Building the Best $700 Gaming Computer: A Comprehensive Expert Guide

Hello fellow gamers! If you’ve landed here, you’re likely staring down the barrel of a tight budget, wondering if it’s truly possible to build a machine that can handle modern gaming without needing to sell a kidney. I want to tell you, unequivocally, that the answer is yes.

As someone who has been building and optimizing PCs for decades, I’ve seen budgets inflate and deflate. Right now, the $700 mark—the sweet spot for an entry-level, dedicated gaming machine—is incredibly challenging but also incredibly rewarding. We aren’t aiming for 4K ray-tracing here; we are aiming for smooth, reliable 1080p performance in popular esports titles and respectable framerates in demanding AAA games.

This isn’t just a parts list; this is a philosophy. I’m going to walk you through the expert decisions and necessary compromises required to squeeze every last drop of performance out of your hard-earned money and build the best possible 700 gaming computer. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started.

The $700 Challenge: Setting Realistic Expectations

When we talk about a 700 gaming computer, we need to clarify what that dollar amount covers. This budget typically covers the tower components only—CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, motherboard, PSU, and case. It generally excludes peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, OS license).

The biggest challenge in this price bracket is balancing the core components. Unlike a high-end build where you can afford the best of everything, here, every dollar saved in one area must be strategically reinvested in another. If you spend too much on a fancy case, your graphics card will suffer, and that’s a trade-off that will dramatically impact your gaming experience.

The Reality of Budget Gaming

What exactly does a gaming pc 700 buy you in today’s market?

1. Resolution: Primarily 1080p (Full HD). This is where we focus our efforts.
2. Framerate: Expect 60+ FPS in most competitive esports titles (like Valorant, CS2, Fortnite) on medium to high settings. For brand-new, graphically intense AAA games (like Cyberpunk 2077 or Alan Wake 2), you should aim for 30–50 FPS, often requiring a mix of medium and low settings.
3. Future-Proofing: Limited, but manageable. We will select components that allow for easy, single-component upgrades down the road (like dropping in a better GPU or more RAM).

Our goal is to avoid the frustration of lag and stuttering. We want a smooth experience, and achieving that requires strict discipline in component selection.

The Core Philosophy of a 700 Gaming Computer Build: Maximizing Value

The secret to a successful budget build isn’t finding the cheapest parts; it’s finding the parts with the highest performance-per-dollar ratio. We are hunting for deals, avoiding bottlenecks, and prioritizing components that directly impact framerate.

Prioritizing the GPU and CPU Split

In any gaming PC, the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is the single most important component for graphical output and framerates. However, a weak CPU (Central Processing Unit) can “bottleneck” a good GPU, meaning the GPU sits idle waiting for instructions.

For a high-end build, a 50/50 split between CPU/Mobo and GPU is common. For our 700 gaming computer, we need to lean heavily toward the GPU.

The Ideal Budget Split (Approximate):

Component Category	Target Budget Percentage	Estimated Cost	Rationale
GPU (Graphics Card)	35% – 40%	$245 – $280	The framerate king. Maximum investment here.
CPU + Motherboard	25% – 30%	$175 – $210	Must be efficient and prevent bottlenecks.
RAM + Storage	15%	$105	Fast RAM is crucial; minimum 1TB SSD.
PSU + Case	15% – 20%	$105 – $140	Reliable power and basic airflow.

By committing 40% of the budget to the GPU, we ensure that we can play modern games adequately. This means we have to be absolutely ruthless when choosing the other parts.

Where We Can (and Must) Save Money

To afford that powerful GPU, we need to cut costs strategically.

1. Avoid RGB and Aesthetics: Forget tempered glass panels, fancy lighting strips, and custom cable sleeving. We are buying performance, not pretty lights. A basic black box with decent airflow is the target case.
2. Motherboard Chipset: We don’t need the top-tier Z or X series motherboards. A budget B-series chipset (like B550 for AMD or B660/B760 for Intel) offers all the necessary features without the high price tag.
3. Older Generation CPUs (Smartly): Sometimes, a previous generation CPU (like a Ryzen 5 5600 or Intel Core i3-12100F) offers 90% of the performance of the newest equivalent for half the cost. This is a crucial savings area for any successful gaming pc 700.
4. Storage Capacity: We aim for 1TB of NVMe SSD storage. While 2TB would be nice, it’s not essential, and we can add a cheap SATA SSD later.

Component Deep Dive: Optimizing the $700 Budget

Let’s get into the specifics. This is where the rubber meets the road, and we start making those tough purchasing decisions.

Processor (CPU) Selection: The APU vs. Dedicated GPU Debate

The CPU choice is perhaps the trickiest part of building a budget 700 gaming computer. Should you use an APU (a CPU with integrated graphics) or a dedicated CPU requiring a standalone graphics card?

If you are strictly aiming for the best possible framerate, a dedicated CPU paired with a dedicated GPU is the winner.

Recommended Budget CPUs:

• AMD Path: Ryzen 5 5600 or Ryzen 5 5500. These CPUs are fantastic value right now. They use the AM4 platform, which has inexpensive B550 motherboards. The 5600 is often available for $100-$130 and offers exceptional single-core performance, which is vital for gaming.
• Intel Path: Core i3-12100F or Core i3-13100F. These “F” series chips lack integrated graphics, making them cheaper. They offer incredible gaming performance, often matching older high-end chips, and are a phenomenal choice for a budget rig.

Why not a high-core CPU?
Games benefit more from high single-core speed than from having 12 or 16 cores. We prioritize the speed of fewer cores to keep costs down and performance high.

Graphics Card (GPU): The Performance King

This is the single largest investment we will make. We need a card that can handle 1080p high settings reliably. The market is constantly shifting, but generally, we are looking at the entry-level dedicated cards from the last two generations.

The $250 – $280 GPU Sweet Spot:

1. New Market Champion: AMD Radeon RX 6600 (or 6600 non-XT). This is often the best new card you can buy in this price range. It consistently outperforms NVIDIA counterparts at the same price point and delivers excellent 1080p performance. It’s the backbone of a high-performance 700 gaming computer.
2. Used Market Option: If you are comfortable buying used, look for an NVIDIA RTX 3060 or an AMD RX 6700 XT. These used cards offer performance well above the $700 budget tier if purchased carefully, but they carry inherent risk. For this guide, we focus on the reliability of the new RX 6600.

Spending $260 on the GPU leaves us exactly $440 for the remaining five components—a tight but achievable allocation.

Motherboard and RAM: Stable Foundation, Not Flashy

Motherboard

We choose the motherboard based on the CPU socket (AM4 for Ryzen 5000 series; LGA 1700 for Intel 12th/13th gen).

• AMD: Look for budget-friendly B550 or even high-end A520 boards. Ensure they have adequate VRMs (Voltage Regulator Modules) for the chosen CPU and at least two RAM slots. We ditch Wi-Fi onboard if possible, relying on a wired connection or a cheap USB adapter to save $20–$30.
• Intel: Look for B660 or B760 boards. We avoid the cheapest H-series boards as they often limit RAM speed, which is a big performance hit.

RAM (System Memory)

RAM is non-negotiable for smooth modern gaming. We must have 16GB.

• Quantity: 16GB (2 x 8GB sticks). Running two sticks (dual-channel configuration) is mandatory for performance.
• Speed: For AMD Ryzen, look for DDR4 3200MHz (CL16). For Intel, DDR4 3200MHz is also a solid, affordable choice. Do not settle for 2666MHz or 3000MHz if you can get 3200MHz for a few dollars more—it makes a noticeable difference.

Storage Solutions: The Speed vs. Capacity Trade-off

Gone are the days of mechanical hard drives (HDDs) for primary storage. An SSD is essential for fast boot times and rapid game loading.

We target a 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD. NVMe drives are significantly faster than traditional SATA SSDs and often cost only slightly more now.

• Recommendation: A reliable, budget-friendly 1TB NVMe drive (e.g., Crucial P3, Kingston NV2). This provides enough space for the operating system and 5-8 large AAA games. If you absolutely need more storage, prioritize the 1TB NVMe for the OS and main games, and then add a cheaper, high-capacity SATA hard drive later for backups and media.

Power Supply Unit (PSU): Never Skimp on Safety

I cannot stress this enough: Never buy the cheapest, unbranded power supply unit you can find. The PSU powers every component, and a failure can take your entire system with it. This is not the place to save $15.

• Wattage: For a Ryzen 5/i3 paired with an RX 6600, a quality 550W PSU is more than enough, offering plenty of headroom.
• Efficiency: Look for 80+ Bronze certification minimum. This guarantees a level of efficiency and build quality.
• Recommendation: Stick to reputable brands like Corsair, Seasonic, EVGA, or Cooler Master. A good 550W 80+ Bronze unit should cost around $50–$65.

Case Selection: Function Over Form

The case just needs to hold the parts and provide excellent airflow. Aesthetics are zero priority.

• Must-haves: Mesh front panel (for unrestricted air intake), room for your chosen GPU length, and space for at least two case fans.
• Savings: Look for basic micro-ATX (mATX) tower cases. They are smaller, cheaper, and often perfectly adequate for a budget build. We aim for $50 or less.
• Fans: Many budget cases come with one exhaust fan. We highly recommend buying one or two cheap, reliable 120mm fans for the front intake to ensure adequate cooling and longevity for your 700 gaming computer.

The Definitive $700 Gaming PC Build List (Example Build)

Based on the market prices and the philosophy above (prices are estimates and subject to change based on sales and rebates, but they represent typical non-sale pricing for optimal parts):

Component	Example Part Recommendation	Estimated Cost
CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (W/Stock Cooler)	$130
Motherboard	Gigabyte B550M DS3H (mATX)	$90
RAM	G.Skill Ripjaws V 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200 CL16	$40
GPU	XFX Speedster SWFT210 Radeon RX 6600 8GB	$260
Storage	Crucial P3 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD	$60
PSU	EVGA 550 BQ 550W 80+ Bronze	$60
Case	DeepCool Matrexx 40 3FS (mATX, mesh front)	$50
TOTAL		$690

This sample build utilizes the remaining $10 for a couple of extra case fans or tax/shipping buffer. This configuration is a powerful, reliable 700 gaming computer that will handle 1080p gaming beautifully.

Performance Estimates for the Sample Build

With this configuration, you are positioned firmly in the 1080p high/medium settings zone:

• Esports (Fortnite, Apex Legends, CS2): Easily 100+ FPS on competitive settings.
• Modern AAA (Elden Ring, Forza Horizon 5): 60+ FPS on high/medium mixed settings.
• Heavy AAA (Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield): 40–55 FPS on medium settings, which is perfectly playable and enjoyable.

This is the kind of performance that truly justifies building a dedicated gaming pc 700 rather than settling for a console or a low-end laptop.

Pre-Built vs. Custom Build: Is the $700 Gaming Computer Better DIY?

This is a question I get asked constantly. When dealing with extreme budget constraints like $700, the advantage almost always goes to the custom DIY build.

Why DIY Wins at $700:

1. Avoidance of “Skimping”: Pre-built companies frequently cut costs in invisible areas—the PSU, the motherboard VRMs, and the RAM speed—all of which negatively impact performance and longevity. You will often find a generic, low-quality 450W PSU in a pre-built that costs $700.
2. Strategic Component Selection: You control the budget split. We were able to allocate 40% to the GPU. A pre-built may pair a decent GPU with a CPU that is overkill (bottlenecking the system) or a tiny, slow SSD.
3. No “Bloatware”: Custom builds start clean, free of unnecessary manufacturer software that slows down Windows and consumes valuable resources.

While building your own PC requires a few hours of effort, the performance increase and reliability gained by maximizing component quality are absolutely worth it, especially when trying to create a high-value 700 gaming computer.

Finding Deals and Secondary Markets (Saving Those Crucial Dollars)

To ensure your final cost stays under $700, you must be patient and opportunistic.

1. Price Trackers: Use websites like PCPartPicker to track price history. This helps you identify genuine sales versus inflated “deals.”
2. Open Box/Refurbished: Check trusted retailers (Newegg, Amazon Warehouse) for open-box CPUs or cases. Often, these are returns in perfect condition and offer 10–20% savings.
3. Used GPUs (Advanced): If you are experienced and know how to test hardware, the used market is the single biggest way to upgrade your performance tier. Buying a used RTX 3060 Ti instead of a new RX 6600 can dramatically change your framerates, but buyer beware! Always purchase from reputable sellers with return policies.

Future-Proofing Your Budget Rig

While no 700 gaming computer is truly future-proof, we made smart choices to ensure easy upgrades down the line. We built our rig on a solid foundation.

Smart Upgrade Paths for Your gaming pc 700

If you find yourself with an extra $200–$300 six months or a year after building, here is the optimal upgrade path:

1. CPU Upgrade (Easiest Path): If you started with the Ryzen 5 5600 on a B550 board, you have a phenomenal upgrade path to a used or discounted Ryzen 7 5800X3D (if budget allows) or a Ryzen 7 5700X. A simple BIOS update and CPU swap can extend the life of your rig significantly.
2. GPU Upgrade (Most Impactful): The next logical step is to upgrade the RX 6600 to something in the mid-range, like an RTX 4070 or an RX 7700 XT. Remember, if you upgrade the GPU significantly, you may also need to upgrade the PSU to 650W or 750W.
3. Storage Expansion: Adding a second, larger 2TB SATA SSD is a cheap and easy way to solve storage space issues without impacting gaming performance.

By selecting the B550 chipset, we ensured that the motherboard won’t immediately need replacement when we want a better CPU—a common hidden cost in cheap pre-builts. We maximized the platform longevity within the confines of our budget.

Conclusion: Your Affordable Gaming Journey Starts Now

Building a powerful, reliable 700 gaming computer is absolutely achievable, but it requires strategic thinking and a commitment to prioritizing performance over aesthetics. We have proven that by focusing 40% of the budget on the GPU (like the RX 6600) and pairing it with a highly efficient modern CPU (like the Ryzen 5 5600), you can unlock fantastic 1080p gaming performance.

I encourage you to take the plunge. The satisfaction of building your own machine, knowing exactly where every dollar went, and then seeing those smooth framerates on screen is unmatched. You now have the expert knowledge required to navigate the budget hardware landscape. Good luck with your build, and I’ll see you in the game!