If you’re looking to save big while building a gaming PC, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about constructing a budget-friendly gaming rig without sacrificing performance. With the right strategies, you can save hundreds—just like I have after building over 300 PCs and saving approximately $75,000.
How to Find Affordable Parts for Your Gaming PC
The Best Places to Look for Deals
Finding the right components at the right price requires knowing where to look. Here are some of the best resources for securing affordable parts:
- Facebook Marketplace
- OfferUp
- Craigslist
- Facebook Groups
- eBay
- Mercari
- Reddit Communities: Try r/hardwareswap and r/buildapcsales
- Surplus Stores: Colleges and universities often have surplus computer hardware for sale.
- Retailer B-Stock Sales: Many retailers offer discounted open-box or refurbished items.
- Micro Center: A great spot for in-store deals.
Don’t worry if this seems overwhelming; we’ll dive deeper into these resources later in this guide.
Understanding Part Values
To ensure you’re getting a good deal, you need to compare prices and performance. Here’s a quick example:
- An RTX 3080 retails for $500 new. A used one for $420 could be a good deal.
- A used RTX 3060 priced at $250 might also catch your eye.
Now, compare their performance. If the RTX 3080 delivers 200 FPS in Fortnite and the RTX 3060 delivers 120 FPS, divide the price by the FPS:
- RTX 3080: $420 ÷ 200 FPS = $2.10 per frame
- RTX 3060: $250 ÷ 120 FPS = $2.08 per frame
In this case, the RTX 3060 offers better value, but you should consider factors like future gaming needs or potential content creation use cases before making a final decision.
Choosing the Right Approach for Your Build
Option 1: Barebones Builds
One of the most cost-effective ways to build a gaming PC is to start with a pre-built system and upgrade it. For example, older Dell Optiplex systems can be transformed into gaming machines by adding a graphics card.
Steps to Find a Barebones Build
Search for Dell Optiplex on eBay.
Compare specifications with the minimum requirements of the games you want to play.
Use a site like UserBenchmark to see how the parts stack up against your needs.
Be cautious when comparing older hardware. For instance, while an AMD FX-8350 may have more cores than an Intel i5-8600K, its outdated architecture makes it less efficient.
Option 2: Surplus Stores
Check their surplus store for heavily discounted hardware if you’re near a college or university. These institutions often replace their hardware regularly, leading to great deals.
For example, I found an Intel i7-4790 with 8GB of RAM for $80 at a surplus store—a steal compared to eBay prices.
Finding a Graphics Card
Adding a graphics card to your system can be tricky, especially if your power supply doesn’t support external power. Look for GPUs that draw power directly from the motherboard, like the GTX 1650.
Where to Search
Facebook Marketplace
OfferUp
eBay
Negotiate whenever possible. If the seller’s listing has been up for months, they might be willing to lower the price. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal if it doesn’t fit your budget.
Testing Your Build
Once you’ve assembled your system, install Windows and a few games to test its performance. For instance, I ran Valorant at high settings in 1080p and achieved 120 FPS on a $180 budget build. While it’s not perfect for every game, it’s a solid start for esports titles and casual gaming.
Advanced Budget-Build Strategies
Leveraging Local Deals
Some of the best bargains come from local sellers. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Craigslist are fantastic for finding affordable components. Always research part specifications and current market values before buying.
Surplus Store Secrets
Colleges and high schools regularly refresh their hardware, and surplus stores are a goldmine for budget builders. Check your local institutions for unbeatable prices on processors, RAM, and even full systems.
Negotiation Tips
Always be ready to walk away.
Offer less than the asking price but be reasonable.
Look for listings that have been up for months.
Monitor Subreddits for Deals
Reddit is an excellent platform for finding deals on PC components. The subreddit r/buildapcsales is a goldmine for discounts. However, deals can go fast, so staying updated is crucial. What many don’t know is that this subreddit has a bot that posts approved deals to a dedicated Twitter account. Set up notifications for this account on your phone, and you’ll be alerted instantly when a new deal drops. This is perfect for those who know exactly what they need and are waiting for the right price.
Explore Local Surplus and Thrift Stores
Don’t overlook local surplus or thrift stores for used PC parts. Many such places accept secondhand electronics, refurbish them, and sell them at a fraction of the cost. For instance, in Las Vegas, The Blind Center sells secondhand parts both in-store and on eBay. By visiting local stores, you might score deals while avoiding shipping fees.
Visit Micro Center for Bundle Deals
Micro Center often has surprising discounts, especially on CPU and motherboard bundles. It’s not uncommon to find $20-$40 knocked off the price when purchasing these components together. If you have a Micro Center nearby, sign up for their newsletter to stay informed about the latest deals.
Check B-Stock Sales
Many manufacturers, such as Zotac and Gigabyte, sell returned or slightly damaged items at a discount under the “B-stock” categories. These parts are often as good as new and come with warranties. Monitor these sales, especially when new product lines are launched, as older items are frequently marked down. For example, EVGA’s “Midweek Madness” sales once offered power supplies for $20 and graphics cards for $60.
Scour Online Marketplaces
Websites like OfferUp, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are great for finding secondhand PC components. Here’s a recent example of a build:
Option 1: A $250 barebones system with a CPU, motherboard, RAM, and cooler. After negotiating, the price dropped to $200.
Option 2: A $300 setup that included a CPU, cooler, motherboard, RAM, and case. While slightly more expensive, it came with a high-quality Cooler Master H500P case.
Inspect the condition of parts carefully. A clean and well-maintained setup is worth the extra cost.
Prioritize New Power Supplies
Never compromise on the power supply. A bad one can damage your entire system. A great budget option is the Thermaltake Smart 500W 80+ White Certified PSU for $40. It’s affordable, reliable, and ensures your components are safe.
Choose a Budget SSD
For storage, the Patriot Memory 240GB SSD is a steal at $23 on Amazon. It’s sufficient for Windows and a few games. While you might need more space later, this is a good starting point for a budget build.
Score Deals on Graphics Cards
Graphics cards are one of the most expensive components. Zotac’s B-stock sales often feature GPUs at discounted prices. Recently, an RTX 2060 was available for $120. While not the latest model, it offers excellent performance for budget gaming builds.
Conclusion
Building a budget gaming PC doesn’t mean compromising on performance. By leveraging secondhand markets, monitoring deals, and prioritizing quality components, you can create a system that outperforms prebuilt options. Embrace the thrill of treasure hunting, and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting your own powerful gaming rig!
