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cheap gaming setup

Best Cheap Gaming Setup/ PC Build in 2024

A gaming setup doesn’t have to be expensive, so In this post, we have put together the best-value peripherals and PC hardware for a cheap, entry-level build.

The peripherals included are specific for gaming, but perhaps better suited to “first-time” buyers who are searching for high-performance products on a budget.

We have also created a PC part list, and gone for an Intel build capable of playing games at 1080p with a decent framerate. It has no problems running popular titles such as Fortnite, APEX, CS:GO, and Valorant at around 60-90 FPS on medium to high settings.

See the tables below for a brief overview.

Contents:

1. How do I build a cheap gaming setup?
2. How do I build a cheap gaming PC?


1. How do I build a cheap gaming setup?


What Monitor for a cheap gaming setup?

To start with an amazing value monitor, we have gone for the Acer SB220Q.

This Full HD (1920x1080p) gaming monitor has a rapid four-millisecond response time, and a respectable 75Hz refresh rate; slightly faster than a traditional 60Hz monitor. The 21.5-inch display utilizes AMD “FreeSync” technology to eliminate screen tearing for a smoother gaming experience.

Besides having a very reasonable price, the strikingly thin aesthetics of this monitor is just another aspect that makes it so popular. At only 0.24-inches, the elegant bezel blends into a  “zero-edge” frame design to reduce extra bulk and provide a modern touch to any home.

Other features include multiple inputs (HDMI & VGA), and a simple but effective chassis. The hinge mechanism on the base of the stand is not the most sophisticated, but it does allow for a backward tilt of approximately 15 degrees. At under $90, You won’t find a better monitor on a budget.


What Mouse for a cheap gaming setup?

For an excellent value mouse, we have gone for a Redragon M711 Cobra RGB.

The M711 Cobra features a 10000 DPI optical gaming sensor for high-speed motion detection. When paired with the seven programmable buttons; you can expect nothing but superior efficiency as you game.

Thanks to the mouse’s native software, it’s easy to customize all of the basic settings just as you would expect with any other premium brand. This includes being able to adjust the DPI from 100 to 10000, change the polling rate, as well as assign customized action buttons to achieve combo keys.

The build of the Cobra is of high quality and feels comfortable in your hand. Due to the relatively universal ergonomic design, you will have no problems adapting to this mouse for a variety of different games. For under $25 it’s a great bang for your buck.


What Keyboard for a cheap gaming setup?

In a similar budget theme, we have gone for the Redragon K552

This compact mechanical keyboard stands out for its tenkeyless design and Cherry MX Blue equivalent switches. The reduction in size is currently one of the most popular among gamers, as are the switches that provide a “clicky” and springier tactile response.

Comfort is another top priority when it comes to keyboards, and the K552 does not disappoint. The double-shot ABS keycaps feature an ergonomic leaning bezel to relieve fatigue for long hours of gaming and foldable anti-slip feet to meet your requirement.

The build is durable and tested to withstand 10,000,000 key-strokes without failure or anti-ghosting. Similarly, to ensure life longevity, the keycap letters have been cut into the key. For such a cheap piece of gear, you might be surprised at just how long it sticks around it your gaming setup.


What Headset for a cheap gaming setup?

For an inexpensive headset, we have gone for the Turtle Beach Recon 70

This is currently one of the most affordable models in the market right now, but that does not mean that it lacks any quality. The design is lightweight and comfortable. It features premium ear cushions made with a synthetic leather for better noise isolation and improved bass response.

To save money on buying a mic, we have gone for a headset over headphones. The adjustable microphone on the Recon 70 allows for a clear voice and reduces the background noise. When you don’t need to use it you can simply flip it back in and it will mute itself.

Some headsets don’t offer surround sound, but this versatile option does. It is entirely compatible with the PC and all the other major consoles including the PS4, Xbox, and Switch. Due to this reason, it has been an extremely popular seller since its release last year.


What Mousepad for a cheap gaming setup? 

For the mousepad, we have gone with the Razer Gigantus v2. VicTsing is substantially larger than other products in the market, making it great value for money. Aside from being cheap, it’s available in a variety of different artwork styles, allowing you to customize your gaming setup.

The large textile surface has been optimized for fast movement, while maintaining excellent speed and control during your game. It uses a superfine fiber braided material to ensure better pixel-precise targeting and works with both laser and optical sensors.

On the reverse side of the pad is a non-slip rubber base that eliminates any unwanted movements. The dense, slip-resistant shading can firmly grip the desktop to prevent peel-up on the corners. As a result, this prevents deformation and greatly increases its lifespan.


What Webcam for a cheap gaming setup? 

The Logitech C922 Pro is the go-to piece of gear for any cheap gaming setup. It’s favorite among streamers due to its ability to record in a full 1080p at 30 fps, or a smooth HD 720p at 60 fps.

Besides capturing a high-quality image, a webcam needs to work flawlessly in all situations. The C922 does just that by recording without any lag or distortion. Furthermore, it comes fully equipped with an HD autofocus that allows you to stream adequately even in a dim setting.

Other features of this webcam include a dual microphone, and “ChromaCam” software. The ChromaCam makes it possible to create a green screen effect behind you, and offers a variety of different presets and background images.


2. How do I build a Cheap Gaming PC?


What Case for a cheap gaming PC?

For an awesome value case, we have gone for the Cougar MX330 ATX mid-tower.

A decent case is an important part of the build as some have poor clearance, which would cause the GPU or other components to not fit. This particular case has plenty of room to support full-sized graphics cards up to 350mm, and all motherboards including Mini ITX/Micro ATX/ATX.

The inside has been optimized for cable management and allows for massive expandability. There are plenty of openings that allow you to snake in/out the power cords, and USB, etc. around everything. In addition to having enough room to install up to five fans and water cooling radiator support.

In terms of design, the acrylic side window provides an elegant touch to showcase your build and lets you see all your components in action. The front panel features easily detachable dust filters and 2x USB 3.0 ports, which is a bit of a rarity in the budget sector.


What Motherboard for a cheap gaming PC?

For a budget motherboard, we have gone with the Gigabyte H370M DS3H

A motherboard is one of the most important components in a PC build so we wanted to cut costs, but still get it right. To achieve this we have found one of the best-priced mATX motherboards that comes with a B365 chipset and 4 DDR4 DIMM slots for future expansion.

MATX motherboards are perfect for budget-friendly gaming PCs, as when compared with ATX and Mini-ITX, they are the least expensive option. This particular board supports 64GB of dual-channel DD4 RAM (2666 MHz) that will have no problems running high-end games and applications.

The Intel B365 chipset and LGA 1151 socket are compatible with the latest 9th-generation Intel Core processors. This means you can easily upgrade your CPU to any of the 9th gen processors such as the I5/ I7/ I9 to add a whole new life to your PC.


What Processor for a cheap gaming PC?

For one of the best value processors around we have gone for the Intel Core i3-9100F. A hobbyist gamer can’t build an effective gaming PC without a fast processor and the Intel Core I3 uses 4 cores that allow it to reach a respectable 4.6 GHz clock speed.

State of the art processors have to be able to keep up with high-level graphic cards so they can run demanding games smoothly. To do this, the I3 is equipped with an integrated hyper-threading system that boosts the performance.

Overheating is another thing to be aware of when looking for a good processor. The I3 comes with its own stock fan cooler and runs cooler than other processors due to having an integrated heat spreader. In turn, this helps with heat dissipation and makes for an excellent choice.


What Graphics Card for a cheap gaming PC?

For a great budget graphics card, we have gone for the Radeon RX 570.

The 4th generation GCN architecture in this card is engineered for gamers who play anything from the latest MOBA’s to the most popular AAA titles. When working in tandem with the innovative AMD FreeSync™ technology you can expect a mid to high 1080p frame rate at 94 FPS.

Overheating as a top priority for all-powerful consumer graphics cards, especially the Radeon RX 570. To tackle this, it is equipped with a heatsink to dissipate the heat from the GPU, and two award-winning MSI TORX fans that provide a strong cooling performance while remaining incredibly silent.

The RX 570 offers superb value for gamers on a very tight budget. If at all possible, we would suggest spending around $30 more for the 20% faster 8GB RX 580, or even upgrading to a GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER which are currently falling in price.

When it comes to gaming, a GPU does most of the work so this is something to keep in mind. If you have a slightly larger budget then we suggest upgrading the GPU.


What RAM for a cheap gaming PC?

For great value RAM, we have gone for 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) of G.Skill Aegis. This DDR4, 3000 MHz is capable of delivering a performance boost to your computer.

The design is specific for entry-level gaming computers and compatible with this motherboard when underclocked at 2666MHz. We have chosen to go for a 3000Mhz RAM, as they are currently the same price as the 2666MHz predecessors so it makes sense to go for the newer model.

The Aegis symbolizes strength and power. It is built with the highest quality and rigorously tested on major performance motherboard brands. To ensure you of this, all G.SKILL memory products come with a limited lifetime warranty.


What Power Supply Unit for a cheap gaming PC?

For the PSU, we have gone or the Gamemax VP 80 Plus Bronze 600w.

A PSU is needed to meet the required voltage of your components and prevent instability or power failure in the future. For beginners who are building a basic gaming setup like this one, the Gamemax GP is an affordable choice with plenty of power.

You can double-check how much power you need by using a calculator like this one here. The 80 plus bronze certificate indicates it has up to 85% energy efficiency, which helps by reducing heat generation and saving you energy in the future.

What we like about this design is that it has honeycomb ventilation for optimal heat dissipation and ultra-quiet fans so it won’t distract you from the game. It also has a modular cabling system meaning you can detach the cables as needed to keep a nice clean setup.


What Storage for a cheap gaming PC?

Without breaking the bank, we have gone for the Team Group MS30.

This internal SSD drive has a 512GB capacity and provides mid to high-end transfers of up to 6Gb/s, which is more than enough to get you started.

To improve efficiency, the SATA III interface uses “Intel Smart Technology”. This works by acting as a cache between the HDD so data requests can be stored temporarily and accessed much faster.

Other features include advanced garbage collection, TRIM command, and wear leveling to increase the lifetime of the memory. Additionally, it’s built with power-saving technology to enhance the battery life.

Everyone’s storage needs are different, so it’s up to you if you need to upgrade or downgrade, depending on how much drive space you will ultimately need.


What Network Adapter for a cheap gaming PC?

For the network adapter, we have chosen the Ziyituod WiFi 6 AX200.

The Ziyituod PCIe WiFi Card has an Intel 6 AX200 Chip to support the latest 802.11ax technology. It provides wireless AC dual-band capable of delivering high peak data rates up to 2.4Gbps, making it perfect for low latency streaming and high performance online gaming.

You won’t have to worry about the coverage of this adapter because the Ziyituod AX200 has a detachable antenna that is flexible and easy to adjust to provide the longest signal range possible. Not only it is a Wi-Fi adapter, but it also provides Bluetooth 5.0 for all your other devices.

The motherboard we are using for this setup does have an Ethernet port, however, it does not include built-in Wi-Fi. This is a cheap addition for anyone who needs it.


What Fans for a cheap gaming PC

For bargain fans, we have gone for the Uphere 3-Pack. These fans come at a very reasonable price and feature optimized fan blades for a better cooling performance.

The design uses a wear-resistant construction that keeps the air volume larger without creating disturbing noises. The 40,000 hours service life means they’re sure to stay silent and last you a considerable amount of time.

It’s good practice to have a few in your case. The Cougar MX330 can support up to five internal fans, however it only comes with one exhaust fan. For this reason, you might want to invest in some more.



We hope you can follow this post to create your own cheap gaming setup!

All hardware is compatible with this build. The peripherals come to about $195 + the webcam. The PC Build comes to approx. $520 + an extra $50 for the optional network adapter/ fans.

Windows 10 can be downloaded for free with the media tool.



For more posts by us:

Click here for the Best Small Setups of 2021.

Click here for the Best Minimalist Gaming Setups of 2021.








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