Review Atlas

Menu

Sign In

Track orders & save items

Explore Content

ComparisonsHow-To GuidesPros & ConsTop RatedReal Owner ReviewsBeginner GuidesProfessional GuidesWhich to BuyBest ValueBudget PicksWorth It?Should I BuyDurability TestsNews

Shop by Category

Today's DealsNewHelp CenterSettings

Get the App

Better experience on mobile

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Under $600

Budget Gaming PC Under $600 (2025)

Build a complete 1080p gaming PC for low-medium settings with modern components totaling under $550.

💰 Actual Cost: $549.92Save $1000 vs PremiumUpdated December 13, 2025

Dreaming of a gaming PC but stuck on a $600 budget? Many think high-end gaming requires $1500+, but that's not true for entry-level play. This guide delivers a complete, functional build that handles modern esports and lighter AAA games without breaking the bank.

You'll get a full tower PC with CPU, GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and reliable power—ready for Windows or Linux. Expect 1080p gaming at low-medium settings (60FPS in most esports, 30-50FPS in newer titles). It won't max out Cyberpunk, but it's a solid starter rig with clear upgrade paths.

Realistic expectations: This beats consoles for upgradability but trades ultra settings for affordability. No peripherals included—focus is the core PC.

Budget Philosophy

For a $600 gaming PC, I divided the budget strategically across 5 core categories: Performance Core (CPU/GPU: 45% or ~$250) for playability; Platform (Mobo/RAM: 20% or ~$110) for stability; Storage (15% or ~$60) for fast loads; Essentials (PSU/Case: 20% or ~$110) for safety/reliability. This prioritizes gaming performance since that's the goal—skipping fluff like RGB or premium cooling.

CPU/GPU gets the lion's share because weak performance kills fun; you can't 'save' here without unplayable framerates. Storage is modest but SSD-essential for quick boots. Mobo/RAM use value picks to avoid bottlenecks. Trade-offs: No 1440p or high refresh—save that for upgrades. Leaves ~$50 buffer for tax/shipping.

This allocation maximizes FPS-per-dollar, based on PCPartPicker data and benchmarks. It's honest: $600 gets 1080p entry-level, not mid-range.

Where to Splurge

  • GPU: Core to gaming performance—cheap ones throttle or lack drivers. Splurge here for 60FPS playability; cheaping out means slideshows in modern games.
  • PSU: Safety critical—bad PSUs cause fires/explosions. Worth 80+ Bronze for reliability; skimping risks component damage and voided warranties.
  • CPU: Handles games + multitasking. Integrated fallback is fine, but discrete boosts longevity; weak CPUs bottleneck GPUs later.

Where to Save

  • Case: Budget cases provide airflow/compatibility fine for starters. No sacrifice in cooling/performance vs flashy $100 ones.
  • Motherboard: Basic B550 boards support upgrades without extras like WiFi. You're not losing stability or future-proofing.
  • RAM: 3200MHz 16GB kits are mature/cheap. No perf loss vs pricier RGB/tuned kits for budget gaming.

Recommended Products (7)

#1essentialCPU

AMD Ryzen 5 5600G

6-core processor with integrated Vega graphics for baseline gaming and future discrete GPU support.

$129.99
24% of budget
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G

The Ryzen 5 5600G is a 6-core/12-thread Zen 3 CPU with Radeon Vega 7 iGPU, ideal for budget builds. It handles 1080p esports at 40-60FPS standalone, and pairs perfectly with our discrete GPU.

Fits budget by eliminating immediate GPU need (though we include one), offering great value vs Intel. Vs $200+ CPUs, it skips minor IPC gains irrelevant here.

Value: $130 for 5600X-level perf + iGPU is unbeatable for starters.

Pros

  • +6 cores for gaming/multitasking
  • +Integrated GPU as backup
  • +AM4 socket for cheap upgrades
  • +Efficient 65W TDP
  • +Excellent price/performance

Cons

  • -iGPU weaker than discrete
  • -No overclocking headroom
  • -AM4 end-of-life (but supported)
  • -Stock cooler basic

Upgrade Option: Ryzen 5 7600 ($200) - Zen4 IPC boost + DDR5 for 20% more FPS.

Budget Alternative: Ryzen 3 5300G ($80) - Lose 2 cores, 20% slower multitasking.

Check Price on Amazon
#2essentialGPU

PowerColor Radeon RX 6400 Fighter 4GB

Entry discrete graphics for 1080p low-medium gaming at 60FPS.

$129.00
23% of budget
PowerColor Radeon RX 6400 Fighter 4GB

Compact PCIe 4.0 GPU with 4GB GDDR6, targeting 1080p esports/older AAA. Delivers 60FPS in Valorant/CS2, 40-50FPS in newer titles at low.

Budget king vs pricier RX 6500 XT ($170+), with similar raster perf but PCIe limits. Running total: $259.

Value: Doubles iGPU perf for $129—huge uplift.

Pros

  • +60FPS 1080p esports
  • +Low power (53W)
  • +Compact/single-slot
  • +Good drivers/upscaling
  • +Future-proof PCIe4

Cons

  • -PCIe 3.0 x4 bottleneck
  • -4GB limits high textures
  • -Weak ray tracing
  • -No DisplayPort

Upgrade Option: RX 6600 8GB ($220) - Double VRAM/FPS for medium-high.

Budget Alternative: Use iGPU ($0) - Halve FPS in demanding games.

Check Price on Amazon
#3essentialMotherboard

MSI B450M PRO-VDH MAX

Reliable AM4 board supporting Ryzen 5000 out-of-box.

$79.99
15% of budget
MSI B450M PRO-VDH MAX

Micro-ATX B450 with 2x M.2, USB 3.2, and BIOS flashback. Compatible with our CPU/GPU immediately—no updates needed.

Vs $120+ B550, saves $40 without losing PCIe4 or stability. Running total: $339.

Value: Proven board for budget builds.

Pros

  • +Ryzen 5000 ready
  • +2x M.2 slots
  • +Decent VRM
  • +Budget BIOS flashback
  • +Multiple fan headers

Cons

  • -No WiFi (add $20 dongle)
  • -PCIe 3.0 x16
  • -Basic audio
  • -No RGB

Upgrade Option: Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite ($130) - PCIe4 + better VRM/WiFi.

Budget Alternative: ASRock A520M-HDV ($50) - Weaker VRM, 1x M.2.

Check Price on Amazon
#4essentialRAM

Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200

Dual-channel memory for smooth gaming/multitasking.

$39.99
7% of budget
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200

CL16 3200MHz kit, optimal for Ryzen. 16GB is minimum for modern gaming.

Identical perf to $60+ kits. Running total: $379.

Value: Mature tech at rock-bottom price.

Pros

  • +Perfect Ryzen speed
  • +Low-profile clears coolers
  • +Lifetime warranty
  • +Dual-channel boost
  • +Reliable brand

Cons

  • -No RGB
  • -CL16 latency average
  • -DDR4 (not 5)

Upgrade Option: 32GB 3600MHz ($75) - Better multitasking/future-proof.

Budget Alternative: 8GB kit ($25) - Stutters in open-world games.

Check Price on Amazon
#5essentialStorage

WD Blue SN580 1TB NVMe SSD

Fast boot drive for OS/games with 1TB capacity.

$59.99
11% of budget
WD Blue SN580 1TB NVMe SSD

PCIe 4.0 SSD at 4150MB/s reads. Ample for 20+ games + OS.

Matches $80+ drives in gaming. Running total: $439 (~$160 left).

Value: Speed/capacity bargain.

Pros

  • +1TB for many games
  • +PCIe4 speeds
  • +5yr warranty
  • +DRAM cache
  • +WD reliability

Cons

  • -No heatsink (add $5)
  • -QLC NAND wears faster
  • -Not top speeds

Upgrade Option: Samsung 990 Pro 1TB ($90) - 50% faster + heatsink.

Budget Alternative: 500GB ($35) - Half space, constant management.

Check Price on Amazon
#6essentialPSU

Corsair CX550M 550W 80+ Bronze

Modular power supply for safe, cable-managed build.

$59.99
11% of budget
Corsair CX550M 550W 80+ Bronze

Semi-modular 550W with Japanese caps. Handles our 300W build + upgrades.

80+ Bronze efficiency vs non-rated junk. Running total: $499 ($100 buffer).

Value: Peace of mind cheap.

Pros

  • +Modular cables
  • +80+ Bronze
  • +5yr warranty
  • +Quiet fan
  • +Upgrade headroom

Cons

  • -Semi not full modular
  • -No 80+ Gold
  • -Bronze efficiency

Upgrade Option: Corsair RM750x Gold ($100) - Fully modular + 10yr warranty.

Budget Alternative: EVGA 500W ($35) - Non-modular, riskier quality.

Check Price on Amazon
#7recommendedCase

Montech Air 100 ARGB Micro-ATX Case

Budget airflow case with fans included.

$49.99
9% of budget
Montech Air 100 ARGB Micro-ATX Case

Mesh front, 4x ARGB fans, tempered glass. Good thermals for price.

Final total: $549.92 ($50 buffer). Vs $80 cases, same airflow.

Value: Fans + style included.

Pros

  • +4x fans pre-installed
  • +Great airflow
  • +ARGB lighting
  • +Cable management
  • +Compact

Cons

  • -Thin steel
  • -Basic I/O
  • -No vertical GPU

Upgrade Option: Fractal Meshify C ($100) - Premium build/thermals.

Budget Alternative: Generic $30 case - Poor airflow/dust issues.

Check Price on Amazon

Building takes 1-2 hours with basic tools (Phillips screwdriver, anti-static wristband optional). Order: 1) Install CPU/cooler on mobo (align triangle, lock lever). 2) Add RAM (clips first). 3) Mount mobo in case (spacers pre-installed). 4) Install PSU in case, connect cables loosely. 5) Add SSD to M.2 slot (screw down). 6) Install GPU in PCIe slot. 7) Connect all power (24-pin, 8-pin CPU, GPU if needed), front I/O, fans. 8) Cable manage with ties.

Boot to BIOS (Del key), enable XMP for RAM. Install Windows via USB (free trial, $20 key later). Use PCPartPicker for compatibility check. First-timers: Watch Linus Tech Tips build guide. Temps under 80C gaming normal.

Budget Tips

  • Use PCPartPicker.com for real-time prices/compatibility—saves $50+.
  • Shop Amazon/Newegg sales or Micro Center bundles.
  • Skip Windows key initially ($20 used keys on eBay work).
  • Buy new for warranty; used GPU/RAM ok if reputable (eBay <10% savings).
  • Leave $50 buffer—tax/shipping eats 10%.
  • Prioritize GPU over RGB/coolers.
  • Free Linux (Pop!_OS) for gaming sans OS cost.

Common Mistakes

  • Skimping on PSU—causes crashes/fires.
  • Buying prebuilt—$100+ markup for same parts.
  • Overbuying case/RGB vs GPU.
  • Forgetting SSD (HDD too slow for OS).
  • Ignoring compatibility (use PCPartPicker).

Upgrade Roadmap

First upgrade: GPU to RX 6600 (~$220) for medium 1080p/high esports—doubles FPS, biggest impact. Next: 32GB RAM ($40) + Ryzen 7 5700X ($150) for multitasking/CPU-bound games. Then 2TB SSD ($80). Wait on mobo until AM5 (~$300 swap). Total path to $1000 mid-range in steps. These hit perf ceilings first.

Related Topics

budget gaming pcunder 600gaming pc buildbudget build1080p gamingryzen budgetpcpartpickerentry level pc2025 buildsaffordable gaming
Browse More Budget Guides