[Build] Entry Level Gaming PC (Less Than $500)

Antec VSK-3000

Want to try out PC gaming for the first time?  Or build a PC gaming tower for a family member who's on a budget?  Here's a build that comes in at under $500 and not only today's games but can be used for homework, web browsing, and watching 1080p movies.  At this price point don't expect it to do high speed video rendering or break benchmark records but it gets the job done.

This build does not include the peripherals such as mouse or keyboard.  Or does it include the monitor and operating system.  To keep the price at a minimum, this is where you have to become creative and thrifty.  A good idea is to try to find these from an old computer that no one is using anymore.  Or you can get one from a friend who has an extra lying around.  Also shop your local classifieds such as Craigslist.org here in the U.S.  Local thrift stores like Goodwill Computer Works will often have parts and accessories for dirt cheap prices too.  Remember that the license for Windows can be reused from your old PC.  Ubuntu is an alternative to Windows that you can choose to use.  But keep in mind that although the game library for Ubuntu (Linux) is steadily growing, there are many games that are not compatible.

Quick note to keep in mind.  This system will play 1920x1080 resolution just fine.  Some games can be played at the highest possible settings or sometimes referred to as ultra settings.  But you may run into newer games that struggle a little.  Backing off the AA graphics settings or getting to high or medium settings should fix this and still have the game looking beautiful.  But if you have a old 1440x900 or anything else less then 1920x1080 then you will have even more power to use from your graphics card.

This type of build will be perfect for a student, gamer on a budget, or someone who needs a PC to do general things but games every once in awhile.  Leave a comment if you have any questions.

PCPartPicker Part List

Price Breakdown By Merchant

Benchmarks

CPU: 

AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor  ($117.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

Motherboard: 

ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($54.99 @ Amazon) 

Memory: 

Crucial Ballistix Sport 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($33.95 @ Amazon) 

Storage: 

Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($59.99 @ NCIX US) 

Video Card: 

HIS Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card  ($139.99 @ Amazon) 

Case: 

Antec VSK-3000 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($19.99 @ Newegg) 

Power Supply: 

EVGA 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply  ($44.99 @ NCIX US) 

Optical Drive: 

LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer  ($15.98 @ Outlet PC) 

Total: $487.87

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-09-10 09:44 EDT-0400)