New to pc gaming, Which pc to buy?
New to pc gaming, Which pc to buy?
I’m considering upgrading my computer, as my current one is failing. I’m weighing two options: a Ryzen 3200G with 16GB of RAM and a 550-watt power supply, or a pre-built system featuring a Ryzen 5 3400G. My budget is limited, and I need advice on which configuration would be the better choice. Could someone offer their assistance?
This represents an economical choice – you can add a graphics card later. Naturally, it should outperform the Radeon Vega 8, but avoid options like the GT 710 or GT 1030, as they’ll offer similar performance. If you have at least $100 (or €100), aim to locate a used RX 580 with 8GB of VRAM; this will be your most effective budget solution and provides an ideal pairing for optimal CPU and GPU utilization. The RAM speed is well-suited for Ryzen’s affordable processors, and you could easily include a minimum 240GB SSD for Windows installation, as this build lacks one. Finally, regarding the motherboard, it's not compatible with Ryzen 3000 series processors, necessitating a BIOS update – however, if purchasing the entire setup from a vendor, I’m confident they’ve already completed this process.
Skip ready-made systems.
It’s excessively expensive for the level of performance you get.
Construct your own computer. What's your spending limit?
I’m currently unable to access external URLs, including the provided PCPartPicker link. Therefore, I cannot rewrite the text from that page.
Despite being mindful of costs, purchasing a ready-made computer often results in a poor machine. I had only £200 available and acquired a “gaming PC” featuring a GT710 graphics card and an FX4300 processor. Even if you lack experience assembling computers, the process is simpler than constructing a Lego set. While £350 might not provide much, the listed configuration above represents a respectable system. Considering your gaming preferences and desired visual quality settings, what titles are you hoping to play?
I recommend considering the Ryzen 5 3400G. This processor allows for gaming, albeit with reduced resolutions and settings, on some more recent, demanding games. It’s an excellent choice for a basic setup or as the core component of a very inexpensive computer. Combining it with a GTX 1660 Ti would deliver impressive gaming results. Furthermore, the 3400G natively supports 2933MHz RAM and includes Vega 8 integrated graphics, which should be sufficient for your needs – no overclocking is required.
Explore purchasing pre-owned components or assembled systems. Ensure a knowledgeable individual inspects the parts – or conduct your own assessment if you possess the necessary expertise.
Significant value can be discovered in older CPUs. Consider second, third, or fourth generation Intel i7 processors, alongside first, second, and fifth generation Ryzen 3 and 5 models, potentially even some seventh-generation options. Examine older LGA2011 motherboards and corresponding CPUs; they often boast increased core counts, thread capabilities, larger caches, and overclocking potential.
Similarly, a wealth of excellent graphics cards are available at reasonable prices. The RX570 frequently offers comparable performance to the GTX 1060 (3GB or 6GB versions) in certain situations. Also investigate GTX 1060 (6GB) and RX580 models.
For guidance, review videos on platforms like Tech Yes City. Explore AliExpress for components – though be aware that shipping times will be longer, but prices may be lower.
While assembling a PC for around £300 or $450 can be challenging, it’s achievable. Target approximately £200 ($200) for the CPU, motherboard, and RAM (along with an improved cooler if overclocking is desired). Allocate another £200 ($200) for a case, power supply, GPU, and hard drive. I suggest prioritizing a better CPU initially, or saving up for a superior graphics card later – depending on your preference.
I concur with Blitz Blitz’s suggestion. Focus on finding a system that includes at least an i7-3770 processor and 8GB of RAM – computers like Dell OptiPlex or Lenovo ThinkCentre often meet these specifications. After adding a graphics card, additional memory, the result will be a capable gaming PC.