Want top-tier gameplay without breaking the bank? Follow this systematic guide to put together a gaming PC that punches well above its weight in performance and value.

1. Picking Your Processor

Consider cost-effective CPUs like AMD Ryzen 5 5600 or Intel Core i5-12400F. These chips provide excellent 1080p frame rates while staying budget-friendly.

2. Selecting the Right Graphics Card

Look at mid-range GPUs such as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 or AMD Radeon RX 6600. Both handle modern titles at high settings in 1080p without a hefty price tag.

3. Motherboard & RAM Choices

Choose a B550 or B660 board with solid VRMs and the features you need. Pair it with 16 GB of DDR4 at 3200–3600 MHz to maintain smooth multitasking and gaming performance.

4. Optimizing Storage

Install a 500 GB NVMe SSD for your operating system and frequently played games, and add a 1 TB SATA SSD for additional installs—balancing speed and capacity effectively.

5. Power Supply & Cooling Setup

Pick a trustworthy 550 W PSU rated 80+ Bronze or better. Pair it with an aftermarket air cooler or the stock cooler from Ryzen to ensure stable temperatures during intense sessions.

6. Case & Peripherals

Opt for a budget-friendly case with good airflow and cable management. For peripherals, you can find solid keyboard and mouse combos under £50 that keep things functional without sacrificing quality.

7. Assembly & Testing

Follow the motherboard manual carefully, apply thermal paste correctly, and validate system stability using stress tools like Prime95 and Unigine Heaven to ensure your build is rock solid.

By adhering to these steps, you’ll end up with a capable gaming rig that maximizes performance per pound. Happy building and enjoy your new setup!