Is a $153 Gaming PC Worth It? Find Out!

Is a $153 Gaming PC Worth It? Find Out!

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Unboxing the PC
3. Examining the Components
4. The Specifications of the PC
5. Performance testing
6. Gaming Experience
7. The Issue with Hard Drive
8. The Importance of an SSD
9. Comparing Price and Value
10. Conclusion

Unboxing the PC

When the PC arrived, I was filled with excitement. After all, it's not every day that you come across a gaming PC priced at just $153 on Amazon. I quickly unboxed the Package and took a closer look at what was inside. The PC, from a company called Shinobi, claimed to feature an FX 6300 CPU and a GTX 1050 GPU, along with 8GB of DDR3 memory. But could a PC at this price point provide a decent gaming experience? I had my doubts, but I was eager to find out.

Examining the Components

As I examined the components of the PC, one thing became clear: this was a budget build through and through. The motherboard, an A960D+ V3, indicated that this was indeed an older system, likely sourced from platforms such as AliExpress. However, it did have some surprising features, such as IDE ports for hard drives, a relic from a time when SATA was not yet prevalent. Speaking of hard drives, this PC came equipped with a 1TB Western Digital Green drive, known for its slower speeds compared to traditional hard drives. The power supply, labeled simply as "Power," did not inspire confidence either, with its lack of certifications and ketchup-and-mustard cables.

The Specifications of the PC

Moving on to the specifications, the PC boasted an FX 6300 CPU, a processor that is now over 13 years old. Although it was popular in its time due to its affordability, it was not known for its performance. Paired with 8GB of DDR3 memory and a GTX 1050 GPU, this PC had the potential to handle basic gaming tasks, but it was unlikely to impress in more demanding titles. Nonetheless, considering its price, it was worth exploring whether it could provide a satisfactory gaming experience for budget-conscious gamers.

Performance Testing

To gauge the performance of this budget PC, I conducted several benchmark tests. Starting with 3DMark Time Spy, I quickly realized that it did not meet the benchmark's requirements due to the GPU's lack of VRAM. This was an early sign that the system might struggle with more demanding games. Despite this setback, I proceeded to test the PC's capabilities in actual games like Fortnite and APEX Legends.

Gaming Experience

To my surprise, Fortnite was relatively playable on this budget PC. With settings lowered and the resolution scaled down, the Game managed to run at around 60 FPS. However, there were occasional stutters and delays due to the slow hard drive, which hindered the loading times of assets. Apex Legends, on the other HAND, posed more of a challenge for this system. Although it was possible to play the game on low settings with over 60 FPS, the limited RAM and slow hard drive caused intermittent lag and frame drops, making it clear that this PC had its limitations.

The Issue with Hard Drive

One of the main culprits behind the PC's subpar performance was the green hard drive. These drives were notorious for their slower speeds compared to standard hard drives, and it was evident in the loading times and overall responsiveness of the system. While upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) would greatly improve performance, the purpose of this review was to assess the PC as it came out of the box.

The Importance of an SSD

Considering the vast improvements an SSD could bring to this budget PC, it was essential to highlight the benefits of upgrading. An SSD would significantly decrease loading times, improve system responsiveness, and provide a smoother gaming experience. It is highly recommended that users invest in an SSD if they decide to purchase this PC or any similar budget build.

Comparing Price and Value

When assessing a budget PC like this one, it's crucial to consider its price and value. At $153, this PC is priced as one would expect for a system with older components and limitations. While it may not deliver top-tier performance, it does provide a pathway for entry-level gaming at a fraction of the cost. The true value of this PC lies in the potential it offers to those on a tight budget who may be looking to dip their toes into gaming without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the $153 gaming PC from Shinobi is a budget-friendly option for those looking to experience gaming on a tight budget. While its outdated components and slow hard drive limit its performance, it still manages to handle less demanding games reasonably well. However, for a truly satisfactory gaming experience, investing in an SSD is highly recommended. Ultimately, the value of this PC lies in its affordability and the opportunity it provides for budget gamers to explore the gaming world without breaking their wallets.

Highlights:

• Budget-friendly gaming PC priced at just $153
• Features older components, including an FX 6300 CPU and GTX 1050 GPU
• Adequate performance for less demanding games
• Slow hard drive hinders loading times and overall system responsiveness
• Upgrading to an SSD is highly recommended for improved performance
• Offers a pathway for entry-level gaming on a tight budget

FAQ:

Q: Can this PC handle modern AAA games? A: While it can handle less demanding games, modern AAA titles may pose a challenge due to the PC's outdated components and slow hard drive. Upgrading to an SSD is recommended for a smoother gaming experience.

Q: Is the $153 price tag worth it? A: The PC is priced as one would expect for a system with older components. It offers budget-conscious gamers an opportunity to experience gaming at a fraction of the cost. However, investing in an SSD is crucial for optimal performance.

Q: Can this PC be upgraded in the future? A: Yes, this PC can be upgraded. Adding more RAM and replacing the hard drive with an SSD are highly recommended upgrades to improve performance.