The Best 4 Gaming PC Builds for Under $500

Whether it’s better for a gamer to design a system or purchase one of the best prebuilt PCs is a debate that’s been raging for years. Particularly for inexperienced PC builders, it’s tempting just to spend money on a ready-to-go system instead of struggling to design a cheap PC build. In reality, while the prebuilt approach is the fastest way to enjoy the many benefits of PC gaming, selecting and installing parts to build a customized rig is now easier than ever before. There are plenty of online resources that suggest compatible build configurations, replete with links to purchase the necessary components at the lowest prices possible.

When assembling a budget gaming PC build, some key factors include deciding on an Intel or AMD processor which will dictate the choice of other components like motherboards. Buyers will also have to wrestle with whether to save money on a CPU with integrated graphics or choose a budget graphics card which adds to the total cost of a system considerably. Finally, even an affordable gaming PC can come in a variety of form factors from mini ITX to ATX, housed in compact or full-tower cases. Whatever route a gamer goes, these four budget gaming PC build options are great introductions to the exciting world of custom-made PCs.

The Best Overall Gaming Build Under $500

The Best Value-Centric Gaming PC Build Under $500

• Intel Core i3-12100F

  $100 $137 Save $37

  The 4-Core, 8-Thread Intel Core i3-12100F processor is an entry-level contender from Intel’s 12th generation that can handle today’s games to a moderate level without bottlenecking and offers a path to upgrade to a faster processor by allowing you to build on an Intel 600 or 700 series motherboard.

• GIGABYTE H610M S2H V2 DDR4 Motherboard

  $90 $100 Save $10

  The GIGABYTE H610M S2H V2 DDR4 Motherboard is an excellent, entry-level motherboard that offers the Gigabyte UD moniker indicating better build quality on offer than most of its competing entry-level alternatives.

  With a single M2 slot and 2 DIMM slots on offer, the H610M is built for minimalistic, budget-centric PCs in 2023 with support for Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th generation CPUs.

• Intel Arc A750 Limited Edition 8GB Graphics Card

  The Intel Arc A750 is a dual-slot GPU that aims to cater to the entry-level/mid-range GPU market audience as it offers excellent performance coupled with a price that makes it compete with AMD and Nvidia’s lower-end offerings.

• TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 16 GB DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory

  $33 $38 Save $5

  The TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 16 GB DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory is a tremendous value and is compatible with a wide variety of Intel and AMD motherboards. A streamlined cooling module and high thermal conductive adhesive keep the memory cool during intense gaming sessions. The TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z comes with a lifetime warranty. 

• Kingston NV2 500G M.2 2280 NVMe Internal SSD

  The Kingston NV2 500G SSD uses Gen 4×4 NVMe PCIe technology. This drive delivers read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,800 MB/s. It’s designed for systems requiring fast performance, in both laptop and desktop builds. It is suitable for most applications thanks to the compact, single-sided M.2 2280 design. And the low power requirements mean that it produces minimal heat.

• Apevia CAPTAIN550 ATX Power Supply

  The Apevia CAPTAIN550 watt power supply packs a wallop for an incredibly affordable price. The CAPTAIN550 features an automatically thermally controlled 120 mm fan and all-black cables to blend in with modern gaming rigs. Connectors include: 1 x 20/24pin Main Power, 1 x P8pin(P4+4pin), 1 x 6/8pin PCI-express, 12V, 3 x SATA, 3 x Peripheral, 1 x Floppy.

• Thermaltake Versa H18

  $54 $55 Save $1

  The Thermaltake Versa H18 is an excellent option for new PC builders or gamers assembling a compact, power-efficient rig. The Versa H18 is a Micro-ATX case with an acrylic side window allowing a clear view into the most impressive builds. The mesh front panel maintains an efficient airflow, and the cable routing gap makes hiding unsightly cables behind motherboards simple. Hidden drive bays have room enough for two 2.5-inch and two 3.5-inch storage devices. 

Total Estimated Cost: $572

Assembling the best budget gaming PC build using a powerful Intel Arc A750 GPU is relatively straightforward with fewer compromises than a builder might expect. The brains of this build is the capable Intel Core i3-12100F processor, which is more than adequate to drive a lower-end system. The quad-core processor debuted in early 2022 as part of Intel’s 12th generation of CPUs and offered a better gaming alternative to some of its more expensive AMD alternatives thanks in part to its excellent single-core performance on offer.

It is bundled with the well-priced GIGABYTE H610M S2H DDR4 motherboard that offers an M2 slot, Gigabit ethernet, and a low-profile design even as it clocks in towards the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to pricing for an entry-level Intel Socket LGA 1700 motherboard. Paired to an inexpensive, low-latency stick of 16GB DDR4 RAM clocked at 3200 MHz means that the PC can be upgraded on demand with more memory or a faster processor which should utilize the added memory better.

With the previously chosen RX 6600 continuing to see a small price uptick and limited availability, a faster, yet balanced alternative has emerged, one that does somewhat still push prices clearly above the $500 benchmark while delivering significant amounts of value against its increased cost as it more often than not outperforms AMD’s last generation budget gaming GPU.

For this budget gaming build, the well-priced Thermaltake Versa H18 not only provides more potential for expansion than most other compact cases but also has a clear side window for a premium look. Gamers can install up to four 2.5-inch hard drives or 2 x 2.5-inch and 2 x 3.5-inch hard drives simultaneously, with the 500GB Kingston NV2 NVMe SSD allowing users to take advantage of all 4 going forward. As far as cooling goes, there is a single fan preinstalled at the rear of the case, but up to eight more can be installed. Combined with a mesh front panel, the fan layout of the Versa H18 should keep the temps of this relatively low-powered gaming rig under control.

The Best APU Build Under $500

The Best AMD Ryzen 7 Integrated Graphics Gaming Build Under $500

• AMD Ryzen 7 5700G 8-Core 16-Thread Processor

  $198 $359 Save $161

  The AMD Ryzen 7 5700G is not a desktop GPU replacement for gamers, but it does do a fair job for some MOBA titles as well as for light 720P/1080P gaming on medium graphics.

  It does offer a full 8-core, 16-thread processor but halves the L3 cache as a result versus its comparable 5700X and 5800X siblings in the Ryzen 7 5000 Series lineup and limits itself to PCI-E 3.0 speeds.

• Gigabyte B550M K Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard

  $85 $100 Save $15

  The Gigabyte B550M K Micro ATX AM4 motherboard supports the AMD Ryzen 5000 Series/ Ryzen 5000 G-Series/ Ryzen 4000 G-Series and Ryzen 3000 Series family of CPUs. The motherboard features a sturdy power design and offers support for HDMI 2.1 to meet the latest standards in 4K video playback with HDR. 

• Patriot Viper Steel DDR4 16GB (1 x 16GB) 3200 MHz

  Patriot’s Viper Steel line of DDR4 memory uses a custom aluminum heat spreader to keep temperatures in check. The Patriot Viper Steel DDR4 16GB ram supports XMP 2.0 for excellent overclocking potential. 

• Kingston NV2 500G M.2 2280 NVMe Internal SSD

  The Kingston NV2 500G SSD uses Gen 4×4 NVMe PCIe technology. This drive delivers read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,800 MB/s. It’s designed for systems requiring fast performance, in both laptop and desktop builds. It is suitable for most applications thanks to the compact, single-sided M.2 2280 design. And the low power requirements mean that it produces minimal heat.

• Thermaltake Smart BM2 550W

  The Thermaltake Smart BM2 500W ATX power supply is made for smart PC builds, with an efficiency rating of up to 86%. The power supply’s 120 mm Ultra Quiet fan manages substantial airflow without annoying background noise. The Thermaltake Smart BM2 500W provides the security of a 5-year warranty. 

• Zalman T7 ATX Mid Tower PC Case

  The Zalman T7 ATX Mid-Tower PC Case features a front mesh panel for maximum airflow and a transparent side viewing window. The case includes 2 pre-installed 120 mm fans and accommodates ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. 

Total Estimated Cost: $460

Many gamers instantly turn their noses up at the idea of a budget gaming PC built without a discrete graphics card at its heart. Still, when the budget-saving AMD Ryzen 7 5700G appeared in April 2021, the prospect of gaming with an integrated graphics processor was more attractive than ever, especially with graphics card shortages rampant. The AMD Ryzen 7 5700G won’t allow gamers to play Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K resolution, but it does hold its own against most entry-level or budget graphics cards. This compact and cheap PC build best suits entry-level gamers with FHD displays and the need for a modern CPU that can handle gaming and work alike with ease.

Coming in well under the $500 price point, this rig also has room to grow if a builder wants to upgrade to a GPU down the line with an important caveat: the CPU is locked to PCI-E 3.0 even though the motherboard supports PCI-E 4.0 which could considerably slow down newer GPUs.

In this build, the AMD Ryzen 7 5700G CPU works well with the Gigabyte B550M K Micro ATX motherboard, which supports a range of Ryzen 3000 to 5000 CPUs. Since this parts list lacks a dedicated graphics card, it’s essential that the motherboard can handle both current-generation display output standards. Thankfully, the Gigabyte B550M includes a single HDMI 2.1 port which is HDCP 2.3 compliant with full HDR support, as well as a single DisplayPort 1.4 connection.

The motherboard also has dual M.2 slots, one of which can house the budget-friendly 500G version of the PCI-E 4.0 Kingston NV2 NVMe SSD. While the 5700G does not support PCI-E 4.0, the SSD itself is backward-compatible, making it a no-brainer that offers speeds that cap out at the maximum PCI-E 3.0 currently offers. For memory, the cost-effective Patriot Viper Steel DDR4 memory module is used in a 16G x 1 config allowing for future upgrades while sporting a dedicated heat spreader designed to keep temperatures in check when pushing rated DOCP speeds or custom overclocks alike.

Without a dedicated graphics card, this budget PC build is all about simplicity, and an ATX case such as the Zalman T7 makes for an easy upgrade for users looking to indulge in a GPU upgrade down the line. With as much as 305mm of available length for longer GPUs than the competition and support for as many as 8 fans in a casing built around maximizing airflow, the Zalman already offers 2 preinstalled 120mm fans to ensure the PC is easier to build versus most of its competition which often results in a separate case fan purchase as it pairs to an above-average Ryzen stock cooler.

To give life to the best budget gaming PC with Ryzen-based integrated graphics, the Thermaltake Smart BM2 550-watt White Certified PSU may seem like overkill, considering the total power consumption of the system is around 150 watts. Even so, the PSU adapts well to low-power budget PCs and provides flexibility if a gamer wishes to add a graphics card or more components in the future. The 120 mm fan in the PSU is whisper-quiet, so it won’t disturb movie-watching in living rooms or gamers sensitive to excessive background noise making this a great entry-level gaming PC that can also double as a capable HTPC down the line.

The Best Budget Unlocked Gaming PC Build Under $500

Going Team Red On A Limb

• AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU

  The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a midrange CPU, excellent for gaming setups. This is the fastest six-core AM4-based processor from AMD and features 12 processing threads. According to the company, the processor can deliver 100-plus FPS performance in the world’s most popular games. The processor supports DDR4 memory with a sweet spot of 3600MHz.

  It offers 4.6 GHz boost clock speeds out of the box with overclocking potential in tow coupled with 35 MB of cache. This model comes bundled with a quiet and capable AMD Wraith Stealth cooler.

• Gigabyte B550M K Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard

  $85 $100 Save $15

  The Gigabyte B550M K Micro ATX AM4 motherboard supports the AMD Ryzen 5000 Series/ Ryzen 5000 G-Series/ Ryzen 4000 G-Series and Ryzen 3000 Series family of CPUs. The motherboard features a sturdy power design and offers support for HDMI 2.1 to meet the latest standards in 4K video playback with HDR. 

• Maxsun AMD Radeon RX 550 4GB Low Profile Small Form Factor

  An excellent choice for the most budget-oriented gamers and builders of compact PCs, the Maxsun AMD Radeon RX 550 is more capable than its price tag would indicate. This affordable graphics card supports features like AMD FreeSync for smooth gameplay. The graphics card has both DisplayPort and HDMI outputs to send 4K and HDR signals to multiple displays. 

• Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB DDR4-3600 CL18 Memory

  $39 $45 Save $6

  Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4-3600 memory is compatible with many Intel and AMD DDR4 motherboards. Using a solid aluminum heat spreader and high-quality PCB, the memory is ideal for overclocking and gaming rigs. Its low profile height of 34 mm makes this memory an ideal choice for compact systems. 

• Kingston NV2 500G M.2 2280 NVMe Internal SSD

  The Kingston NV2 500G SSD uses Gen 4×4 NVMe PCIe technology. This drive delivers read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,800 MB/s. It’s designed for systems requiring fast performance, in both laptop and desktop builds. It is suitable for most applications thanks to the compact, single-sided M.2 2280 design. And the low power requirements mean that it produces minimal heat.

• Thermaltake Smart BM2 550W

  The Thermaltake Smart BM2 500W ATX power supply is made for smart PC builds, with an efficiency rating of up to 86%. The power supply’s 120 mm Ultra Quiet fan manages substantial airflow without annoying background noise. The Thermaltake Smart BM2 500W provides the security of a 5-year warranty. 

• Thermaltake V200 Tempered Glass Edition RGB Case

  The Thermaltake V200 Tempered Glass Edition RGB is an affordable mid-tower case with the looks and expandability of a high-end case. The left-side tempered glass panel of the V200 gives a clear look into the chassis and vital PC components. The case comes with 3 pre-installed 12 v 120 mm RGB fans, controllable by an I/O panel switch, and compatible with many popular motherboard RGB platforms. The built-in PSU cover keeps wires out of view for the clean-looking build every gamer is after. 

Total Estimated Cost: $596

Users looking for an all-AMD build can lean towards a beefier CPU or a GPU. For most, however, going all the way down to AMD’s dated (and cheaper) quad or hexacore offerings can be a bit too much in terms of performance bottlenecks. Users on the fence for a better, cheaper GPU in 2024, can opt for an entry-level RX550 or a higher-end, refurbished RX 580 GPU instead.

This build utilizes the unlocked and fairly fast AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU which has an upgrade path to a decent Ryzen 7 5800X3D down the line and a mid-range Gigabyte B550 motherboard while offering a secondary DDR4 DIMM slot for users looking to upgrade to 32GB down the line while throwing in a single fast 16GB stick to start.

The higher-end Thermaltake V200 Tempered Glass case coupled with a fast Kingston NVMe 4.0 SSD and a balanced 550W PSU all offer excellent value for money to round off what is a balanced, unlocked AMD CPU build which can be upgraded to a higher-end GPU with ease down the line. For users looking to keep things closer to $500 however, they can opt for a cheaper case like the excellent Zalman S3 instead.

The Upgrade-Friendly Budget Gaming Build Under $500

Ryzen 7000 Series Galore

• AMD Ryzen 5 7600

  The Ryzen 5 7600 is the entry-level, yet very capable, gaming CPU from AMD that features 6 cores, 12 threads, and 32MB of L3 cache. It has a base clock speed of 3.8GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.1GHz. The Ryzen 5 7600 is an unlocked processor with a default TDP of 65W. It also has integrated RDNA 2 graphics and is the cheapest offering in the lineup with an iGPU.

• ​​​​​​​MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi

  MSI B650 Gaming Plus is an excellent choice for AMD CPU users who are looking to get the job done without spending over $200. The 15-power phase VRM will be adequate for mid-range CPUs, while the multiple PCI-E slots will allow users to add various expansion cards. There are plenty of connectivity options too, including several fan headers, a built-in WiFi adapter, fast USB headers, and even troubleshooting options.

• Silicon Power XPOWER Zenith RGB Gaming 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL40 Memory

  The Silicon Power XPOWER Zenith RAM has faster frequencies, greater capacities, and lower voltages offering excellent gaming performance. In addition, the aluminum heat sink, available in black or white, quickly dissipates heat from the RAM and allows for long-term high performance.

   

• Kingston NV2 500G M.2 2280 NVMe Internal SSD

  The Kingston NV2 500G SSD uses Gen 4×4 NVMe PCIe technology. This drive delivers read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,800 MB/s. It’s designed for systems requiring fast performance, in both laptop and desktop builds. It is suitable for most applications thanks to the compact, single-sided M.2 2280 design. And the low power requirements mean that it produces minimal heat.

• Thermaltake Smart BM2 550W

  The Thermaltake Smart BM2 500W ATX power supply is made for smart PC builds, with an efficiency rating of up to 86%. The power supply’s 120 mm Ultra Quiet fan manages substantial airflow without annoying background noise. The Thermaltake Smart BM2 500W provides the security of a 5-year warranty. 

• LIAN LI LANCOOL 216 PC Case

  The LANCOOL 216 is a mid-tower case with all-around mesh panels for optimal airflow. Thanks to its modular rear panel, it can be optimized for air or water cooling. It includes 2 x 160mm and 1 x 140mm pre-installed PWM fans and an innovative rear PCIe fan bracket to maximize airflow.

Note: While the team at Game Rant has recommended a more expensive motherboard than users might expect in the spirit of keeping things upgrade-friendly, people looking to keep things under $500 can utilize a much cheaper alternative from MSI that keeps costs closer to the $500 mark without any performance impediments.

Total Estimated Cost: $683

For gamers looking for the most upgrade-friendly build close to $500, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600 packs a unique value proposition, bundling a stock air cooler, integrated graphics, and an unlocked hexacore Zen 4-based chip in a neat package that clocks in just under $230. The MSI B650 Plus motherboard offers plenty of ports, Wi-Fi built-in, and decent VRMs for overclocking or CPU upgrades down the line. The build also features an excellent value-centric RAM kit with 32GB of fast DDR5 memory from Silicon Power.

RELATED: The Best Budget Motherboards For AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D CPUs

On the PSU end, the Thermaltake Smart 550W can handle most entry-level GPUs, even as the build leaves the choice of a future GPU upgrade open along with a larger SSD than the bundled 500GB Kingston NV2 on offer currently.

The Lian Li Lancool 216 case offers excellent airflow, a streamlined design and great looks at a price point that it continues to dominate more established brands at in terms of functionality and value for money alike in 2024.

More Budget Gaming Build Choices Than You Bargained For?

With everything from groceries to consumer electronics rising in price, eventually, it may become impossible to assemble a capable gaming PC for under $500. Fortunately, that time has not yet come, and there remain various successful approaches to building the best budget gaming PC for a limited amount of money.

Two gaming builds discussed above utilize 10th or 12-generation Intel Core i3 CPUs, while the others rely on AMD 5000 series processors with Radeon-integrated graphics. Deciding between these options has ramifications for how to approach the rest of a new system’s configuration. Our first build was a mid-tower PC with Intel Core i3-12100F CPU and a PNY GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card. The Zalman T7 case selected is large enough to accommodate a dedicated graphics card and up to four 2.5″ hard drives.

The second budget build takes a different approach to assembling an affordable gaming PC since it includes an AMD Ryzen 7 5700G processor with integrated graphics. Taking a graphics card out of the equation reduces the overall cost significantly, but the micro ATX form factor of the Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L case and Gigabyte B550M K motherboard do limit storage options and future expandability somewhat.

For gamers looking for a rig that can adapt to an increasing budget, an alternate build with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G CPU is also an option. Even without a Radeon or NVIDIA graphics card, this PC boasts some fairly high-end components that allow for a larger upgrade later in the year.

Each build in this guide offers different form factors catering to gamers with varying amounts of space on their humble gaming desks or media rooms. None of the suggested PCs discussed will provide the thrills of 4K, or even 2K gaming easily given the strict budget limitations they come with, but each is flexible enough to generate more serious gaming performance as a gamer’s budget allows for.

Need more gaming PC options? Check out Game Rant’s list of the best gaming PCs in 2023!

FAQ

Q: Is it cheaper to build your own gaming PC, rather than to buy a prebuilt system?

In most cases, finding the best prices for each component individually will save money over prebuilt options. Also, you may learn how to replace parts on your own instead of sending in a prebuilt PC for expensive repairs or buying a new system entirely.

Q: What should I consider when assembling a custom gaming PC?

Some factors to consider when putting together your own gaming PC are budget, what types of games you play, what resolution you want to play games at, and how much space you have for either a full tower or compact system.

Q: What are the most critical components of a gaming PC?

Some key parts of a gaming PC are the processor, motherboard, case, and graphics card. The graphics card will usually affect a budget the most, but also ensure that a CPU is compatible with a motherboard and that all parts will fit in the selected case.