A PC build for less than eighteen dollars is now complete.
A PC build for less than eighteen dollars is now complete.
I'm aiming to assemble a computer for around $180 that can handle games like Fortnite and CS:GO. I’d appreciate any advice on how to approach this budget build. Could you suggest components and perhaps provide links to items available on eBay? Specifically, I’m wondering if a Dell Optiplex 790 DT with an Intel Core i5-2400 (3.1 GHz), 4GB of RAM, a 500GB hard drive, and either a GeForce GTX 1050 or a GeForce GTX 750 Ti would be suitable, along with a 250W power supply? Or should I consider an alternative graphics card to achieve the desired performance, and which GPU would comfortably fit inside a DT form factor?
I located a Dell Optiplex 790 Desktop, and it’s being offered for $90 with 8GB of RAM and an Intel Core i5-2400 processor, plus a hard drive and power supply. My question is: would I need to replace the existing power supply unit to accommodate a GeForce GTX 1050?
In principle, yes. However, in practice, no. The Dell’s power supply unit for this desktop model has a +12V output capable of delivering 17.8 amps, which is sufficient to operate a GeForce GTX 1050 Ti safely. I previously owned a compact, space-saving version of the Optiplex 790 with a power supply providing 17 amps on its +12V rail, and it successfully ran a GTX 1050 Ti for many years before I disposed of it, and I believe it’s still operational.
Nonetheless, you would need to utilize a low-profile version of either the GTX 1050 or GTX 1050 Ti. The GTX 1050 Ti offers approximately a 11-12% performance advantage over the GTX 1050.
Have you acquired any hardware yet? Such as a graphics card, keyboard, mouse, or operating system like Windows?
Are you able to connect to the internet through a wired Ethernet connection, or will you require an adapter for wireless connectivity?
Could you possibly increase your funding by ten dollars?
Components:
Rosewill Black Desktop Computer Case
- $26.99
Power Supply:
Antec TruePower TRUE480 ATX
- $18.65
Motherboard:
INTEL MicroATX Motherboard Socket 1156 DH55TC
- $39.99
Processor:
Intel Core i3 SLBTD 3.07GHz I3-540
- $5.49
CPU Cooler:
DEEPCOOL CK-11509 CPU Cooler
- $7.14
Memory:
Hynix 8GB (4GB x 2) PC3-10600 DDR3-1333MHz
- $24.95
Storage:
SEAGATE 320 GB ST3320418AS
- $25.83
Graphics Card:
AMD Radeon HD 7770
- $39.99
-Wolf transmits
Have you acquired any hardware yet? Such as a graphics card, keyboard, mouse, or operating system?
Do you have internet connectivity via wired Ethernet, or will you require a separate adapter to connect wirelessly?
I possess a keyboard and mouse, along with a Windows product key already.
pajotconnerstocks:
clutchc:
Are you currently able to assemble any parts? Such as a graphics card, keyboard, mouse, or operating system like Windows?
Do you have internet connectivity through a wired Ethernet connection, or will you need an adapter for wireless access?
I possess a keyboard and mouse, and I already have a Windows product key.
I’m anticipating you also have a display monitor.
Wolfshadw suggested creating a system suitable for playing games at a lower resolution—it’s somewhat remarkable, but it seems feasible.
My alternative idea was to purchase a used Dell Optiplex MT and then install a graphics card. However, it appears you’ve already considered this option yourself. (And you expanded on this in your initial message.)
Indeed, that configuration would produce an excellent 1080p gaming computer. The i5-2400/GTX 1050/1050 Ti you previously noted would significantly surpass the system Wolfshadw constructed. Have you located a specific model that appeals to you?
I located a Dell Optiplex 790 Desktop and it’s priced at $90, including 8GB of RAM and an Intel i5-2400 processor, along with a hard drive and power adapter. My question is: would I require a new power supply to accommodate a GeForce GTX 1050?
In theory, it’s necessary. However, practically speaking, no. The Dell's power supply for this desktop model has a +12 volt circuit capable of delivering 17.8 amps, which is sufficient to operate a GeForce GTX 1050 Ti securely. I previously owned a compact version of the Optiplex 790 with a smaller power supply—17 amps on its +12 volt circuit—and it successfully ran a GTX 1050 Ti for many years before I parted with it. It's still operational, as far as I know.
However, you would need to utilize a low-profile GTX 1050 or 1050 Ti graphics card. The 1050 Ti performs approximately 11 to 12 percent better than the 1050.