Building your dream gaming PC doesn’t have to break the bank! In fact, there are plenty of ways you can save money when it comes to your hardware.
Need more convincing? We’ve included our top five tips on how to save money when building a gaming PC.
Prioritise Your Graphics Card
Aesthetic might be at the top of your list, but your graphics card is arguably one of the most important components of your gaming PC. Without a high-quality GPU, you won’t be able to achieve the immersive visuals and blisteringly fast performance that you desire.
To save money whilst building your PC, we recommend you select your GPU first and then pair the rest of your components accordingly. For example, if you want to upgrade to a hefty RTX 40 Series, you’ll need a PSU that can supply enough wattage to handle its power demands.
Work Out Your PSU Wattage
Knowing exactly how much wattage your PSU requires to power all your hardware can be another handy way to reduce costs and save money. You can find easy-to-use online PSU calculators to help you work out your PSU wattage depending on the hardware you plan on using.
In addition to working out your PSU wattage, we recommend you opt for a non-modular power supply to help with your budget. You also shouldn’t compromise on your 80 Plus Rating. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient your PC will be, ultimately reducing your electricity bill and saving you money.
Don’t Splurge on a PC Case
We all know the temptation to purchase a showstopping PC case, especially one that features a unique design, colourful RGB, and lots of glass panels. However, you don’t want to risk splurging all your budget on a case and end up with no pennies left for the vital hardware.
A stunning PC case doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are many high-quality budget options that still come with plenty of aesthetic flair, tempered glass panels, and, of course, facilitate great airflow to keep your hardware cool.
Want to take a closer look at all the great PC cases you can get on a budget? You can do just that by clicking the button.
Consider Using a Previous-Gen CPU and Motherboard
If you aren’t planning on using your PC for intensive workloads or heavy-duty AAA gaming, you won’t need the latest and greatest hardware. It’s an easy way to save yourself a few extra pennies, especially when you won’t be taking full advantage of those components.
If you are going to use a previous generation of CPU and motherboard, be aware of upgradeability. You might limit yourself as to what other hardware you can use in your PC. For example, most older CPUs and motherboards don’t feature support for DDR5 RAM.
You can find processors and motherboards from both new and old generations by simply clicking the buttons.
Utilise Used or Open Box Hardware
At Overclockers UK, you can find a huge range of B-grade components which have been opened and returned. These items might be missing the original packaging or accessories and can come with a reduced warranty. However, they are perfect for those shopping for PC components on a budget.
B-Grade hardware allows you to take full advantage of these virtually brand-new components and save some extra pennies. You can shop our full range of B-grade hardware below.
In Need of Some PC Building Tips?
Building your first PC but don’t know where to start? Check out our ultimate PC building guide for all the tips and tricks to help you through the process.
Got Any Tips to Save Money?
Have you got any tips to help your fellow PC gamers save money whilst they build their new system? Leave them in the comments.
- 4 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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