A Calming $500 Gaming PC Build 💛

Summary

This video walks viewers through building a $500 gaming PC featuring a Ryzen 5 5600 CPU and a GTX 1660 Super GPU, capable of running games like Cyberpunk and Elden Ring smoothly. The creator explains the rationale behind each component choice, including a budget-friendly motherboard, RAM, SSD, power supply, and case. They also share tips on how to find good deals on used parts and enhance the build aesthetically. The PC is tested with various games, and the build is deemed a great value for gamers looking for solid performance at an affordable price.

Takeaways

• 💻 This is a $500 computer build featuring a Ryzen 5 5600 CPU and GTX 1660 Super GPU, capable of handling games like Cyberpunk and Elden Ring.
• 🛠️ The Ryzen 5 5600 offers 6 cores and 12 threads, providing great performance for its price of $150, though the platform it's on is no longer being updated.
• 🧠 The MSI A320M motherboard was purchased for $29, and while it's not the best quality, it works for the build. Alternatively, better motherboards like A520 or B450 are available for $50-60.
• 🔋 The build includes 16GB of 3200MHz DDR4 RAM, which is sufficient for most tasks, and RAM prices are currently very affordable at around $45-50.
• 💾 Storage is handled by a 512GB SSD, which is available for $29. While faster NVMe drives are an option, this SATA SSD is enough for casual gaming.
• 🎮 The GTX 1660 Super GPU was acquired for $115, but similar cards like the RX 5600 XT or GTX 1070 can also be found for around $150 in the used market.
• ⚡ The Corsair CV650 power supply, priced at $42, powers the build, though it's noted to be of lower quality but sufficient for the system.
• 🏠 The Thermaltake Versa H18 case was selected for its airflow, tempered glass panel, and good cable management, priced at $55.
• 🌬️ A set of five RGB case fans from the brand UpHere was purchased for $30 to enhance airflow, although additional fans aren't strictly necessary.
• 🎨 Aesthetically, the builder loves the orange and blue color combination in the build and suggests adding custom cable extensions or spray-painting the cooler for extra flair.

Q & A

What processor is featured in the $500 build?

The processor featured is a Ryzen 5 5600, which is a 6-core, 12-thread CPU that is described as a great entry-level option.

What is the main reason for choosing the Ryzen 5 5600 despite its platform being 'technically dead'?

The Ryzen 5 5600 was chosen because the platform is currently very affordable, making it an excellent value for a budget build.

How much did the motherboard for this build cost and where was it purchased?

The MSI A320M motherboard was purchased for $29 on Hardware Swap, which is considered a great deal for this budget build.

What type of RAM was used in this build, and why is it a good choice?

The build includes 16 GB of DDR4 RAM (two 8 GB sticks) with 3200 MHz speed and CAS latency of 16. This is described as a good and affordable option, costing around $45 to $50.

What storage solution was selected, and what were the main considerations?

A 512 GB SATA SSD was selected, costing $29. While NVMe or M.2 drives offer faster speeds, a SATA SSD is more than sufficient for a casual gamer or entry-level build.

What graphics card was used, and what are some alternative options mentioned?

A GTX 1660 Super with 6 GB of VRAM was used, purchased for $115 from Reddit’s Hardware Swap. Alternatives mentioned include the 5600 XT or GTX 1070, both priced around $150.

What is unique about the case used in this build?

The case is the Thermaltake Versa H18, a budget-friendly option that offers good airflow, a power supply basement for cable management, tempered glass to display the build, and space for fans and a radiator. It cost $55.

Why does the builder recommend adding extra fans to the case, and how much did they cost?

The builder suggests adding extra fans to improve airflow. A 5-pack of 120mm RGB fans was purchased for $30, which is affordable and improves cooling.

What performance can be expected from this build in modern games?

This build can handle modern games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring with good performance. Cyberpunk ran at high settings without FidelityFX enabled, and the GTX 1660 Super allows for streaming without significant performance drops.

What additional aesthetic improvements does the builder suggest after completing the build?

The builder suggests spray painting the Wraith cooler for about $7 and using $20 cable extensions to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the build.