Unbelievable Gaming PC Build Under $650

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. CPU Choice: Intel Core i3-12100f vs Ryzen 5 500
3. Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
4. Importance of Memory and CL Timing
5. Motherboard: ASRock b660m Pro RS
6. Graphics Card: AMD RX 7600 vs RX 6650xt
7. Storage: Crucial T3 M.2 SSD
8. Case: DIY PC Q3
9. Power Supply: A PVA 600 Watt
10. Performance and Final Thoughts

Introduction

In this article, we will be discussing the details of a budget PC build that offers exceptional performance for its price. This PC is capable of running any Game in 1080P high settings over 144 FPS and costs only $650. We will dive into the components used, their specifications, and how they contribute to the overall performance of the system. So, let's get started and see what this budget-friendly PC has to offer!

CPU Choice: Intel Core i3-12100f vs Ryzen 5 500

The central processing unit (CPU) is a critical component when it comes to gaming performance. In this build, we have made the choice of using the Intel Core i3-12100f, a quad-core eight-threaded processor with four performance cores. This CPU offers a slight advantage in gaming performance compared to its direct competitor, the Ryzen 5 500, while also being $12 cheaper. However, if you are into streaming and content creation, the extra two cores and four Threads from the Ryzen 5 500 might be more suitable for your needs.

Operating System: Windows 10 Pro

For the operating system, we have opted for Windows 10 Pro. Not only does it provide a smooth and user-friendly experience, but it also offers advanced features and security enhancements. You can purchase a Windows 10 Pro key for just $15 from sites like cdkey.com, which we highly recommend. By using the code "ts20" during the checkout process, you can even get a 25% discount on your order.

Importance of Memory and CL Timing

Memory is often overlooked when building a PC, but it plays a crucial role in overall performance. It is essential to consider not only the frequency of the memory but also the CL timing. A 3200 megahertz memory with CL-14 timing will perform better than a 3600 megahertz memory with CL-18 timing. The recommended approach is to find a balance between the highest frequency and the lowest CL timing that fits your budget.

Motherboard: ASRock b660m Pro RS

The motherboard used in this build is the ASRock b660m Pro RS. It offers a range of features at an affordable price. With four DIMM slots, you have the option to expand and add two more sticks of RAM in the future. The motherboard also provides two M.2 slots and support for a Wi-Fi card, making it convenient to add Wi-Fi connectivity to your system. Additionally, it offers extensive support for RGB lighting, with three 5-volt three-Pin headers and a single 12-volt four-pin header.

Graphics Card: AMD RX 7600 vs RX 6650xt

When it comes to gaming, the graphics card is a crucial component. In this build, we had two options: the RX 7600 and the RX 6650xt. Both offer similar performance when looking at a 10-game average, with 8GB of VRAM. However, we ultimately chose the RX 7600 due to its support for DisplayPort 2.1 and AV1 encoding, which is especially important for streamers. The graphics card can be customized to match the white color scheme of the build by painting certain parts, as shown in our previous build guide.

Storage: Crucial T3 M.2 SSD

For storage, we have chosen the Crucial T3 M.2 SSD. This SSD offers great performance and takes advantage of PCI Gen 4 speeds, which our motherboard supports. Utilizing a Gen 4 SSD allows for faster data transfer and a smoother overall experience. It is worth noting that if your motherboard does not support Gen 4, it is recommended to opt for a Gen 3 SSD instead.

Case: DIY PC Q3

The case we have selected for this build is the DIY PC Q3. It bears a resemblance to the Ketiers case used in the previous budget build. This case offers a sleek design with two tempered Glass panels and three USB ports on the top. It also includes a hard drive cage that can support up to two drives. However, it is important to note that this case lacks fan control and results in the fans running at maximum speed at all times. This can lead to increased noise levels, regardless of the system's load or activity.

Power Supply: A PVA 600 Watt

Powering all the components is a 600-watt power supply from A PVA. This power supply offers excellent value for money, priced at only $34. While it is non-modular and comes with ketchup and mustard cables, their appearance can be improved with PSU cable extensions. We recommend the ABN01's clean white-on-white connectors and cable combs, as they complement the overall color scheme effectively.

Performance and Final Thoughts

The total cost of this PC build comes out to $650.43, making it an incredibly budget-friendly option. Despite its affordable price, this PC delivers impressive performance, capable of running games at high settings over 100 FPS in most cases. Temperatures remain manageable, thanks to efficient cooling provided by the stock cooler on both the CPU and GPU. The only downside is the lack of fan control in the case, which results in a constant noise level akin to that of a jet engine.

In conclusion, this budget PC build offers an excellent balance of performance and aesthetics, all while fitting into a compact Package. The components used provide exceptional value for money, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy gaming without breaking the bank.