$535 Budget ITX Gaming PC

Building a $535 Budget ITX Gaming PC offers a straightforward approach to a highly affordable build with significant room for future upgrades. The components used in this build are a mix of new and refurbished ones, readily available from online stores such as Amazon and Newegg. The focus of this project is on showcasing the performance and thermal capabilities post-construction, as is customary in similar content.

Parts

CPU: Intel i3-12100F

The chosen CPU for this setup is the Intel i3-12100f, known for its balanced gaming performance at an attractive price point below $90. This quad-core processor with a base clock of 3GHz (boosting up to 4.2GHz) isn’t the most robust on the market but aligns well with the budget constraints, especially when paired with a dedicated GPU for competent 1080p gaming.

Motherboard: ASRock H610M-ITX/ac

The motherboard of choice, the ASRock H610M-ITX/ac, is a cost-effective solution designed for budget builds. Despite ITX components often carrying a price premium over standard ATX parts, this motherboard, acquired for less than $120, offers essential features like USB 3.2, Gigabit LAN, and built-in Wi-Fi, making it a practical choice for this build.

Storage: Crucial P3 Plus SSD

With just one M.2 slot available on the motherboard, a 500GB Crucial P3 Plus SSD was chosen for this build. While the preference leans towards brands like Samsung or Crucial for SSDs due to their reliability, any trusted brand within the budget range would suffice. This Crucial SSD, acquired for $26 from Amazon, offers a cost-effective storage solution without compromising on quality.

RAM: 16GB Corsair Vengeance DDR4-3200 Memory

Next in line is the installation of RAM, with a 16GB set of Corsair Vengeance DDR4-3200 memory chosen for its compatibility and performance benefits. The 3200 MHz speed is well-suited for gaming and multitasking requirements, offering a smooth experience. With 16GB capacity, this RAM kit meets the demands of most gaming and general-purpose tasks. Corsair’s reputation for high-quality and reliable products further enhances the appeal of this RAM choice, making it a solid addition to the build.

Cooler:12100F Provided Cooler

The Intel i3-12100F includes a stock CPU cooler, offering convenience and cost savings for this build. While third-party coolers can provide enhanced cooling performance, the included cooler is sufficient for current needs and can be upgraded later if desired.

Case: Thermaltake Core V1

The case selected, the Thermaltake Core V1, provides a balance of compactness, value, and ease of use. It offers ample cable management options and impressive cooling potential, especially with its sizable 200mm front fan. Despite not being the smallest ITX case available, it’s a practical choice for this build, available at a reasonable $40.

Power: Corsair CX650M

The power supply unit (PSU) chosen is the Corsair CX650M, a semi-modular PSU that aids in keeping the build clean and organized. Its compatibility with larger, less expensive ATX power supplies, as opposed to smaller SFX PSUs common in many ITX cases, is a notable advantage, acquired for $80 from Best Buy.

GPU: Refurbished GTX 1660

The GPU selected, a refurbished GTX 1660 Super priced at $140 on Newegg, strikes a balance between cost and performance, suitable for high settings 1080p gaming across a range of titles. While an upgrade to the RX 6600 is recommended for improved performance, the GTX 1660 Super remains a viable option within the budget constraints.

Performance testing across various games demonstrates the system’s capability, with temperatures remaining within acceptable ranges under load. Suggestions for improvement include adding an exhaust fan for enhanced heat dissipation and considering a GPU upgrade for those seeking higher performance in newer and more demanding games. Overall, this $530 budget ITX gaming PC delivers satisfactory results for its price point, ideal for users prioritizing a cost-effective yet capable gaming experience at 1080p resolution.

Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

  1. Lower the CPU into the socket of the motherboard, letting it fall into place. When it is fully seated, lower the latch.
  1. Install the Samsung Crucial P3 Plus SSD, and screw it in with the provided screw.
  1. Install RAM

Make sure that the notch is correctly aligned, then apply even pressure until both sides click into place.

  1. Install CPU Cooler

Clean off the CPU and apply a line of thermal paste down the middle. Lower the cooler over the CPU and align the 4 pins with the 4 holes on the motherboard. Gently apply pressure to the 4 thumb nuts until you hear them pop into place. Plug the cooler into the CPU fan cooler, completing the motherboard installation.

  1. Prepare the Case

Unscrew the 2 thumb nuts holding the top panel, and pop the panel off. Repeat these steps for the left and right side panels.

  1. Install Power Supply

This is a semi-modular power supply, meaning the basic cables are attached and cannot be removed. However, the ancillary cables are removable. Attach a PCIe riser cable along with the pre-attached cables integrated into the power supply. Remove this bottom panel and lower the power supply with the fan facing out into the case and secure it with the 4 screws.

  1. Flip the case over and grab the motherboard IO plate. Make sure this is oriented correctly, then align it into the back and push it into place until all sides are fully seated.
  1. Install the motherboard by lowering it into the case. Align it with the IO plate and the standoffs. Secure it with the included 4 screws.
  1. Plug in Cables

Begin with the case cables. Plug the case fan in at the top. Plug the USB 3.0 and IO connectors to the right side of the motherboard. Plug in the HD audio connector on the bottom left. Plug the 8-pin CPU and 24-pin motherboard connector. Organize cables.

  1. Remove the slot covers. This will allow access to the PCIe slot. Lower the GPU into the slot and gently push until it locks. Then secure with the same 2 screws and reattach the cover.
  1. Plug in the 8-pin PCIe power cable and organize cables. Replace the bottom and side panels. 

The build is complete!

In assessing the performance of this budget-friendly ITX gaming PC, it’s evident that a high refresh rate 1080p monitor complements its capabilities well. Across various titles, especially competitive shooters, this PC consistently delivers framerates exceeding 60 frames per second (fps) at high settings, providing a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

Taking a closer look at specific games like Cyberpunk, Spiderman, Guardians, and Doom Eternal, the system maintains solid framerates, often surpassing 60fps even at high presets. Doom Eternal, known for its optimization, showcases impressive performance, reaching well over 120fps at ultra settings, highlighting the system’s capability for demanding titles.

Transitioning to competitive shooters like Apex Legends and Overwatch 2, the PC excels, achieving framerates over 100fps and 130fps, respectively, at 1080p ultra settings. These framerates ensure a competitive edge and fluid gameplay experience, particularly for users with high refresh rate monitors.

Despite the demanding nature of games like Call of Duty Warzone, where framerates vary based on settings, the system maintains respectable performance levels, further emphasizing its versatility across different gaming genres.

Temperature management is also commendable, with GPU temperatures rarely exceeding 72 degrees Celsius and CPU temperatures staying below 60 degrees Celsius during gaming sessions. The stock CPU cooler performs admirably, maintaining adequate thermal levels even under stress tests, showcasing its reliability in managing heat dissipation.

In synthetic benchmarks like Cinebench R23 stress tests, the CPU temperatures remain within acceptable ranges, indicating the effectiveness of the cooling solution under demanding scenarios.

Overall, considering the $530 price point, this ITX gaming PC delivers impressive performance and thermal management. While minor improvements such as adding an exhaust fan for enhanced heat dissipation or upgrading to the RX 6600 for increased performance in newer games could be beneficial, the system’s performance-to-price ratio remains highly satisfactory for budget-conscious gamers seeking a reliable 1080p gaming experience.