Build the Ultimate $700 Gaming PC in 2023!
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Best 700 Gaming PC in 2023
2.1. Why 700 is the Ideal Budget for a Gaming PC
2.2. The Balance between Performance, Utility, and Aesthetics
- Building the PC
3.1. The Motherboard and CPU
3.2. The I5 12400 and its Upgrade Path
3.3. Installing the Motherboard and CPU Cooler
3.4. Adding RAM and SSD
3.5. Choosing the Dark Flash MH200 Case
3.6. Installing the Motherboard in the PC Case
3.7. Power Supply and Cable Management
3.8. Installing the Graphics Card and Wi-Fi Antennas
3.9. First Boot and Windows Installation
3.10. Installing Graphics Card and Chipset Drivers
3.11. BIOS Setup: Enabling XMP and Resizable Bar
- Benchmarking the PC
4.1. The Crew: Motor Fest
4.2. Returnal
4.3. Fortnite
4.4. Overall Performance and Recommendations
- Conclusion
- FAQ
🎮 The Best 700 Gaming PC in 2023
The gaming industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and games demanding increasingly powerful hardware. However, building a high-performance gaming PC doesn't always mean breaking the bank. In fact, a budget of $700 can provide an optimal balance between performance, utility, and aesthetics. In this article, we will guide you through building the best 700 gaming PC in 2023, step by step. Whether you're a casual gamer or looking to enter the competitive gaming scene, this PC build will deliver the performance you need without compromising your budget or style.
Introduction
When it comes to building a gaming PC, finding the right budget is crucial. With $700, you can have a PC that performs exceptionally well in both 1440p and 1080p gaming, while still maintaining a visually appealing design. This budget allows for a well-rounded build that provides the best bang for your buck, considering the current market value of PC components.
The Best 700 Gaming PC in 2023
2.1. Why 700 is the Ideal Budget for a Gaming PC
Choosing the right budget for a gaming PC can be challenging, as it involves finding the perfect balance between cost and performance. The $700 price point offers the best value for gamers on a budget, as it allows for a combination of quality components and future upgradeability. With this budget, you can achieve excellent gaming performance without overspending or compromising on crucial components.
2.2. The Balance between Performance, Utility, and Aesthetics
In this PC build guide, we prioritize balancing performance, utility, and aesthetics. The selected components ensure optimal gaming performance without sacrificing functionality or visual appeal. We carefully consider each component, focusing on their compatibility and future upgrade options. The result is a sleek and powerful gaming PC that meets your gaming needs while looking great in any gaming setup.
Building the PC
Building your own PC may seem intimidating, but with the right guidance, it can be a rewarding and cost-effective experience. In this section, we will walk you through each step of the build process, from selecting the motherboard and CPU to installing Windows and drivers.
3.1. The Motherboard and CPU
For our 700 gaming PC, we have chosen the Intel i5 12400 CPU and the Gigabyte B760MC motherboard. The i5 12400 belongs to Intel's 12th generation CPU lineup and offers excellent gaming performance. Its compatibility with the B760MC motherboard allows for future upgrades to 14th gen Intel processors. The motherboard also includes built-in Wi-Fi capability, ensuring a hassle-free internet connection for your PC.
3.2. The I5 12400 and its Upgrade Path
One of the advantages of choosing the i5 12400 for our PC build is its potential for future upgrades. While the i5 12400 provides impressive gaming performance on its own, the B760MC motherboard allows for seamless upgrades to 14th gen Intel processors. This upgrade path ensures that your PC can handle more demanding games in the future without requiring a complete rebuild.
3.3. Installing the Motherboard and CPU Cooler
To begin the build, start by installing the motherboard into the PC case. Make sure to line up the IO shield with the corresponding port on the case and screw in the standoffs. Once the motherboard is securely in place, install the CPU and CPU cooler. The i5 12400 comes with a stock cooler that features pre-applied thermal paste for easy installation. Connect the CPU fan cable to the designated connector on the motherboard and secure the cooler in place.
3.4. Adding RAM and SSD
Next, install the RAM and SSD. We recommend opting for DDR5 RAM for this PC build, as it provides better performance and future-proofing. Insert the RAM sticks into the designated slots on the motherboard, ensuring they are securely seated. For storage, the Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1TB M.2 SSD is an excellent choice. Simply slot the M.2 SSD into the corresponding slot on the motherboard and secure it in place.
3.5. Choosing the Dark Flash MH200 Case
The Dark Flash MH200 case is the perfect choice for our 700 gaming PC build. With a sleek tempered Glass design and perforated mesh side panel, it offers both aesthetics and efficient airflow. Before placing the motherboard into the case, install the IO shield and ensure that all required standoffs are in place. Then, carefully Align the motherboard with the IO shield and screw it securely into the case.
3.6. Power Supply and Cable Management
The Zalman GigaMax 600 watt 80 Plus Bronze power supply is our recommended choice for this build. Its balance of quality, price, and wattage ensures stable and efficient power delivery. Connect the necessary power cables from the power supply to the motherboard, CPU, and graphics card. To maintain a clean and organized build, use zip ties and cable management techniques to route the cables neatly.
3.7. Installing the Graphics Card and Wi-Fi Antennas
For our gaming PC, we have selected the Intel Arc A750 Sparkle OC Edition graphics card. With 8GB of VRAM and the ability to handle 1440p gaming smoothly, this GPU offers exceptional value for its price. Install the graphics card into the PCIe slot on the motherboard and secure it with the corresponding screws. Attach the Wi-Fi antennas to the designated ports on the IO shield for wireless connectivity.
3.8. First Boot and Windows Installation
Once all the components are installed, it's time to power on the PC for the first time. Connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, ensuring that the display cable is plugged into the graphics card. Press the power button and enter the BIOS settings if necessary. Set up your Windows installation using a bootable USB drive, following the prompts and selecting your desired settings.
3.9. Installing Graphics Card and Chipset Drivers
After the Windows installation is complete, it's essential to install the necessary drivers for optimal performance. Download the latest graphics card drivers from the Intel website and install them. Additionally, install the Gigabyte Control Center utility, which allows you to manage chipset drivers and other utilities on your motherboard efficiently.
3.10. BIOS Setup: Enabling XMP and Resizable Bar
Before finalizing the build, it's essential to configure your BIOS settings for optimal performance. Enable XMP (extreme memory profile) to ensure that your RAM runs at its advertised speed. Also, ensure that the resizable bar feature is enabled, which allows your CPU to access the entire GPU memory, further improving performance.
Benchmarking the PC
To assess the performance of our 700 gaming PC, we benchmarked three popular games: The Crew: Motor Fest, Returnal, and Fortnite. These benchmarks were conducted at 1440p resolution, with high settings and anti-aliasing enabled. The results demonstrated impressive gaming performance, with consistent high frame rates and smooth gameplay. However, certain games, like Starfield, exhibited performance issues on Arc graphics cards, which may require future updates to resolve.
Conclusion
Building the best 700 gaming PC in 2023 offers an excellent balance between performance, utility, and aesthetics. With carefully selected components and proper installation, this budget-friendly PC build delivers impressive gaming performance and upgradeability. Whether you're a casual gamer or aspiring esports competitor, this PC build will meet your gaming needs without breaking the bank.
FAQ
Q: Can this PC run the latest AAA games?
A: Yes, this PC is capable of running the latest AAA games at 1440p resolution with high settings.
Q: Is it possible to upgrade the CPU in the future?
A: Yes, the selected motherboard allows for future CPU upgrades, providing flexibility for future improvements.
Q: Can I use this PC for tasks other than gaming?
A: Absolutely! This PC is versatile and can handle various tasks, including content creation, video editing, and more.
Q: Can I overclock the CPU and GPU?
A: While overclocking can increase performance, it is not recommended as it can void warranties and potentially damage components.
No difficulty
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE TOOLIFY
