The combination of terror, joy, devastation, excitement always hovers when you plan to buy a new gaming rig. Every emotion is out there, rolling back and forth in the ice until it becomes a huge ball and bursts on your head. We all go through this process while building our first custom build PC. The process is intimidating and takes eons to complete if you are insufficiently armed with the required information. The most significant factor to keep at the front is the overall price tag for the system. The majority of the people want something in between, neither cheap nor expensive. That’s why we will be focusing on the best gaming pc under $500. If your budget is high, you can take a look at the best gaming pc build under $1500 in 2021.
Those were the days when console gaming was dominant, and people had no choice but to buy expensive consoles. Now, it’s a new era with so much to look into. You can buy most of the components at a cheap rate without compromising the overall system build’s performance chart. But the process requires extensive research methods. To cut the chase, we have simplified the process for you. You should be happy, right? You don’t have to roam around on sites and skim through the redundant details anymore. Whatever is essential, shall be presented to you in the best possible manner.
Before proceeding to the main session of the article, we will like to let you know that your first shot should be to look for the setup that can run most of the latest AAA titles flawlessly. The targeted resolution should be at least 1080P. It’s worth adding that the CPU and GPU play an integral role in the system’s overall performance. For instance, if you plan to buy Ryzen CPUs, then the rendering and gaming will be laced with outstanding performance. Whereas, Intel processors will give you headroom for quicker core timings. The differences are humongous. When you compare Ryzen 9 with Intel Core i9, Ryzen is taking the lead. So, plan accordingly.
Are the chosen components reliable for the best gaming pc under $500?
We always ensure that whatever we propose to our potential viewers should have a decent reputation. We have tested the components and concluded that they fit well under your budget. It’s worth adding that the enumerated parts might not be fascinating but have useful performance data in terms of 1080P gaming. If you are willing to spend $500 on a cheap gaming pc, then you must ensure whatever you should have positive findings. And to help you out with that, we will be dealing with both the rival components (Ryzen VS Intel and AMD Vs. Nvidia) for a decent comparison.
Below mentioned-table is the general overview of the components we will be dealing with!
Best Gaming PC Under $500 – The Components List
| Component | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | $215 | |
| CPU cooler | Free with CPU | |
| Motherboard | $84 | |
| Graphics Card | $140 | |
| Memory | $92 | |
| Storage | $31 | |
| Case | $45 | |
| PSU | $50 |
CPU – AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
AMD processors are known for putting in everything for their customers. When Ryzen 5 2600x arrived in the markets, the cost of purchasing one piece was high. The advent of 3rd generation processors plummeted the price tag for 2nd generation processors. Well, now, with the same processor, you get a stock cooler known as “Wraith Spire Cooler.” Both the components cost you around $200, which is decent.
Ryzen 2600x has 6 cores, 12 threads that can be clocked up to 3.6GHz with a maximum boost clock of 4.2 GHz. The clock speed is highly appreciated because of the number of cores and threads you are getting at $200. The processor carries the legacy of Zen architecture, which is ole for this era but performs efficiently. We know you want Zen 2 architecture processors, but they are expensive, and won’t fit in the specs mentioned above.
Performance statistics
Ryzen 5 2600X has proved what it’s worth. Many users have reported perpetual without a stutter gaming experience. The rendering time was possibly lower than most of the intel flagship models. The processor was able to process more sequential algorithms in a less prescribed time. It just doesn’t end here; Ryzen 2600X was able to produce 5% more FPS in games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Origins. The processor was able to sustain gaming on 1080P flawlessly without breaking down. Even the temperatures recorded were below the given threshold.
If you are looking forward to having a seamless gaming experience, then Ryzen 5 2600X could be your only shot. You might ask what’s the difference between Ryzen 5 2600 and 2600X. Well, 2600X variants are more potent than their precursors. X versions can perform 2-3% articulately than their non “X” variants. Surprisingly, the price difference is not huge. By coughing in a few more dollars, you can get hold of 2600X quickly.
Product Specifications
| Socket | AMD Socket AM4 |
| Frequency | 3.6 GHz |
| Turbo Clock | Up to 4.25 GHz |
| Multiplier | 36.0x |
| TDP | 95 W |
| # of cores | 6 |
| # of threads | 12 |
| Codename | Zen architecture |
| Max temperature | 95 C |
| Thermal Solution | Wraith Stealth |
CPU cooler – Wraith Spire Cooler
You don’t have to buy the cooler separately to reduce the soaring temperatures. It comes for free with the purchase of Ryzen 2600X. Yeah, it’s a stock cooler and beautiful. Although it might not be enticing or aesthetic for your gaming beast, it works like a charm. You should be concerned with how efficiently your products work, and not how they look. When an X person is building a gaming PC, he/she always looks for aesthetics, but it shouldn’t concern you because you are buying something under $500 (subject to change). Expect mediocre-looking products. The Wraith Spire cooler is known for producing high winds that reduce your CPU temperature by 25 degrees. AMD does produce high temperatures; even the maximum temperature limit is 95 C in the mentioned specifications. You don’t want your CPU to kick off to actual 95C; it will only reduce your CPU’s lifespan.
All in all, the Wraith spire cooler is a go-to cooler if you don’t want to spend an extra $100 on buying another air cooler/liquid cooler.
Motherboard – GIGABYTE GA-A320M-S2H
Originally the motherboard arrived to sit in 3000 series generation CPUs in the bracket, but you can always use such motherboard to the house in older generations processors. GIGABYTE GA-A320M-S2H gives you a head start in terms of everything. Be it compatibility, RGB lightning, Overclocking headroom, armor body, etc. You will be falling head over heels for it.
Features
The MOBO houses all the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st generation Ryzen processors; thus, skyrocketing the chances of you upgrading and downgrading shortly. Upgrading is only possible with the BIOS flash button on the motherboard, which can be used every time you plan to update/downgrade. The feature of upgradability is one of the remarkable features you get with the motherboard, keeping how low it costs you. It just doesn’t stop here! You get a plethora of decent GPU compatibility with the motherboard that includes Vega graphics, and Athlon. Notwithstanding, you get dual channel NON-ECC unbuffered DDR4 2 DIMMs that can be overclocked to their full potential with BIOS’s help.
On top of that, you get Ultra-Fast PCIe Gen3 x 4 M.2 with PCIe NVMe and SATA mode support. It’s surprising to witness the possibility of having an internet accelerator on the MOBO. All you have to do is download the software and use it per your will.
Moreover, the MOBO includes smart FAN 5 features and five temperature sensors viable for monitoring abnormal temps and the amount of air inside the case. The monitoring allows you to change the fans’ speed as per your requirement if the temps hit some abnormal threshold. Such features give you access to full controllability, which is an excellent feature for a gamer.
Furthermore, you are blessed with humidity-protected glass fiber PCB that helps reduce moisture levels on the motherboard. The reason for implementing such measures is due to the dynamic interior weather. What happens is, at a given time, the temperatures are increasing. Now what you do is either start an aggressive fan curve or turn on your AC. The instant change in temperature can create dampness on the motherboard; thus, leading to short-circuits.
Design
The motherboard is on-fleek most of the time and suits your Ryzen 5 2600x processor. It has an armored body that can withstand soaring temperatures. Even the heatsinks are of top-notch quality. The aluminum fins used one the MOBO is for heat conduction. Well, keeping the price tag in mind, you are getting so many features with the motherboard. On top of that, have fun with RGB lighting!
Graphics Card – PowerColor Red Dragon Radeon RX 570 AXRX 570
You might be wondering what sort of variant is that. Believe us, in your budget; this is the best variant you can get hold of. Although Redragon might be an aftermarket card, it doesn’t mean the card won’t function well. The chipset and all the configurations of the original card are in there. What changes with variant is the overclocked threshold, design, and fans! As long as these things don’t bother you, you are in a good position.
Features
PowerColor Redragon Radeon RX 570 AXRX 570 is a 4GB graphics card that is enough to run all the latest AAA titles. Imagine getting such a card at $140. Exactly, it’s hard to find one, but here we are. Well, the card powers on OpenCL, which is an open-based GPU programming framework. Since the card uses OpenCL, there is a significant rise in GPU scaling and FPS adoption by the games. On top of that, the rendering time reduces by a factor of 3 compared with Intel processors.
The card is based on AMD’s latest GCN 5 architecture that proposes VR capabilities in the card. The card is loaded with DirectX 12 support, Vulkan, Chill, FreeSync 2 (a feature that syncs the GPU’s refresh rate with the refresh rate of the monitor to reduce stutters and freezes), and Relive Capture. It’s appreciative that such a card is capable of projecting a VR-ready gaming environment.
The temperature change is outstanding. With the help of Radeon Chill, your GPU consumes less power from the power supply. The reduction of voltage leads to GPU consuming less power; thus, decreasing the temperatures. Up to 13% of temperature reduction was recorded with the Radeon Chill on. That’s a thing to drool over, to be honest. There’s a setback to it. Like, it’s not going to take a significant toll on the generated Frame rate per second, but yeah, there was a discernible 32% drop in average frame time delivery.
Moreover, you can use AMD Crossfire technology for multiple GPU support in the system. The feature helps in escalating the gaming performance by a factor of 2. It’s worth adding that the GPU uses Mute fan technology, which means that the fan won’t kick in aggressively until the temperature reaches the 60 C threshold. Now, imagine having this card in your case. It will be going to slay everything!
Performance data
Many users reported that they could play most of the AAA titles on 1080P without any significant FPS drop. Although a few of them did experience stuttering and it was only because of the unmatched refresh rate with the GPU. Apart from this, the FPS remained stagnant at 60 on games like grand theft auto 5, Final Fantasy XV, Assassins Creed Odyssey, and Tomb Raider. The FPS generation is subject to change. It’s because of the pair-up CPU. If you are using a high-end CPU chipset, then the chances of FPS generation increase. So, you have to keep every bullet point in mind before rooting for a 500$ gaming pc.
Product Specifications
| Graphics Engine | AXRX 750 5GBD5-3DHD/OC |
| Video Memory | 4GB GDDR5 |
| Engine Clock | 1250 MHz |
| Memory Clock | 1450 MHz x4 |
| DirectX support | 12 |
| Crossfire | Enabled |
| TDP | 450 W |
Memory – Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4
Let’s Welcome Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 into the component breakdown. Yes, we will never recommend you to go for 8GB RAM. Why? In this dynamic gaming advancement, 8GB RAM doesn’t fulfill most of the minimum gaming requirements anymore. It’s like you have been pushed on a battlefield with a blunt weapon. That’s how your 8GB RAM stick feels like. The reason for proposing 16 gigs of RAM is nothing but adding an extra layer of storage that can be used shortly. For example, if you plan to run a rendering software in conjunction with Google Chrome (which alone uses 3 to 4 gigs of RAM), you will have insufficient RAM to run it.
Not to mention, all the recent titles require you to have a minimum of 8GB RAM. So, in short, as a safe protocol, it’s better to go for 16 gigs than eight gigs of RAM. Let’s transition our little pep talk to the actual component. Well, Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 gives you a stock 3000 MHz clock speed. You can overclock the sticks if you want to; Otherwise, 3000 MHz as a base clock is exceptional. Since you get two DIMM slots on the listed motherboard, you can fit both the rams on dual-channel mode (faster than the single-channel mode) and have fun with the enhanced performance. Statistically speaking, dual-channel mode helps in increasing the number of FPS on your screen.
All in all, Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB is a decent choice for your gaming pc build under 500 Dollar.
Storage – ADATA SU635 240GB
It’s for sure that you will buy HDD, and it could be of any company. It doesn’t matter. What matters is what model you are going for the SSD. There’s a performance difference between HDD and SSD, and it’s always mandatory to go for SSD (even 120GB will work fine) for windows installation. You don’t have to put files into the SSD apart from the windows itself. There was a recorded boost in the windows navigation when users installed the respective window’s title on the SSD. So yeah, you have to ensure that at least you have a 120 GB SSD for your system for an overall performance boost.
Well, ADATA SU635 240GB will work like a charm for your gaming rig. ADATA SU635 offers rapid load/boot times, thus encouraging you to buy more of these. At some point, you will need to upgrade your storage system. Be it through SSD or HDD. The choice is yours.
Case – AeroCool Cylon RGB Mid Tower
You should be happy that you are getting an RGB case for your cheap gaming pc. It’s not usually easy to get hold of such aesthetically pleasing cases under $500. But here we are! AeroCool Cylon RGB mid-tower is a micro ATX case that can easily fit in your GIGABYTE GA-A320M-S2H motherboard. Well, It’s a perfect combination! It has an acrylic side window panel and a liquid cooling support system. The RGB LED at the front can display over 13 lighting modes. That’s incredible, keeping the price tag in mind (just $48). You can select from one of six unique RGB flows or choose from seven color modes. It entirely depends on you. Use the button to channel the style, and bingo, you are good to go.
Moreover, the dual chamber design supports superior airflow and cooling system; hence, making the inside temperature drop by 2. On top of that, you can sit in 240 mm radiators (case fans), 155 mm CPU cooler, and get a dust filter for easy cleaning. Additionally, you can sit in 2 x 3.5″ HDDs and 3 x 2.5″ SSDs or 5 x 2.5 SSDs, giving you enough room for storage extension. That’s again phenomenal for its costs.
Product Specifications
| Type | ATX Mid tower |
| Color | Black |
| Motherboard compatibility | ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX |
| Front Panel USB ports | Yes |
| Dimensions | 413mm x 198mm x 459mm |
| Max GPU length | 346.00mm |
| Drives | 5 |
PSU – Thermaltake Smart 500W 80+
It’s common for people to ignore the significance of a power supply. Most of people do not even consider buying an excellent rated PSU, and in turn, their system goes haywire. It’s a long-debated topic, but we will try our best to clear it. PSU plays a vital role in safeguarding your components. For instance, if you buy a non-rated PSU (for example, any other PSU without any 80+ rating or below), the chances of your PC dying are at an all-time high. Why? Well, the answer is simple. When you buy a local or shady PSU, what happens is:
- They die out quickly (because no ratings. You have purchased a ticking time bomb that can explode anytime)
- They dissipate more heat than a rated PSU
- They have low control over variable voltages (a single voltage fluctuation and your system in ashes)
People don’t understand this. When they are spending so much on a system, why not cough out a few more dollars to maintain your system’s integrity? Yes, common sense!
For the specifications mentioned above, we have brought to you Thermaltake Smart 500W 80+ rated PSU. Well, Thermaltake is known for providing high-end PSUs, so whatever rating you choose from them, you are in good hands. Here, the 80+ means that your PSU will be working at 80% efficiency; this co-relates to your PSU delivering 80% power, and 20% in dissipation/consumption of heat.
Some of the ratings include gold and platinum, which deliver around 90% supply to the components, but they are expensive. Perhaps, Thermaltake Smart 500W 80+ will work for you. At least for now.
Features
The Thermaltake Smart 500W 80+ comes with a 120mm Ultra-quiet fan. The fan is known for providing excellent airflow to your system. On top of that, you get multiple connectors; the connectors help connect all the peripherals with the PSU. The best part is that if your MOBO doesn’t have RGB headers, you can simply connect the external case fans with the PSU, and bingo, the fans will work- although you will not have any control over the RGB lighting and speed of the fans. To be honest, it’s a decent tradeoff. At least you will see some colors.
The connectors include main power connector (20 + 4pin), ATX 12V (4+4pin), 3 peripheral (4pin), 6 SATA (5pin), 2 PCI-E (6 + 2pin), and 1 x Floppy (4pin).
That’s all about it!
Check out PSU Tier list it will help you in Power Supply selection.
An insight into getting peripherals for your Cheap Gaming Pc under $500
We have exceeded the $500 threshold because of the recent pandemic, but it’s worth putting in that your gaming build isn’t complete without the peripherals. You need a mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers/headset, and Wi-Fi to kick in your ultimate gaming setup. This section of the article will focus on what peripherals to get hold of, only if you have the budget to buy them. You can always root for simplicity. Get the cheapest peripherals; otherwise, if you want to be extravagant, buy all the components with an RGB-enabled system.
For the monitor, you can get Asus VP228HE 21.5′ LED that will hardly cost you around $140. The monitor has a refresh rate of 60Hz, enough to sustain a high-end gaming environment. It also comes with flicker-free technology; thus, providing you with a smooth pixel transition. On top of that, you get all the Extra gaming features at such a subsidized cost.
For keyboard and mouse, you can get AmazonBasics USB wired keyboard and mouse bundle for $15. It’s worth adding that the keyboard and mouse are simple without an RGB-enabled system. Also, the keyboard is not a mechanical keyboard, but a membrane one. Otherwise, if you want an RGB and mechanical system, then you can go for the Redragon K552-BA gaming bundle for $55. It’s a good catch, to be honest.
For speakers/headsets, you can always go for local ones. There’s nothing much to comment on what models to root due to marginal differences. Save yourself a few bucks and buy the cheapest of them all.
What games can this Gaming Pc build under $500 can run?
We assure you that most of the AAA titles will run smoothly. We needed to test the proposed specs on our systems, and most of the games did well. Are you ready to experience 60+ constant FPS?
- Hitman 2 – 1920 x 1080 (High settings 60FPs on average)
- The Witcher 3 – 1920 x 1080 (High settings 70FPs on average)
- Grand Theft Auto 5 – 1920 x 1080 (Epic settings 60FPs on average)
- PUBG – 1920 x 1080 (High settings 75FPS on average)
- Assassin’s Creed Origins – 1920 x 1080 (High settings 65FPS on average)
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – 1920 x 1080 (High settings 60FPs on average)
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider – 1920 x 1080 (High settings 60FPs on average)
- Warframe – 1920 x 1080 (High settings 100+FPS on average)
- DOTA 2 – 1920 x 1080 (High settings 100+FPS on average)
- Monster Hunter: World-1920 x 1080 (High settings 60FPs on average)
- Star Wars Jedi: The fallen order 1920 x 1080 (Medium settings 60FPs on average)
- Code Vein – 1920 x 1080 (Epic settings 60FPs on average)
Piecing together the final evidence
That’s all about it. You now have your cheap gaming PC under 500 Dollars! We would like to alert you that the price tags are subject to change because of the recent ongoing pandemic. Well, we have no control over that. We aimed to provide you with the best components at a subsidized cost, and we did it, hopefully.
Last but not least, you don’t have to fret about whether the system will work fine. We have ensured that whatever we propose to our audience remains reliable for the years to come. Now you can have an immersive gaming environment with the proposed build. Slay some monsters, cry over death scenes, and jump in delight on winning situations.
You can always leave us a comment about what you are feeling about the build. We are open to edits. See you later!
Some of the frequently asked questions
Can you get a good gaming pc for 500?
Yes, you can always get hold of any gaming rig at any cost. It depends on what components you have chosen for yourself. You are the one cherry-picking. Well, just ensure that you do extensive research on the price tags. Might help in saving a few bucks for other essential components.
What is the best way to build a gaming PC under 500?
The best way is to compile all the components first from different vendors (or maybe from the same one). After the compilation is done, you can set up your PC. That way, you will be saving a lot of money because pre-built systems are expensive as hell.
Is a $500 gaming rig worth a while?
We will be honest with you. There’s nothing concrete in the gaming world. The place is dynamic and ever-changing. You will be required to keep upgrading your components for the latest released titles. For now, for under $500, you can play most of the games on 1080P, a decent setting.
Read Also Related Articles:
- Best Gaming PC Build Under $300 Guide
- Best Gaming PC Build Under $2000 Reviewed 2021
- Best Gaming PC Under $1000 – Prebuild PC
- Best Gaming PC Under $400
- Prebuilt vs Custom Pc- Which to Buy in 2021?
- How to Build a Budget Gaming PC
Hey, I’m Muhammad Bilal. I’m a tech fanatic (also read: Gamer), who loves scrutinizing fine details. I aim to strive hard in my respective fields (as a writer and software programmer). Before pursuing my majors in a university (right now in A-levels), I want to spend time exploring and reviewing the latest technology.