Cheapest 1080p/60FPS build – need advice
Posted by Niemand17474@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 25 comments
*Hey everyone,
I’m looking for help building a budget gaming PC in Germany.
My goal is to play most modern games at 1080p with around 60 FPS. I want to keep the cost as low as possible, ideally around 200–500€, but cheaper is always better if it still meets the performance target.
I’m open to buying used parts and overclocking if it makes sense for price-to-performance.
I don’t need peripherals, just the PC itself. Medium settings are fine as long as performance is stable.
Starting completely from scratch.
I’d appreciate any suggestions for the best value parts or builds right now.
Thanks!*
Dapper_dan829@reddit
Upgraded from a 2600x and rx580 8gb that was still running most games at 1080p 60fps high.
J4jem@reddit
At least here in the US, your best bet would probably be an 11400f build with a used 3060.
PsyOmega@reddit
5600x vs 11400f at 1080p is only a few % delta. And often well in excess of OP's 60hz target
https://www.techpowerup.com/review/intel-core-i5-11400f/16.html
Even a 10400F would be good for OP.
Even an 8700 non-k or K would be good for OP.
J4jem@reddit
You might notice I suggested a pairing of a PCIe 4.0 GPU with a CPU that supports that.
Go ahead and pair a 3.0 limited CPU if you want. I wouldn't... 10400 is PCIe 3.0 only, but slots into 4.0 boards.
PsyOmega@reddit
Pci3 is fine for 60hz
Only 4 lane GPUs get outwardly impacted there. 8 and 16 don’t suffer as much if at all in some cases
J4jem@reddit
It honestly depends on how you interpret "most modern games at medium" as. My interpretation is that includes Cyberpunk2077, Wukong, and Kingdom Come Deliverance II. And no, you really don't want an 8th gen Intel on that.
PsyOmega@reddit
OP is only at 60hz.
You suggested an 11400F
A 10400F or 8700 (same chip, really) isn't much slower than that, as 11th gen wasn't faster than 10th.
It's fine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGykbhMh758
Pardon_O@reddit
Intel Xeon E5-1650 v3 / v4 used Main x99, 16gb ram ddr4 buss 2666 or 3200(Four 4GB ECC RAM sticks are also much cheaper) Vga 3060 or rx6600 Xeon used is very cheap. Power, ssd new
No_Guarantee7841@reddit
Just buy a console.
Niemand17474@reddit (OP)
I was thinking about just buying a used ps4 pro for 80€!
jilio15@reddit
I don't know what are the prices where you live, but please don't get a PS4 pro, is just a waste of money at this time. If you can, stretch your budget a little and get a used PS5 fat
ThatRedditBotGuy@reddit
I don’t know too much about buying used components, but here’s how I would make a budget build using entirely new parts (excluding the GPU): PCPARTPICKER.
Note that these are UK prices, I’d imagine these prices would be better in Germany, as every company seems to have no problem overpricing everything here. This list of parts is just for the kind of parts I would buy, not the price or how I would get them - make sure to check the prices in Germany from whatever sources you’re considering.
I decided to exclude the GPU because there are quite a few options: - New 5050 - New 5060 - New Arc B580 - New 9060XT 8GB - Used GPU
It’s important to note that the CPU I listed does not have integrated graphics. Integrated graphics wouldn’t be able to run many modern games well at all anyway.
However, each of the new GPU options I listed are likely at least €250 new, as GPUs are quite expensive.
So with all new parts, I would expect about €700-800.
With used parts, you need to see what’s available. The components I would always buy new for any PC are the PSU (don’t want to fry my other components), cooling (these components tend to degrade over time) and sometimes motherboards (due to the potential risk of pin damage where the CPU would sit, you could buy this used but make sure that the pins aren’t damaged first.
This build should meet or even exceed your expectations in many titles that aren’t graphics your expectations, I won’t go in detail why I chose every part, these are examples, I only listed the types of parts I would buy.
If you want to stay within your budget though, some parts will have to be used. Mainly look for a used CPU, GPU and RAM, as these are the safest used parts.
Sadly, this is a terrible time to build a PC, but I very well understand the need if your situation demands it, I’m building a new PC in 2-4 months as I really do need it.
I would be happy to answer any questions, justify any component choices or even take corrections/feedback from any other reply who is more knowledgeable.
Niemand17474@reddit (OP)
Thanks, that’s really helpful.
Thanks for the tip about buying the PSU and cooling new, I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll also check what’s available locally and compare prices.
Appreciate the advice!
ThatRedditBotGuy@reddit
No problem, happy to help.
I want to add, for the PSU, try to find an affordable one, I would use this tier list as a reference. Just find an affordable PSU online, and check it on here (go to the “Main List (Proper Ratings Only)” tab), just make sure to get a C tier or higher one to ensure that it’s suitable.
PearlJamTenGoat@reddit
just buy a playstation 5.
anyone that tells you you get this for 200-500 € is delusional.
ferdi_nand_k@reddit
This is my build, and I even edit 4k/60FPS: https://travelingkunz.com/2025/02/01/tech-stack-travel-vlogger/
In 2024, I aimed to produce videos in 4K and 60 FPS, so I had to invest in a “new” PC. I spent 550 USD (15,000 NTD) on a second-hand PC in Taiwan
Annual-Fan-4944@reddit
Sorry but you're not getting anything that'll perform to your standards for 500€. You're better off saving up more around 1500€ to get something decent (if it weren't for the memory shortage 1000€ would be good already D:)
nightsyn7h@reddit
There's always the console route for $500 (cheaper if used).
Annual-Fan-4944@reddit
Fair enough
DiogoSynt@reddit
That's majority a local problem because of ddr4 CPUs disponibility, GPU prices etc.
Well, with that budget it's smart to buy a used machine if possible. I would suggest something within the am4 budget or maybe even i5 f series with a nvidia or amd 60 cards. 6600xt, 3060ti, 4060, 7600.
RAM prices is a problem rn, ngl. So keep it to 16gb, you don't need more for 90% of the games.
Just have in mind performance is going to vary a lot game from game. But that's what I would do in your position.
Just a thing to have in mind is that if you have low budget to build a pc, it's smart to get to know a little bit about them, whatching a ton of benchmarks and CPU-GPU combinations etc. And learn how to buy used stuff to not get scammed.
Niemand17474@reddit (OP)
Thanks, I’ll keep an eye out for some good deals.
SenorPeterz@reddit
Here you go, OP! If you are aiming for 1080p/60fps you can go even cheaper for GPU. 2060 Super would be fine, especially with upscaling.
Let me know if you need any help building it!
Niemand17474@reddit (OP)
Thank you very much
SenorPeterz@reddit
You are welcome! Here are some benchmarking numbers for that build.
FatalGamer1@reddit
RTX 4060 / 5060 8GB but for that budget you’re probably going to need to get used parts. AM4 build with all used parts, SSD, RAM and maybe even motherboard.
I’d have a look online in places like eBay for ready built older gaming PC’s people are selling. Facebook marketplace is good as long as you can go test it.