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Best Gaming Setups for Different Budgets: From PC Builds to Affordable Consoles

Writer: April JordanApril Jordan

PC Build


Regarding gaming, your setup can significantly impact your overall experience. Whether you're looking for high-end PC Builds that can handle the latest AAA titles at maximum settings or need a more budget-friendly option, there's a perfect setup for every gamer out there. This blog post will explore some of the best gaming setups across budgets, from high-end PC builds to affordable consoles. Plus, we'll share a little secret about how much our CEO loves AMD processors—and his personal killer setup that might inspire your next build!


High-End PC Builds: The Ultimate Performance Machine

Invest in a high-end gaming setup if you're serious about gaming and want a machine that can handle anything you throw at it. A top-tier build ensures you get the best performance, including ultra-high frame rates, stunning graphics, and smooth gameplay, even in the most demanding games.


Recommended Components:

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen™ 9 9950X or Intel Core i9-14900K

  • Motherboard: ROG CROSSHAIR X670E HERO (AMD) or MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi (Intel)

  • Storage: RAID-0 Samsung 990 NVMe

  • RAM: Corsair (32GB or more, depending on your needs)

  • Power Supply Unit (PSU): Corsair 1000W or higher

  • Cooling: Corsair Liquid Cooling System

  • Graphics Card: Nvidia RTX 4090 or AMD RX 7900 XTX


Our CEO, a self-proclaimed AMD enthusiast, swears by the AMD Ryzen™ 9 9950X for its excellent price-to-performance ratio and multitasking capabilities. Along with the beast of a CPU with the ROG CROSSHAIR X670E HERO, The RAID-0 configuration of Samsung 990 SSDs provides blazing-fast load times, ensuring no lag between you and in-game objectives.


To keep everything running calm and quiet, the resilient Corsair components, from RAM to PSU, to a liquid cooling system that keeps the Ryzen CPU humming at optimal temperatures. And remember the Nvidia RTX 4090, which powers excellent gaming sessions with ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics. Whether leading a raid in an MMORPG or diving into the latest first-person shooter, your setup is ready for anything!


Mid-Range Gaming Setup: The Best of Both Worlds

Only some people need top-of-the-line hardware to have a great gaming experience. A mid-range gaming setup can provide a fantastic balance between performance and cost, offering more than enough power to run most modern games at high settings without breaking the bank.


Recommended Components:

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen™ 7 7800X3D Processor or Intel Core i7-13700K

  • Motherboard: MAG B650 TOMAHAWK (AMD) or Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX (intel)

  • Storage: 1TB NVMe (like Samsung 990)

  • RAM: 32 GB DDR4 3200MHz

  • PSU: EVGA 750W

  • Cooling: Stock or Hyper 212 Cooler

  • Graphics Card: Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT


This setup is ideal for gamers who want solid performance without the hefty price tag. The AMD Ryzen™ 7 7800X3D and Intel Core i7-13700K are both excellent choices for gaming, providing enough power to handle the latest titles while being cost-effective. Paired with a motherboard like the MAG B650 TOMAHAWK or Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX and a capable GPU like the Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti, this rig is ready to deliver high frame rates and impressive graphics.


Entry-Level Gaming Setup: Affordable Fun

Suppose you're new to gaming or need a setup that does the job without any frills; an entry-level gaming PC can offer good performance on a budget. These builds are great for less demanding games, such as "Fortnite," "League of Legends," or indie titles that don't require top-tier specs.


Recommended Components:

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 9600X or Intel® Core™ i5-11500

  • Motherboard: MSI B650 Gaming (AMD) or MSI B460M-A Pro

  • Storage: 500GB SATA SSD (like the Crucial MX500)

  • RAM: 16 GB DDR4 2666MHz

  • PSU: Corsair CV450 450W

  • Cooling: Stock Cooler

  • Graphics Card: Nvidia GTX 1650 Super or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT


This setup is designed for those just dipping into PC gaming or with a limited budget. With an AMD Ryzen 5 9600X or Intel® Core™ i5-11500, paired with a modest Nvidia GTX 1650 Super, you can still enjoy many popular games at 1080p with decent settings. This build is all about maximizing value without compromising the core gaming experience.


The Cheapest Option: Console Gaming

Of course, if building a PC seems too daunting or expensive, there's always the tried and true option: a gaming console. Consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or Nintendo Switch offer fantastic gaming experiences straight out of the box, without complex setup or configuration. Plus, with a console, you're guaranteed compatibility with all the latest titles released for that platform, and you don't have to worry about hardware upgrades for several years.


AFK CEO's Funny Take: "If you want the cheapest option, buy a console! Just plug it in, grab a controller, and you're ready to game—no RAID configurations or liquid cooling required! 😂"


AFK CEO's Build:

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D

  • Motherboard: ASUS TUF X570-WiFi Plus

  • Storage: RAID-0 2x Samsung 980 NVMe

  • RAM: Corsair 64GB

  • PSU: Corsair 1000W

  • Cooling: Corsair Liquid Cooling System

  • Graphics Card: Nvidia RTX 4080


Our CEO has been using AMD since the AM2 Socket and waited long for AM4 and the Ryzen. Worth the wait :)


Conclusion

Whether you're looking to invest in a high-end gaming PC or want a simple, affordable console to play your favourite games, there's a setup for every gamer and every budget. Remember, the best gaming setup is the one that fits your needs and makes you happy—because gaming is all about having fun. And if you ever need guidance, AFK and our CEO are here to help you navigate your options and make the most of your gaming experience. Happy gaming!

 
 
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