Build A Sub $900 Gaming PC For 60 FPS On High/Medium Settings

Introduction

Hey guys! So, you're looking to build a gaming PC that can handle 60 frames per second (FPS) on high to medium settings, all while staying under a $900 budget? That's totally achievable, and I'm here to guide you through the process. Building your own PC can seem daunting at first, but trust me, it's a rewarding experience. Not only will you save money compared to buying a pre-built system, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what's inside your machine and how it all works together. This guide will walk you through selecting the right components, balancing performance with cost, and ensuring you get the best bang for your buck. We'll cover everything from the CPU and GPU to the RAM, storage, and power supply, all while keeping a close eye on that $900 budget. Remember, the key is to prioritize components that have the biggest impact on gaming performance, like the graphics card and processor, and find areas where you can save without sacrificing too much. So, let's dive in and start building your dream gaming rig! We’ll break down each component, discuss the best options in the sub-$900 price range, and provide tips for maximizing performance without breaking the bank. Get ready to experience smooth, immersive gaming without emptying your wallet. Building a PC is like assembling a puzzle, and by the end of this guide, you'll have all the pieces you need to create a powerful gaming machine.

Key Components for a 60 FPS Gaming PC

When building a gaming PC, especially with a budget in mind, it's crucial to understand which components have the most impact on performance. For achieving that sweet 60 FPS on high to medium settings, the graphics card (GPU) and the central processing unit (CPU) are your two biggest priorities. The GPU is the workhorse that handles all the visual processing, rendering the complex graphics and textures you see in games. A powerful GPU is essential for hitting high frame rates and maintaining smooth gameplay, especially at higher resolutions and graphical settings. Think of it as the engine of your gaming experience; without a good GPU, even the best CPU won't be able to deliver the visuals you crave. On the other hand, the CPU acts as the brain of your system, handling all the calculations, AI processing, and physics simulations that make games feel alive. While the GPU is focused on visuals, the CPU is responsible for the overall logic and coordination of the game. A balanced CPU is crucial to prevent bottlenecks, ensuring your GPU can perform at its full potential. In addition to the GPU and CPU, the amount and speed of your RAM (Random Access Memory) also play a significant role. RAM is like your computer's short-term memory, holding the data that the CPU and GPU need to access quickly. Having enough RAM, typically 16GB these days, ensures smooth multitasking and prevents stuttering in games. Insufficient RAM can lead to performance bottlenecks, even if your CPU and GPU are top-notch. The storage solution, whether it's a traditional hard drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), affects loading times and overall system responsiveness. While HDDs offer more storage space for the price, SSDs provide significantly faster read and write speeds, resulting in quicker game loading times and a snappier user experience. For a gaming PC, an SSD for your operating system and main games is highly recommended. Finally, the power supply unit (PSU) provides the necessary power to all your components. Choosing a reliable PSU with enough wattage is crucial for system stability and longevity. A good PSU will not only power your components efficiently but also protect them from power surges and other electrical issues. Balancing these key components is the art of building a gaming PC, and we'll explore the best options for each within our $900 budget.

CPU Options (Under $200)

The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of your gaming PC, and choosing the right one is essential for smooth gameplay. Under $200, you have some excellent options that offer a great balance of performance and price. Let's dive into some specific recommendations and why they are good choices for a budget gaming build. One of the top contenders in this price range is the AMD Ryzen 5 5600. This CPU features 6 cores and 12 threads, providing ample processing power for modern games and multitasking. It's based on AMD's Zen 3 architecture, which delivers significant performance improvements over previous generations. The Ryzen 5 5600 excels in both single-core and multi-core tasks, making it a versatile choice for gaming and other applications. Its boost clock speeds allow it to handle demanding games with ease, ensuring smooth frame rates and responsiveness. Another solid option is the Intel Core i5-12400F. This CPU also boasts 6 cores and 12 threads and offers competitive gaming performance. The 12400F is based on Intel's Alder Lake architecture, which introduced a new hybrid design with performance and efficiency cores. This architecture allows the CPU to dynamically allocate tasks to the appropriate cores, optimizing performance and power consumption. The Core i5-12400F is particularly strong in single-core performance, which is crucial for many games. When selecting a CPU, it's also important to consider the motherboard compatibility. AMD Ryzen CPUs require an AMD motherboard with the appropriate socket (e.g., AM4 for the Ryzen 5 5600), while Intel CPUs need an Intel motherboard with the corresponding socket (e.g., LGA 1700 for the Core i5-12400F). Make sure to choose a motherboard that not only supports your chosen CPU but also offers the features and connectivity you need. Both the Ryzen 5 5600 and the Core i5-12400F are excellent choices for a budget gaming PC, offering a great balance of performance and price. Your decision may depend on personal preference, motherboard availability, and any specific features you prioritize. However, either CPU will provide the processing power you need to achieve 60 FPS in most games on high to medium settings.

GPU Options (Under $400)

The graphics card (GPU) is arguably the most critical component for gaming, and under $400, you can find some excellent options that deliver impressive performance. The GPU is responsible for rendering the visuals in games, so it's essential to choose one that can handle your desired resolution and frame rate. Let's explore some top GPU choices in this price range. One of the standout GPUs in the sub-$400 category is the AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT. This card offers excellent performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming, making it a great choice for achieving 60 FPS on high settings in many titles. The RX 6650 XT features AMD's RDNA 2 architecture, which provides a significant performance boost over previous generations. It also supports features like FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), which can further enhance frame rates without sacrificing image quality. With its ample video memory and powerful processing capabilities, the Radeon RX 6650 XT is a top contender for budget-conscious gamers. Another strong contender is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060. This GPU also delivers excellent 1080p and 1440p gaming performance and offers the added benefit of NVIDIA's ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technologies. Ray tracing adds realistic lighting and shadows to games, while DLSS uses AI to boost frame rates without significant image quality loss. The RTX 3060 is a versatile card that can handle a wide range of games and provides a smooth and immersive gaming experience. When choosing a GPU, it's essential to consider the games you plan to play and the resolution you want to game at. For 1080p gaming, both the Radeon RX 6650 XT and the GeForce RTX 3060 are excellent choices. If you're targeting 1440p gaming, the RX 6650 XT may offer a slight edge in some titles, while the RTX 3060 provides access to NVIDIA's ray tracing and DLSS features. It's also worth checking for deals and promotions, as GPU prices can fluctuate. Keep an eye out for sales and bundles that can help you save money on your build. Ultimately, both the AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 are fantastic GPUs that will provide excellent gaming performance within your $400 budget. Your choice may depend on personal preference, specific game requirements, and any additional features you desire.

RAM, Storage, and PSU (Remaining Budget)

Now that we've covered the CPU and GPU, let's move on to the other essential components: RAM (Random Access Memory), storage, and the power supply unit (PSU). These components are crucial for system stability, responsiveness, and overall performance. Let's discuss how to allocate the remaining budget effectively. For RAM, 16GB is the sweet spot for modern gaming. It provides enough memory for most games and multitasking without causing performance bottlenecks. Look for a 16GB kit of DDR4 RAM with a speed of at least 3200MHz. Faster RAM can provide a slight performance boost in some games, but it's not always worth the extra cost. You can typically find a decent 16GB DDR4-3200 kit for around $50-$70. When it comes to storage, a combination of an SSD (Solid State Drive) and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is a great option. The SSD will serve as your primary drive for the operating system and frequently played games, providing fast loading times and a snappy user experience. A 500GB or 1TB NVMe SSD is a good choice, and you can find one for around $50-$100. For additional storage, an HDD can be used for storing larger files, such as videos, music, and less frequently played games. A 1TB or 2TB HDD can be found for around $40-$60. This combination gives you the best of both worlds: fast loading times from the SSD and ample storage space from the HDD. The power supply unit (PSU) is a critical component that provides power to all your other components. It's essential to choose a reliable PSU with enough wattage to handle your system's power requirements. A 650W or 750W PSU with an 80+ Bronze certification or higher is a good choice for most mid-range gaming PCs. This will provide enough power for your CPU, GPU, and other components, with some headroom for future upgrades. You can typically find a decent 650W or 750W PSU for around $60-$80. When selecting a PSU, make sure to choose a reputable brand with good reviews. A reliable PSU will not only provide stable power but also protect your components from power surges and other electrical issues. By carefully allocating your remaining budget to RAM, storage, and the PSU, you can ensure a well-rounded gaming PC that performs smoothly and reliably.

Case and Peripherals (If Budget Allows)

The case and peripherals are the final touches to your gaming PC build. While they don't directly impact gaming performance as much as the core components, they are still essential for aesthetics, functionality, and overall user experience. If your budget allows, it's worth investing in a decent case and peripherals. Let's discuss some options and considerations. The case is the enclosure that houses all your components. It not only protects your hardware but also plays a role in airflow and cooling. A good case should have adequate space for your components, good cable management options, and sufficient airflow to keep your system cool. There are many cases available in a wide range of styles and prices. A mid-tower case is a popular choice for gaming PCs, as it offers a good balance of size and expandability. You can typically find a decent mid-tower case for around $50-$100. When choosing a case, consider factors such as the number of fans it supports, the presence of dust filters, and the ease of installation. Cable management is also crucial for airflow and aesthetics, so look for a case with features like cable routing channels and tie-down points. Peripherals include the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and headset. These are the components you interact with directly, so it's essential to choose ones that are comfortable and meet your needs. For a gaming keyboard, look for features like mechanical switches, anti-ghosting, and customizable backlighting. A decent gaming keyboard can be found for around $50-$100. A gaming mouse should be comfortable to hold and have precise tracking. Look for features like adjustable DPI, programmable buttons, and a good sensor. A good gaming mouse can be found for around $30-$70. The monitor is your window into the gaming world, so it's essential to choose one with a good refresh rate and response time. For 60 FPS gaming, a 1080p monitor with a 60Hz or 75Hz refresh rate is sufficient. However, if your budget allows, a 144Hz monitor will provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. A decent gaming monitor can be found for around $150-$250. Finally, a good gaming headset will provide immersive audio and clear communication with teammates. Look for features like comfortable earcups, a good microphone, and decent sound quality. A decent gaming headset can be found for around $50-$100. If your budget is tight, you can always prioritize the core components and upgrade your peripherals later. However, if you have some extra budget, investing in a good case and peripherals will enhance your overall gaming experience.

Tips for Staying Under Budget

Sticking to a budget, especially when building a gaming PC, requires careful planning and smart choices. Here are some tips to help you stay under $900 without sacrificing too much performance. First and foremost, research and compare prices. The cost of PC components can vary significantly between retailers, so it's essential to shop around for the best deals. Use price comparison websites and check for promotions and discounts. Sometimes, you can find significant savings by being patient and waiting for sales. Consider buying used or refurbished components. While it may seem risky, buying used or refurbished parts can save you a lot of money. However, it's essential to buy from reputable sellers and check the warranty information. GPUs and CPUs are often good candidates for used purchases, as they tend to hold up well over time. Prioritize performance where it matters most. As we discussed earlier, the GPU and CPU are the most critical components for gaming performance. Allocate the majority of your budget to these components and find areas where you can save on less critical parts, such as the case or peripherals. Look for deals on bundles. Sometimes, retailers offer bundles that include multiple components at a discounted price. These bundles can be a great way to save money on your build. Keep an eye out for CPU and motherboard bundles, or GPU and PSU bundles. Consider buying a less expensive case. The case is an area where you can often save money without impacting performance. There are many affordable cases available that offer good airflow and cable management. You don't need to spend a fortune on a fancy case to build a great gaming PC. Use the stock CPU cooler. If you're not planning to overclock your CPU, the stock cooler that comes with it is usually sufficient. Buying an aftermarket cooler can add to the cost of your build, so using the stock cooler can save you some money. However, if you plan to overclock, you'll need a better cooler. Be patient and wait for sales. PC component prices can fluctuate, so it's often worth waiting for sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Amazon Prime Day. You can often find significant discounts on components during these sales. By following these tips, you can build a powerful gaming PC for under $900 without compromising on performance. Remember, the key is to prioritize your spending and make smart choices.

Conclusion

Alright guys, we've reached the end of our journey to build a gaming PC for under $900 that can handle 60 FPS on high to medium settings! It might have seemed like a daunting task at first, but hopefully, this guide has shown you that it's totally achievable with a bit of planning and smart choices. We've covered everything from selecting the right CPU and GPU to choosing the appropriate RAM, storage, and PSU. We've also discussed the importance of the case and peripherals and provided tips for staying within budget. Remember, the key to building a budget gaming PC is to prioritize the components that have the biggest impact on performance, like the GPU and CPU. Allocate the majority of your budget to these components and find areas where you can save on less critical parts. Don't be afraid to shop around for the best deals and consider buying used or refurbished components to save money. Building your own PC is not only a cost-effective way to get a powerful gaming machine, but it's also a rewarding experience. You'll gain a deeper understanding of how your computer works and have the satisfaction of knowing you built it yourself. Plus, you'll have the flexibility to upgrade your components in the future as your needs change. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your components, follow the steps in this guide, and start building your dream gaming PC today! You'll be enjoying smooth, immersive gaming at 60 FPS in no time. And remember, the gaming community is always here to help if you run into any issues along the way. Happy building, and happy gaming! Building a gaming PC on a budget is a challenge, but with the right knowledge and a bit of effort, you can create a system that delivers excellent performance without breaking the bank. So go forth, build your PC, and enjoy the world of gaming!