Building an Ultra Budget PC: Intel i5 750 vs 2017 Gaming

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The i5 750: An Eight-Year-Old CPU
3. The Graphics Card: EVGA 660ti Superclocked
4. Power Supply: The Colormaster 500
5. Storage: SanDisk 120GB SSD
6. Building the Budget PC
7. Benchmarking the System
8. Is the i5 750 Worth Buying?
9. Upgrading to the i5 2400
10. Conclusion

Building an Ultra Budget PC: The i5 750 Experience

Are you a gamer on a tight budget? Do you still want to enjoy modern gaming without breaking the bank? In this article, we will explore the world of ultra budget PC builds and discuss the i5 750, a CPU released back in 2009. Join us as we dive into the performance, affordability, and limitations of this eight-year-old processor.

Introduction

When it comes to building a gaming PC on a budget, the challenge lies in finding the right balance between performance and cost. Today, we'll introduce you to an ultra budget PC build featuring the i5 750, a first-generation CPU, that promises to deliver an enjoyable gaming experience in 2017.

The i5 750: An Eight-Year-Old CPU

The i5 750 may be a relic from the past, but its potential still shines through. Released in 2009, this processor features a base clock speed of 2.6 GHz and a boost clock of 3.2 GHz. While it may not match the power of more recent CPUs, it's an intriguing choice for budget gamers looking to maximize their performance-per-dollar ratio.

The Graphics Card: EVGA 660ti Superclocked

No gaming PC is complete without a capable graphics card. In this ultra budget build, we've chosen the EVGA 660ti Superclocked. With its affordable price tag of $40, this GPU offers decent performance and complements the i5 750 well. While it may not handle the latest AAA titles at ultra settings, it provides a satisfactory gaming experience for its price range.

Power Supply: The Colormaster 500

To keep your budget PC running smoothly, a reliable power supply is a must. For this build, we've opted for the Colormaster 500, a 500-watt power supply available for just $20 on eBay. While it may not be the most high-end option, it provides sufficient power for the i5 750 and the EVGA 660ti Superclocked without breaking the bank.

Storage: SanDisk 120GB SSD

In the realm of storage, we've chosen the SanDisk 120GB SSD to keep costs low while still delivering decent performance. Priced at $60, this SSD provides ample space for storing your favorite games and applications. However, we recommend considering additional storage options for those with larger digital libraries.

Building the Budget PC

Now that we've gathered the necessary components, let's dive into the process of assembling our ultra budget gaming PC. By utilizing a combination of new and existing hardware, we have managed to keep the total cost of the build under $170. While this may not be the most optimal utilization of funds, it serves as an excellent benchmarking machine.

Benchmarking the System

After the build is complete, it's time to put our ultra budget PC to the test. We loaded up a selection of benchmarking games and programs to gauge the performance of the i5 750 and the EVGA 660ti Superclocked. With some adjusted settings, we found that the i5 750 could handle most titles with ease. Surprisingly, it even showcased potential for handling more powerful graphics cards, though we advise against pushing it to the limit.

Is the i5 750 Worth Buying?

While we have showcased the potential of the i5 750, it must be noted that there are better options available in the market today. If you are willing to save a little more money and explore other options, the i5 2400 would be a more future-proof choice. However, if you stumble upon a deal similar to our combo of the i5 750, motherboard, and RAM, the ultra budget PC build becomes an exciting opportunity to enjoy a decent gaming experience without breaking the bank.

Upgrading to the i5 2400

If you have followed our journey with the i5 750, you may be Wondering what lies in store for the future. In our next installment, we will swap out the i5 750 with an i3 processor from the same generation, the first-gen i3. Join us as we run a series of tests to explore the progress and capabilities of the i3 lineup.

Conclusion

Building an ultra budget PC can be an exhilarating experience for gamers on a tight budget. While the i5 750 may not be the top choice for modern gaming, it offers an affordable entry point for those looking to dabble in PC building. With the right combination of components, you can create a super budget gaming rig that delivers a satisfactory gaming experience in most titles. Never underestimate the power of an eight-year-old CPU when paired with the right components and adjusted settings.

Resources: Toaster Bros on YouTube

Highlights

• Building an ultra budget PC using the i5 750
• The i5 750: A first-generation CPU released in 2009
• The EVGA 660ti Superclocked: An affordable graphics card
• Power supply considerations on a budget: The Colormaster 500
• Storage options: SanDisk 120GB SSD
• Step-by-step guide to building the ultra budget PC
• Benchmarking the i5 750 system and assessing its performance
• Is the i5 750 worth buying? The pros and cons
• Upgrading to the i5 2400 for improved performance
• The journey of the ultra budget PC: What's next?

FAQ

Q: Can the i5 750 handle modern games? A: While the i5 750 is an older CPU, it can still handle most modern games with adjusted settings. However, more demanding AAA titles may require a more powerful processor.

Q: Is the i5 750 a good choice for budget PC builders? A: The i5 750 can be a suitable choice for those on a tight budget. However, if you can save a bit more money, opting for a newer CPU like the i5 2400 would provide better long-term performance.

Q: Are there any limitations to the ultra budget PC build? A: The main limitations of this build lie in the age of the components. The i5 750 is eight years old, and the EVGA 660ti Superclocked is not the latest graphics card on the market. While they can still deliver satisfactory gaming experiences, they may struggle with more demanding games and higher settings.

Q: Can I upgrade the components in the future? A: Yes, you can upgrade components in the future. The beauty of building a PC is that it allows for easy component replacements. If you outgrow the i5 750 or the EVGA 660ti Superclocked, you can always upgrade them to more powerful options.

Q: Where can I find more information on building budget PCs? A: For more information and tutorials on building budget PCs, we recommend checking out the Toaster Bros YouTube channel. They provide valuable insights and guidance on various budget PC builds.