Building a PC on a Budget: Why AMD is the Way to Go
Building an Entire PC for the Price of One Nvidia GPU | ENBLE
I built a whole computer for the cost of a single Nvidia GPU! Check out my latest article on ENBLE.
Nvidia may have some of the best graphics cards on the market, but they also come with a hefty price tag. Seriously, you could practically construct an entire gaming PC with the same amount of money it takes to purchase just one of their GPUs. This is where AMD swoops in to save the day. Not only does AMD offer more affordable graphics cards, but they also provide processors that are just as impressive. So, if you want to get the most bang for your buck, AMD is the way to go.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: why should I choose AMD over the popular combo of Intel CPU and Nvidia GPU? Well, besides the cost savings, AMD has come a long way in terms of performance. They now offer a wide range of hardware that can compete with the big players in the market. And let’s be real, if you’re just looking for a PC that can handle AAA games, you don’t necessarily need the most expensive components.
A few months ago, AMD’s graphics lineup was a bit lackluster, with only a handful of options available. But now, with the arrival of the RX 7800 XT and RX 7700 XT, AMD GPUs can seamlessly fit into any PC build, regardless of your budget. Say goodbye to limitations and hello to a world of gaming possibilities!
Okay, I need to address the elephant in the room. Nvidia GPUs do have one advantage over AMD – Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS 3). While AMD’s performance is often comparable, Nvidia’s frame generation has the power to boost their RTX 4070 even beyond the capabilities of an RTX 4090. But here’s the thing: DLSS 3 isn’t available in many games, and most people don’t even use it that often. So, if you’re willing to forgo Nvidia and embrace the perks of going the AMD route, you can save a ton of money.
Speaking of AMD’s battle against Intel, they’re doing pretty darn well. When it comes to gaming, AMD CPUs are more than capable of holding their own. Sure, Intel processors may have the upper hand in terms of productivity, but if gaming is your main focus, AMD is the way to go. Plus, their increase in core counts and L3 cache makes them the preferred choice for gamers.
Now, let’s talk money. Nvidia’s top-tier GPU prices have been skyrocketing, with the RTX 4090 reaching a whopping $1,700 or more. Even the not-so-great-value RTX 4080 is still around $1,050 to $1,100. With a budget in that range, you could already build a solid gaming PC instead of splurging on a single graphics card.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into one such budget-friendly PC build that will cost you under $1,500. Yes, you read that right – a complete gaming setup for less than the price of an Nvidia GPU.
Your AMD Gaming Powerhouse for Under $1,500
Here it is – a PC build that strikes the perfect balance between the price of the RTX 4080 and the RTX 4090. Coming in at just $1,365, this midrange PC is built to excel at gaming in 1440p. Let’s take a closer look at the components and explore some potential modifications to suit your needs and budget.
CPU: Ryzen 5 7600X
For a budget-friendly gaming CPU, the Ryzen 5 7600X is an excellent choice. With six cores, it may not sound like much, but don’t let that fool you. This affordable powerhouse can reach clock speeds up to 5.3GHz in boost mode, on top of a 4.7GHz base clock. Plus, it belongs to AMD’s AM5 platform, ensuring future compatibility until at least the end of 2025.
Want to level up? Consider upgrading to the Ryzen 7 7700 or 7700X, but be prepared to shell out some extra cash. For the ultimate gaming experience, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the fastest CPU currently available. However, keep in mind that these changes may require adjustments to the build, such as opting for a liquid cooler.
GPU: AMD RX 7800 XT
When it comes to GPUs in the sub-$1,500 range, the AMD RX 7800 XT is a no-brainer. It offers excellent performance for its price point, making it a logical choice for any gaming build. While the RX 7600 is a more budget-friendly alternative, the RX 7800 XT provides better value overall.
For a bit more oomph, consider the RX 7700 XT or even the RX 7900 XT if you’re willing to spend a little more. Just make sure to upgrade your power supply accordingly.
Memory and Storage
With a Ryzen 7000 processor, you’ll need DDR5 RAM, which can be a bit pricier. However, it’s worth the investment for future upgrades. For this build, I’ve selected a solid mid-range DDR5 RAM kit that won’t break the bank. Feel free to splurge on a higher frequency or better timings if you’re feeling fancy.
As for storage, this build includes an SSD with plenty of room for extra storage. If you need even more space, consider upgrading to a 2TB model. Keep in mind that faster SSDs exist, but they come with a higher price tag.
Motherboard, PSU, and Case
Investing a bit more in your motherboard is a wise decision, as it serves as the backbone of your PC. The Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX offers an excellent balance of features and affordability, making it a solid option.
For the power supply, the Seasonic 80+ Gold is more than sufficient for this build. However, if you plan on making bigger changes in the future, consider upgrading to a 750W or even 850W option for a bit of future-proofing.
Last but not least, the PC case. The Lian Li Lancool 216 gets the job done with its impressive airflow and large fans. Just be aware that it’s on the bigger side, so make sure all your components will fit snugly inside. And if white is more your style, fear not – this case also comes in white.
The Truth About PC Gaming
Before you go spending a fortune on the latest and greatest components, let’s set the record straight. A PC is only as good as the sum of its parts, and most gamers don’t need to break the bank for maximum performance.
Sure, indulging in a high-end Nvidia GPU would give you unparalleled 4K gaming, while the build we just discussed focuses on 1440p. However, keep in mind that this PC is still a beast that will last you for years and handle games on high to ultra settings. It’s cost-effective, especially when you compare it to the RTX 4080, which costs roughly the same. This speaks volumes about Nvidia’s pricing strategy this generation. After all, their previous-gen RTX 3080 launched with a $700 price tag. If the prices had remained the same, the scales might have tipped more in Nvidia’s favor this time around.
So, why spend a small fortune on a single component when you can have a PC that performs just as well without breaking the bank? It’s time to embrace AMD and build a gaming rig that won’t leave you penniless.
Now, over to you. What are your thoughts on building a PC with AMD components? Are you ready to dive into the world of cost-effective gaming? Let us know in the comments below!
