Best Gaming PC Build For $800: Your Budget Guide

Hey gamers, are you ready to dive into the world of PC gaming but don't want to break the bank? Building your own gaming rig can be a super rewarding experience, and it's totally achievable even with a budget of $800. This guide is all about helping you figure out what gaming PC you can get for $800. We'll walk through the essential components, discuss the best options for your money, and give you some tips to get the most bang for your buck. Let's get started!

Why Build a Gaming PC for $800?

So, you might be wondering, why $800? Well, it's a sweet spot. It's enough to get you a capable gaming machine that can handle modern games at decent settings without emptying your wallet. Building a gaming PC for $800 allows you to experience the joys of PC gaming, including higher frame rates, better graphics, and more customization options than you'd typically find with a console. Plus, you get the satisfaction of building something yourself!

With $800, you can aim for a solid 1080p gaming experience with settings that provide a balance between visual quality and performance. This means you'll be able to enjoy your favorite games without having to compromise too much on graphics or frame rates. Think smooth gameplay and a visually appealing experience without needing to save for years. Also, building your own PC allows you to upgrade individual components over time, so you can keep up with new games and technologies without having to replace the entire system. And, let's be honest, there's a certain pride that comes with building your own gaming PC. You get to choose every part, put it all together, and then enjoy the fruits of your labor. The satisfaction is real, guys!

This budget also allows you some flexibility. You can choose components based on your specific gaming preferences. Are you into fast-paced shooters or immersive RPGs? This will influence the components you prioritize. For example, if you play a lot of competitive games, you might want to focus on a higher refresh rate monitor, which will benefit from a powerful GPU capable of providing high frame rates. This kind of customization is a significant advantage of building your own gaming PC.

Building on a budget doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality either. With some careful planning and research, you can build a system that meets your needs and delivers great performance. This guide will help you navigate the choices and make informed decisions about the parts that will go into your gaming PC.

Essential Components for a $800 Gaming PC

Alright, let's talk about the heart of your gaming rig – the components! When you are planning on what gaming PC you can get for $800, you need to know which components are essential. Here’s a breakdown of what you'll need and what to look for:

CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of your computer. It handles all the processing tasks. For $800, you'll want to prioritize getting a good CPU that can keep up with modern games.
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): The graphics card is crucial for gaming. It renders the images you see on your screen. This is where a significant portion of your budget will go.
RAM (Random Access Memory): This is the short-term memory of your computer. You'll want enough RAM to run games smoothly. 16GB is the sweet spot for gaming right now.
Storage (SSD/HDD): You'll need storage for your operating system, games, and other files. An SSD (Solid State Drive) is recommended for fast loading times. You can also add an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) for extra storage.
Motherboard: This connects all the components. Make sure it's compatible with your CPU and supports the other components you choose.
Power Supply (PSU): This provides power to all the components. Get a reliable PSU with enough wattage.
Case: This houses all your components. Choose a case that fits your motherboard and has good airflow.
CPU Cooler: A cooler is essential to prevent your CPU from overheating. Choose a cooler based on the CPU you choose and the case you're using.

Component Recommendations for Your $800 Gaming PC

Okay, guys, let's get into the specifics of what gaming PC you can get for $800, diving into some specific component recommendations. This will give you a solid starting point for your build. Keep in mind that prices fluctuate, so always check the latest prices before making a purchase. I’ll make sure to provide you with the latest components as much as possible.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

For the CPU, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 or the Intel Core i5-12400F are excellent choices within this budget. The Ryzen 5 5600 offers great performance and value, especially if you're looking to save a little money. Intel's Core i5-12400F provides excellent gaming performance. Both CPUs will handle modern games without bottlenecking your GPU. Consider the motherboard options that support these CPUs when choosing. They both offer great performance for the price, which is exactly what you want when deciding what gaming PC you can get for $800.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

The GPU is the most expensive component. You’ll want to allocate a significant portion of your budget here. For $800, the AMD Radeon RX 6600, or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 are the best choices. Both cards offer great 1080p gaming performance and will provide a noticeable upgrade over integrated graphics. If you can stretch your budget a bit, the RTX 3060 will be a better option.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

16GB of DDR4 RAM is the standard for gaming. Look for a kit with a speed of 3200MHz or higher for the best performance. Make sure to buy a kit (two sticks) to take advantage of dual-channel memory, which improves performance. Brands like Corsair, G.Skill, and Crucial offer reliable RAM kits at reasonable prices.

Storage (SSD/HDD)

A 1TB NVMe SSD is highly recommended for your operating system and games. It significantly speeds up loading times. You can always add a 1TB or 2TB HDD later if you need more storage for files or games. This is where it's important to know what gaming PC you can get for $800 because you will have to make some sacrifices.

Motherboard

Choose a motherboard that is compatible with your CPU. For the AMD Ryzen 5 5600, you'll want a B450 or B550 chipset motherboard. For the Intel Core i5-12400F, look for a B660 or H670 chipset motherboard. Make sure the motherboard has the features you need, such as enough USB ports, M.2 slots for SSDs, and good audio.

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Power Supply (PSU)

A 550W or 650W 80+ Bronze certified PSU will be sufficient for this build. Make sure the PSU is from a reputable brand like Corsair, Seasonic, or EVGA. A good PSU protects your components from power surges and provides stable power, which is super important.

Case

Choose a case that has good airflow and fits your components. Look for cases that have a mesh front panel for better airflow. Make sure the case can accommodate your chosen components. Brands like Corsair, NZXT, and Fractal Design offer great cases in this price range.

CPU Cooler

Choose a cooler based on the CPU you choose. The stock cooler that comes with your CPU might be enough, but if you want better cooling and quieter operation, consider a budget air cooler from brands like Cooler Master or be quiet!.

Building Your Gaming PC: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get into the fun part: assembling your gaming PC! Here’s a basic guide to get you started on building what gaming PC you can get for $800: it’s not as intimidating as it sounds.

Prepare your workspace: Find a clean, well-lit area with plenty of space. You'll want to avoid static electricity, so consider using an anti-static wrist strap or grounding yourself frequently.
Install the CPU on the Motherboard: Carefully align the CPU with the socket on the motherboard and gently place it in. Make sure the arrow on the CPU aligns with the marking on the socket.
Install the CPU Cooler: Attach the cooler to the CPU. Follow the cooler's instructions for installation. Make sure the cooler is properly secured.
Install RAM: Open the clips on the RAM slots and insert the RAM sticks, pressing down until they click into place.
Mount the Motherboard in the Case: Place the motherboard inside the case and secure it with screws.
Install the GPU: Open the slot on the back of the case and insert the GPU into the PCIe slot, pressing down until it clicks.
Install Storage: Mount the SSD and HDD in the appropriate bays and connect the SATA data cables.
Connect the Power Supply: Place the power supply in the case and connect the cables to the motherboard, GPU, and storage devices. Make sure the connectors are properly seated.
Connect Front Panel Connectors: Connect the front panel connectors (power button, reset button, USB, audio) to the motherboard. Refer to your motherboard's manual for the correct pinouts.
Cable Management: Tidy up the cables to improve airflow and aesthetics.
Initial Boot: Connect the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Plug in the power cable and turn on the PC. Enter the BIOS to check that everything is detected.
Install the Operating System: Install Windows or your preferred operating system. Install the drivers for all your components.

Building a PC can seem daunting, but it's a very rewarding experience. If you are ever unsure about something, do some more research on each of the parts.

Budget-Friendly Peripherals for Your Gaming PC

Okay, so you've got your awesome $800 gaming PC built, but you're not quite ready to game just yet! You still need some peripherals. Fortunately, you don't need to spend a fortune here. Here are some recommendations for budget-friendly peripherals that will get you up and running without breaking the bank. It's important to remember what gaming PC you can get for $800 includes the price of the peripherals if you don't already have them.

Monitor: A 1080p 144Hz monitor is a great choice for this budget. Look for models from brands like Acer, ASUS, or MSI. These monitors provide a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
Keyboard: A mechanical keyboard is a fantastic upgrade. Many affordable options are available. Look for brands like Redragon, and Tecware. Mechanical keyboards provide better tactile feedback and responsiveness.
Mouse: A gaming mouse with adjustable DPI and a comfortable design is essential. Brands like Logitech, Razer, and SteelSeries offer affordable options. Make sure the mouse fits your hand comfortably.
Headset: A good gaming headset will enhance your audio experience. Look for models from HyperX, Corsair, or SteelSeries. These headsets offer good sound quality and a comfortable fit.
Mousepad: A large mousepad provides plenty of space for your mouse. A mousepad is important, especially for gaming.

Tips for Saving Money and Maximizing Value

Alright, you're on your way to building an awesome gaming PC! Here are some final tips to save some cash and make the most of your budget when you are looking for what gaming PC you can get for $800.

Shop around for the best prices: Compare prices from different retailers to find the best deals. Websites like PCPartPicker can help you find the lowest prices.
Consider used components: You can save money by buying used components, such as a graphics card or CPU, but make sure to test them before purchasing.
Look for sales and discounts: Take advantage of sales and discounts, especially during holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Focus on the essentials: Prioritize spending on the components that have the biggest impact on gaming performance, like the GPU and CPU.
Don't overspend on non-essential components: You don't need to spend a lot on a fancy case or CPU cooler if it means sacrificing performance in other areas.
Upgrade later: You can always upgrade components later as your budget allows. Start with a solid base and upgrade components over time.

Conclusion: Your $800 Gaming PC Awaits!

Building a gaming PC for $800 is a fun and rewarding experience that offers a great entry point into PC gaming. By following these guidelines and tips, you can build a capable system that will deliver great performance in modern games. Remember to research components, compare prices, and plan your build carefully. Have fun with it, guys! The most important thing is to enjoy the process of building and playing games on your new PC. Now get out there and start gaming! This budget is totally doable, so you can enjoy what gaming PC you can get for $800.