How To Build A Pc For Gaming Under 800 Parts List And Guide

Building a gaming PC under $800 is not only possible—it’s practical. With smart component selection and careful planning, you can assemble a system that handles modern games at 1080p with solid frame rates. This guide breaks down every essential part, explains why each choice matters, and walks you through the assembly process. Whether you're a first-time builder or upgrading from an older rig, this setup delivers excellent value and future-proofing potential.

Why Build Instead of Buy Prebuilt?

Prefabricated desktops often cut corners on components like power supplies, motherboards, and cooling to meet price points. When you build your own, you control where the money goes—prioritizing GPU and CPU performance over flashy cases or bloatware. You also gain hands-on knowledge about your machine, making upgrades and troubleshooting easier down the line.

“Building your own PC teaches you how systems work together—it’s the best way to understand performance bottlenecks.” — David Chen, Hardware Engineer at PCPerf Labs

Tip: Always buy parts from reputable retailers like Newegg, Amazon, or Micro Center. Avoid third-party sellers with low ratings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Sub-$800 Gaming Rig

Step 1: Define Performance Goals

Before selecting any parts, decide what kind of gaming experience you want. At this budget, aim for:

• 1080p resolution (1920x1080)
• 60+ FPS in esports titles (Valorant, CS2, Fortnite)
• 30–60 FPS in AAA games (Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring) on medium settings
• Smooth streaming or recording capability (optional)

Step 2: Choose Compatible Components

All parts must work together—especially the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and case. Use tools like PCPartPicker.com to check compatibility and pricing across stores.

Step 3: Assemble in a Clean Environment

Work on a hard, non-carpeted surface with good lighting. Have a Phillips screwdriver, zip ties for cable management, and an anti-static wrist strap (or touch metal frequently to ground yourself).

Step 4: Install in Logical Order

1. Install CPU, cooler, and RAM onto the motherboard
2. Mount the motherboard into the case
3. Install the power supply
4. Add the GPU
5. Connect all power and data cables
6. Boot test before closing the case

Step 5: Install OS and Drivers

Use a free Windows 10/11 USB installer from Microsoft’s website. After installation, download drivers for your GPU, chipset, audio, and network from the manufacturers’ sites—not Windows Update.

Detailed Parts List Under $800

The following configuration prioritizes balanced performance, reliability, and upgradeability. Prices are approximate as of mid-2024 and may vary slightly by region and retailer.

Component	Model	Price	Notes
CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (6-core, 12-thread)	$110	Excellent gaming performance; includes stock cooler
Motherboard	ASRock B550M-HDV	$85	Micro-ATX, supports PCIe 4.0, solid VRMs
GPU	ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 OC 12GB	$260	Strong 1080p performance; handles ray tracing moderately
RAM	TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200MHz	$35	Reliable speed and timing for Ryzen
Storage	KINGSTON NV2 500GB NVMe SSD	$30	Fast boot drive; add more storage later if needed
Case	Cougar MX300 Mid Tower	$50	Good airflow, cable management, and space for upgrades
Power Supply	EVGA 600 W1, 80+ WHITE 600W	$50	OEM-grade unit; reliable for this build
Operating System	Windows 11 Home (Free Install)	$0	Legally install without a license; minor UI limitations
Total		$620	You save $180 for peripherals or future upgrades

Tip: If you find a used RTX 3060 Ti or RX 6700 XT within budget, it’s worth considering—but verify warranty and condition carefully.

Smart Upgrades and Alternatives

Depending on availability and sales, here are some alternative configurations that maintain performance while staying under $800.

Budget-Focused Alternative ($550)

• GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6600 (~$170) – still great for 1080p gaming
• SSD: Upgrade to 1TB later; start with 500GB for OS and key apps
• CPU: Keep Ryzen 5 5600—it pairs perfectly with mid-tier GPUs

This version frees up nearly $100 for a better monitor or mechanical keyboard.

Future-Proof Option ($780)

• GPU: XFX Speedster SWFT 210 RSX 6700 XT – ~$290
• PSU: Upgrade to EVGA 650 GQ or Corsair CX650 for headroom
• RAM: 32GB kit if multitasking or streaming

This build handles newer titles at high settings and allows CPU upgrades up to Ryzen 7 5800X3D later.

“Don’t underestimate the Ryzen 5 5600. It outperforms many pricier CPUs in games due to low latency and strong single-core speed.” — Linus Sebastian, Tech Educator

Real-World Example: Mark’s First Build

Mark, a college student, wanted a PC that could run Warzone and stream classes without lag. He had $750 total but needed to keep some cash for a monitor. Using this guide, he sourced parts during a holiday sale:

• Ryzen 5 5600: $105 (on sale)
• B550 Motherboard: $79
• RTX 3060 12GB: $240 (refurbished, with warranty)
• 16GB RAM + 500GB SSD: $60 combined
• Case and PSU: $90 bundle deal

He spent $574 total, assembled it in two hours using YouTube tutorials, and achieved 90+ FPS in Apex Legends. A month later, he added a 1TB SSD for $40. His total investment remained under $700, well below prebuilt alternatives with inferior specs.

Essential Checklist Before You Buy

Use this checklist to avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth build:

• ✅ Confirm motherboard socket matches CPU (AM4 for Ryzen 5000)
• ✅ Check GPU length fits inside the case
• ✅ Verify PSU has required PCIe power connectors (8-pin for RTX 3060)
• ✅ Ensure case supports ATX/micro-ATX boards
• ✅ Double-check RAM compatibility (DDR4, not DDR5)
• ✅ Test boot before installing drives and closing the case
• ✅ Update BIOS if necessary (use motherboard manufacturer’s instructions)

Tip: Label cables with tape during assembly. “GPU Power,” “24-pin,” etc., makes troubleshooting easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run Cyberpunk 2077 smoothly on this build?

Yes, but with adjusted settings. On medium-high settings at 1080p, expect 45–60 FPS. Enable DLSS (if available via mod) or FSR for better performance. The RTX 3060’s 12GB VRAM helps with texture-heavy scenes.

Is it safe to use a refurbished GPU?

Yes, if purchased from a trusted seller with warranty. Refurbished units from Best Buy, Micro Center, or Newegg Renewed are tested and reliable. Avoid sketchy marketplaces like unverified eBay listings.

Can I upgrade to a better CPU later?

Absolutely. The AM4 platform supports up to Ryzen 9 5950X. You might need a BIOS update for newer CPUs, but the B550 board supports them natively after update. This build offers one of the best upgrade paths in its price range.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

A sub-$800 gaming PC no longer means compromise. With the right mix of current-gen architecture and value-focused components, you can enjoy immersive gameplay, smooth multitasking, and room to grow. This build leverages the longevity of the AM4 platform, the efficiency of modern GPUs, and the flexibility of DIY assembly.

Once your system is running, consider these next steps:

• Add a secondary HDD or SSD for game libraries
• Upgrade to a 144Hz monitor for smoother visuals
• Install a budget RGB fan for aesthetics
• Explore overclocking (PBO for Ryzen) for free performance gains

💬 Ready to build yours? Share your parts list or ask questions in the comments—we’ll help you optimize every dollar!