A $500 gaming PC build is for when you still want a foundation to upgrade from in the future while having solid performance right out of the gate.
When it comes to starting out with a dedicated GPU and being able to game decently well at 1080p, then this is the kind of build to go for. It also provides a foundation for an upgrade path if you ever feel the need for better performance in the future.
If you want to know how to build a gaming pc for around a $500 price point then you should follow the part list below. This guide will show you how to go about building it as well as share what you can expect out of a build like this.
$500 PC Build Part List:
Last Updated: May 23rd, 2023
Case – Zalman S2 ATX Mid Tower Case
CPU – Intel Core i3-12100F 3.3 GHz Processor
Motherboard – MSI PRO H610M-G LGA 1700 mATX Motherboard
RAM – Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 X 8GB) DDR4 3600 MHz
Storage – Silicon Power 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD
GPU – PowerColor Fighter AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT 4GB
PSU – Thermaltake Toughpower GX2 80+ Gold 600W
Estimated Final Price: $490-$570
Gaming Performance
A $500 gaming rig today will set you up with solid 1080p gaming performance, extra storage, and an Intel upgrade path.
The RX 6500 XT 4GB card combined with an Intel Core i3-12100F gives you enough performance power for 1080p gaming for most of today’s more demanding AAA titles.
At high graphics settings at 1080p: You can expect this build to run games like Grand Theft Auto V at 70 FPS avg, Fortnite at 90 FPS avg, Doom Eternal at 75 FPS avg, Cyberpunk 2077 at 50 FPS avg, Red Dead Redemption 2 at 50 FPS avg, and Apex Legends at 90 FPS avg.
If you’re looking for a starter gaming rig that comes with a dedicated GPU and is meant for a solid 60-100 FPS 1080p gaming experience then these are the parts that you should move forward with.
How To Build This $500 Gaming PC
I’d highly recommend following something like the video guide below when it comes to putting this PC together. It’s a great guide and it is easy to follow!
There may be some parts that are different from this build in the video embedded below and that’s okay! If there is another part that you don’t understand then you should look through the manual of that part and/or look up other video tutorials as well.
If you find yourself having trouble understanding a certain part then you should always search for the specific part and how to install it on YouTube, there are plenty of videos out there showcasing how each part can be installed.
For example, if you aren’t sure how to install your solid state drive then simply search “How to install a solid state drive into PC” on YouTube and you’ll find plenty of material to follow.
Also, you don’t have to use the above case for your build!
You can use almost any other mid tower case if the above case isn’t your style. Feel free to browse the mid tower cases on Amazon and if you find one that you think you’d like to use, link it to me in the comments below and I’ll be able to let you know if it’d work or not.
After putting your rig together, you’ll need to install your operating system, drivers and other software. You’ll also need to get connected online.
There are a couple of posts here on the site that you should read up on if you need to know how to install your operating system as well as getting connected online.
Click the buttons below to learn how to install Windows 10 and get an internet connection with your build!
Have Any Questions?
Feel free to reach out to me in the comments area below if you have any questions about the build, I’m all ears!
From specific game performance, different hardware compatibility, or whether or not a different case would work with this build… I’m here to help! 🙂
No cooling system?
A stock Intel cooler comes with the processor, Marcus. It’s more than enough for this CPU, so there is no need for an aftermarket cooler!
Hey any replacement for the gpu that would be similar i cans seem to find that one in stock anywhere
At the time of this comment, the currently listed GPU is in stock/back in stock! Let me know if you’d still need another recommendation though!
Hey Colton, I just came across your website recently and I think its awesome. I’ve always dreamed about building my own PC, now over the next few month as a purchase and gather parts I plan to do so.
Would this mid tower case meet the requirements for this build, as I cant find the one you recommended.
https://amzn.to/3n8Y5KN
Thanks
Paul
Hey Paul,
Glad that you’re enjoying the site! Keep in mind that these builds haven’t been updated for a while, but it mainly comes down to the GPU and ensuring you’re getting a decent price for it as the market has shifted significantly throughout the past year. It’s more and more expensive to do a build of your own – but it’s still doable.
Keep in mind that the case you shared has a front Type-C port but the motherboard listed above doesn’t have a header for a Type-C port which would make it unusable. You might want to check into other boards that have the correct header to fully utilize that case.
If you’d like more help regarding your build, you can also reach out to me via email – colton@pcbuildsonabudget.com – and I can help you more closely with which parts you might want to move forward with.
Let me know! Always here to help! 👍
This is great! Still don’t have the money for it but a kid can dream!
Eventually the prices will go down, Andrew. It’s going to be a good while yet, but when they do – keep an eye out and save up! It’ll be an awesome build for sure! 🙂