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Gaming doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With the right approach, you can build a gaming PC that delivers solid performance while staying within budget.
Whether you’re a casual player or want to climb the competitive ladder, this guide will walk you through building one cheap gaming pc in Great Britain, tailored to your needs and your wallet.
1. Set a clear budget
Determine how much you are willing to spend. For UK gamers, a budget version can start around £500 – £600, while a mid-range option can be between £700 and £900. Knowing your budget will help you allocate your money wisely among the components.
2. Essential components for your build
Here you will find a detailed overview of what you need and where to find the best price:
- CPU (processor): For affordable yet reliable performance, consider the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (£120 – £150) or Intel Core i3-13100F (£100 – £130). Both offer great performance for their price.
- GPU (graphics card): For 1080p gaming, the NVIDIA GTX 1650 (£150 – £180) or AMD RX 6500 XT (£160 – £200) are excellent choices. If your budget allows it, the RTX 3050 (€230 – €270) or RX 6600 (€240 – €280) offer more power.
- RAM: 16 GB (2×8 GB) DDR4 RAM is the standard for gaming. Look for speeds of at least 3200 MHz, starting around $40 – $60.
- Storage: A 500GB NVMe SSD ($25-$35) for fast loading times, paired with a 1TB HDD ($30-$40) for extra storage is ideal. Alternatively, a single 1TB SSD ($50-$60) may be sufficient if you prioritize speed.
- Motherboard: Choose a budget-friendly B550 (AMD) or B660 (Intel) motherboard. These are available for £80 – £120 and support future upgrades.
- Power supply unit (PSU): A 500W-600W PSU from brands such as Vibox, Corsair or EVGA (£40 – £60) provides a stable power supply.
- Case: A mid-tower case with good airflow costs just £40. Look to brands like Cooler Master or Vibox for affordable options with extra features like RGB lighting.
3. Where to buy deals
- Retailers: Popular retailers in the UK, such as Vibox, Amazon, Currys and Scan, often have offers, especially during Black Friday or Boxing Day sales.
- Used Market: Sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace can offer great deals on used parts. Check CEX for GPUs with warranties.
- Bundles and promotions: Keep an eye out for retailers offering combo deals on CPUs, motherboards and RAM.
4. Don’t forget peripherals
Building a PC does not include peripherals such as a monitor, keyboard or mouse. Budget options are available for:
- Monitors: A 1080p 75Hz monitor can be found for £90 – £120.
- Keyboard and mouse: Gaming combos start from £30.
- Headsets: Decent gaming headsets start at £25.
5. Assemble your PC
Putting together a gaming PC is easier than you might think. Use online guides and videos to guide you through the process. Remember to ground yourself to prevent static damage and ensure components are installed safely.
6. Plan for upgrades
A budget PC is an excellent starting point, but plan upgrades like adding more RAM, a better GPU, or a monitor with a higher refresh rate as you save.
7. Use free software
Save money by using free or open source software. For example, Windows 10 can be used without activation until you can afford a license key, and free antivirus programs such as Avast or AVG can provide sufficient protection.
8. Use Cloud Gaming to Supplement Performance
If you’re saving up for more expensive upgrades, consider cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming. These services allow you to play demanding games on a budget system by moving processing to the cloud. Subscriptions typically cost between €8 and €15 per month and provide access to high-quality gaming without the need for a powerful PC.
9. Check the warranty and return policy
Always check the warranty terms and returns policy when purchasing parts. Many UK retailers and brands offer warranties ranging from 1 to 3 years. This is especially important for components like GPUs and PSUs, as they are more expensive to replace. Having a warranty gives you peace of mind in the event of defective parts.
8. Testing and optimizing
Once your PC is up and running, you can test its performance with tools like Cinebench and 3DMark. Adjust the game settings to find the perfect balance between quality and frame rate for a smooth gaming experience.
Conclusion
Building a budget gaming PC in the UK is entirely possible without compromising on performance. By making smart choices and taking advantage of promotions, you can put together a system that delivers exceptional gaming experiences for less. If you prefer a more customized build or need additional guidance, try one PC builder tool like Vibox to streamline the process and ensure compatibility. Ready to start building? Dive into the rewarding world of PC gaming today!