Best Overall Value Component for a Budget Gaming Setup Right Now

Gaming Setups on a Budget

Best Budget Gaming Monitor Under $200 (High Refresh Rate Focus)

Chloe wanted smoother gameplay in competitive shooters without breaking the bank. She found an Acer Nitro monitor for around one hundred eighty dollars offering a 1080p resolution but, crucially, a high 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. This eliminated screen tearing and motion blur, giving her a noticeable competitive edge compared to standard 60Hz monitors. For budget gaming monitors under two hundred dollars, prioritizing a high refresh rate (144Hz+) often provides the most significant improvement in perceived smoothness and responsiveness, especially for fast-paced games.

Best Budget Gaming Keyboard (Mechanical Feel, RGB Options)

Mark craved the satisfying click of a mechanical keyboard but couldn’t afford premium brands. He opted for a Redragon K552, a mechanical-feel keyboard costing under fifty dollars. It offered tactile feedback similar to more expensive Cherry MX switches, customizable RGB backlighting, and a durable build. Budget mechanical or “mem-chanical” keyboards from brands like Redragon or Tecware provide the tactile feel and faster response gamers prefer, often including desirable features like RGB lighting and sturdy construction at significantly lower price points.

Best Budget Gaming Mouse with Programmable Buttons

Playing MMOs, Lisa needed extra buttons for abilities but had a tight budget. She picked up a Logitech G203 mouse for about thirty dollars. It featured a reliable sensor for accurate tracking, comfortable shape, subtle RGB lighting, and crucially, several programmable buttons she could customize for game macros using Logitech’s software. Affordable gaming mice from established brands like Logitech or SteelSeries (Rival 3) offer reliable sensors, ergonomic shapes, and customizable buttons essential for gaming, providing excellent performance for the price.

Best Affordable Gaming Headset with Decent Mic Quality

David needed a headset for clear team communication in online games without spending a fortune. He chose the HyperX Cloud Stinger, often found for under fifty dollars. While not audiophile quality, its sound was clear for game audio cues, it was comfortable for long sessions, and its microphone delivered surprisingly clear voice chat, crucial for team coordination. Budget headsets like the Cloud Stinger prioritize decent audio, comfort, and crucially, a clear microphone for communication, offering solid all-around gaming performance affordably.

Best Way to Build a Capable Gaming PC for Under $800

Wanting a custom PC for 1080p gaming, Ben set an eight hundred dollar budget. He prioritized the graphics card (like an AMD RX 6600 or NVIDIA RTX 3050) and a capable CPU (like an AMD Ryzen 5 5600). He opted for 16GB of affordable RAM, a budget B550 motherboard, a 500GB NVMe SSD, a case with good airflow, and a reliable 550W power supply, carefully shopping for deals on each component. Building under eight hundred dollars involves smart allocation: prioritize GPU/CPU for gaming performance, get sufficient RAM/fast storage, and choose reliable budget options for motherboard/PSU/case.

Best Budget Gaming Laptop Deals (Finding Value)

Searching for a gaming laptop under one thousand dollars, Sarah waited for major sales events like Black Friday. She targeted models from the previous year or those with slightly older but still capable components (like an RTX 3050 Ti GPU). She found an Acer Nitro 5 significantly discounted, offering great 1080p gaming value. Finding budget laptop deals often means looking at models with previous-gen GPUs, checking reputable deal websites regularly, considering manufacturer refurbished options, and timing purchases around major sales periods for maximum savings.

Best Graphics Card for 1080p Gaming on a Budget

Liam wanted smooth 1080p gameplay at high settings without overspending. He compared options like the AMD Radeon RX 6600 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050/3060 (depending on current pricing, often fluctuating around

350). He chose the RX 6600 for its strong performance per dollar in most titles at that resolution. The best budget 1080p GPU balances price and performance. Cards like the RX 6600/6650 XT or RTX 3050/3060 generally offer excellent frame rates at 1080p resolution, representing a sweet spot for budget-conscious gamers. Check current benchmarks and prices.

Best CPU for a Budget Gaming Build (AMD vs Intel)

Building his budget PC, Mark weighed CPU options. He found the AMD Ryzen 5 5600 offered excellent gaming performance and value, often paired effectively with budget B550 motherboards. Intel’s Core i3 (like the 12100F/13100F) or lower-end i5s were strong contenders, especially if slightly cheaper at the time. For budget gaming builds, CPUs like the Ryzen 5 5600 or recent Intel Core i3/i5 processors provide ample performance without bottlenecking budget GPUs, offering great value. Choice often depends on current pricing and motherboard bundle deals.

Best Budget Motherboard That Doesn’t Skimp on Features

Choosing a motherboard for his Ryzen 5 5600 build, David didn’t need high-end features but wanted reliability and decent connectivity. He selected a B550 motherboard (like models from Gigabyte or ASRock around

120) offering PCIe 4.0 support for his GPU and SSD, sufficient USB ports, and decent VRMs for stable power delivery. Budget motherboards (like AMD B550 or Intel B660/B760 chipsets) provide necessary features for gaming builds – appropriate CPU support, adequate power delivery, essential connectivity – without the premium cost of higher-end X or Z series boards.

Best Affordable RAM for Gaming Performance

Building her budget PC, Chloe knew 16GB RAM was the sweet spot for gaming. She looked for a 16GB kit (2x8GB) of DDR4 RAM running at a decent speed (3200MHz or 3600MHz) with reasonable timings (CL16 or CL18), finding reputable brands like Corsair Vengeance LPX or G.Skill Ripjaws V often available for around fifty to sixty dollars. 16GB of reasonably fast DDR4 RAM provides ample capacity for modern gaming without bottlenecking performance, offering the best value before hitting diminishing returns for budget builds.

Best Budget SSD for Faster Game Load Times

Tired of slow loading screens on his old hard drive, Liam upgraded to a Solid State Drive (SSD). He chose a 1TB NVMe SSD (like a Crucial P3 or Western Digital Blue SN570) for around fifty to sixty dollars. Installing the operating system and his most played games on the SSD drastically reduced boot times and game loading screens. Even budget NVMe SSDs offer significantly faster speeds than traditional hard drives or SATA SSDs, making them a crucial, affordable upgrade for improving overall system responsiveness and game load times.

Best Budget PC Case with Good Airflow

Building his first PC, Ken prioritized airflow to keep components cool but needed an affordable case. He selected a Phanteks Eclipse P300A Mesh case (around $70) known for its mesh front panel allowing excellent air intake, included fans, and easy build process. Budget cases with mesh front panels (from brands like Phanteks, Cooler Master, Fractal Design) provide superior airflow compared to solid-front cases, crucial for keeping gaming components cool under load without requiring expensive extra fans, ensuring better performance and longevity.

Best Affordable Power Supply Unit (PSU) for Reliability

Choosing a power supply, Sarah knew not to skimp, even on a budget. She opted for a 550W 80+ Bronze certified PSU from a reputable brand like Corsair (CX series) or EVGA (B5 series) for around sixty dollars. This provided sufficient wattage for her budget build with efficiency certification and reliability backed by a known manufacturer. Never cheap out excessively on the PSU. Choose a unit with sufficient wattage (500W-650W for budget builds), 80+ Bronze certification or better, from a well-regarded brand to ensure stable power delivery and protect components.

Best Free Games That Offer Hours of Entertainment

Looking for games without spending money, David discovered gems like Warframe (sci-fi action), Path of Exile (complex ARPG similar to Diablo), and Apex Legends (fast-paced battle royale). These free-to-play titles offered deep gameplay loops, extensive content, and high production values, providing hundreds of hours of entertainment without any purchase required (though optional cosmetics/conveniences exist). Many excellent free games across various genres provide substantial, high-quality experiences comparable to paid titles, perfect for budget-conscious gamers.

Best Budget Gaming Chair Alternatives (Ergonomic Office Chairs?)

Finding “gamer” chairs often prioritized style over comfort for long sessions, Mark researched alternatives. He opted for a well-reviewed ergonomic office chair (like the Staples Hyken) found on sale for under two hundred dollars. It offered better lumbar support, adjustability (armrests, tilt), and breathable mesh compared to many budget gaming chairs. Ergonomic office chairs often provide superior support and adjustability for prolonged sitting compared to similarly priced “racer-style” gaming chairs, making them a smarter budget investment for comfort and posture.

Best Ways to Optimize Your Current PC for Better Gaming Performance

Liam’s older PC struggled with new games. Instead of upgrading immediately, he optimized it: updating graphics drivers, closing unnecessary background applications before gaming, lowering in-game graphical settings strategically (shadows, anti-aliasing), ensuring Windows Game Mode was active, and physically cleaning dust from internal fans for better cooling. Before spending money, maximize existing hardware. Driver updates, closing background tasks, adjusting settings, enabling OS game modes, and ensuring good cooling can significantly improve performance for free.

Best Budget Controllers for PC Gaming (Xbox vs PlayStation vs Others)

Wanting a controller for PC racing games, Chloe compared options. The Xbox Wireless Controller is often considered the default standard due to native Windows support and comfort, but can cost

60. She found the PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller offered a similar layout and good performance for under thirty dollars. While official Xbox controllers are excellent, budget wired options from PowerA or 8BitDo provide great value and reliable performance for PC gamers seeking an affordable gamepad experience.

Best Affordable Webcam for Beginner Game Streamers

Starting streaming on Twitch, Ben needed a decent webcam without high cost. He chose the Logitech C920x (often around

70). It delivered clear 1080p video quality, good autofocus, and decent low-light performance, far superior to his laptop’s built-in camera, making his stream look much more professional. Webcams like the Logitech C920 series or similar models from Anker offer a significant upgrade over integrated cameras, providing sharp video essential for streaming beginners without the premium price of higher-end streaming cameras.

Best Budget Microphone for Streaming or Voice Chat

Wanting clearer audio for his stream than his headset mic provided, David got a FIFINE K669B USB microphone for around thirty dollars. This condenser mic plugged directly into his PC and offered surprisingly crisp, clear voice capture with minimal background noise pickup, a huge improvement for his viewers. Budget USB condenser microphones (like FIFINE, TONOR, Blue Snowball iCE) provide a substantial audio quality upgrade over headset mics for streaming or voice chat, offering clearer vocals affordably and easily.

Best Way to Find Deals on PC Components (Sales, Used Market)

Building his PC gradually, Mark diligently watched for deals. He used websites like PCPartPicker to track price drops on components, followed subreddits like r/buildapcsales for notifications on current deals, and considered buying used components like GPUs or RAM from reputable sellers on platforms like eBay or local marketplaces after verifying their condition. Finding deals requires patience and vigilance. Utilize price tracking tools, follow deal communities, time purchases around major sales events (Black Friday, Prime Day), and cautiously explore the used market for significant savings.

Best Budget Ultrawide Monitor Options for Immersive Gaming

Craving more immersion in RPGs, Lisa looked for affordable ultrawide monitors. She found options from brands like Sceptre or LG offering 29-34 inch ultrawide displays (2560×1080 resolution) with decent refresh rates (75Hz+) for under three hundred dollars. While higher resolutions cost more, budget ultrawide monitors provide an expanded field of view, significantly enhancing immersion in many game genres compared to standard 16:9 displays, offering a taste of premium gaming experiences affordably.

Best Affordable RGB Lighting Strips for Desk Ambiance

Wanting to add some flair to his budget setup, Ken bought a Govee RGBIC LED strip light kit for about twenty dollars. He easily attached it to the back of his desk. Using the companion app, he could customize colors and effects, adding vibrant ambient lighting that made his setup feel more personalized and immersive during evening gaming sessions. Affordable smart RGB LED strips (from Govee, Daybetter) offer easy installation and customizable lighting effects, providing a cheap yet impactful way to enhance desk ambiance.

Best Budget Mousepad for Gaming (Control vs Speed)

Playing FPS games, Sarah needed consistent mouse tracking. She opted for a large SteelSeries QcK mousepad (around

20). Its cloth surface offered a good balance between smooth glide (“speed”) and precise stopping power (“control”), essential for accurate aiming. Budget cloth mousepads from reputable gaming brands (SteelSeries, Logitech, Cooler Master) provide reliable tracking surfaces. Choose size based on desk space/sensitivity preferences. “Control” pads have more texture for precision; “Speed” pads are smoother for quick movements.

Best Way to Manage Cables for a Clean Budget Setup

David’s desk was a mess of tangled wires. He tackled it affordably using Velcro cable ties to bundle cables together neatly behind his PC and monitor, adhesive cable clips to route wires along the back edge of his desk, and a simple under-desk cable management tray (around $20) to hold the power strip and excess lengths. Effective cable management uses simple tools. Velcro ties, clips, sleeves, and basic trays or channels keep wires organized, improve aesthetics, make cleaning easier, and prevent accidental disconnections, achievable on any budget.

Best Budget Speakers for Gaming (If You Don’t Like Headsets)

Finding headsets uncomfortable for long sessions, Maria wanted decent speakers for under fifty dollars. She chose the Creative Pebble 2.0 speakers. Their unique angled design directed sound towards her ears, and despite their small size and low price, they delivered surprisingly clear audio with decent volume for casual gaming and media consumption. Budget stereo speakers (like Creative Pebble or basic Logitech models) offer a significant audio upgrade over built-in monitor speakers, providing comfortable headset-free sound for gaming affordably.

Best Value Pre-Built Gaming PCs Under $1000

Liam wanted a gaming PC but didn’t want to build it himself. He researched pre-built options under one thousand dollars, focusing on systems from brands like Skytech Gaming or CyberPowerPC offering balanced component combinations (e.g., Ryzen 5/Intel i5 CPU, RTX 4060/RX 7600 XT GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD). Value pre-builts prioritize gaming performance components, sometimes compromising slightly on case aesthetics or motherboard features compared to DIY, but offer convenience and often competitive pricing during sales periods. Compare component specs carefully.

Best Budget VR Headset Options (Standalone vs PC VR)

Intrigued by VR, Ben explored affordable entry points. The Meta Quest 2 (often around $300) stood out as a standalone headset offering great value with its own game library, while also capable of connecting to a PC for PC VR titles (if his PC was powerful enough). Budget VR often means standalone headsets like Quest 2 providing accessible, all-in-one experiences. Older PC VR headsets might be found used, but require a capable gaming PC, increasing the total cost significantly.

Best Affordable Racing Wheel and Pedals for Sim Racing

Wanting a more immersive racing experience, Mark looked for budget wheels. He settled on the Logitech G29/G920 (around300), known for its reliable force feedback, decent pedal set, and wide compatibility. While cheaper options exist, they often lack force feedback, a crucial feature for simulation. Entry-level force feedback wheels from Logitech or Thrustmaster (T150) represent the best budget starting point for serious sim racing, offering essential features without the premium cost of direct drive systems.

Best Budget Flight Stick for Flight Simulators

Getting into Microsoft Flight Simulator, Lisa needed a joystick but had a limited budget. She chose the Thrustmaster T.Flight Stick X (often under fifty dollars). It offered basic flight controls (stick, throttle, rudder twist, programmable buttons) sufficient for beginner flight simulation without high cost. Budget flight sticks provide essential axes and buttons for immersive flight sim control affordably, representing a huge step up from keyboard/mouse without the complexity or expense of full HOTAS setups.

Best Game Streaming Services as Budget Alternatives (GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming)

David’s old laptop couldn’t run new AAA games. Instead of buying a new PC, he subscribed to NVIDIA GeForce Now’s priority tier (around $10/month). This allowed him to stream demanding games he owned on Steam/Epic from NVIDIA’s powerful servers to his existing laptop with minimal lag. Cloud gaming services stream games over the internet, allowing play on modest hardware. Services like GeForce Now (uses your existing game libraries) or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (includes game library via Cloud Gaming) offer access to high-end gaming experiences for a monthly fee, bypassing expensive hardware costs. Requires strong internet.

Best Places to Buy Cheap Game Keys Legally

Wanting new PC games without paying full price, Sarah used websites like Green Man Gaming and Humble Bundle. These authorized retailers often offer significant discounts on game keys compared to platforms like Steam directly, especially during sales events. She avoided grey market sites (like G2A) due to potential risks. Stick to authorized key resellers (Green Man Gaming, Fanatical, Humble Bundle) or monitor official store sales (Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG) for legitimate discounts. Grey market sites carry risks of deactivated keys or ethical concerns.

Best Budget Upgrades That Make the Biggest Difference in Gaming

Liam’s budget PC felt sluggish. He identified two high-impact upgrades: replacing his old hard drive with an NVMe SSD for drastically faster loading times, and upgrading his RAM from 8GB to 16GB to reduce stuttering in modern games. These cost under one hundred fifty dollars combined and transformed the experience. For budget systems, upgrading from an HDD to an SSD is often the single most impactful change for overall responsiveness and load times. Increasing RAM to 16GB is crucial for smoother gameplay in many current titles.

Best Affordable Desk for a Gaming Setup (Size, Stability)

Setting up his gaming corner, Ken needed a sturdy desk with ample surface area but low cost. He opted for an IKEA LINNMON tabletop (around50 depending on size) paired with basic ADILS legs (around $5 each). This simple combination provided a large, stable surface sufficient for his monitor, keyboard, mouse, and PC for under seventy-five dollars. Simple, sturdy desks like IKEA’s modular options or basic office desks offer ample space and stability affordably. Prioritize depth for monitor distance and width for peripherals.

Best Budget Monitor Arm for Saving Desk Space

Chloe’s dual monitors took up most of her small desk. She bought a VIVO dual monitor arm mount that clamped to the back of her desk (around $40). This lifted the monitors off the desk, freeing up significant workspace underneath and allowing flexible positioning for better ergonomics. Budget monitor arms (from brands like VIVO, HUANUO) provide significant space-saving and ergonomic benefits affordably, clamping to the desk and securely holding monitors while allowing height, tilt, and swivel adjustments. Ensure VESA compatibility.

Best Way to Cool Your Gaming PC on a Budget (Fans, Airflow)

Noticing high temperatures during gaming, Maria improved her PC’s cooling affordably. She ensured her case fans were oriented correctly (intake front/bottom, exhaust top/rear) for optimal airflow path, cleaned existing dust filters, and added one extra inexpensive case fan (around

15) to improve exhaust. Improving airflow is key. Ensure proper fan configuration, clean dust regularly, manage internal cables neatly to avoid obstructing airflow, and consider adding one or two budget case fans strategically for significant temperature drops without expensive liquid cooling.

Best Budget Laptop Cooling Pad

Mark’s gaming laptop got uncomfortably hot during long sessions, potentially throttling performance. He purchased a basic laptop cooling pad with built-in fans (like a Havit model) for around twenty-five dollars. Placing the laptop on the pad elevated it for better airflow and the fans provided additional cooling, helping maintain lower temperatures and more consistent performance. Simple, fan-equipped cooling pads provide elevation and active airflow, helping dissipate heat from gaming laptops affordably, potentially improving comfort and preventing thermal throttling.

Best Affordable Gaming Router for Reducing Lag

Experiencing lag spikes during online games despite decent internet speed, Lisa suspected her old router. She upgraded to a TP-Link Archer AX21 Wi-Fi 6 router (around

100) known for better traffic management (QoS) and stability. This reduced latency and provided a more consistent connection for gaming. While not always necessary, a modern router with Wi-Fi 6 and Quality of Service (QoS) features can prioritize gaming traffic and handle multiple devices better, potentially reducing lag and improving connection stability affordably compared to high-end gaming routers.

Best Way to Set Up Dual Monitors on a Budget

Wanting a second monitor for multitasking without high cost, David found a used 24-inch 1080p office monitor locally for forty dollars. He connected it alongside his primary gaming monitor using his graphics card’s multiple outputs. He then arranged them using Windows display settings. Adding a second monitor affordably often involves finding used office monitors (check resolution/inputs) or basic new 1080p models. Ensure your graphics card supports multiple outputs. Use monitor arms or stands to align them effectively.

Best Free Software for Monitoring PC Performance While Gaming

Wondering why a game felt sluggish, Ben used MSI Afterburner with RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS). This free software allowed him to display an overlay showing real-time CPU/GPU usage, temperatures, frame rates (FPS), and RAM usage directly on screen while gaming, helping him identify performance bottlenecks. Free tools like MSI Afterburner (with RTSS) or HWMonitor provide invaluable real-time hardware monitoring, essential for diagnosing performance issues, checking temperatures, and understanding how games utilize system resources without costing anything.

Best Budget 1440p Gaming Monitor Options

Ready to upgrade from 1080p, Sarah looked for affordable 1440p (QHD) monitors with high refresh rates. She found options from Gigabyte (G27Q) or LG UltraGear often falling between

350, offering a significant jump in visual clarity alongside smooth 144Hz+ refresh rates. Budget 1440p gaming monitors provide a noticeable resolution upgrade for sharper visuals while maintaining high refresh rates essential for smooth gameplay, hitting a sweet spot in price-to-performance for mid-range gaming setups. Ensure your GPU can handle 1440p.

Best Affordable Wireless Gaming Mouse

Tired of cable drag, Liam wanted a responsive wireless gaming mouse without the premium price. He chose the Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED (often around

50). It uses Logitech’s reliable low-latency wireless technology, has a great sensor, long battery life on a single AA battery, and a comfortable shape. Budget wireless gaming mice leveraging proprietary low-latency tech (like Logitech LIGHTSPEED or Razer HyperSpeed, often found in models like G305 or Orochi V2) offer responsive, lag-free performance comparable to wired mice, affordably cutting the cord.

Best Budget Wireless Gaming Headset

Seeking wireless freedom for audio, Chloe looked at budget options. She selected the Razer Barracuda X (often around

100). It offered reliable low-latency wireless via a USB-C dongle (compatible with PC, PlayStation, Switch), decent sound, a detachable mic, and comfortable design, providing good value for wireless convenience. Affordable wireless headsets using dedicated dongles (not just Bluetooth) offer low-latency audio crucial for gaming. Look for models balancing sound quality, comfort, mic clarity, and battery life within budget constraints.

Best Way to Clean Your Gaming Peripherals to Make Them Last

Mark noticed his keyboard keys sticking and mouse movement feeling gritty. He learned regular cleaning extends peripheral life. He used compressed air to blow dust from his keyboard, wiped keys with isopropyl alcohol on a cloth, cleaned his mouse sensor gently with a cotton swab, and wiped down his mousepad. Regular, gentle cleaning prevents buildup. Use compressed air for keyboards, isopropyl alcohol for surface cleaning (check compatibility), cotton swabs for sensors, and appropriate methods for mousepads (cloth pads can often be hand-washed) to maintain performance and longevity.

Best Budget Capture Card for Recording Gameplay

Wanting to record console gameplay for YouTube videos, Lisa needed an affordable capture card. She found basic USB capture devices (often unbranded or from smaller brands like Elgato’s Cam Link 4K alternatives) capable of capturing 1080p footage for under fifty dollars, connecting her console via HDMI pass-through to her PC. While high-end cards offer more features, budget USB HDMI capture devices provide accessible entry points for recording or streaming console gameplay via a PC without significant investment, suitable for beginner content creators.

Best Free Video Editing Software for Gaming Montages

After recording gameplay clips, David wanted to edit them into a montage without buying software. He discovered DaVinci Resolve offered incredibly powerful, professional-grade video editing tools – including multi-track editing, effects, color correction, and audio mixing – completely free. Free yet powerful editors like DaVinci Resolve or OpenShot provide robust features suitable for creating high-quality gaming videos, offering viable alternatives to paid software like Adobe Premiere Pro for budget-conscious creators. Kdenlive is another strong open-source option.

Best Affordable Green Screen for Streaming Backgrounds

Wanting a cleaner streaming background, Sarah needed a cheap green screen solution. She bought a large piece of bright green fabric from a craft store for about fifteen dollars and hung it smoothly behind her chair using clamps and a backdrop stand (or even just thumbtacks initially). While collapsible screens exist, simple green fabric offers the most budget-friendly way to achieve a chroma key effect, allowing streamers to replace their background digitally using software like OBS Studio, provided lighting is even.

Best Budget Soundproofing Solutions for a Gaming Room

Liam’s late-night gaming sessions disturbed his roommates. He couldn’t afford professional soundproofing, so he used budget solutions: placing thick blankets or moving blankets over doors and windows, adding dense rugs and upholstered furniture to absorb sound, and using weatherstripping around the door frame to seal gaps. While not true soundproofing, adding soft, dense materials absorbs sound waves, and sealing air gaps reduces noise transmission significantly, offering affordable ways to minimize disturbance without major construction.

Best Strategy for Upgrading a Budget Gaming PC Over Time

Ben built his $800 PC knowing he’d upgrade later. His strategy involved prioritizing the GPU first (biggest gaming impact), followed by potentially a CPU upgrade if needed (checking for bottlenecks), adding more RAM if games demanded it, and increasing SSD storage as his library grew, carrying over the case, PSU, and motherboard initially. Upgrade strategically. GPU usually yields the biggest gaming boost. Monitor performance to identify bottlenecks (CPU, RAM). Storage is easily added. This phased approach spreads costs while maximizing performance gains at each step.