My First Budget Gaming Rig - Build Log

Hey everyone!

After months of saving and countless hours lurking on PC building subreddits, I've finally completed my very first budget gaming PC build! I wanted to share the journey, the specs, and some of the challenges I faced. My goal was to hit a sweet spot for 1080p gaming without breaking the bank.

The Goal & Budget

The primary objective was to build a machine capable of running modern AAA titles at 1080p with medium-to-high settings at a stable 60 FPS. The budget was around $700 USD, not including peripherals.

The Parts List

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (Included integrated graphics initially, will upgrade GPU later)
• Motherboard: Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC
• RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200MHz
• Storage: Crucial P3 500GB NVMe SSD
• Power Supply: Corsair CX550F RGB (550W, Bronze Certified)
• Case: Phanteks Eclipse P300A Mesh
• CPU Cooler: Stock AMD Wraith Stealth (for now!)

Initial Thoughts on Components:

I opted for the 5600G for its strong integrated graphics, allowing me to boot up and game at lower settings while saving for a dedicated GPU. The B550M motherboard offers good value and upgradeability. 16GB of RAM at 3200MHz is the sweet spot for Ryzen. NVMe SSD for fast boot times and load screens. A reliable 550W PSU should be enough for future GPU upgrades. The P300A Mesh case provides great airflow.

The Build Process

Putting everything together was surprisingly straightforward, though I did have a few moments of panic. Cable management is definitely an art form I need to practice more!

Challenges:

• Getting the CPU cooler seated correctly was a bit fiddly.
• Deciding where to route all the cables for optimal airflow and aesthetics.
• Initial boot-up anxiety - thankfully, it posted on the first try!

Performance & First Impressions

I ran a few benchmarks and tried out some games. For now, using the integrated graphics:

• Valorant: Solid 70-90 FPS at 1080p Low/Medium.
• CS:GO: Around 80-100 FPS at 1080p Low/Medium.
• Apex Legends: Struggles a bit, averaging 40-50 FPS at 1080p Low.

This confirms that a dedicated GPU is the next logical upgrade. Temperatures are great, staying well below 70°C under load thanks to the mesh case.

Future Upgrades

The plan is to save up for a mid-range GPU in the next 6-12 months. I'm eyeing something like an RX 6600 or RTX 3060, which should pair beautifully with the current setup and provide a significant performance boost.

Thanks for reading my build log! I'm really happy with how this turned out for my first build. Any advice or suggestions for future upgrades are welcome!