Is a 250$ build possible for modest gaming?
Posted by alebarco@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 40 comments
Assuming you have 0 parts and wanted to play not so old games like Sekiro MHW/ PoE, how difficult/ unrealistic is that budget?
Aurochbull@reddit
You could maybe get close with a 5600g, cheap nvme, cheapest possible mobo, cheap ass ram, cheapest case known to man and a trash PSU. Even then, you're probably looking at around $300.
Aurochbull@reddit
[PCPartPicker Part List](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/ZbgmPJ)
Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [AMD Ryzen 5 5600GT 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/7XGhP6/amd-ryzen-5-5600gt-36-ghz-6-core-processor-100-100001488box) | $120.00 @ Amazon
**Motherboard** | [ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/RD97YJ/asrock-b450m-hdv-r40-micro-atx-am4-motherboard-b450m-hdv-r40) | $59.99 @ Amazon
**Memory** | [Silicon Power XPOWER Turbine 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/zBTzK8/silicon-power-xpower-turbine-16-gb-2-x-8-gb-ddr4-3200-memory-sp016gxlzu320bda) | $25.97 @ Amazon
**Storage** | [Patriot P300 256 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/rWxbt6/patriot-p300-256-gb-m2-2280-nvme-solid-state-drive-p300p256gm28) | $18.98 @ Amazon
**Case** | [Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L MicroATX Mini Tower Case](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/rnGxFT/cooler-master-masterbox-q300l-microatx-mini-tower-case-mcb-q300l-kann-s00) | $37.99 @ Amazon
**Power Supply** | [EVGA 400 N1 400 W ATX Power Supply](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/86M323/evga-400-n1-400-w-atx-power-supply-100-n1-0400-l1) | $35.49 @ Amazon
| *Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts* |
| **Total** | **$298.42**
| Generated by [PCPartPicker](https://pcpartpicker.com) 2024-11-06 12:18 EST-0500 |
modularanger@reddit
I saw a vid the other day running on the igpu from I think the 7600x and was surprised at how well it ran some AAA games. I don't know much about the 5600gt, how would you expect that to run, say fortnite at low settings 1080p?
Aurochbull@reddit
7600x doesn’t have igpu. Im assuming you saw 8600g/8700g. The igpu on the 5000 series is really cool for what it is. The 8000 series has massively better igpu performance due to rdna2 vs radeon vega, and also ddr5 ram on the am5 (8000 series apus) helps.
Sorry for poor syntax. On mobile rn.
modularanger@reddit
7600x does have an igpu. Thanks for the explanation and no worries about syntax lol
I think this is the vid I saw
Aurochbull@reddit
Im sorry for the misinformation. 7600x does have igpu I see. Ill stop spouting stupidity at this point. Ty for understanding!! Haha
modularanger@reddit
I don't think anyone could blame u for not knowing, literally no one uses a 7600x igpu save for when your dgpu dies or something. But it is still impressive that the bloody thing can even run games like cyberpunk or watchdogs legion. I mean it'll deduct a couple generations off your visuals and struggle to hit 30fps but still, kinda impressive.
VizricK@reddit
Throw in a used rx570-580 $40-60
Drez92@reddit
For 250, you’d be much better off getting a console. You could probably find a used ps5 or series x for around that
alebarco@reddit (OP)
Used ps5 at 250? Not here that's for sure
_Spastic_@reddit
PS5 isn't really modest though. And a PC for 250 isn't playing AAA games.
Longjumping-Echo-696@reddit
It would even struggle with AA gaming
_Spastic_@reddit
Facts
Shadowraiden@reddit
more likely then getting a pc to play those games modestly at that price
75tavares@reddit
Xbox one, Series S
Pretend_Investment42@reddit
Via mostly Aliexpress - you can build a PC. Can't do PC & monitor, however.
Won't be great, but you can play older games.
PADO BF-mini - $25
Thermaltake 500 watt white - $37 (Amazon)
Machinist H61 - $25
i7 3770 - $29 (ebay)
CPU cooler - Aigo ICE200Pro Air - $8
16gb DDR3 memory - $18 (Amazon)
256gb nvme - $20
RX 560xt - $67
Keyboard/Mouse - $10 (anywhere)
2303 batter - $1.25 (DollarTree)
HyperCreep77@reddit
all used you could definetly make something to play stuff older/light games. Depends where you live tho.
Some tips I can give to save the most money:
- old pc cases and fans can be found for free on marketplaces most of the time (you'll have to collect it yourself). Don't get a case that's too old tho, highly inefficient cooling.
- Harvest a 500GB/1TB HDD from an old tv recorder (can be as low as 10$) or buy one new if you can find it at low prices.
- used 2x8gb ddr4 ram sticks go for around 15$ if you look good enough (get highest clock you can)
- At that budget get a used PSU, but make sure it's not too dusty/old when buying
- Get a used CPU+motherboard bundle. You can find tons on ebay at really low prices. If a CPU air cooler is included even better. If not you can find stock air coolers on ebay for under 15$.
- Get a used GPU that's appropriate for the CPU
That said, I'd allocate your budget like this:
- 120$ mobo+cpu
- 80$ GPU
- 50$ on the rest
That's the best I think you can do for that budget.
Hope I could help
josephguy82@reddit
There are many dells you can buy for under 100 and all you need to do it add an video card
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McGundulf@reddit
Xbox series S
BeefyBarbarian@reddit
Ryzen 2600/rx580 8gb all used parts its possible to have. Decent experience. And with an am4 mb bios update can upgrade again after saving up.
Triumptr8v8@reddit
If ur lucky a 5700xt will also fit in the budget, managed to snag a OC edition for a 100 today
BeefyBarbarian@reddit
Damn nice pick up!
Triumptr8v8@reddit
Thanks! Just need to place a new fan and put some new thermal paste on it cause that hasnt been done since it was new.
Hungry_Reception_724@reddit
Its doable, you would probably be looking at a 8-10 year old system and would be able to play minecraft with no mods or something of that caliber. Fortnight too. I would not expect to run any AAA games from the last 5 years on such a system.
It would be 100% used and you would have no choice in what you get but it is doable.
CtrlAltDesolate@reddit
Not without some freebies or some criminal low-balling on used marketplaces - and even then it'll struggle occasionally.
Be better off with something like a used Xbox at that budget.
GamesTeasy@reddit
No
Islaytomuch1@reddit
I'm using a 7900xtx and a 7900x3d that runs at over 70-80 degrees on poe, path of exile is not a lite game.
Naerven@reddit
In the US with a fair amount of patience and getting used parts it can be done for 1080p gaming.
Black_Umbrella_0@reddit
No, I'm sorry. 250 is just not enough for a PC. I think you can get a used ps4 for that price, you'll have no problem running those games.
For 250 is just not even worth it to get a PC, a used ps4 would be much better than any PC you could build with that budget.
Slut4Sage@reddit
A used Steam Deck is your best option. Should be able to find a LCD model for around that price, performance is fine for many games and there is a lot of information about compatibility on the subreddit.
superrob1500@reddit
I mean if you don't care about value, don't care about game settings it's doable in theory. How? Something like a 4th gen intel office PC system (like an OptiPlex) that's basically e-waste but can be had for cheap, slot an equally ancient GPU and a bottom of the barrel used monitor someone's giving it away.
ShrapnelShock@reddit
They aren't e-waste still. I used Optiplex i7-3770k with a nice ample 32gb ddr4. Desktop is noticeable. Handles non-FPS games very well.
alebarco@reddit (OP)
I basically have one of those now, but it's pretty old at this point, and I'm not even sure what GPU would even be worth it.
superrob1500@reddit
In theory you have options with that budget if you have most of the parts. The biggest issue with adding GPUs to those old systems is 1) the PSU having the wattage and the necessary connections 2) the case being able to physically fit the card.
Shadowraiden@reddit
no for $250 its just not really realistic expectation.
at that price your better off looking at a used console.
dzone25@reddit
Hey an older gen used console - they'll be well below 250 and they'll play it just fine. PS4 Pro or something is likely the best option.
PC - very, very unlikely.
PS5 used - maybe? If you stretch the budget a bit further. Especially with PS5 Pro coming out - people will sell and upgrade.
PriorityFar9255@reddit
Just buy a ps4
Kaserblade@reddit
For modest gaming, very difficult even with an used rig.