First-time builders
Budget-conscious gamers
Casual gaming

I Tried To Build a CHEAP Gaming PC in 2026

In this video, I attempt to build a budget gaming PC for under $500, navigating the challenges of high component prices and the RAM crisis. I gather components, assemble the PC, and test its performance with various games.

By Austin Evans

Published Apr 2026·Updated Jun 2026

Best Desktop Builds Under $1,000

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Budget

$1,550

Difficulty

Beginner

Time

Full day

Tools

Basic tools

Materials

Compact project bill of materials.

Ryzen 5 5500 CPU
1 item
1 item x $60 = $60
Ripjaws RAM
16 gram
16 gram x $80 = $1,280
Gigabyte B550M Motherboard
1 item
Price unknown

I Tried To Build a CHEAP Gaming PC in 2026

Best Desktop Builds Under $1,000

Materials

Tools Needed

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