I Built an INSANE Gaming PC for $267...

Summary

Fluxphy builds and tests an ultra-budget gaming PC, claiming a total cost of roughly $250–$267. Prices had changed since the parts were purchased, and the listed individual prices do not clearly add up to the claimed total.

Parts and Build Choices

• CPU: Refurbished Intel Xeon E5-2680 v4, a 2016 server processor, purchased for about $34. The creator compares it to a Ryzen 5 2600 and says it may approach the performance of a Ryzen 5 3600.
• Motherboard: X99 V9 board, purchased for about $68 and compatible with Xeon E5 v3/v4 processors.
• Memory: One 16GB DDR4-2133 stick, purchased for about $40. The creator chose it to save money but suspects it contributes to inconsistent frame rates and stuttering. A two-stick or faster compatible kit is suggested as an upgrade.
• Graphics card: Used GTX 1060 3GB, purchased for about $38.
• Storage: 256GB M.2 NVMe SSD, purchased for about $23—enough space for only a small game library.
• Other parts: A CPU air cooler, Raidmax Vector V212 case, and Thermaltake 500W power supply. The case cost $43 when purchased, though it was listed at $59 during the video.

Build Guide and Platform Limitations

The video walks through assembly, including installing the CPU and cooler mounting hardware, RAM, and SSD; fitting the motherboard and power supply; connecting motherboard, case, and fan cables; and installing and powering the graphics card.

It also explains the motherboard’s front-panel connectors. A diagram can be useful because the small power-button and LED headers can be confusing.

The older motherboard platform has several limitations:

• It lacks TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, which prevented the creator from launching Black Ops 7. The creator notes that a TPM module may be an option.
• It lacks RGB headers. The case’s RGB fans use a fixed color pattern and can only be switched on or off with the included control. An external RGB hub would be needed for more control.

Gaming Tests

The following results are reported by the creator and are not independent benchmark results:

• Valorant: Over 200 FPS at 1080p, with some readings around 300 FPS. At 1440p, performance fell by roughly 100 FPS but remained playable.
• Forza Horizon 5: About 100–110 FPS on low settings, around 90 FPS on medium, and above 60 FPS in the creator’s 1440p test.
• Fortnite: Roughly 70 FPS on high settings, about 50 FPS on Epic, and around 80–90 FPS on medium. In Performance Mode, the creator reports over 240 FPS shortly after landing and roughly 150 FPS on average during fights, with occasional stutters.
• Rocket League: Around 200 FPS at high quality and about 260 FPS in Performance Mode.
• Minecraft: Around 300 FPS. The creator expects roughly 350–400 FPS once the world has fully rendered.

Overall, the creator considers the PC strong for its claimed price, particularly for lighter or competitive games. The main reported drawback is occasional stuttering, which the creator attributes largely to the single, slow RAM stick. The GTX 1060’s HDMI connection also appeared to disconnect once during Fortnite, though the cause was unclear.

Other Products Mentioned

LiberNovo Omni Chair

A sponsored segment promotes the LiberNovo Omni ergonomic chair. The creator highlights its moving “Bionic Flex Fit” backrest, linked movement of the seat, backrest, armrests, and headrest, adjustable recline modes, and a 160-degree “Omni Stretch” massage mode. These features are presented as intended to support comfort during long gaming or editing sessions.

Custom Mousepads

The creator also promotes custom mousepads, describing them as stitched, water-resistant, and available in multiple designs. These are promotional claims; the video does not include a formal product test.

Main Speaker and Sources

• Fluxphy: Main narrator and builder, and the source of the assembly walkthrough and game-performance observations.
• LiberNovo: Sponsor featured in the chair segment.