Looking for a powerful computer for playing games?
Looking for a powerful computer for playing games?
I’m building a computer for my cousin, and his father has established a relatively modest budget of $400. Considering he primarily enjoys action games such as Fortnite, do you believe this will be adequate for a reasonable period?
[https://pcpartpicker.com/list/9NkyTB](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/9NkyTB)
Here’s a revised strategy, utilizing an upgraded processor and solid-state drive, alongside a power supply capable of supporting potential graphics card upgrades down the line. Considering this build, 16 gigabytes of RAM might be a more suitable choice.
PCPartPicker component list:
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Cost estimation by vendor
Processor:
AMD - Ryzen 3 2200G 3.5 GHz Quad-Core Processor
($93.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
Gigabyte - B450M DS3H Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard
($73.98 @ Newegg)
Memory:
Team - Vulcan 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory
($61.98 @ Newegg)
Storage:
Silicon Power - S55 480 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
($56.99 @ Newegg)
Case:
DIYPC - DIY-F2-W MicroATX Mini Tower Case
($36.97 @ Newegg Business)
Power
Here’s a revised configuration, utilizing a more advanced processor with an SSD and a power supply capable of supporting upgrades for future graphics cards. Adding 16 GB of RAM would also be a beneficial enhancement to this build.
PCPartPicker component list:
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Merchant price breakdown:
CPU:
AMD - Ryzen 3 2200G 3.5 GHz Quad-Core Processor – ($93.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
Gigabyte - B450M DS3H Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard – ($73.98 @ Newegg)
Memory:
Team - Vulcan 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory – ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Storage:
Silicon Power - S55 480 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive – ($56.99 @ Newegg)
Case:
DIYPC - DIY-F2-W MicroATX Mini Tower Case – ($36.97 @ Newegg Business)
Power Supply:
Corsair - CX (2017) 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply – ($32.98 @ Newegg)
Total:
$356.89 (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts where applicable)
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-12-18 22:19 EST-0500
Alternatively, a more robust system could be constructed... Indeed, an elevated budget would significantly improve the overall build quality.
PCPartPicker component list:
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Merchant price breakdown:
CPU:
AMD - Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor – ($164.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
Gigabyte - B450M DS3H Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard – ($73.98 @ Newegg)
Memory:
Team - Vulcan 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory – ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Storage:
Silicon Power - S55 480 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive – ($56.99 @ Newegg)
Graphics Card:
MSI - Radeon RX 570 8 GB ARMOR OC Video Card – ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Case:
DIYPC - DIY-F2-W MicroATX Mini Tower Case – ($36.97 @ Newegg Business)
Power Supply:
Corsair - CX (2017) 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply – ($32.98 @ Newegg)
Total:
$577.88 (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts where available)
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-12-18 22:26 EST-0500
If the budget permits, a substantially better build is possible. Someone will certainly optimize it anyway.
You likely won’t require a separate CPU cooler at this level of performance, so it's best to invest that money in the processor itself. This is particularly true if you plan on utilizing the integrated Vega graphics – the Vega 3 found in the 200GE is substantially slower than the Vega 8 in the 2200G, making the 2200G a superior choice for gaming.
Furthermore, I observed that you had 2133MHz RAM listed, but you should prioritize a dual-channel kit with faster speeds when utilizing integrated graphics, as slower speeds like 2133 can noticeably degrade performance.
Additionally, $70 for a traditional hard drive seems excessive; if your budget allows, an SSD would be a far better choice, providing dramatically improved loading times and overall system responsiveness beyond gaming applications.
Post-edit: This recommendation aligns closely with what another user suggested for their initial build, so it’s a solid approach. Alternatively, you could consider merging the elements of both previously suggested builds for a more comprehensive solution – pairing the 2200G with an RX570 would offer substantially enhanced gaming performance, albeit slightly exceeding your budget.
Don't bother purchasing an additional CPU cooler at this level of performance – invest that money in the processor itself. Particularly if you intend to utilize the integrated Vega graphics, the Vega 3 within the 200GE will be substantially slower than the Vega 8 in the 2200G, making the 2200G a better choice for gaming.
Update: Furthermore, I observed that you’ve specified 2133 MHz RAM, which isn't ideal. You should select a dual-channel kit with quicker speeds to enhance performance when utilizing integrated graphics, as slower speeds like 2133 can noticeably degrade speed.
Additionally, obtaining a traditional hard drive for nearly $70 seems excessive. If your budget allows, an SSD would be a far superior choice, offering dramatically improved loading times and overall system responsiveness beyond gaming.
Update Update: This recommendation aligns closely with the suggestions offered by another user in their initial build configuration. Therefore, mirroring that approach could be a solid strategy. Alternatively, you could consider merging elements from both of the previously mentioned builds to achieve a more budget-friendly system. Pairing the 2200G with an RX570 would yield significantly enhanced gaming capabilities compared to relying solely on integrated graphics, although it might stretch your budget slightly.
Here’s a parts list costing approximately $412, utilizing an microATX form factor and featuring an RX 560:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/kPXNFt
I've looked at it further... And if you want to maximize every dollar... Try get this, basically the cpu has been upgraded with better APU.
PCPartPicker part list
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Price breakdown by merchant
CPU:
AMD - Ryzen 5 2400G 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor
($158.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:
Gigabyte - B450M DS3H Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard
($73.98 @ Newegg)
Memory:
Team - Vulcan 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory
($61.98 @ Newegg)
Storage:
Inland - 480 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
($54.99 @ Amazon)
Case:
DIYPC - P48-W ATX Mid Tower Case
($33.96 @ Newegg)
Power Supply:
Corsair - CX (2017) 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply
($32.98 @ Newegg)
Total:
$416.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-12-18 22:59 EST-0500
I’ve decided to assemble this system with a slightly altered configuration, costing approximately $425...
PCPartPicker component list:
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Price breakdown by retailer
CPU:
AMD - Athlon 200GE 3.2 GHz Dual-Core Processor – ($54.90 at OutletPC)
Motherboard:
Gigabyte - B450M DS3H Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard – ($73.98 at Newegg)
Memory:
G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR4-2666 Memory – ($59.99 at Newegg)
Storage:
Patriot - Burst 240 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive – ($31.99 at Newegg Business)
Video Card:
PowerColor - Radeon RX 570 4 GB RED DRAGON Video Card – ($144.99 at Newegg)
Case:
DIYPC - MA08-BK MicroATX Mini Tower Case – ($26.97 at Newegg Business)
Power Supply:
Corsair - CX (2017) 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply – ($32.98 at Newegg)
Total:
$425.80
Prices include shipping, taxes and discounts where applicable.
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-12-19 00:44 EST-0500
This build incorporates a different graphics card option for around $425.
The PCPartPicker list reveals the components, including an RX 570 from PowerColor, which requires some compromises elsewhere to achieve this price point. The RX 570 offers up to twice the performance of an RX 560, three times that of a 2400G’s integrated graphics, and significantly more than an IGP from a 2200G or 200GE processor, provided the CPU isn't a bottleneck in demanding games. This configuration could be suitable for 1080p gaming with reasonably high settings.
To stay within budget, I’ve opted for a 200GE processor, acknowledging that this will limit gaming performance in some titles. However, recent BIOS updates from Gigabyte and Asus have enabled core overclocking on B450 motherboards, potentially boosting CPU performance by approximately 20%, even with a stock cooler. Despite the two cores and four threads being less powerful than a 2200G’s four physical cores, the latter is around $40 more expensive.
The Gigabyte motherboard provides potential for future overclocking, and includes four RAM slots for easy upgrades. The memory kit consists of 2x4GB DDR4-2666, aligning with the processor's memory speed limitations.
Regarding storage, an SSD is included at 240GB, which may suffice for lighter gaming workloads and general use. Alternatively, a larger capacity hard drive (around 500GB) could be found for a similar price, although slower speeds are to be expected. I wouldn’t recommend opting for a 5400RPM drive for the operating system or game loading due to its significantly reduced performance compared to a standard 7200RPM desktop drive.
The case is an affordable option lacking a window, but with reasonable airflow. While more premium cases with windows were available in this price range, they often restricted airflow within a small form factor. The power supply is an inexpensive unit capable of handling the RX 570's power requirements.
Ultimately, this build represents a trade-off – reduced CPU and storage capacity – but it provides a solid mid-range graphics card capable of handling 1080p gaming effectively, albeit slightly over budget. A GTX 1050 or RX 560 could potentially reduce the total cost to around $400, but at the expense of reduced performance compared to the RX 570, particularly when contrasted with the integrated graphics solutions found in Ryzen processors, which are typically better suited for 720p gaming. Future CPU upgrades would likely be considered with these integrated graphics builds to address performance limitations at 1080p resolution.