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Under $700

Complete PC Modding Under $700 (2025)

Transform your existing PC into a RGB-lit, liquid-cooled showpiece with pro cable management and accessories for stunning aesthetics under $700.

💰 Actual Cost: $572.91Save $1000 vs PremiumUpdated December 12, 2025

Want a jaw-dropping PC that turns heads at LAN parties or on your desk, but your wallet says no to $1,500+ custom builds? PC modding on $700 is challenging but doable if you prioritize smart choices. This guide delivers a complete system of compatible components that work together seamlessly.

You'll end up with a clean, RGB-glowing rig featuring liquid cooling, sleeved cables, extra fans, lighting, and mounts—perfect for showcasing your GPU and components. Expect solid 1080p gaming thermals and pro-level visuals without the premium price tag.

Realistically, this budget won't rival $2K water-cooled masterpieces (no hardline tubing or LCD screens), but it punches way above its weight for entry-to-mid modding. You'll avoid cheap plastic that yellows or fails quickly.

Budget Philosophy

For this $700 PC modding setup, I divided the budget across 6 core categories: case (18%), power supply (17%), cooling (22%), cables (7%), lighting & controllers (10%), and accessories (26% combined, but weighted). Case and cooling get the biggest slices because they form the visual and performance backbone—poor airflow or temps ruin mods fast.

I saved aggressively on lighting and accessories where generic ARGB performs nearly identically to premium at half the cost, freeing funds for modular PSU and AIO that enable clean builds. Trade-offs include fewer ultra-premium features like infinity mirrors, but everything syncs via standard 3-pin ARGB/PWM for mobo control (e.g., ASUS Aura, MSI Mystic).

This allocation ensures 80% of premium look/performance for 40% cost, with $127 buffer for taxes/shipping. Focus on compatibility first avoids returns wasting 10-20% of budget.

Where to Splurge

  • Case: The visual foundation and airflow kingpin. Worth 15-20% budget for mesh panels and glass; cheap cases warp, restrict cooling, and look dated fast.
  • Cooling (AIO): Delivers wow-factor looks + real temp drops (10-20C better than stock). Skimping risks thermal throttling, noisy fans, or ugly air coolers hiding RGB.
  • PSU: Modular gold-rated units enable sleeving; non-modular tangles everything, ruining aesthetics and airflow.

Where to Save

  • Case Fans: Budget ARGB packs match 90% of premium daisy-chain performance and sync. You're not sacrificing brightness or noise much.
  • RGB Strips: Basic 5V ARGB lights up nooks fine; no loss in effects syncing, just slightly less vibrant whites vs $50+ kits.
  • Accessories (mounts/combs): Functional generics hold GPUs steady and tidy cables without flexing or scratching like cheap no-names.

Recommended Products (2)

#1essentialPC Case

Lian Li Lancool 216 RGB

Serves as the mod-friendly chassis with mesh airflow, tempered glass, and 3x pre-installed ARGB fans for instant visual pop.

$102.99
18% of budget
Lian Li Lancool 216 RGB

The Lian Li Lancool 216 is a mid-tower ATX case optimized for airflow and mods, featuring a mesh front, 3x 160mm bottom ARGB intake fans, 1x 140mm rear exhaust, and side glass to flaunt internals.

Perfect for budget modding as it punches premium (dust filters, vertical GPU ready with kit), saving $50+ on extra fans. Compared to $200 cases like O11D, it has similar cable space but fewer bays.

Outstanding value: pro looks and cooling for entry price, ideal starter for RGB/cable showcases.

Pros

  • +3x ARGB fans included
  • +Excellent cable routing space
  • +Supports 360mm AIO top/front
  • +High build quality mesh design
  • +Easy thumb-screw panels

Cons

  • -No native vertical GPU mount
  • -ARGB needs controller for full sync
  • -Limited to 8 fans max
  • -I/O basic (no USB-C front)

Upgrade Option: Lian Li Lancool 217 ($139.99) - Adds front USB-C and more RGB zones for sleeker I/O.

Budget Alternative: Montech Air 903 ($89.99) - Loses included RGB fans and premium feel.

Check Price on Amazon
#3essentialCable Extensions

Asiahorse 3.0 Sleeved PSU Extension Cable Kit

Replaces stock cables with colorful sleeved versions for pro-level management and color-themed aesthetics.

$39.99
7% of budget
Asiahorse 3.0 Sleeved PSU Extension Cable Kit

This kit includes 24-pin MB, 2x 8-pin CPU, 3x 8-pin PCIe, SATA/Molex in PET sleeved fabric with comb-friendly lengths.

Budget hero for mods: transforms ugly wires into rainbow art matching RGB themes, compatible with any modular PSU.

Cheaper than CableMod ($80) customs with near-identical durability; perfect non-permanent upgrade.

Pros

  • +Multiple color options
  • +Pre-sleeved high-quality
  • +Easy plug-and-play
  • +Affordable full set
  • +No soldering needed

Cons

  • -Lengths fixed (may need extensions)
  • -Not PSU-specific
  • -Sleeving can fray if abused
  • -Limited PCIe count

Upgrade Option: CableMod Pro Series ($89.99) - Custom PSU-fit, softer paracord.

Budget Alternative: Basic paracord kit ($25.99) - Thinner sleeving, fewer cables.

Check Price on Amazon

Start with case prep: Remove panels, install PSU at bottom (secure 4 screws), route modular cables through grommets before components. Time: 30min, tools: Phillips screwdriver, zip ties.

Mount AIO: Top rad/fans as exhaust (push config), apply thermal paste if needed, connect pump to CPU_FAN/AIO_PUMP header, ARGB to mobo. Add extra fans to front/bottom intake via hub. 45min.

Cable it up: Plug stock PSU cables into extensions outside case, sleeved route to MB/CPU/GPU, comb every 4-6in. Install strips on shroud/bays, connect to hub. Vertical GPU last: Remove slot screws, attach riser/bracket, PCIe to mobo. Total 2-4hrs for beginners.

Tips: Ground yourself, test boot outside case first, update mobo BIOS for RGB sync, watch YouTube for Lancool-specific routing. Buffer 1hr for tweaks.

Budget Tips

  • Use PCPartPicker.com to check compatibility and track deals—saved 10% on fans.
  • Buy used/refurb PSU/case from eBay (test thoroughly), but new for AIO/PSU safety.
  • Prioritize mobo ARGB headers; splurge on controller only if <4 headers.
  • Shop Amazon/Newegg lightning deals, Prime for free ship; avoid MicroCenter if remote.
  • DIY combs/strips with vinyl wrap to save $20-30.
  • New > used for cooling (leak risk), but cases hold value well.
  • Leave 10% buffer; bundle buys cut shipping.
  • Hunt AliExpress for cables/strips (2-3wk wait, quality check reviews).

Common Mistakes

  • Ignoring mobo headers: Buy too much RGB without hub, wasting $50 on unused gear.
  • Non-modular PSU: Sleeves useless, tangled mess kills airflow/aesthetics.
  • Over-splurging case: $250 glass ignores cooling, leads to 90C+ temps.
  • PCIe riser mismatch: Cheap 3.0 chokes RTX40 GPUs, crashes ensue.
  • No buffer: Hits $700 exact, shipping/tax kills it—always under 90%.

Upgrade Roadmap

First upgrade: Premium fans ($100 for 6-pack LCD) for better noise/RGB—immediate visual/thermal boost. Next: Custom soft-loop kit ($250: pump/res, hardline later) for ultimate cooling/show. Then PSU to 1000W ($150) for bigger GPUs.

Prioritize cooling/lighting as they amplify existing mods most (20-30% wow factor). Case/PSU can wait 1-2yrs unless failing. $500 path to pro-level in 12 months.

Skip now: Acrylic panels/custom paint ($100)—software tweaks first.

Related Topics

pc moddingbudget moddingunder 700rgb pcpc componentsaio setupbudget rgb2025pc enthusiastcable managementgaming modsvalue build
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