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Under $800

Budget Gaming PC Build: $800 Guide (2025)

Build a solid gaming rig for casual play at 1080p with modern components under $800, including CPU, GPU, and more.

💰 Actual Cost: $747Save $1000 vs PremiumUpdated November 17, 2025

Building a gaming PC on a tight budget can feel overwhelming, especially when premium rigs cost thousands. But with $800, you can assemble a capable machine that handles casual gaming, streaming, and everyday tasks like browsing and light productivity. This guide cuts through the noise to deliver a complete, compatible build using reliable parts from trusted brands.

You'll get a full tower setup with an AMD Ryzen CPU, dedicated GPU for smooth graphics, 16GB RAM, and 1TB storage—enough to run most modern games at medium-high settings. Expect solid performance for esports and single-player adventures, but not ultra 4K ray-tracing like high-end builds. It's realistic: this won't match a $2000 PC, but it's a huge step up from consoles or laptops in the same range.

By the end, you'll know exactly what to buy, how to put it together, and how to grow your setup over time. Let's dive in and build something that lasts.

Budget Philosophy

For this $800 gaming PC build, I divided the budget across core categories: CPU/GPU (40%, ~$320) for performance, motherboard/RAM/storage (25%, ~$200) for reliability and speed, and case/PSU/cooler (35%, ~$280) for stability and airflow. The CPU and GPU get the lion's share because they're the heart of gaming—skimp here, and frame rates suffer. Meanwhile, the case and PSU can be budget-friendly if they meet basic standards, freeing up funds for what matters most.

This allocation prioritizes 'must-haves' like a balanced CPU-GPU combo for 1080p gaming, while treating peripherals or extras as optional. I avoided over-investing in aesthetics (RGB cases) or overkill specs (32GB RAM) since casual gamers don't need them. Trade-offs include sticking to DDR4 RAM over newer DDR5 to save ~$50, ensuring compatibility without future-proofing everything at once.

The goal is longevity: these parts should handle games for 3-5 years with upgrades. By focusing on value brands like AMD and ASUS, we maximize FPS per dollar, avoiding common pitfalls like mismatched components that waste money on returns.

Where to Splurge

  • GPU: Invest in a solid mid-range card like the RX 6600 for reliable 1080p gaming. Cheaping out leads to low FPS and stuttering in demanding titles, ruining the experience.
  • CPU: A 6-core Ryzen ensures smooth multitasking and future-proofing. Budget CPUs bottleneck games and limit upgrades, causing early obsolescence.
  • PSU: Quality 80+ Bronze units prevent instability or fire risks. Cheap PSUs fail under load, damaging expensive components like the GPU.

Where to Save

  • Case: Budget airflow cases provide adequate cooling without frills. You won't sacrifice performance, just RGB lights or premium builds.
  • RAM: 16GB 3200MHz kits are plenty for casual gaming. Faster speeds add little value now, saving $20-30 without noticeable lag.
  • CPU Cooler: Air coolers handle stock TDP fine. You're not losing thermal headroom for overclocking, which casual users rarely need.

Recommended Products (8)

#1essentialCPU

AMD Ryzen 5 5600

Powers the system with 6 cores for gaming and multitasking.

$133.00
18% of budget
AMD Ryzen 5 5600

The Ryzen 5 5600 is a 6-core, 12-thread processor with a 3.5GHz base clock, built on AMD's Zen 3 architecture. It's ideal for budget gaming as it delivers strong single-thread performance for games while handling background tasks like Discord or streaming.

At this price, it fits perfectly by offering near-Ryzen 7 value without the cost, pairing seamlessly with our B550 motherboard and RX 6600 GPU for balanced 1080p play. Compared to pricier Intel i5s (~$200+), it provides similar FPS at lower power draw, making it a smart allocation.

Value shines in its efficiency: no integrated graphics needed with a discrete GPU, and it's upgradable to Ryzen 7000 series later. Real users on Reddit praise its bang-for-buck in builds under $1000.

Pros

  • +Excellent gaming performance at 1080p
  • +Energy-efficient (65W TDP)
  • +Future-proof AM4 socket
  • +Great for multitasking
  • +Affordable yet powerful 6 cores

Cons

  • -No integrated graphics (needs GPU)
  • -Slightly older Zen 3 vs Zen 4
  • -Limited overclocking headroom
  • -Requires good cooling for sustained loads

Upgrade Option: AMD Ryzen 5 7600 ($200) - Gains Zen 4 efficiency and DDR5 support for 20% better FPS in new games.

Budget Alternative: AMD Ryzen 3 5300G ($80) - Loses 2 cores, reducing multitasking and gaming smoothness by 15-20%.

Check Price on Amazon
#2essentialMotherboard

ASUS Prime B550M-A WiFi II

Connects all components with PCIe 4.0 support and built-in WiFi.

$110.00
15% of budget
ASUS Prime B550M-A WiFi II

This micro-ATX motherboard supports AMD Ryzen 5000 series with 4 DIMM slots, M.2 SSD, and 2.5Gb Ethernet plus WiFi 6. It's a reliable hub for our build, ensuring fast data transfer and easy BIOS updates.

Priced under $120, it saves vs premium boards (~$150+) while including essentials like BIOS Flashback—no CPU needed for updates. It complements the Ryzen 5 and RX 6600 perfectly, avoiding bottlenecks in PCIe lanes.

Users love its stability in budget builds (4.5/5 on Amazon), with room for RAM/SSD upgrades. It's not flashy but durable for 5+ years.

Pros

  • +Built-in WiFi 6 and Bluetooth
  • +PCIe 4.0 for fast GPU/SSD
  • +Easy VRM cooling for stock use
  • +Multiple USB ports
  • +Affordable expansion options

Cons

  • -Micro-ATX limits case choices slightly
  • -No RGB headers
  • -Basic audio codec
  • -Fewer fan headers than premium

Upgrade Option: ASUS ROG Strix B550-F ($180) - Adds better VRMs and aesthetics for overclocking stability.

Budget Alternative: Gigabyte B450M DS3H ($70) - Drops WiFi and PCIe 4.0, slowing SSD speeds by 50%.

Check Price on Amazon
#3essentialRAM

TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200

Provides fast memory for smooth game loading and multitasking.

$35.00
5% of budget
TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200

This dual-channel kit runs at 3200MHz CL16, optimized for AMD platforms with low latency. It's the sweet spot for gaming, handling 1080p titles without stuttering.

At just $35, it's a steal vs 3600MHz kits ($50+), offering 95% of the performance for casual use. Pairs flawlessly with Ryzen for auto-overclocking via EXPO.

Reviewers note its reliability (4.6/5 stars), with no compatibility issues in budget builds. Great value for starting with 16GB—enough for most games today.

Pros

  • +Low price for 3200MHz speed
  • +Lifetime warranty
  • +Easy AMD optimization
  • +Low-profile for cooler clearance
  • +Stable for gaming workloads

Cons

  • -Not RGB (plain black)
  • -CL16 latency vs premium CL14
  • -Max 16GB for heavy editing
  • -No heat spreader bling

Upgrade Option: Corsair Vengeance RGB 32GB 3600MHz ($80) - Doubles capacity for 4K/streaming, +10% FPS in RAM-heavy games.

Budget Alternative: Corsair ValueSelect 8GB ($20) - Halves capacity, causing stutters in modern games like Cyberpunk.

Check Price on Amazon
#4essentialStorage

Crucial P3 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD

Fast boot drive for OS, games, and apps with 1TB capacity.

$55.00
7% of budget
Crucial P3 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD

A budget NVMe SSD with 3500MB/s reads and 3000MB/s writes, using QLC NAND for high capacity. It stores your Windows install, Steam library, and files quickly.

Under $60, it outperforms HDDs dramatically while costing less than PCIe 4.0 (~$80). Fits our B550 board's M.2 slot for instant setup.

Amazon users (4.5/5) highlight its speed for the price, ideal for gamers not needing pro editing. Solid value with 5-year warranty.

Pros

  • +Huge 1TB for games
  • +Fast load times vs SATA
  • +Affordable NVMe entry
  • +Reliable Crucial brand
  • +Easy plug-and-play

Cons

  • -QLC slower endurance than TLC
  • -PCIe 3.0 limits max speed
  • -No DRAM cache for heavy writes
  • -Warms up during transfers

Upgrade Option: Samsung 990 PRO 1TB PCIe 4.0 ($100) - Doubles speeds for 20% faster loads in open-world games.

Budget Alternative: WD Blue 500GB SATA SSD ($35) - Half capacity and slower speeds, filling up quickly with big games.

Check Price on Amazon
#5essentialGPU

PowerColor Radeon RX 6600 Fighter

Handles graphics rendering for 1080p gaming at 60+ FPS.

$229.00
31% of budget
PowerColor Radeon RX 6600 Fighter

This 8GB GDDR6 GPU based on AMD RDNA 2 delivers 1080p performance with ray tracing and FSR upscaling. It's compact (2 slots) for small cases.

At $229, it punches above its weight vs older GTX 1660 (~$150 but weaker), enabling high settings in AAA games. Compatible with our PSU and board for bottleneck-free play.

Users rave about its value (4.4/5 on Newegg), often getting 100+ FPS in esports. Best bang-for-buck for casual gamers in 2025.

Pros

  • +Strong 1080p rasterization
  • +8GB VRAM for textures
  • +Efficient 132W power
  • +AMD software features
  • +Quiet dual-fan cooler

Cons

  • -Weaker ray tracing than Nvidia
  • -No DLSS equivalent
  • -Reference clock may need tweak
  • -Larger than some budget cards

Upgrade Option: NVIDIA RTX 4060 8GB ($300) - Better efficiency and DLSS for 15-20% FPS uplift in supported titles.

Budget Alternative: AMD RX 6500 XT 4GB ($150) - Loses 30% performance, struggling in demanding games like Elden Ring.

Check Price on Amazon
#6recommendedPower Supply

Corsair CX650M 650W 80+ Bronze Modular

Supplies stable power to all components, with headroom for upgrades.

$70.00
9% of budget
Corsair CX650M 650W 80+ Bronze Modular

A semi-modular PSU with 80+ Bronze efficiency, 650W capacity, and Japanese capacitors for reliability. It powers our 400W build safely.

At $70, it's cheaper than Gold-rated (~$100) but meets ATX standards without risking surges. Fully modular cables reduce clutter in the case.

High ratings (4.6/5 on Amazon) from builders confirm its longevity. Essential for protecting the GPU investment.

Pros

  • +Modular for clean cabling
  • +80+ Bronze efficiency
  • +5-year warranty
  • +Quiet operation
  • +Ample wattage for GPUs

Cons

  • -Not fully modular
  • -Bronze vs Gold (slightly less efficient)
  • -No RGB
  • -Basic fan curve

Upgrade Option: Corsair RM750x 750W Gold ($110) - Fully modular and quieter for high-end GPU upgrades.

Budget Alternative: EVGA 500W 80+ ($40) - Risks instability under GPU load, potentially frying components.

Check Price on Amazon
#7recommendedCase

Montech AIR 903 MAX

Houses components with good airflow to keep temps low.

$80.00
11% of budget
Montech AIR 903 MAX

A mid-tower ATX case with mesh front panel, 3 included ARGB fans, and support for 360mm radiators. It fits all our parts easily.

Priced at $80, it offers premium airflow vs basic cases (~$50) without extras like tempered glass. Great for the RX 6600's heat.

Users (4.7/5) love the value and build quality. Running total now $712—room for tweaks.

Pros

  • +Excellent airflow design
  • +3 fans included
  • +Easy cable management
  • +Supports large GPUs
  • +Sturdy build

Cons

  • -No front USB-C
  • -Basic I/O panel
  • -ARGB needs controller
  • -Not the smallest footprint

Upgrade Option: Fractal Design Meshify 2 ($140) - Superior dust filters and silence for quieter operation.

Budget Alternative: Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh ($60) - Fewer fans, slightly worse cooling by 5-10°C.

Check Price on Amazon
#8recommendedCPU Cooler

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

Keeps the Ryzen CPU cool during gaming sessions.

$35.00
5% of budget
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE

Dual-tower air cooler with 6 heat pipes and two 120mm fans, handling 200W+ TDP quietly.

At $35, it outperforms stock coolers (~$0 included) for $20 less than AIOs. Essential for our Ryzen to avoid throttling.

Top reviews (4.8/5) call it a budget king. Total build: $747, under budget with $53 buffer for shipping.

Pros

  • +Outstanding value cooling
  • +Quiet fans
  • +Easy install
  • +Better than stock by 20°C
  • +Compatible with AM4

Cons

  • -Large size may block RAM
  • -No RGB
  • -Push-pull setup fiddly
  • -Not for extreme OC

Upgrade Option: Noctua NH-U12S ($70) - Premium quietness and longevity for silent builds.

Budget Alternative: Stock AMD Wraith ($0) - Runs 10-15°C hotter, potential throttling in long sessions.

Check Price on Amazon

Start by preparing your workspace: a clean table, anti-static wrist strap (optional, $5), Phillips screwdriver, and thermal paste (included with cooler). Unbox all parts and verify compatibility via PCPartPicker—our build is pre-checked.

Install the CPU first: open the motherboard socket, align the Ryzen 5's triangle marker, and secure it. Apply pea-sized thermal paste, then mount the Peerless Assassin cooler. Next, insert RAM into slots A2/B2, screw the mobo into the Montech case (use standoffs), and add the SSD to the M.2 slot.

Install the PSU in the case, route cables, then slot in the GPU and connect power (8-pin from PSU). Wire everything: 24-pin mobo, 8-pin CPU, SATA for future HDD, and front panel headers (consult manual). Boot with a USB Windows installer—takes 1-2 hours total for beginners.

Tips: Update BIOS if needed via USB Flashback before CPU install. Test outside case first (breadboard) to catch issues. Full assembly: 2-4 hours; download drivers post-OS for GPU/WiFi. If stuck, YouTube tutorials for these exact parts.

Budget Tips

  • Shop during sales like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday for 10-20% off components.
  • Use PCPartPicker to compare prices and ensure compatibility—saves on returns.
  • Buy used GPU from eBay (reputable sellers) to cut $50, but test thoroughly.
  • Skip Windows key initially ($20 later) and use free tools like Rufus for install.
  • Prioritize new CPU/mobo for warranty; peripherals can be second-hand.
  • Allocate 10% buffer for shipping/taxes—our $53 covers it.
  • Avoid RGB extras; focus on core specs to stay under budget.
  • Check Micro Center/Newegg bundles for mobo+CPU discounts.

Common Mistakes

  • Overbuying GPU without matching CPU—causes bottlenecks, wasting $200.
  • Ignoring PSU quality—cheap units fry parts, costing $300+ in repairs.
  • Forgetting airflow: Poor case choice leads to 10-20% FPS loss from heat.
  • Buying incompatible parts (e.g., DDR5 RAM)—returns eat 20% of budget.
  • Skipping BIOS update—prevents boot, delaying setup by days.

Upgrade Roadmap

When you have extra cash, prioritize the GPU first (~$300 for RTX 4060 Ti)—it boosts FPS by 30-50% in new games, transforming 1080p to 1440p. Next, add 16GB RAM ($35) for 32GB total if streaming, as modern titles like Starfield demand it. Approximate costs: $100-200 each.

Storage upgrade to 2TB SSD ($80) comes third for more games without deleting. These matter most for performance longevity, keeping your rig relevant 2-3 years longer. Wait on case/PSU unless noisy/hot— they're solid now.

Long-term, swap to AM5 platform (~$400) for DDR5, but only after 3 years. Start small: save $50/month via PCPartPicker alerts.

Related Topics

budget gaming pcunder 800gaming buildcasual gamingpc componentsamd ryzenbudget setup2025 guidevalue pcaffordable gamingpcpartpicker
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