Video summary

Building a Cheap Gaming PC That Plays Everything!

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product Reviewed

A custom budget gaming PC build costing $420 (targeting “less than a console, but plays everything”) designed to run most games at 1080p with 60+ FPS and support streaming to Twitch.

Key Build Specs (as Described)

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (6-core / 12-thread)
    • Claimed to perform about on par with Ryzen 5 5500
    • Known for strong price-to-performance and a decent upgrade path
  • Motherboard + RAM combo: AliExpress bundle for ~$105 total (CPU + A520 motherboard + 16GB DDR4)
    • Motherboard: A520 board (brand name unclear: “KLLISRE / Kilsor / Klisore”)
    • RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200 MHz, CL22
    • Board features described as basic:
      • 2 RAM slots
      • x16 PCIe GPU slot
      • Optional 1x Wi‑Fi slot
      • Adequate rear I/O (no frills)
  • CPU cooler: AMD Wraith Stealth (stock cooler)
    • Adequate, but noted for higher temps
    • Suggested improvement: switch to a tower cooler for better thermals
  • Storage: 500GB NVMe (TeamGroup MP44L)
    • Recommendation: cheaper 500GB NVMe models with good reviews (about $35–$40)
    • “Bare minimum” for OS/apps + a few main games; 1TB preferable if budget allows
  • Case: Raidmax Infinitum I600 (~$50)
    • Fish-tank style design
    • 3 included RGB fans
    • Described as having decent build quality
  • Power supply: Seasonic SSR-500, 500W 80+ Bronze
    • Bought used for ~$35 off eBay
    • Non-modular, black sleeved cables
    • Alternative (if avoiding used PSU risk): MSI MAG A550BN (~$55)
  • GPU: MSI Radeon RX 6650XT Mech Dual Fan
    • Cost: $180 (used via eBay)
    • Performance expectation:
      • TechPowerUp suggests it’s about 6% slower than Arc A580 / RTX 4060
    • VRAM note: 8GB VRAM—“not ideal” but generally fine at 1080p
    • Alternative mentioned: RX 6600 (~$150)

Main Features / What It Does Well

  • Strong budget 1080p performance: aims for 60+ FPS in many titles
  • Value-focused sourcing: emphasizes deals (especially the AliExpress CPU/mobo/RAM bundle)
  • Twitch streaming support: can stream at 1080p with a relatively small hit
  • Neat-enough build: black sleeved PSU cables and reasonable cable management

Performance Results (1080p)

Average FPS and 1% lows reported:

  • Valorant (1080p High): 275 FPS avg, 150 1% lows
  • Minecraft (1080p “fancy”, 12 chunk/view distance + Iris + BSL shaders): 113 avg, 32 1% low
  • Black Ops 6 (1080p balanced preset): 104 avg, 76 1% low
  • Fortnite (1080p Performance mode): 210 avg, 99 1% low
  • Borderlands 3 (1080p High): 88 avg, 62 1% low
  • Borderlands 4 (1080p Medium): 63 avg, 46 1% low
    • Stutters mentioned as expected for this title
  • The Last of Us Part 2 (1080p High, horse-riding segment): 60 avg, 50 1% low
  • Monster Hunter World (1080p Medium): 64 avg, 38 1% low
  • Cyberpunk (1080p High): 98 avg, 65 1% low
  • Marvel Rivals (1080p Medium): 64 avg, 47 1% low
  • Battlefield 6 (1080p High, Red Sect Battle Royale): 78 avg, 47 1% low

Streaming Performance

  • Streaming Fortnite, Battlefield (Red Sect), and Borderlands 4 to Twitch (1080p) resulted in about 5–10% less performance than playing locally.
  • Despite the reduction, streaming gameplay was described as smooth and enjoyable.

Thermals / Stability Impressions

  • GPU temperatures: fine
  • CPU temps: “high 80s at times”
  • Conclusion: spending about $5 more on a better cooler could improve thermals.

Pros

  • Excellent value: total build $420; similar options suggested under $500
  • Meets the goal: “plays pretty much anything” at 1080p with 60+ FPS in many tested games
  • Strong competitive FPS in lighter esports titles (Valorant, Fortnite)
  • Works for streaming with only a modest 5–10% reduction
  • Good budget CPU choice: Ryzen 5 3600 emphasized for price/performance

Cons / Tradeoffs

  • Stock cooler leads to CPU temps sometimes in the high 80s
  • A520 motherboard is described as very basic (though still “adequate”)
  • 500GB SSD is tight; 1TB is better if possible
  • RX 6650XT VRAM (8GB) is “not ideal,” though acceptable for 1080p
  • PSU purchased used (though an alternative is provided)

Comparisons Made

  • CPU comparison: Ryzen 5 3600 performance said to be ~on par with Ryzen 5 5500
  • GPU performance expectation: TechPowerUp suggests RX 6650XT is ~6% slower than Arc A580 / RTX 4060
  • GPU alternative: RX 6600 (~$150) as a valid substitute
  • Market context: motivation tied to Xbox/PS5 price increases and Nintendo pricing issues, pushing consumers toward PC builds

Unique Points Mentioned About the Build (Consolidated)

  • Built for under $500 (achieved: $420)
  • Target: 1080p 60+ FPS plus Twitch streaming
  • AliExpress CPU/mobo/RAM bundle helped drive savings (~$105 with discounts/coupon)
  • Ryzen 5 3600 praised for gaming performance and upgrade path
  • A520 board: basic but sufficient
  • RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200 CL22, dual-channel for good budget performance
  • Cooler: stock Wraith Stealth OK, but temps in the high 80s; tower cooler better
  • Storage: 500GB NVMe is usable but bare minimum; 1TB preferable
  • Case: Raidmax “fish-tank” style with RGB fans and good value
  • PSU: Seasonic 500W bronze for reliability; alternative recommended to avoid used PSU risk
  • GPU: RX 6650XT selected for strong 1080p performance; 8GB VRAM acceptable for this use
  • Reported FPS across many games
  • Streaming cost: about 5–10% performance
  • Overall expectation: “plays pretty much anything” at 1080p, with expected stutters in heavier titles

Speakers / Perspectives

  • Matt (single speaker): provides the build, reasoning, part choices, setup process, benchmarks, thermals, and streaming performance.
  • No other speakers mentioned.

Overall Verdict / Recommendation

Recommended as a high-value budget gaming PC: around $420, it delivers strong 1080p gaming performance (often 60+ FPS) and can stream with only a small performance penalty.

Main caution: thermals can improve with a better cooler, and 500GB storage may feel limiting—consider upgrading to 1TB if budget allows.

Original video