Budget Gaming PC Build: Intel Core i5 2500 with Radeon R7 350

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. PC Specifications
3. Upgrading Options
4. Performance testing
5. Gaming Test: Game Pass 2021
6. Gaming Test: Genshin Impact
7. Gaming Test: GTA 5
8. Gaming Test: Forza Horizon 4
9. Gaming Test: Evil Makerry 5
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will be taking a look at a budget PC build that has been put together using affordable components. We will discuss the specifications of the PC, its upgrade options, and then move on to performance testing and gaming tests to evaluate its capabilities. Whether you're a casual gamer or someone on a tight budget looking for a capable PC, this article aims to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. So, let's dive in!

PC Specifications

The budget PC build we are examining is equipped with an Intel Core i5 2500 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a Radeon r7350 2GB graphics card. Since the motherboard does not support m.2 NVMe slots, a 256GB SATA SSD has been used for storage. However, it's important to note that this PC can be upgraded in various ways. You can add more RAM, upgrade the processor to an i7 3rd generation, or enhance the graphics card to a GTX 1050 TI or RX 580. Additionally, the power supply would need to be upgraded accordingly.

Pros:

• Affordable budget build
• Potential for future upgrades

Cons:

• Limited motherboard features
• SATA 2.0 interface restricts SSD speed

Upgrading Options

The PC build we're discussing offers several upgrade options for users looking to enhance its performance. Let's take a closer look at these possibilities:

1. Additional RAM: By adding another 8GB stick of RAM, you can improve the overall multitasking capabilities and performance of the PC.

2. Processor Upgrade: Upgrading the processor to an Intel Core i7 3rd generation will provide a significant boost in performance, especially for tasks that require more processing power.

3. Graphics Card Upgrade: Swapping the current graphics card for a GTX 1050 TI or RX 580 will enhance the PC's gaming capabilities and allow for smoother gameplay at higher settings.

Pros:

• Flexibility to upgrade according to individual needs
• Possibility for improved multitasking and gaming performance

Cons:

• Upgrading components can be costly
• Some upgrades may require additional changes, such as upgrading the power supply

Performance Testing

Before diving into the gaming tests, it is important to evaluate the overall performance of the budget PC build. Two benchmark tests were conducted to assess the CPU and GPU performance: Cinebench R20 for the processor and Unigine Heaven benchmark for the graphics card.

The Cinebench R20 test yielded a score of 967 points, which is typical for a 2nd generation Core i5 processor. On the other HAND, the Unigine Heaven benchmark resulted in a relatively low score of 341, indicating that the graphics card may have limitations when it comes to more intensive tasks. Another benchmark test, 3DMark Time Spy, produced a score of 677, further highlighting the GPU's performance constraints.

Pros:

• Respectable CPU performance for general tasks
• Adequate GPU performance for casual gaming

Cons:

• Limited graphics card capabilities for high-end gaming
• Potential bottleneck in GPU performance

Gaming Test: Game Pass 2021

The first game we tested on the budget PC build is Game Pass 2021. Running the game at HD 720p resolution with low graphics settings, the PC delivered smooth gameplay with high FPS and no noticeable lag or stutter. Overall, the PC was able to handle this game with ease, making it a viable option for casual gamers.

Pros:

• Smooth gameplay with high FPS
• No lag or stuttering observed

Cons:

• Limited graphical settings due to hardware constraints

Gaming Test: Genshin Impact

Next, we tested Genshin Impact on the budget PC build. With the resolution set to HD 720p and graphics settings on the lowest possible, the PC was still able to run the game with acceptable FPS, averaging above 50. However, there were occasional stutters and frame drops in certain situations, which slightly affected the overall gameplay experience.

Pros:

• Playable FPS above 50
• Overall decent gaming experience

Cons:

• Occasional stutters and frame drops

Gaming Test: GTA 5

Moving on to GTA 5, the budget PC build was able to handle the game at HD 720p resolution with default graphics settings, which are not the lowest available. Although the FPS obtained was within a playable range, averaging around 20, there were noticeable delays and a high frame rate fluctuation. These performance issues could be attributed to the limited VRAM and RAM utilization.

Pros:

• Playable FPS above 20
• Smooth gameplay with no major stuttering

Cons:

• Delays and high frame rate fluctuation
• Limited VRAM and RAM utilization

Gaming Test: Forza Horizon 4

Forza Horizon 4 was tested on the budget PC build at HD 720p resolution with medium graphics preset. The in-game benchmark showed that the PC struggled to maintain a playable FPS, averaging in the low 20s. The delay in frame rendering was quite noticeable, indicating that the hardware may not be suitable for running this game smoothly.

Pros:

• Playable FPS, albeit on the lower side
• No major stuttering during gameplay

Cons:

• Low FPS affects overall gameplay experience
• Suboptimal hardware for smooth gameplay

Gaming Test: Evil Makerry 5

Finally, we tested Evil Makerry 5 on the budget PC build, running at HD 720p resolution with low graphics settings. Despite the relatively low FPS, which stayed above 30, the gameplay was relatively smooth and free from major stuttering. Although the performance was not ideal, it still provided a satisfactory gaming experience for those on a tight budget.

Pros:

• Playable FPS above 30
• Smooth gameplay experience

Cons:

• Lower than desired FPS
• Suboptimal graphical settings required for smooth gameplay

Conclusion

In conclusion, the budget PC build we examined offers decent performance for general tasks and casual gaming. While it may struggle with more demanding games and higher graphics settings, it still provides a viable option for those on a tight budget. With the potential for future upgrades, such as adding more RAM or upgrading the graphics card, this PC can be improved to better cater to specific needs. However, it's important to consider the limitations of the current hardware when deciding on game compatibility and performance expectations.

Highlights

• Budget PC build with affordable components
• Potential for future upgrades to enhance performance
• CPU performance adequate for general tasks
• GPU performance suitable for casual gaming
• Smooth gameplay experience in specific games
• Limitations in running more demanding games

FAQ

Q: Can I upgrade the RAM in this budget PC build? A: Yes, the RAM can be upgraded by adding another 8GB stick.

Q: What processor can be used as an upgrade in this PC build? A: The processor can be upgraded to an Intel Core i7 3rd generation for improved performance.

Q: Is it possible to upgrade the graphics card in this budget PC build? A: Yes, the graphics card can be upgraded to a GTX 1050 TI or RX 580 for enhanced gaming capabilities.

Q: Does this PC build require a power supply upgrade for certain upgrades? A: Yes, upgrading certain components may require a corresponding upgrade to the power supply.

Q: How well does this PC build handle gaming at higher settings? A: This PC build may struggle with more demanding games and higher graphics settings, resulting in lower FPS and potential performance issues.