Ultimate 2024 $800 Gaming PC Build Guide: Maximize Performance on a Budget

Key Takeaways

• Affordable Power: Discover how a well-chosen $800 budget can deliver impressive gaming performance.
• Component Breakdown: See why the Intel Core i5 12400F and RX 6750 XT are great picks.
• Build Tips: Get practical advice on assembling your PC and choosing the right components.

Are you looking to build a high-performance gaming PC without breaking the bank? With a budget of around $800, you can assemble a powerful rig that handles most modern games with ease. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a detailed build that balances performance and cost, ensuring you get the most value for your money.

What’s Inside This Build?

1. Intel Core i5 12400F – A solid performer for gaming.
2. Thermalright Assassin X10 Cooler – Efficient and quiet cooling.
3. 16GB DDR4 RAM – Plenty of memory for multitasking and gaming.
4. Corsair CX 550M PSU – Reliable power supply.
5. Oro 1TB NVMe SSD – Fast storage at a budget-friendly price.
6. RX 6750 XT Graphics Card – Powerful GPU for smooth gaming.
7. NZXT H6 Flow Case – Spacious and well-ventilated case.

Component Breakdown

Intel Core i5 12400F

The Intel Core i5 12400F is a great choice for gamers who want solid performance without paying a premium. Priced around $100, this CPU offers six cores and twelve threads, making it more than capable of handling modern games. Unlike the newer Intel generations, which have faced issues with higher power consumption and stability, the 12400F provides a reliable and efficient option for gaming.

Thermalright Assassin X10 Cooler

Cooling is crucial for maintaining performance and longevity. The Thermalright Assassin X10, costing around $17, offers excellent cooling performance and is quieter than the stock cooler. It’s a budget-friendly choice that ensures your CPU stays cool during intense gaming sessions.

16GB DDR4 RAM

A 16GB kit of DDR4 RAM is ideal for gaming and multitasking. Priced at about $32, it provides sufficient memory for running modern games smoothly and multitasking without slowing down your system.

Corsair CX 550M Power Supply

The Corsair CX 550M is a semi-modular power supply that delivers reliable performance. Although not the top-of-the-line option, it offers a good balance of cost and quality, with a decent warranty to back it up. At around $50, it’s a solid choice for this budget build.

Oro 1TB NVMe SSD

The Oro 1TB NVMe SSD provides ample storage for games and applications at a budget-friendly price of about $50. While the brand is not well-known, and performance specifics are unclear, it offers great value. Just be cautious and ensure it meets your performance needs.

RX 6750 XT Graphics Card

The RX 6750 XT, priced at around $300, is one of the best value-oriented graphics cards currently available. It excels at 1080p and 1440p gaming, providing excellent performance for its price. With 12GB of VRAM, it’s well-suited for modern games and future-proofing your build to some extent.

NZXT H6 Flow Case

A good case is essential for airflow and future upgrades. The NZXT H6 Flow, costing under $100, offers plenty of space and ventilation. It supports various cooling configurations and ensures your components stay cool and efficient.

Building Your PC

1. Install the CPU: Place the Intel Core i5 12400F onto the motherboard and secure it with the retention arm.
2. Apply the Cooler: Attach the Thermalright Assassin X10 to the CPU, ensuring proper thermal paste application.
3. Insert RAM: Install the 16GB DDR4 RAM into the motherboard slots.
4. Mount the SSD: Place the Oro 1TB NVMe SSD into the M.2 slot on the motherboard.
5. Install the PSU: Fit the Corsair CX 550M into the case, connecting all necessary cables.
6. Add the GPU: Secure the RX 6750 XT into the PCIe slot and connect any required power cables.
7. Assemble the Case: Install the motherboard, PSU, and GPU into the NZXT H6 Flow, managing cables for a clean look.

Performance and Benchmarks

With this build, you can expect excellent performance in most modern games. Here’s how it fares in a few benchmarks:

• 3DMark Time Spy: Achieves an overall score of 12,676, indicating strong performance. The graphics score is around 13,500, with a CPU score just under 10,000.
• GTA 5: Runs smoothly at 1440p with high settings, averaging above 120 FPS.
• F1 23: Delivers over 120 FPS, thanks to efficient use of the CPU and GPU.
• Starfield: Handles 1440p with FSR 3 enabled, achieving just under 60 FPS on average.

Final Thoughts

This $800 gaming PC build offers exceptional value, balancing performance with cost. Whether you’re diving into the latest games or planning for future upgrades, this setup provides a robust foundation. Keep in mind the build’s flexibility, allowing you to tweak components based on availability and personal preference. Enjoy your gaming experience with this well-rounded and budget-friendly rig!