How to build a cheap gaming PC: Top tips for Ireland gamers

Ready to dive into the world of PC gaming without breaking the bank? You’re in the right place. Building a cheap gaming PC is easier than you think. It’s also a brilliant way to get more bang for your buck. Let’s explore how to create a capable gaming rig without emptying your wallet.

Setting your budget

Before you start, set a clear budget. This is crucial. Decide how much you’re willing to spend overall. Then, allocate funds to each component. A good rule of thumb: Spend about 30% of your budget on the graphics card. The rest should be split among other components. 

In general, a budget of around £400-£600 should be enough to build a decent budget gaming PC. 

Choosing components

CPU (processor)

This is the heart of your PC. For budget builds, AMD Ryzen 3 or Intel Core i3 processors are solid choices. They offer great performance for the price. Keep an eye out for deals on Amazon or the Currys online store. 

An Amazon gift card is a great way to fund purchases from Amazon. This keeps your personal details private and helps you be more intentional about how much you spend. The same benefits apply to a Currys gift card too. 

GPU (graphics card)

Graphics cards are where the magic happens for gaming. Look for cards like the NVIDIA GTX 1650 or AMD RX 570. These offer good performance at lower prices. Amazon often has competitive prices on GPUs. 

If you decide to use a gift card on Amazon.co.uk, follow these steps to redeem it: 

1. Log in to your account
2. Click “Account & Lists” at the top
3. Select “Your Account”
4. Choose “Gift Cards”
5. Click “Redeem a Gift Card”
6. Enter the code from Mobiletopup.co.uk email
7. Click “Apply to your balance”

Motherboard

Choose a motherboard that’s compatible with your CPU. B450 boards for AMD or B360 for Intel are good budget options. Make sure it has the features you need. Don’t overspend here. Basic models often suffice for budget builds.

RAM (memory)

Aim for at least 8GB of RAM. 16GB is better if you can swing it. Look for DDR4 memory with speeds of 3000MHz or higher. Prices can vary, so shop around. Check out options on various tech retailers’ websites. 

Storage (SSD/HDD)

An SSD makes a huge difference in system responsiveness. A 250GB or 500GB SSD is a good starting point. Pair it with a larger HDD if you need more storage. Many online retailers offer good deals on storage. Keep an eye out for promotions, and consider using browser extensions to find voucher codes and earn reward points. 

Power supply unit (PSU)

Don’t skimp on the PSU. A reliable 500W unit from a reputable brand should suffice for most budget builds. Look for 80+ Bronze certification or higher. This ensures efficiency and reliability.

Case

Choose a case that fits your components and budget. Ensure it has good airflow. Don’t forget aesthetics – you’ll be looking at it every day! Many affordable cases offer great features. Shop around for the best deal.

Assembling your PC

Building your PC is a little like playing with fancy Lego. It’s fun and rewarding. Follow these steps:

• Install the CPU in the motherboard
• Attach the CPU cooler
• Install RAM in the motherboard
• Mount the motherboard in the case
• Install the PSU
• Connect all power cables
• Install storage drives
• Install the GPU
• Double-check all connections

Take your time. If unsure, consult online guides or videos. They’re incredibly helpful.

Software and operating system

Windows 10 or 11 are popular choices for gaming. Don’t forget essential software. An antivirus program is a must. So is software for your GPU. Many games are available on platforms like Steam or the Epic Games Store. These often have sales, helping you build your game library on a budget.

At Mobiletopup.co.uk, you can buy Steam gift cards and in-game currencies like Fortnite V-Bucks. Managing your purchases this way is a great idea for a few reasons. People appreciate the added privacy and security compared with using a credit card or debit card. They also help you budget more effectively. You can’t accidentally splurge beyond your means when you’ve only pre-loaded what you can afford onto the card. 

Peripherals 

Don’t forget about peripherals. A decent monitor, keyboard, and mouse are essential. You don’t need top-of-the-line gear to start. Look for budget-friendly options that get good reviews. 

What’s the best budget gaming mouse? 

Great budget gaming mice for around £40 or less include:

• Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED
• Logitech G203 Lightsync
• Razer DeathAdder Essential
• Cooler Master MM720

The Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED stands out as an excellent wireless option. The Logitech G203 and Razer DeathAdder Essential are great wired choices depending on your hand size and grip preferences.

What’s the best budget gaming keyboard?

You can pick up a great gaming keyboard for around £60 or less. Strong options include:

• Corsair K55 RGB Pro
• Roccat Pyro
• HyperX Alloy Core RGB
• Logitech G213 Prodigy
• Razer Cynosa Lite
• Redragon K552 Kumara
• SteelSeries Apex 3

The Razer Cynosa Lite and Redragon K552 Kumara offer good value at the lower end of the price range. The Corsair K55 RGB Pro and Roccat Pyro provide more features at a slightly higher price point.

Should I buy a used monitor? 

A used monitor can offer big savings while still delivering great performance for your gaming PC setup. You can often snag a higher-end display at a lower price, potentially saving £80 or more compared to buying new. Slightly older, professional monitors with wide colour gamuts and high resolutions are often available at discounted prices. Plus, monitors generally have a long lifespan, with many people reporting 5+ years of use without noticeable quality loss.

Always check the seller’s reputation and examine the monitor’s condition carefully. Don’t rely on warranties for used items, and factor in postage costs when calculating the total price. If possible, try to view and test the monitor in person before purchasing. 

Testing and optimisation

Once built, it’s time to test your PC. Make sure everything is working correctly. Run some benchmark tests. These will help you understand your system’s performance.

To optimise for gaming:

• Update all drivers
• Adjust in-game settings for the best balance of performance and quality
• Keep your PC clean and dust-free
• Monitor temperatures to ensure everything’s running cool

Remember, you can always upgrade components later. Start with what you can afford now. Upgrade as you go along.

Money-saving tips

Building on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Here are some extra tips to save money:

• Buy components during sales events

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to shop.

• Consider slightly older models of GPUs and CPUs

They often offer great value.

• Use voucher extensions when shopping online 

Every little helps!

• Look for bundle deals

Sometimes, buying a CPU and motherboard together can save you money.

• Don’t overspend on features you won’t use

Be realistic about your needs.

And remember, using gift cards is always a smart way to manage your budget. 

Future-proofing your gaming PC build

While building on a budget, think about the future. Choose a motherboard that supports future upgrades. This allows you to improve your system over time. Opt for a PSU with a bit more wattage than you currently need. It’ll accommodate future upgrades.

Consider the games you want to play. Research their requirements. This will help you make informed decisions about your components.

Community resources

Still got questions about how to build a gaming PC? Join online PC building communities. Forums and subreddits are goldmines of information. Other builders can offer advice, share deals, and help troubleshoot issues. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The PC gaming community is generally very helpful.

Subreddits worth checking out: 

• r/buildapc 
• r/pcmasterrace 
• r/PCBuild
• r/PcMasterRaceBuilds

Your brand new cheap gaming PC awaits

Building a cheap gaming PC is an exciting project. It’s a great way to get into PC gaming without overspending. Remember, it’s not about having the absolute best components. It’s about building a balanced system that meets your needs and budget.

Take your time, do your research, and enjoy the process. Before you know it, you’ll be gaming on a PC you built yourself. And that’s a pretty amazing feeling.