I Built A $100 Hyper Budget Gaming PC!

Summary

This video explores building a budget gaming PC using a Dell Optiplex purchased for under $100. The creator walks through upgrading the system with components like RAM, SSD, and GPU while staying within the limited budget. Despite small issues like troubleshooting and dealing with older hardware, the build manages to run indie games and some AAA titles at lower settings, making it a solid choice for gamers on a tight budget. The video highlights the value of patience and strategic upgrades for those entering the world of PC gaming without spending much.

Takeaways

• 🖥️ The video discusses building budget PCs, particularly focusing on a $100 gaming PC starting from a Dell Optiplex.
• 💻 The Dell Optiplex is compared to a 'Toyota or Honda' of pre-built PCs due to its reliability and widespread availability.
• 💰 The PC originally came with an Intel i5-4570, 4GB of RAM, a DVD drive, and no hard drive, making it a good base for upgrades.
• 🛠️ Upgrades suggested include adding an SSD, a GPU, and additional RAM to improve performance, turning the office computer into a functional gaming PC.
• 🛒 The presenter bought the Dell Optiplex from eBay but suggests that similar models can be found on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or flea markets for $50-$100.
• 🧑‍🔧 After discovering a hard drive left inside the system, they decided to wipe it clean and repurpose it for additional storage alongside the SSD.
• 🎮 For GPU, the presenter initially considered a $10 basic card but ultimately decided on a FirePro W5100, which offers better performance while still fitting the budget.
• 🔧 Troubleshooting is a key part of the build, with minor issues such as memory errors resolved by reseating the RAM sticks.
• 📈 The $100 PC can handle indie games and some AAA titles at lower settings, making it a good entry-level gaming system for those on a tight budget.
• 🔄 The video emphasizes that with some patience and strategic upgrades, a budget PC can be a worthwhile investment, especially for those new to PC gaming.

Q & A

What is the main idea of the video?

The video discusses building a budget gaming PC for $100 by upgrading a Dell Optiplex, a used pre-built desktop, with inexpensive parts like RAM, SSD, and GPU.

Why does the creator choose the Dell Optiplex for the build?

The Dell Optiplex is chosen because it is a widely available, affordable, and reliable pre-built PC often sold in bulk by companies, making it a good base for budget upgrades.

What components does the Dell Optiplex come with, according to the video?

The Dell Optiplex in the video came with an Intel i5-4570 CPU, 4GB of RAM, no hard drive, and a DVD drive.

What upgrades are planned for the Optiplex to turn it into a gaming PC?

The planned upgrades include adding more RAM, a solid-state drive (SSD), and a budget-friendly GPU.

Where did the creator find the Dell Optiplex, and for how much?

The creator found the Dell Optiplex on eBay for a low price and quickly purchased it before it sold out.

What challenges were encountered with the hard drive in the Dell Optiplex?

The creator found a Hitachi Deskstar 160GB hard drive inside the PC, despite the listing stating it had no hard drive. It turned out to be from a government auction, with data that had to be wiped clean.

What is the total amount of RAM installed after the upgrade?

The upgraded system has 12GB of RAM: two 4GB sticks of Vision Tech RAM and the original 4GB stick.

What GPU options were considered, and what was ultimately chosen?

The creator considered a $10 GPU but ultimately decided on the FirePro W5100, a low-budget card with better performance and more VRAM.

How does the creator justify slightly going over the $100 budget?

The creator acknowledges going slightly over budget with the GPU but justifies it by arguing that it offers better performance for just a little more money and fits the spirit of the challenge.

How does the PC perform in gaming after the upgrades?

The upgraded PC performs well for indie games and some AAA titles at lower settings. It’s noted that the system is pushing its limits, but it provides a playable experience for the $100 budget.