Budget Gaming PC Build Guide: Where to Spend and Where to Save

Short answer: spend on the graphics card, choose a 6-core CPU, get 16 GB of dual-channel RAM and a fast NVMe SSD, and never cut corners on the power supply. Prices change every week, so use this as a plan, then check current prices before you buy.

#How to split the budget

#Where to spend

#Graphics card

The GPU sets your frame rate in almost every modern game. Check benchmarks for the games you actually play at the resolution you actually use.

#Power supply

A cheap, unrated power supply can fail and take other parts with it. Buy from a brand with good reviews and leave about 30 percent headroom over your system's needs.

#Where you can save

• Case: a plain case with mesh front panel cools better than many expensive glass ones.
• CPU cooler: the boxed cooler is fine for most mid-range CPUs at stock speeds.
• RGB: skip it entirely until everything else is sorted.

#Mistakes that cost performance

1. Running RAM in single-channel with one stick.
2. Forgetting to turn on the RAM XMP or EXPO profile in BIOS.
3. Plugging the monitor into the motherboard instead of the graphics card.
4. Pairing a very strong GPU with a weak 4-core CPU.