Looking to maximize gaming power without breaking the bank? This step-by-step guide helps you craft a cost-effective PC that delivers impressive frame rates and reliability.

🖥️ 1. Choosing the Right CPU

Opt for value contenders like AMD Ryzen 5 5500X or Intel Core i5-12400F. These mid-range processors handle modern games smoothly and won’t overwhelm your budget.

🎨 2. Selecting Your Graphics Card

Balance price and performance with cards such as NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super or AMD RX 6500 XT. Both excel at 1080p gaming on high to ultra settings without costing a fortune.

🔗 3. Motherboard & RAM Essentials

Pick a B550 or B660 chipset board offering solid VRMs and expansion slots. Pair it with 16GB of DDR4-3200 RAM for fluid multitasking and gaming responsiveness.

💾 4. Storage Configuration

Install a 500GB NVMe SSD for frequently played games and your OS—offering lightning-fast boot and load times. Supplement with a 1TB SATA SSD for larger game libraries.

🔌 5. Power Supply & Cooling Solutions

Choose a reputable 550W 80+ Bronze PSU to power your build efficiently. Use the included stock cooler or an affordable aftermarket air cooler to keep CPU temperatures in check.

🎮 6. Case & Essential Peripherals

Select a budget-friendly chassis with strong airflow and cable management. For peripherals, look for combo deals under £50 offering responsive keyboards and mice at entry-level prices.

🛠️ 7. Assembly & Stress Testing

Follow your motherboard manual carefully, apply thermal paste correctly, and run stress tests like Prime95 and Unigine Heaven to confirm system stability under load.

Adhere to these recommendations to assemble a lean, mean gaming machine that delivers top-tier performance without overspending. Enjoy your new rig!