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Under $600

Complete Gaming PC Under $600 (2025)

Build an entry-level 1080p gaming rig capable of 60+ FPS in esports titles and light AAA gaming.

💰 Actual Cost: $497.95Save $1500 vs PremiumUpdated December 10, 2025

Building a gaming PC on a $600 budget feels impossible with skyrocketing component prices, but it's doable if you prioritize smart choices. This guide delivers a complete, compatible build using new parts from reputable brands, totaling under $500 to leave room for taxes and shipping.

With this setup, you'll game at 1080p with 60+ FPS in competitive titles, handle everyday tasks like browsing and schoolwork, and have a clear upgrade path. Expect compromises like no ray tracing or 1440p gaming—this rig shines in value, not ultra settings.

We'll cover every component, why it fits, and how it all works together, based on real current prices from Amazon and Newegg.

Budget Philosophy

For a $600 gaming PC, we divide the budget strategically across 7 core categories: GPU (28%), CPU (17%), motherboard (12%), storage (11%), PSU (12%), case (12%), and RAM (6%). The GPU gets the largest slice because it's the performance king for gaming framerates—skimp here, and your games crawl.

CPU and PSU receive healthy allocations for reliable processing and system safety, as failures here can brick your build. We save on motherboard, RAM, and case by choosing solid budget options that don't bottleneck performance. This leaves a $100+ buffer vs. a $2000 premium rig, focusing 70% on performance-critical parts (GPU/CPU/PSU/storage) vs. 30% on basics.

Trade-offs include PCIe 3.0 speeds and basic aesthetics, but this ensures a balanced, future-proof starter PC over flashy but underpowered alternatives.

Where to Splurge

  • GPU: Drives gaming performance; cheaping out means <30 FPS in modern titles, ruining the experience.
  • CPU: Handles games and multitasking; weak CPUs cause stutters and limit GPU potential.
  • PSU: Ensures stability and safety; bad PSUs risk fires or component damage.

Where to Save

  • Case: Budget airflow cases suffice for cooling; no need for RGB premium looks.
  • Motherboard: Basic boards support all features needed; extras like fancy VRM are overkill at this level.
  • RAM: 3200MHz kits perform identically to pricier 3600MHz in budget CPUs.

Recommended Products (7)

#1essentialCPU

AMD Ryzen 5 5500 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor

Core processing unit for gaming, multitasking, and efficiency.

$84.99
17% of budget
AMD Ryzen 5 5500 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor

The Ryzen 5 5500 is a 6-core/12-thread AM4 CPU with solid Zen 3 architecture, ideal for budget gaming. Paired with our GPU, it handles 1080p gaming without bottlenecks.

At this price, it punches above budget Intel rivals in multi-threaded tasks. Vs. $200+ Ryzen 5 7600, it lacks PCIe 5.0 but excels in value for 1080p.

Running total: $84.99. Excellent value for entry-level builds per PCPartPicker users.

Pros

  • +6 cores/12 threads for smooth multitasking
  • +Low 65W TDP runs cool on stock cooler
  • +AM4 socket for cheap upgrades
  • +Strong single-thread performance for games

Cons

  • -No integrated graphics (needs discrete GPU)
  • -Older AM4 platform limits future PCIe
  • -Stock cooler adequate but noisy under load

Upgrade Option: AMD Ryzen 5 7600 ($209) - Unlocks AM5, PCIe 5.0, and 20% faster gaming.

Budget Alternative: AMD Ryzen 3 4100 ($58) - Lose 2 cores, 20-30% slower in games/multitasking.

Check Price on Amazon
#2essentialMotherboard

ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard

Connects all components with essential features and BIOS flashback for easy setup.

$59.99
12% of budget
ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard

Budget B450M board supports Ryzen 5000 out-of-box with 2x M.2 slots and USB 3.2. Perfect match for our CPU.

Compares well to $120+ B550s—saves $60 without losing gaming functionality.

Running total: $144.98. Thousands of positive reviews for reliability.

Pros

  • +BIOS Flashback for easy CPU support
  • +Dual M.2 for storage expansion
  • +Decent VRM for Ryzen 5
  • +Compact mATX fits most cases

Cons

  • -No WiFi/BT (add PCIe card later)
  • -Basic audio/network
  • -PCIe 3.0 only

Upgrade Option: MSI B550-A PRO ($119) - Adds WiFi-ready header, better VRMs.

Budget Alternative: Used eBay board ($40) - Risk of DOA or no warranty.

Check Price on Amazon
#3essentialRAM

Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200 C16

Provides fast memory for smooth gaming and OS multitasking.

$37.99
8% of budget
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200 C16

Reliable 3200MHz CL16 kit optimized for AMD—plugs and plays at XMP speeds.

Identical performance to $60 3600MHz kits in this build; great value.

Running total: $182.97.

Pros

  • +Lifetime warranty
  • +Low-profile for cooler clearance
  • +Perfect speed for Ryzen
  • +16GB ideal for 1080p gaming

Cons

  • -No RGB (cosmetic only)
  • -CL16 slightly slower than premium CL14

Upgrade Option: Corsair Vengeance RGB 32GB 3600 ($85) - Double capacity, faster for content creation.

Budget Alternative: Silicon Power 16GB 3000 ($28) - Minor speed loss, still playable.

Check Price on Amazon
#4essentialStorage

Crucial P3 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

Fast boot drive for OS, games, and apps with ample space.

$54.99
11% of budget
Crucial P3 1TB PCIe 3.0 NVMe M.2 SSD

QLC NAND SSD with 3500/3000 MB/s reads—quick loads in games like GTA V.

Matches $80 PCIe 4.0 drives in real-world use; budget king.

Running total: $237.96. Buffer remaining: $362.

Pros

  • +1TB capacity for 10+ games
  • +High endurance (220TBW)
  • +Cheap per GB
  • +Easy M.2 install

Cons

  • -QLC slower sustained writes
  • -No DRAM cache (fine for gaming)

Upgrade Option: WD Black SN850X 1TB ($89) - PCIe 4.0 doubles speeds for future-proofing.

Budget Alternative: Crucial P3 500GB ($35) - Halves storage, fill with HDD later.

Check Price on Amazon
#5essentialGPU

PowerColor Radeon RX 6500 XT Fighter 4GB GDDR6

Dedicated graphics card for 1080p gaming performance.

$138.99
28% of budget
PowerColor Radeon RX 6500 XT Fighter 4GB GDDR6

Entry AMD GPU with 1080p prowess in esports (100+ FPS Valorant) and 40-60 FPS AAA lows.

Best value vs. $250 RTX 3050—better rasterization, FSR upscaling.

Running total: $376.95. Top budget pick on Reddit/PCPartPicker.

Pros

  • +1080p 60FPS capable
  • +Low 107W power draw
  • +FSR 2.0 for upscaling
  • +4GB VRAM fine for medium settings

Cons

  • -Weak 4GB limits high textures
  • -PCIe 4.0 x4 bandwidth (ok on B450)
  • -No RT/DLSS

Upgrade Option: Sapphire RX 7600 8GB ($269) - Doubles FPS, 1440p ready.

Budget Alternative: Integrated Ryzen 5600G ($0 extra) - 50% slower gaming, no discrete power.

Check Price on Amazon
#6essentialPSU

Corsair CX550M 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX

Reliable power delivery for stability and safety.

$59.99
12% of budget
Corsair CX550M 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX

Semi-modular 550W with Japanese caps—headroom for upgrades.

Safer than $30 generics; matches $90 Golds in reliability.

Running total: $436.94.

Pros

  • +80+ Bronze efficiency
  • +5-year warranty
  • +Modular cables reduce clutter
  • +Quiet operation

Cons

  • -Non-full modular
  • -No 80+ Gold (minor efficiency loss)

Upgrade Option: Corsair RM750x 750W Gold ($109) - Fully modular, more headroom.

Budget Alternative: EVGA 500W 80+ ($35) - Less reliable, no modularity.

Check Price on Amazon
#7recommendedCase

Montech Air 100 ARGB MicroATX Mini Tower Case

Compact chassis with good airflow for cooling components.

$59.99
12% of budget
Montech Air 100 ARGB MicroATX Mini Tower Case

mATX case with mesh front, 4 fans included—keeps GPU under 70C.

Equivalent cooling to $100 cases; ARGB bonus.

Final total: $496.93. Buffer $103 for tax/shipping.

Pros

  • +3 ARGB fans included
  • +Great value airflow
  • +Cable management
  • +Supports full ATX

Cons

  • -No tempered glass (plastic)
  • -Basic build quality

Upgrade Option: Fractal Meshify 2 Compact ($140) - Premium build, better noise dampening.

Budget Alternative: Any $40 basic case - Lose fans, worse cooling.

Check Price on Amazon

Start with unboxing all parts on a non-static surface. Install CPU into motherboard (align triangle marker), apply pea-sized thermal paste, attach stock cooler. Insert RAM into slots 2/4, secure M.2 SSD.

Mount mobo in case, connect PSU cables (24-pin, 8-pin CPU, GPU/SATA). Install GPU in PCIe slot. Route cables neatly using case ties. Plug in power, connect to monitor.

Boot to BIOS (Del key), enable XMP for RAM, update BIOS if needed via Flashback. Install Windows via USB (use Rufus tool). Tools: Phillips screwdriver, anti-static wristband (optional). Time: 1-2 hours for beginners. Watch Linus Tech Tips build guide for visuals—test stability with Cinebench/FurMark.

Budget Tips

  • Use PCPartPicker.com to check compatibility and current deals—saved $20 on RAM.
  • Buy from Amazon/Newegg for fast shipping; watch for Prime Day sales.
  • Skip Windows initially—use free trial or Linux (Pop!_OS great for AMD).
  • Consider open-box/refurb mobo from Newegg ($40 savings, 90-day warranty).
  • Prioritize new GPU/PSU—used risks DOA; eBay cases/RAM ok.
  • Hunt Micro Center bundles if local (10-20% off CPU/mobo).
  • Leave $50 buffer; assemble yourself to avoid $100 shop fees.

Common Mistakes

  • Overbuying case/RGB (wastes 20% budget on non-performance).
  • Cheaping on PSU/GPU (crashes, low FPS—replace costly).
  • Ignoring compatibility (B450 needs BIOS update).
  • Forgetting thermal paste or cables (delays build).
  • No upgrade path (lock into dead AM4 too long).

Upgrade Roadmap

First upgrade: GPU to RX 7600 (~$270, +100% FPS for 1440p). Next: 32GB RAM ($50) and 2TB SSD ($80) for more games/multitasking. Then platform shift to AM5 (Ryzen 5 7600 + B650 mobo ~$350) for DDR5 future-proofing.

These yield biggest gains: GPU doubles performance, storage/RAM fix bottlenecks. Wait on case/PSU until 1000W needs. Total to mid-range: +$700 over 2 years.

Related Topics

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