Build a 1080p Gaming PC under 650 €

This is a 1080p gaming PC with enough GPU power to play everything at mid to high settings. Careful selection of components ensures the best performance for the budget. Below is a detailed guide to assembling such a system, including explanations for each component choice and approximate prices based on current market trends.

1. Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 5 5500

The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 is a 6-core, 12-thread processor based on the Zen 3 architecture. It operates at a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz, with boost capabilities up to 4.2 GHz. This processor offers strong performance for both gaming and multitasking at a budget-friendly price point. Notably, it supports DDR4-3200 memory and utilizes the AM4 socket, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of motherboards.

• Price: Approximately €90
• Amazon Link: AMD Ryzen 5 5500

2. Motherboard: ASRock B550M Phantom Gaming 4

This micro-ATX motherboard is equipped with the AMD B550 chipset, offering support for PCIe 4.0, which provides faster data transfer rates for compatible devices. It features multiple USB 3.2 ports, M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, and robust power delivery, ensuring stable performance. Its affordability and feature set make it an excellent match for the Ryzen 5 5500 processor.

• Price: Approximately €94
• Amazon Link: ASRock B550M Phantom Gaming 4

3. Memory (RAM): G.Skill Ripjaws V 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3600 CL16

A 16GB RAM kit with a speed of 3600MHz and low latency (CL16) ensures smooth performance in gaming and multitasking scenarios. The dual-channel configuration enhances data throughput, contributing to overall system responsiveness.

• Price: Approximately €30
• Amazon Link: G.Skill Ripjaws V 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3600 CL16

4. Storage: TEAMGROUP SSD Team MP44 M.2 1TB PCIe G4x4 2280

An NVMe SSD with 1TB capacity offers fast load times and ample storage for games and applications. The TEAMGROUP MP44 is known for its reliability and speed, providing sequential read and write speeds that significantly outperform traditional SATA SSDs.

• Price: Approximately €75
• Amazon Link: TEAMGROUP SSD Team MP44 M.2 1TB PCIe G4x4 2280

5. Graphics Card (GPU): SWFT210 Radeon RX 6650 XT Core Gaming

The Radeon RX 6650 XT provides excellent 1080p gaming performance, making it a suitable choice for this budget build. Its 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM ensures compatibility with modern titles and future-proofs the system for upcoming games.

• Price: Approximately €265
• Amazon Link: SWFT210 Radeon RX 6650 XT Core Gaming

6. Case: Cooler Master Elite 301 White – Mini Tower

This compact case offers good airflow and cable management options, making it ideal for a budget build. Its minimalist design ensures a clean aesthetic, and it supports micro-ATX and mini-ITX motherboards, providing flexibility for future upgrades.

• Price: Approximately €48
• Amazon Link: Cooler Master Elite 301 White – Mini Tower

7. Power Supply (PSU): Mars Gaming MPB650SI, PC ATX Power Supply 650W

A reliable 650W power supply with 80+ Bronze certification ensures efficient and stable power delivery to all components. This efficiency rating indicates that the PSU wastes less power as heat, leading to lower energy costs and improved longevity.

• Price: Approximately €47
• Amazon Link: Mars Gaming MPB650SI, PC ATX Power Supply 650W

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately €649 .

Note: Prices are approximate and subject to change. It’s advisable to check for the latest prices and availability.

Component Selection Rationale:

• CPU: The Ryzen 5 5500 offers strong performance for gaming and multitasking at a budget-friendly price. Its 6-core, 12-thread configuration ensures smooth operation in modern applications.
• Motherboard: The ASRock B550M provides essential features, including PCIe 4.0 support, ensuring future-proofing and compatibility with high-speed storage devices.
• RAM: 16GB of 3600MHz RAM with low latency ensures smooth performance in various applications, and the dual-channel setup maximizes data throughput.
• Storage: A 1TB NVMe SSD offers fast load times and ample storage space for games and applications, enhancing overall system responsiveness.
• GPU: The Radeon RX 6650 XT delivers excellent 1080p gaming performance, suitable for modern titles, and its 8GB of VRAM ensures longevity.
• Case: The Cooler Master Elite 301 provides good airflow and cable management, ensuring a clean build and adequate cooling for components.
• PSU: A 650W 80+ Bronze certified PSU ensures efficient and stable power delivery, accommodating future upgrades and reducing energy costs.

What to Upgrade for a few Euros more…

If you have a little extra budget beyond the standard €600 build, here are some key upgrades that can significantly enhance performance, future-proofing, and overall system experience.

1. Processor (CPU) Upgrade

• Upgrade to: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (~€30 more)
• Why?
  • Higher clock speeds and better single-core performance improve gaming and productivity.
  • Lower power consumption and better efficiency.
  • Slightly improved cache for smoother multitasking.

2. GPU Upgrade

• Upgrade to: RX 7600 XT OC Edition 16GB (~€80-€100 more)
• Why?
  • A major boost in gaming performance, handling 1440p gaming more comfortably.
  • More VRAM (16GB) for better texture rendering in modern games.
  • Longer lifespan before needing another upgrade.

3. RAM Upgrade

• Upgrade to: 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4-3600 (~€20-€30 more)
• Why?
  • Ideal for content creators, heavy multitasking, and memory-intensive applications.
  • Future-proofing for new game releases and software.

4. Power Supply Upgrade

• Upgrade to: Corsair RM750e 750W 80+ Gold (~€30 more)
• Why?
  • Higher efficiency and better stability for high-end GPUs.
  • Semi-modular cables improve cable management.
  • More headroom for future upgrades.

5. Cooling Upgrade

• Upgrade to: Noctua NH-U12S Redux (~€40 more)
• Why?
  • Improved thermal performance for lower CPU temperatures.
  • Quieter operation compared to stock coolers.
  • Better overclocking potential.

If you have an extra €100-€200, prioritize a CPU, RAM, PSU, or GPU upgrade for the most noticeable performance improvements. These components directly impact gaming, multitasking, and system stability. If noise and cooling matter, a better case and cooling solution will improve the experience. These small investments can greatly enhance the longevity and usability of your PC!

Important Notes

Size of GPU matters, The Cooler Master Elite 301 is a wide enough box that allows ample space for your GPU and CPU cooler but not for all possible GPU setups and sizes, so feel free to make changes or buy something else instead but mind the available room.

Not all CPUs come with a CPU cooler, unless you are going for some good enough CPU cooler, choosing the bare minimum is OK. You will need something like this (Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE White CPU Cooler) for around €20 (anything below 14 is suspicious anything above 25 is far too expensive if it is not something that has real performance).

Why Still Use the AM4 Architecture?

The AM4 platform, introduced by AMD in 2016, remains a viable and competitive choice for budget-conscious PC builders and gamers. While newer platforms like AM5 offer support for DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, AM4 still provides excellent value, performance, and upgrade flexibility. Here’s why the AM4 architecture is still relevant in 2025:

Affordability and Cost Efficiency

• Lower motherboard prices: AM4 motherboards, especially B450 and B550 models, are significantly cheaper compared to AM5 alternatives.
• DDR4 memory support: DDR4 RAM is more affordable than DDR5, and the price-to-performance ratio still makes it a better choice for most users.
• Processor availability: Ryzen 5000 series CPUs, like the Ryzen 5 5500 and 5600, are often discounted, offering great multi-core performance at lower prices compared to their AM5 counterparts.
• AMD Support: AMD will continue supporting the platform with newer processors till at least 2026, so even at 9 years after initial launch it remains relevant.

Mature and Stable Platform

• Wide motherboard selection: AM4 has a vast selection of motherboards with various features, from budget B450 boards to high-end X570 models.
• BIOS maturity: AM4 BIOS updates have been refined over the years, ensuring stability and compatibility with newer CPUs.
• Driver support: Well-established driver support minimizes compatibility issues and optimizes performance across different AM4 setups.

Strong Performance for Gaming and Productivity

• Still powerful for gaming: CPUs like the Ryzen 5 5600 and Ryzen 7 5800X offer strong gaming performance, often on par with newer AM5 chips in 1080p and 1440p gaming.
• Multitasking and productivity: The high core/thread count of Ryzen 5000 series processors makes them suitable for content creation, streaming, and productivity tasks.
• PCIe 4.0 support: B550 and X570 motherboards support PCIe 4.0, allowing for high-speed NVMe SSDs and future GPU upgrades.

Upgrade Path Without Rebuilding

• Backward compatibility: Many AM4 motherboards support multiple generations of Ryzen CPUs, allowing users to upgrade without changing the entire platform.
• Easy upgrade from older Ryzen CPUs: Users with first- or second-gen Ryzen processors can upgrade to Ryzen 5000 series chips with a simple BIOS update, extending the lifespan of their system.

Future-Proofing Considerations

• New AM5 platform is expensive: While AM5 offers better long-term upgrade potential, the high cost of DDR5 memory, motherboards, and CPUs makes it less appealing for budget-oriented users.
• AM4 still meets gaming needs: Most games do not fully utilize the latest CPU architectures, meaning an AM4 system with a solid GPU can still provide high FPS and smooth gameplay.
• Used market benefits: With AM5 adoption increasing, high-quality used AM4 components are becoming more available, making it even more affordable to build or upgrade an AM4 system.

Conclusion

While the AM5 platform is the future of AMD processors, AM4 remains an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers, content creators, and general users. With its affordability, strong performance, and upgrade potential, the AM4 platform continues to be a practical and cost-effective solution in 2025.