Introduction
Building a custom PC allows you to tailor the components to your needs instead of buying a prebuilt system.
It is also more cost-effective, as you can save hundreds of dollars by buying and assembling the core components yourself.
With a budget of less than $1,000, you can build a gaming PC that can handle various games and supports high resolution.
Now, let’s review the essential components, the build process, and the four best gaming PCs under $1000.
What parts do you need to build a gaming PC for under $1000?
Here are the core components you need to assemble a gaming PC for less than $1000.
- Central Processing Unit CPU: Sometimes called processor, the CPU handles all of the processes and ensures strong performance for your games. The big names here are Intel and AMD.
- Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): The GPU displays graphical images on your PC. If your gameplay has complex graphics, you’ll need a powerful graphics card to display it accurately. The major brands in this department are Nvidia and AMD.
- Motherboard: You install and connect all the core components on the motherboard so they work together and function properly.
- Storage (SSD): An SSD provides your PC with storage space, fast load times, and smooth performance. Consider using an SSD and a well-maintained hard drive as secondary storage for rarely used files.
- RAM: The RAM temporarily stores data and information processed by the CPU. Your PC will perform faster with more RAM (combined with a quality processor).
- Power Supply Unit (PSU): PSU supplies power to the entire PC build, allowing for easier cable management within the gaming setup.
- Case: This enclosure holds the parts in your build. It will dictate the PC’s looks, size, shape, and identity.
- Cooler: The cooling system protects the CPU from overheating. Most CPUs have this built-in, so you might not need an external one.
- OS: OS stands for operating system. Windows is the recommended OS for your gaming PC, though some gamers prefer Linux.
How to build your $1000 gaming PC; step-by-step
Before building your computer from scratch, you must gather some tools and prepare your workspace.
Get all the core components you’ll need to assemble the build. These include a CPU, motherboard, power supply unit (PSU), graphics card, RAM, storage (SSD), and case.
There are almost infinite options for each of these parts. But before deciding, you must factor in a $1,000 cap in budget, performance, manufacturer preferences, and aesthetics.
The most important tool you need is a screwdriver for installing components into your case. A Phillips screwdriver will do just about everything. You’ll require a flashlight or extra light source to illuminate when installing cables and bending over the chassis.
Other tools you’ll need include a tube of thermal paste, a USB flash drive to store the OS installer, zip ties to tie cables inside your PC, and scissors for unpacking components.
Ready to build your dream gaming PC for a budget of $1000?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to assemble your system.
Step #1: Install CPU on the Motherboard
Remove the motherboard from its packaging, place it on your work surface, and search for the CPU socket.
After finding the socket, remove the CPU from its packaging and align the arrow on the CPU with the arrow on the motherboard’s CPU socket. Gently seat the CPU onto the motherboard socket.
Be extra careful when handling the CPU, and avoid touching the pins to prevent damage.
Step 2: Install CPU Cooler on Motherboard
The next step is to install the CPU cooler. Since there are different types, I recommend consulting the manual for specific installation instructions.
If your motherboard already has a mounting bracket, place the cooler on it. Otherwise, remove this bracket if your CPU cooler doesn’t need one, or replace it if it uses a different bracket.
Also, if your cooler doesn’t have thermal paste pre-applied, you should manually apply some before placing it on the motherboard.
Step 3: Install RAM
Check your motherboard to see how many RAM slots it has (usually two or four).
Depending on the number of RAM you have, fill the available slots by simply snapping the RAM into place.
Step 4: Mount the Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Take the PSU out of its packaging and set its cables aside.
Look at your case and notice how the PSU is supposed to sit in it. Typically, you should place the PSU so its fan faces outside the case and receives decent airflow when needed. Also, ensure it has enough clearance.
Mount the PSU to the case using its screws and run the attached cables through the case to where they’ll need to be.
Step 5: Install Motherboard
If your motherboard has an unattached I/O shield, place it in the back of your case and make sure it’s seated correctly.
Once the shield is in place, install the motherboard on the case. Ensure all cables are threaded through to the right place, and align the motherboard with the I/O shield.
Then, mount the screws in all available screw holes to hold the motherboard in place. Connect the power supply to the motherboard.
Step 6: Install GPU
First, find the PCIe graphics card slot on your motherboard. Check the user manual to find the right slot if there are multiple PCIe slots.
Remove the GPU from its packaging, align it carefully with the slot, and gently push it until you hear a click.
Once the GPU is installed, screw it to the back of the case to make sure it’s secured. And if it needs auxiliary power connectors, connect it to the PSU.
Step 7: Install Storage
First, check your case to find the drive bays. Open the bay’s lever, pull out the tray, and place your drive.
After placing the drive, slide the tray back until it clicks into place. Once the storage drives are in place, connect them to the PSU and the motherboard using a SATA cable.
Step 8: Install Operating System
Once you’ve assembled all the parts, the final step is installing your operating system on the PC. Before starting the build, you should have prepared your OS on a USB flash drive.
Connect the USB flash drive to your PC and turn it on. Ensure that your components are all installed by checking the PC’s system info to be sure the system recognizes all parts.
Restart your computer so the PC boots from the USB drive and the OS installer shows up. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Now, that’s how you build a gaming PC.
You can always customize your build to meet different needs and update it with the latest hardware.
4 Best Gaming PC Builds under $1000
Building a powerful gaming PC setup for under $1,000 can be challenging.
Here are four best gaming PC builds that maximize performance without breaking the bank.
Build 1
Component Type | Model | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|
CPU | Intel Core i5-14400F | $196 |
Motherboard | MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi | $148 |
RAM | Corsair VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 6400MHz 32GB | $110 |
GPU | ASUS Dual GeForce RTX™ 4060 OC Edition 8GB | $299 |
Storage | Kingston Fury Renegade 500GB PCIe Gen 4.0 NVMe | $79 |
PSU | Thermaltake Toughpower GF A3 750W | $90 |
Case | MSI MAG Forge 112R Case | $70 |
Total | $992 |
This gaming PC delivers high performance on a budget.
It comes with 10-core Intel Core i5, Nvidia GeForce RTX and a MSI B760 motherboard that features built-in Wi-Fi and memory overclocking.
The PC build also has a 500GB fast SSD, 32GB high speed RAM and pre-overclocked ASUS RTX 4060 for gaming. In addition, it’s exterior case and PSU supports future upgrades and provides a great value for gamers.
Build 2
Component Type | Model | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|
CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 7600 | $189 |
Motherboard | MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi | $149 |
RAM | G.Skill Flare X5 Series (AMD Expo) 6000MHz 32GB | $104 |
GPU | GIGABYTE Radeon RX 7700 XT GAMING OC 12G | $399 |
Storage | Kingston NV2 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe Internal SSD | $60 |
PSU | Thermaltake SMART 600W ATX | $40 |
Case | Zalman T7 ATX Mid Tower | $50 |
Total | $991 |
This build comes with the hexacore AMD Ryzen 5 7600, MSI gaming motherboard and 32GB of RAM. These parts combine to offer future-proof performance for gamers.
The RX GPU performs great for under $400. While the 600W Smart PSU powers the setup and the mid-range 1TB SSD is enough for storage.
With under $1000, you can get this build and enjoy top gaming performance, efficiency and future upgrade potential without breaking the bank.
Build 3
Component Type | Model | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|
CPU | Intel Core i3-14100F | $110 |
Motherboard | Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX | $140 |
RAM | G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 Series | $100 |
GPU | ASUS Dual RTX 4070 SUPER OC 12G | $599 |
Storage | Silicon Power 1TB NVMe M.2 PCIe 2280 SSD | $65 |
PSU | XPG Core Reactor 750W | $70 |
Case | GAMDIAS ATX Mid Tower | $54 |
Total | $1138 |
With an entry-level Corei3 CPU, this build is more focused on higher res gaming and not so much on processing power. It has a powerful Nvidia RTX GPU which is great value and perfect for 2K/1440P gaming.
A compromise in this build is using an entry level Gigabyte motherboard and entry level Silicon Power storage to save costs. But it has high end RAM, top tier 750W gold rated PSU and super GPU. So, with this build, you have a clear upgrade path to extend its limits in the future.
Build 4
Component Type | Model | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|
CPU | AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3d | $160 |
Motherboard | Gigabyte B550 UD AC | $109 |
RAM | Crucial RAM 32GB Kit (2x16GB) DDR4 3200 | $61 |
GPU | ASUS Dual GeForce RT 4060 Ti OC Edition 8GB GDDR6 | $369 |
Storage | WD Blue SN580 (2TB) Western Digital 2TB WD Blue SN580 NVMe Internal Solid State Drive SSD | $119 |
PSU | Corsair CX750M ATX 750W | $74 |
Case | Phanteks XT Pro | $59 |
Total | $951 |
The Nvidia RTX GPU makes this build excellent for 1080p and 1440p gaming.
It’s 8-core, 16-thread AMD processor combines with the Wi-Fi supported motherboard to ensure smooth gameplay. While the Phanteks case comes with a quality mesh design and contains enough space for all parts.
Factors to consider when building a $1000 gaming PC
When assembling a gaming PC with a budget of $1000, you need comprehensive planning to make your investment work.
The most important things to consider when upgrading or customizing a gaming computer include performance, upgradability etc.
Budget
Allocate funds for essential gaming PC components first and purchase features like RGB lighting later on.
Ensure you draft a strict budget and plan your purchases accordingly to get the best value for your money.
Upgradability
When building your gaming PC, future upgrades are key.
So choose components that can be upgraded without having to replace the whole build. This will extend the life of your system and keep your PC powerful for years to come.
Performance
Having powerful gaming performance under $1000 will require research and careful part selection.
So compare parts to find what you need within your budget.
Aesthetics
Do you have a certain look in mind? Then you need to consider aesthetics when building your $1000 gaming PC.
Whether it’s a dark, all white or RGB PC setup, decide on your theme for the computer. But remember, chasing an awesome look will add to the overall cost of the build.