Budget Desktop Builds Under $800: Affordable Power for Everyday Use
Building a desktop PC doesn’t have to break the bank. With careful planning, you can assemble a reliable, efficient machine for under $800 that handles everyday tasks, light gaming, and even some creative work. Whether you’re a student, a remote worker, or a casual gamer, these budget-friendly builds offer great value without compromising performance.
Why Build a Budget Desktop?
Pre-built desktops often come with hidden costs—lower-quality components, bloatware, or unnecessary markups. By building your own, you control the quality of each part, ensuring better longevity and upgradeability. Plus, it’s a rewarding experience!
Below, we’ve outlined two sensible builds under $800: one for general productivity and another for light gaming.
1. The All-Around Productivity PC (~$750)
Perfect for office work, web browsing, and multimedia.
Component List:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (6 cores, 12 threads, integrated graphics) – $120
- Motherboard: MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI (micro-ATX, Wi-Fi included) – $110
- RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200 – $35
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (Crucial P3 or WD Blue SN570) – $60
- Case: Fractal Design Focus G (good airflow, easy to build in) – $60
- Power Supply: EVGA 600W 80+ Bronze (reliable, room for upgrades) – $60
- Operating System: Windows 11 (free unactivated or use Linux) – $0
Total: ~$745
Why This Works:
- The Ryzen 5 5600G provides excellent CPU performance and decent integrated graphics for light tasks.
- 16GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking.
- A 1TB SSD offers fast boot times and ample storage.
- The B550 motherboard allows future upgrades (like a dedicated GPU).
2. The Entry-Level Gaming PC (~$800)
Capable of 1080p gaming at medium-high settings in most titles.
Component List:
- CPU: Intel Core i3-12100F (4 cores, 8 threads, great single-core speed) – $95
- GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6600 (great 1080p performance) – $200
- Motherboard: ASRock B660M-HDV (supports future upgrades) – $90
- RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200 – $35
- Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD (TeamGroup MP34 or similar) – $60
- Case: Cooler Master Q300L (compact, good airflow) – $50
- Power Supply: Corsair CX650M (650W, semi-modular) – $80
Total: ~$800
Why This Works:
- The RX 6600 delivers smooth 1080p gaming in titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Elden Ring.
- The i3-12100F is surprisingly powerful for gaming and general use.
- 650W PSU leaves room for future GPU upgrades.
Final Thoughts
Building a PC under $800 is entirely possible without sacrificing performance. Whether you prioritize productivity or gaming, these builds offer excellent value.
Tips for Saving More:
- Look for used GPUs (like an RTX 2060 or RX 5700) to save money.
- Start with 500GB SSD and upgrade storage later.
- Consider Linux if you don’t need Windows.
Would you customize these builds further? Let us know in the comments! Happy building
