perfect speed of RAM for this build.
What is the best RAM speed for gaming? Learn more about the best RAM speed for gaming with Ryzen 3000 CPUs in our recent article here.
Amazon Price: $83.73
6. SSD: Crucial P1 1TB 3D NAND NVMe PCIe Internal SSD
- Capacity: Up to 2TB with sequential reads/writes up to 2,000/1,700 MB/s
- NVMe PCIe interface marks the next step in storage innovation
- Micron 3D NAND advancing the World's memory and storage technology for 40 years
- NVMe Standard Self Monitoring and Reporting Technology (Smart)
- Redundant Array of Independent NAND (RAIN)
Amazon Price: $104.99
7.Power Supply: Corsair RMX Series, RM750x, 750 Watt, 80+ Gold Certified
- 80 Plus Gold certified for lower power consumption, less noise and cooler temperatures
- Tuned for low noise operation even at full load; MTBF hours 100,000 hours
- Zero RPM fan mode for near silent operation at low to medium loads
- 100 percent industrial grade, 105°C rated Japanese capacitors ensure unwavering power and reliability
- Fully modular cables, so you only connect the cables your system needs
Amazon Price: $128.99
*If available, I also recommend the following instead (based on the cost of course):
EVGA SuperNOVA 750 P2, 80+ PLATINUM 750W , Fully Modular
A great, quality power supply that gives you all the juice you need to power this pc build - plus this is a platinum efficiency power supply, making is super efficient and it is fully modular (so no messy cables).
8. PC Case: Corsair iCUE 220T RGB
The Corsair iCUE 220T has become a bit of an iconic case these days and for good reason. The Corsair 220T includes 3 SP120 RGB PRO fans providing not only great airflow as is, but also has full customizable aRGB fans that look amazing. Learn more at corsair.com.
- Improve your system's cooling with a high airflow layout complete with a steel grill front panel for optimal air intake
- Light up your PC with three included Corsair SP120 RGB Pro fans each lined with eight individually addressable LEDs around the hub (24 total)
- The included lighting Node core controls your RGB lighting making for brilliant lighting effects right out of the box with Corsair iCUE software
- The 220T RGB airflow’s solid steel construction and front plate ensure sturdy and resilient durability along with a striking look
- An edge-to-edge tempered glass side panel window showcases your PC's components and RGB lighting. Compatible corsair liquid coolers-H55, H60, H75, H80i, H90, H100i, H105, H110i, H115i, H150i
Amazon Price: $99.99
ESTIMATED PRICE: $1478 (March 2021)
Overview | Best Gaming PC Build for $1500
The best $1500 gaming pc build for March 2021 includes a new AMD Ryzen 5600X CPU, a brand new Ryzen 5000 series CPU that performs amazingly, especially for gaming. If this one isn’t in stock, you could still consider a Ryzen 7 3700X, which previously held this spot and performs amazingly.
This is paired with another powerfully new piece of hardware, the RTX 3070 graphics card, making this a very powerful gaming pc capable of extreme performance in games at higher resolutions. (*Note: If you have a hard time finding The RTX 3070 in supply, you could consider a previous-gen RTX 2070 Super, noting that it doesn’t perform quite as well. All in all, it may be tough to get literally any GPU out there at the moment, so hang in there.
If you are looking for an over the top, very fast performing gaming PC build that you don’t have to worry about tweaking very much in order to max all games out at HD and higher resolutions, then this build is for you. However, unless you are wanting to get into seriously high-end 4K gaming, you shouldn’t need much more.
If you still think you need increased performances, you could upgrade your CPU or GPU if you have the excess funds to do so. If that is the case, you could simply consider upping the graphics card to something like an RTX 3080 (if you can find them in stock). This build also includes a very good gaming pc case, with great cooling included and more.
$1500 Gaming PC Build Upgrades
If you have more to spend, then you could check out some hardware alternative suggestions. This could be for either upgrading this build before or after you buy it. To do so, visit the full $1500 gaming pc builds overview here:
The Best $1000 Gaming PC Build | March 2021
Capability: Game with Extreme settings at 1920X1080 (HD) resolutions up to Higher Settings at 2560×1440 (2K)
Powered by the AMD Ryzen 3600 and the RTX 3060 Ti 8GB Graphics Card
1. CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is a phenomenal gaming processor for the cost. Straight out of the box, it can beat some more expensive CPUs in gaming.
Amazon Price: $199.99
2. Cooler (Included): Wraith Stealth Cooler
The AMD 3600 comes with a stock cooler that is more than enough.
Price: Included
3. Motherboard: ASRock B550 PRO4 Supports 3rd Gen AMD AM4 Ryzen/Future AMD Ryzen Processors Motherboard
This is a newer B550 Motherboard supporting Ryzen 3000 CPUs splendidly right out of the box, which also supports newer features like PCI 4.0:
- Supports 3rd Gen AMD AM4 Ryzen / Future AMD Ryzen Processors
- 8 Power Phase Design, Digi Power
- Supports DDR4 4733+ (OC)
- 1 PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 PCIe 3.0 x16, 2 PCIe 3.0 x1, 1 M.2 Key E for WiFi
- Graphics Output Options: HDMI, D-Sub
Amazon Price: $114.99
4. Graphics Card: MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Ti 8GB GDRR6
*Currently very low in stock. Hopefully, this month more come into stock -- keep checking Nvidia.com's RTX 3060 Ti supply lists as well.
The 3060Ti is a newer GPU that like the rest, is very low in stock. This GPU however, will blast the pants off any game you throw at it in resolutions of 1080p - 1440p -- especially considering it's better in terms of performance than the previous-gen more expensive 2080 Super (The RTX 2080 Super is currently in stock at about $1050).
Amazon Estimated Price (may be higher for the time being): $400
*Alternative lesser comparable / older-gen card if in stock: RX 5700 XT
*Alternative lower-performing, but in-stock card if you're sick waiting for stock: PowerColor Red Devil AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT 6GB AXRX 5600XT 6GBD6-3DHE/OC
If you are having trouble finding a graphics card, here's a useful resource: Tomshardware's GPU Ranking hierarchy
5. RAM: Crucial Ballistix 3600 MHz DDR4 DRAM Desktop Gaming Memory Kit 16GB (8GBx2)
Included is a total of 16GB in the best $1000 gaming pc build, which will be plenty of memory for this rig, plus it's rated at 3600 MHz, which is the perfect RAM speed for this build too!
Amazon Price: $83.73
6. SSD: Crucial P1 500GB 3D NAND NVMe PCIe Internal SSD, up to 2000MB/s - CT500P1SSD8
The Crucial P1 NVMe SSD is a great value high performing storage devise that provides up to 2000MB/s in read times and 1700MB/s in write times.
Amazon Price: $59.99
7. Power Supply: CORSAIR CV Series CV650 - 650 Watt Power Supply
The sweet spot for this build is 650W of juice, and the Corsair CV650 does the trick.
Alternatively and if available, you could consider this as well: EVGA 650 GQ, 80+ GOLD 650W, Semi Modular, EVGA ECO Mode, 5 Year Warranty, Power Supply 210-GQ-0650-V1,Black
650 Watts is enough juice for this gaming pc build and this one comes in at a Gold Rated power efficiency and is partially modular (which in this case doesn't matter at the non-modular cords need to be used).
Amazon Price: $64.19
8. PC Case: NZXT H510 - CA-H510B-BR - Compact ATX Mid-Tower PC Gaming Case
- New features: Front I/O USB Type-C Port and Tempered glass side panel with single screw installation
- Enhanced cable management: Our patented cable routing kit with pre-installed channels and straps makes wiring easy and intuitive
- STREAMLINED COOLING: Two Aer F120mm fans included for optimal internal airflow and the front panel and PSU intakes include removable filters, removable bracket designed for radiators up to 240mm - simplifies the installation of either closed-loop or custom-loop water cooling
- Motherboard support: Mini-ITX, MicroATX, and ATX
Visit NZXT.com to see the full overview and to learn more.
Amazon Price: $69.99
Estimated Cost (March 2021): $993
Overview | $1000 Best Gaming PC Build 2021
The $1000 build for March 2021 includes a Ryzen 5 3600 CPU, which straight out of the box performs amazingly and even comes with a stock cooler that will be more than enough to cool this pc build down efficiently, even when overclocking to maximize gaming performance. One could also eye the Ryzen 4 3600X, if it’s priced similarly.
The real performance driver behind this build is the included and brand new RTX 3060 Ti 8GB graphics card which is a phenomenal card for 2K resolution gaming. It may use a bit more power than some other graphics cards on the market but performs so well for the cost. This was released about a month ago, so again like most cards, it is low in supply. No fret though, as AMD is also releasing new cards soon and NVidia has announced they are limiting hash rates for miners on newer RX cards, which should theoretically help supply issues over the next months.
This $1000 pc build will play games smoothly at high refresh rate 1080p gameplay and really well into 1400p (2K) resolution gameplay.
$1000 Gaming PC Build Upgrades
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 | March 2021
Capability: Game at Smoothly with High settings and FPS at 1920X1080 resolutions in most games.
Powered by the Ryzen 5 3600 CPU and an RX 5600 XT Graphics Card
1. CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core, 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Wraith Stealth Cooler
The Ryzen 5 3600 CPU is a superb value coming in with 6 CPU cores and 12 processing threads at 4.1Ghz Max Boost. This is a solid gaming CPU that is priced really well.
Amazon Price: $199.99
2. Cooler: Wraith Stealth Cooler (Included)
The Wraith Stealth Cooler is included with the Ryzen 5 3600
3. Motherboard: ASRock B550M-HDV
The motherboard for this build is a newer B550 motherboard featuring newer features for budget AMD board, including straight out of the box Ryzen 3000 series support and more.
- Supports 3rd Gen AMD AM4 Ryzen / Future AMD Ryzen Processors
- 6 Power Phase Design
- Supports DDR4 4733+ (OC)
- 1 PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 PCIe 3.0 x1
- Graphics Output Options: HDMI, DVI-D, D-Sub
Amazon Price: $80.99
4. Graphics Card: MSI Gaming Radeon RX 5600 XT Boost Clock
*If out of stock: Search all RX 5600 XT's in stock
*The 5600XT has been low on supply. See below for alternatives to search.
The 5600 XT is a great card for this pc build and even beats out the previous card that was included, which was the GTX 1660 Super. With this card, you can max most pc games out there at 1080p resolutions without a hiccup at well over 60FPS.
Price: $279.99 (*I wouldn't spend more than $50 more than this)
**Alternative comparable / slightly lower performing cards to search for:
5. RAM: Crucial Ballistix 3600 MHz DDR4 DRAM Desktop Gaming Memory Kit 16GB (8GBx2)
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: $83.73
6. SSD: Crucial P1 500GB 3D NAND NVMe PCIe Internal SSD
You can't go wrong with a great value per dollar spent on a Crucial P1 in terms of storage space and Read/Write speeds.
Sequential reads/writes up to 2, 000MB/s, 700 MB/s
Amazon Price: $59.99
7. Power Supply Unit: Thermaltake SMART 600W Best $800 PC Build
The budget Thermaltake SMART Power supplies are perfect for this budget and provide just enough power at a fantastic cost.
Amazon Price: $54.99
8. PC Case: Thermaltake Versa H15 Micro ATX Mini Tower Computer Chassis
- Enhanced airflow: Perforated top panel, heightened food stands, and specially designed cable routing gap enhance airflow for better ventilation
- 1+2 drive bay: 5. 25” x 1 + 2. 5”/3. 5” x 3
- One 120mm rear fan pre installed
- Supports Mini ITX, Micro ATX (only when DVD ROM is NOT installed) Motherboard
- I/O port: USB 3. 0 x 1, USB2. 0 x 1, HD Audio x 1
- Max CPU cooler height: 155mm/ Max VGA length: 315mm
- Dimension: 15” x 7. 8” x 16. 2”/ 7. 8 lbs
- 3 year Warranty
Amazon Price: $49.99
Estimated Price (March 2021): $810
Overview | Best Gaming PC Build for $800
The March 2021 $800 budget gaming pc build is for those who just want to build a solid pc capable of maxing out games at standard HD 1080P resolutions and can easily push well fast 60FPS at 1080P in most PC games on the market right now. The CPU included is the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor and paired with a B550 motherboard.
For the graphics card, we have an RX 5600 XT. This GPU will push games to high settings under a 1080p resolution. This build is probably most of what any very typical “I just want to game” gamers out there as it does max games out easily at 1080p standard HD monitor resolutions.
$800 Gaming PC Build 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 | March 2021
Capability: Game at Smoothly with Medium-High settings and FPS at 1920X1080 resolutions in most games.
Powered by the Ryzen 5 3400G CPU with integrated Radeon RX Graphics
1. CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3400G 4-core, 8-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor with Radeon RX Graphics
The Ryzen 5 3400G is a great starter CPU with integrated graphics (you don't need a graphics card). With graphics card prices what they are these days you can rest assured you can start gaming with this CPU with the option the add a graphics card at a later date.
Amazon Price: $284.99
*Alternative non-integrated graphics option (if in stock and you can find a graphics card)
AMD Ryzen 3 3300X 4-Core
The 3300X's four cores operate at 3.8 GHz clock rate and boost to 4.3 GHz, providing great gaming performance.
MSRP Price (*Stock is currently low): $130.00
2. Cooler: AMD Wraith Stealth Cooler (Included)
This cooler is included with the AMD Ryzen3 3300X and is more than enough to cool this $500 gaming pc build.
3. Motherboard: Asus Prime B450M-A/CSM AMD AM4 (3rd/2nd/1st Gen Ryzen Micro-ATX commercial 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: The perfect pairing for 3rd/2nd/1st Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs
- Fast Connectivity: 1Gb LAN, HDMI 2.0b, D-Sub, and DVI display outputs
- ASUS CSM motherboard: ASUS Corporate Stable Model with up to 36-month supply, EOL notice, and ECN control
- ASUS Control Center Express to make IT endpoint management simpler
- 5X Protection III: all-round protection with LANGuard, DRAM overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, SafeSlot Core safeguards and stainless-steel back I/O
- Please ensure your BIOS is up to date if installing a compatible Ryzen 5000 series CPU. Visit ASUS site search by motherboard model name, click on “Support” tab, Drivers and Tools, then BIOS & Firmware to download the latest BIOS
To see the full specifications, please visit asus.com.
Amazon Price: $77.99
4. Graphics Card: *Integrated Radeon RX
The Ryzen 5 3400G CPU has integrated graphics, which should be suitable for lower-end gaming. With graphics cards so high in cost right now, this may be the best choice for you to get up and gaming right away with the option to add a graphics card later.
*Alternative Graphics Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 1650
The 1650 Super is a great 1080p gaming GPU and is capable of being able to run any game out there.
Amazon Price: $169.99 (*Don't overpay for this card)
*Alternative lesser comparable graphics cards if no GTX 1650's are in stock:
5. RAM: HyperX Fury 8GB 3200MHz DDR4 CL16 DIMM (Kit of 2)
8GB for any gaming pc out there and should be all you need -- however there is always room to upgrade!
Amazon Price: $45.99
6. SSD: PNY CS900 240GB 3D NAND
The $500 pc build starts at 240GB and it's plenty for those with the $500 budget pc build and there is always room for growth.
Amazon Price: $29.99
7. Power Supply Unit: Thermaltake Smart 500W 80+ White Certified PSU
500W is plenty for this pc build and the Thermaltake Smart 500W does the trick perfectly.
Amazon Price: $47.99
8. PC Case: Thermaltake Versa H15 Micro ATX Mini Tower Computer Chassis
- Enhanced airflow: Perforated top panel, heightened food stands, and specially designed cable routing gap enhance airflow for better ventilation
- 1+2 drive bay: 5. 25” x 1 + 2. 5”/3. 5” x 3
- One 120mm rear fan pre installed
- Supports Mini ITX, Micro ATX (only when DVD ROM is NOT installed) Motherboard
- I/O port: USB 3. 0 x 1, USB2. 0 x 1, HD Audio x 1
- Max CPU cooler height: 155mm/ Max VGA length: 315mm
- Dimension: 15” x 7. 8” x 16. 2”/ 7. 8 lbs
- 3 year Warranty
Amazon Price: $49.99
Estimated Price (March 2021): $536.94
Overview | Best Gaming PC Build for $500
The best possible $500 gaming PC build for Janauary 2021 will get you up and playing at standard HD 1080P resolutions with game settings scaled back for optimal FPS gameplay.
The $500 gaming pc build is currently powered by the Ryzen 5 3400G CPU with integrated Radeon RX graphics. This means you do not need a graphics card to get up and started gaming, which is a plus since cards are really inflated with regards to cost at the moment. This also gives you the option to also add a better graphics card for increased performance in the $500 gaming pc build of the month.
This gaming PC build is a back to the basics type build that focusses solely on getting as much performance as we can out of each dollar spent. That means no bells and whistles, only pure performance and focusing on the necessities of our build.
This could be considered the gateway PC for those breaking free of the gaming console and jumping into PC gaming – or for those who want an affordable gaming pc that can play any game out there with scaled settings.
$500 Gaming PC Build 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:
The best $500 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, or a high performing graphics card.
Gaming PC Peripherals (Monitors, Mice & Keyboards)
If you’ve decided to build your very own gaming PC and don’t already have PC peripherals or an Operating System, these will be the final things you need to get 100% up and running.
What this means is that you will need a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and an operating system like Windows 10.
So if you are in the market for these things as well, see below for some Operating System ideas and see the following article for some gaming PC peripherals ideas depending on what you’re after.
Visit the Newb Computer Build Gaming PC Peripherals Page.
Operating Systems for Your Gaming PC
Do keep in mind that you will also need an operating system, however, it’s not too difficult to find keys for windows 10 online, you will need to install it using something like a USB key or external drive.
| OS Link | Price | Image | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 | Microsoft Windows 10 Home USB Flash Drive | $105.00 (You can also download Windows 10 and install on a USB yourself – simply google how to!) |  |
| Ubuntu (Linux OS) | Ubuntu – Desktop | Free (open source) |  |
| SteamOS | SteamOS – “Build your own Steam Machine” | Free |  |
March 2021 Gaming PC Builds of the Month Overview Video
A Step by Step on How to Build a Gaming PC this 2021
Looking for a step by step on how to build your pc? Then check out our article for 2021: A Step by Step on How to Build a Gaming PC this 2021 or simply leave a comment below with any questions!
You could also watch the following video as we go through a full pc build:
Comments 2
With the scarcity of the 3060 TI Graphics Card, can you make a recommendation of the absolute cheapest card I can use with the $1000 build with the idea I am going to scrap and replace it when I can get my hands on a the 3060?
Author
Ahh absolute cheapest, I mean you could literally get any card in that case. A good resource for looking at the hierarchy of cards is Tomshardware’s GPU Hierarchy (linked under the 3060 Ti above). However, at this point for a temporary card I’d probably go thru Facebook buy and sale or the likes for something used and cheap and look for cards around $100 if possible. Best of luck on your hunt!