Building a Budget Gaming Rig Under $100

If you are looking to build a gaming PC on a budget of less than $100, you might be surprised to learn that it is possible, but with some limitations. Here, we will explore the components and strategies you can use to create a basic, yet functional gaming setup for around $100.

Components for the Budget Gaming PC

For a gaming PC build that costs less than $100, you will need to consider older or second-hand components. An Intel Core 2 Duo or early i3 or i5 processor can serve as the CPU, along with 4GB of DDR3 RAM. An older GPU, such as an AMD Radeon or NVIDIA GeForce, can be used, provided it is affordable due to its age. A 160GB to 240GB hard drive will also be sufficient, as the storage is less critical for gaming than processing power and RAM.

These parts are often being sold cheaply or are discarded due to their age. It's worth finding these components for around $100, as they can handle games from the early 2010s, though at lower graphical settings to achieve playable frame rates. Steam still supports operating systems up to Windows 10, but setting up an old system like Windows XP may still be possible with some additional hardware.

Games That Might Run on This Setup

Games that are still playable on such a setup might include:

GTA 5 Skyrim Alien Isolation Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 (2011) Mass Effect 1 to 3 (not in Legendary Edition) Oblivion

These are titles that have lower system requirements but may still require you to adjust your graphics settings to ensure they are playable.

Alternative Approach: Gaming with Thrift Store Finds

While building a gaming PC within the $100 budget can be challenging, you can achieve a functional gaming setup by purchasing affordable components from thrift stores. A Dell monitor, an old PS3, an Xbox 360, a couple of cheap headphones, and an HDMI to VGA adapter are some of the components you can find for around $50 each. This approach can yield a total setup cost of $175.43, which is more than the $100 budget but still significantly cheaper than building a dedicated gaming PC from scratch.

Here are the items and their costs:

Dell monitor - $29.95 PlayStation 3 60GB fat model - $34.24 PS3 camouflage controller - $4.27 Xbox 360 E 500GB with 1 controller - $29.95 iConnects headphone - $22.06 Beexellent headphone - $21.38 HDMI to VGA adapter - $33.58

Adding a PS4 that was found for $34.23 and 2 PS4 controllers at $7.47 each can bring the total cost to about $213.65. You can use these items to create a simple gaming setup, which might look a bit messy but will definitely be more affordable.

Final Thoughts

Building a budget gaming setup for less than $100 is possible if you know where to look and are willing to put in the time to find the right components. While the performance will be limited, this setup can handle older and less graphically intensive games. Additionally, by using thrift store finds, you can save money for future upgrades or investments in more modern gaming platforms like the PS5 or Xbox Series X.

Remember, patience and persistence are key. Keep an eye out for good deals and wear your deal-hunting hat when visiting thrift stores and online marketplaces. With a bit of luck and some time, you can make your gaming dreams come true even on a tight budget.