Budget Gaming PC Under $500

 

Building a Budget Gaming PC Under $500

Building a budget rig has become increasingly challenging. With GPU prices soaring and component costs on the rise, many gamers wonder if it's still possible to build a decent gaming PC for under $500. Today, we're going to explore this question and walk you through the process of assembling an ultra budget gaming PC using only brand new parts from Amazon Prime. Let's see what kind of performance we can achieve on a tight budget.

Our goal is to create a gaming PC that meets the following criteria

Uses only brand new parts

All components available on Amazon

Total cost under $500

Capable of playing modern games at 1080p

While this approach offers convenience and quick delivery, it's important to note that it may not always provide the best value. We'll discuss the pros and cons of this method as we go along.

Component Breakdown

CPU

AMD Ryzen 3 4100

4 cores, 8 threads

Includes stock cooler

Best budget option for AM4 socket

Motherboard  

Gigabyte A520M K V2

Basic AM4 motherboard

Limited upgradeability

Minimal I/O ports

RAM  

Silicon Power 2x8GB DDR4 3200 CL22

16GB total capacity

Not the fastest, but adequate

Storage

Team Group MP33 512GB NVMe SSD

Fast boot and load times

Limited capacity for large game libraries

Power Supply  

Apevia Prestige 600W

Tier C on PSU tier list

Reliable for budget builds

Case  

Okonos Aqua 3 Air

Includes three 120mm fans

Glass panel design

USB C port (unused with our motherboard)

GPU  

MSI Ventus 2X RTX 3050 6GB

Entry level modern GPU

6GB VRAM (less than ideal)

Total Cost Approximately $475

Build Process and Considerations

Assembling this PC is relatively straightforward, thanks to the case's design and included fans. We've set up a negative airflow configuration, with all fans exhausting air. This setup draws fresh air through case openings and expels it efficiently.

Performance Benchmarks

Now, let's see how this budget build performs in real world gaming scenarios

Esports Titles

Apex Legends  142 FPS avg (1080p, Medium)

Fortnite  114 FPS avg (1080p, Pro settings)

Valorant  135 FPS avg (1080p, Medium)

AAA Games

Marvel Rivals  72 FPS avg (1080p, Low)

Cyberpunk 2077  70 FPS avg (1080p, Low)

Monster Hunter Wilds  35 FPS avg (1080p, Lowest)

Starfield  55 FPS avg (1080p, Low, DLSS Ultra Performance)

Temperature Performance

GPU under full load  61 62°C

CPU and GPU in mixed workloads  Below 70°C

Analysis and Recommendations

Esports Performance  

This build excels in less demanding esports titles, delivering frame rates that can take advantage of high refresh rate 1080p monitors. For competitive gamers on a tight budget, this setup is quite capable.

AAA Gaming  

While the PC can handle most modern games at 1080p low settings, achieving 60+ FPS, it struggles with the most demanding or poorly optimized titles. Expect to make visual compromises in newer AAA games.

Upgradeability  

The A520 motherboard and limited power supply restrict future upgrades. Consider investing in a better motherboard if you plan to upgrade the CPU later.

Storage 

Limitations  The 512GB SSD will fill up quickly with modern game sizes. Consider adding a larger HDD for game storage if budget allows.

GPU Considerations  

The RTX 3050 6GB is the weakest link in this build. If possible, look for used GPUs like the RX 5700 XT or RTX 2070 for better performance at a similar price point.

Pros and Cons of This Approach

Pros

Quick and convenient Amazon Prime shipping

Brand new parts with warranties

Achieves sub $500 price point

Capable of 60+ FPS in many games at 1080p

Cons

Limited upgradeability

Not the best value compared to used parts

Struggles with the most demanding new titles

GPU is underpowered for the price

Is It Worth It?

Building a sub $500 gaming PC with new parts in 2025 is indeed possible, but it comes with significant compromises. This build demonstrates that you can achieve playable frame rates in many games, especially esports titles, on a tight budget.

However, for those willing to put in more effort, exploring the used market or waiting for sales could yield much better performance for the price. The RTX 3050 6GB, in particular, represents a weak point in terms of value.

This build serves as a starting point for budget conscious gamers. It proves that entry into PC gaming is still accessible, even with new parts, but reminds us that patience and smart shopping can lead to much better value in the long run.

Happy gaming, and may your frames be high and your temperatures low