Striving for top-tier gaming performance without a big budget? Follow this blueprint to create a cost-effective system that punches above its weight.

1. Picking Your Processor

Go for budget CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 5 5500 or Intel Core i5-11400F—they offer solid 1080p performance at a wallet-friendly price.

2. Selecting a Graphics Card

Look at options such as NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super or AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT. Both handle modern titles at high settings in 1080p without costing a fortune.

3. Motherboard and Memory Choices

Choose a B550 or B660 motherboard with reliable VRMs and decent features. Pair it with 16 GB of DDR4 RAM running at 3000–3200 MHz to ensure smooth multitasking and gameplay.

4. Storage Setup

Install a 500 GB NVMe SSD for your operating system and most-played games, plus a 1 TB SATA SSD for mass storage—this combo balances speed with capacity.

5. Power Supply & Cooling

Opt for a reputable 550 W PSU with an 80+ Bronze rating or better. Use the stock cooler for Ryzen or pick an affordable aftermarket air cooler to keep temperatures in check.

6. Case and Peripherals

Select an economical case with solid airflow and cable-routing options. For accessories, budget-friendly keyboard and mouse bundles under £50 can offer good functionality without breaking the bank.

7. Assembly and Testing

Follow the motherboard manual carefully, apply thermal paste properly, and run stability tests with Prime95 and Unigine Heaven to ensure everything is rock solid.

Adhering to these guidelines will help you assemble a gaming PC that maximizes value and delivers impressive in-game performance on a tight budget. Enjoy your new rig!