Building Your Budget Gaming PC for Under $900

Level Up Your Gaming Without Breaking the Bank

  • Welcome PC Builder! So, you've decided to ditch pre-builts and dive into the satisfying world of custom PC building? Smart move! Not only can you save a good chunk of change, but you also get a deeper understanding of your machine and the exact performance you want.
  •  We're aiming for a solid gaming rig around the under-$900 mark that delivers excellent performance for today's games.
  • What You'll Need (The Essentials):
    • Physical Tools:
      • Phillips #2 Screwdriver (magnetic tip is a lifesaver for tiny screws!)
      • Anti-static wrist strap (safety first, prevents component damage)
      • Zip ties or Velcro cable ties & a small pair of snippers (for neat cabling)
      • Thermal paste (if your CPU cooler doesn't have it pre-applied)
      • Small bowl or tray for screws (don't lose those tiny guys!)
      • A clean, well-lit workspace (avoid carpet if possible for static reasons)
    • Software & Free Alternatives:
      • Operating System: Unactivated Windows 11 Home (free to install and use with some limitations) OR a cheap Windows 11 OEM key (often found for $5-$20 from reputable third-party sellers). Linux distributions like Pop!_OS or Ubuntu are also free and viable for gaming.
      • OS Installer: A working computer and a USB drive (at least 8GB) to create your Windows 11 installation media.
      • Drivers: Download the latest drivers from your motherboard and graphics card manufacturer's websites (Intel, AMD, NVIDIA). Free driver update tools like Snappy Driver Installer Origin can also help offline.
      • Disk Partitioning: EaseUS Partition Master Free or GParted (free tools for managing drive space).
  • Estimated Time Investment:
    • For first-timers: Plan for 4-8 hours for assembly, plus another 1-2 hours for software installation and initial setup.
    • For experienced builders: You might get it done in 2-4 hours.

The Parts List: Your Modern Budget Beast

Here are the components that will make up your new gaming rig, carefully selected for performance and value:

Motherboard: The Nervous System

    • GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC R2 (Motherboard with Wi-Fi)
    • Why this one? This B550M board is an excellent budget choice for the Ryzen 5 5600. It supports PCIe 4.0 for fast SSDs and GPUs, DDR4 RAM, and conveniently includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, saving you extra costs. Its Micro-ATX form factor fits well in smaller cases too. Note: If you don't plan on using Wi-Fi you can get a slightly cheaper version of this motherboard.
    • Estimated Price: ~$110.00

Processor (CPU): The Brain of Your Machine

    • AMD Ryzen 5 5600 6-Core 12-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
    • Why this one? The Ryzen 5 5600 offers fantastic value, delivering strong gaming performance for its price point. It works with the affordable AM4 platform and DDR4 memory, keeping our budget in check while still crushing games at 1080p. Plus, it often comes with a stock cooler that's sufficient for most users.
    • Estimated Price: ~$99.00

Graphics Card (GPU): The Heart of Gaming

    • ASRock AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT Challenger D 8GB OC Graphics Card
    • Why this one? For budget 1080p gaming, the RX 6600 XT is still a phenomenal performer. It offers great framerates at high settings and is often found at a sweet spot price-wise, outperforming newer, more expensive budget cards in some scenarios. Its 8GB of VRAM is ample for modern titles at 1080p.
AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT

AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT

    • Estimated Price: ~$230.00

Memory (RAM): Your PC's Short-Term Memory

  • Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200MHz C16 Desktop Memory Kit
  • Why this one? 16GB of DDR4 RAM is the sweet spot for modern gaming, especially with two sticks (2x8GB) for dual-channel performance. Corsair Vengeance LPX is renowned for its reliability, low profile (great for CPU cooler clearance), and excellent value at 3200MHz.
  • Estimated Price: ~$45.00

Storage (NVMe SSD): Lightning-Fast Load Times

  • Western Digital Blue SN5000 1TB NVMe Internal Gaming SSD
  • Why this one? Forget sluggish HDDs! An NVMe SSD is essential for snappy boot times and quick game loading. The WD Blue SN5000 offers excellent PCIe Gen 4 performance for its price, rivaling higher-end drives in game load times. 1TB is a great starting point for your OS and a good collection of games.
  • Estimated Price: ~$65.00

Power Supply Unit (PSU): The Unsung Hero

  • MSI MAG A550BN 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified Power Supply
  • Why this one? Never skimp on the PSU! This MSI MAG A550BN is a reliable, budget-friendly 550W unit with 80 Plus Bronze efficiency, meaning it's reasonably efficient and won't waste too much power. It includes essential protection features to keep your components safe. 550W is plenty for our chosen components.
  • Estimated Price: ~$50.00

PC Case: The Body Guard

  • Lian Li Lancool 207 Mid-Tower ATX Gaming Case
  • Why this one? This case is a superstar for budget builds! It's an ATX mid-tower, offering plenty of space for our components and future upgrades. Crucially, it comes with four included fans (two RGB!) and excellent mesh panels for superior airflow, keeping your components cool without extra cost.
  • Estimated Price: ~$85.00

Monitor: Your Window to Gaming Worlds

  • KOORUI 24E3 24-inch FHD 200Hz 1ms Gaming Monitor
  • Why this one? This 24-inch 1080p monitor is a "best bang for your buck" option. It boasts a super-smooth 200Hz refresh rate and a rapid 1ms response time, crucial for competitive and immersive gaming.
  • Estimated Price: ~$120.00

Keyboard: Your Command Center

  • Redragon K552 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
  • Why this one? For a truly budget-friendly mechanical keyboard, the Redragon K552 is a classic. It offers satisfying clicky mechanical switches (or linear, depending on variant), full N-key rollover for accurate presses, anti-ghosting, and customizable RGB backlighting – all for a killer price.
  • Estimated Price: ~$40.00

Mouse: Precision at Your Fingertips

  • SteelSeries Rival 3 Wired Gaming Mouse
  • Why this one? The wired SteelSeries Rival 3 is a "budget king" among gaming mice. It's incredibly capable for its price, featuring an accurate 8,500 CPI optical sensor, six programmable buttons, and subtle RGB. Wired connection ensures no lag and no battery worries in the middle of a game.
  • Estimated Price: ~$35.00

Essential Cables

  • DisplayPort Cable: For connecting your PC to your new gaming monitor for optimal refresh rates.
    • Estimated Price: ~$10.00
  • Ethernet Cable: For a stable, low-latency internet connection, highly recommended for online gaming, rather than using Wi-Fi
    • Estimated Price: ~$7.00

Total Estimated Build Cost: ~$896.00

All other internal power and data cables (24-pin ATX, CPU power, PCIe power, SATA power, SATA data) come included with your power supply, motherboard, or case!

Building Your PC: The Step-by-Step Workflow

Ready to get your hands dirty? Follow these steps for a smooth building experience. Remember, take your time, refer to your component manuals, and don't force anything!

I. Preparation: Setting the Stage

  1. Clear Your Workspace: Find a large, clean, static-free table (wood is good, avoid carpet). Ensure good lighting.
  2. Unbox & Organize: Take all your components out of their boxes. Lay them out in an organized manner. Keep all manuals handy – they're your best friends!
  3. Static Protection: Put on your anti-static wrist strap and clip it to an unpainted metal part of your PC case to ground yourself.

II. Motherboard Preparation (Outside the Case)

It's easiest to install the CPU, RAM, and M.2 SSD onto the motherboard before putting the motherboard into the case.

  1. Install the CPU:

    • Locate the CPU socket on your Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC motherboard (it's the square metal bracket).
    • Gently push down and out on the small metal lever next to the socket to open it.
    • Carefully remove your AMD Ryzen 5 5600 CPU from its packaging, holding it by the sides. Do not touch the gold pins!
    • Look for a small golden triangle on one corner of the CPU and align it with the matching triangle on the motherboard socket.
    • Gently lower the CPU straight down into the socket. It should drop in easily without force. If it doesn't, re-check alignment.
    • Once seated, lower the metal lever back down and snap it into place to secure the CPU.
    • Self-Correction: The Ryzen 5 5600 comes with a stock cooler, which usually has thermal paste pre-applied. If yours doesn't, apply a pea-sized dot of thermal paste to the center of the CPU's top surface now.

  2. Install the CPU Cooler (if not stock or if replacing):

    • If using the stock AMD Wraith Stealth cooler: Follow the instructions in the CPU box to attach it to the retention clips around the CPU socket. Ensure good contact.
    • If using an aftermarket cooler: Follow its specific instructions. This often involves attaching a backplate, mounting brackets, and then the heatsink/fan assembly.

  3. Install the RAM:

    • Locate the four RAM slots on your motherboard, usually next to the CPU. Your manual will show you which slots to use for dual-channel (typically slots A2 and B2, often indicated by color or numbering).
    • Push down the clips at both ends of the chosen RAM slots to open them.
    • Hold each Corsair Vengeance LPX RAM stick by its edges. Align the notch on the bottom of the RAM stick with the ridge in the slot.
    • Place the RAM in the slot and press down firmly and evenly with both thumbs on both ends until the clips snap into place and you hear a satisfying click. It takes a bit of force!

  4. Install the NVMe SSD:

    • Locate the M.2 slot(s) on your motherboard. They are often covered by a small heatsink.
    • Unscrew and remove the heatsink cover and the small M.2 standoff screw.
    • Hold your WD Blue SN5000 NVMe SSD by its edges. Align the notch on the SSD with the ridge in the M.2 slot.
    • Insert the SSD into the slot at about a 30-degree angle. It should slide in smoothly.
    • Gently push the SSD flat against the motherboard and secure it with the small screw you removed earlier.
    • Remove any plastic film from the thermal pad on the heatsink cover, then reattach the heatsink over the SSD.

III. Case Preparation & Motherboard Installation

  1. Prepare the PC Case:

    • Remove both side panels of your Lian Li Lancool 207 case for easy access.
    • The Lian Li Lancool 207 likely has a pre-installed I/O shield with the motherboard, so you might skip installing a separate metal plate here. If your specific motherboard came with a separate one, carefully snap it into the rectangular opening at the back of the case.
    • Check that the motherboard standoffs are correctly installed in the case, aligning with the screw holes on your B550M motherboard. Most modern cases have them pre-installed for Micro-ATX.

  2. Install the Motherboard:

    • Carefully lower your prepared motherboard into the case, aligning the screw holes with the standoffs and the ports with the I/O shield. Avoid scraping the motherboard on the standoffs.
    • Once aligned, secure the motherboard with the screws that came with your case. Screw them in firmly, but don't overtighten!

IV. Component Installation (Inside the Case)

  1. Install the Power Supply (PSU):

    • Locate the PSU bay in your case (usually at the bottom rear).
    • If your MSI MAG A550BN is semi-modular, connect the main 24-pin motherboard cable, the 8-pin CPU power cable, and the PCIe power cables for your graphics card to the PSU first. This makes cabling easier later.
    • Slide the PSU into its bay, ensuring the fan faces downwards if there's a vent, or upwards if not.
    • Secure the PSU to the back of the case with the four screws that came with it.

  2. Install the Graphics Card (GPU):

    • Locate the longest PCIe x16 slot on your motherboard (usually the top one). Push down the small latch at the end of the slot to unlock it.
    • Remove the corresponding metal expansion slot bracket(s) from the back of your Lian Li Lancool 207 case.
    • Hold your ASRock RX 6600 XT by its edges. Align its PCIe connector with the slot and its rear bracket with the open slots on the case.
    • Push the GPU firmly and straight down into the slot until it is fully seated and the latch on the motherboard clicks into place.
    • Secure the GPU to the case with screws, making sure it's snug.
    • Connect the required PCIe power cables (likely one 8-pin connector) from your PSU to the ports on the top or side of the graphics card. Ensure it's fully plugged in.

V. Cabling & Cable Management: The Art of Neatness

This is where everything gets connected and tidied up. Refer to your motherboard manual for exact header locations.

  1. Connect Main Power Cables to Motherboard:
    • 24-pin ATX Cable: Plug the thick 24-pin cable from your PSU into the large port on the right side of the motherboard. It's keyed, so it only fits one way. Push firmly until it clicks.
    • CPU Power Cable: Plug the 8-pin (or 4+4 pin) EPS cable from your PSU into the CPU power header, usually located at the top-left of the motherboard.
  2. Connect Front Panel Cables: These are tiny, so be careful and consult your motherboard manual!
    • USB Headers: Connect the USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB-C cables from your case's front panel to the appropriate headers on the motherboard.
    • HD Audio: Connect the HD Audio cable from the case to the audio header.
    • Power/Reset/LEDs: Connect the small individual wires for Power SW, Reset SW, Power LED, and HDD LED to their correct pins on the front panel header. Pay attention to polarity (+/-) for the LEDs.
  3. Connect Fan Cables:
    • Connect the CPU cooler fan cable to the "CPU_FAN" header.
    • Connect the case fans (from your Lian Li Lancool 207) to available "CHA_FAN" or "SYS_FAN" headers on the motherboard.
    • Connect any RGB cables from the case fans to an available RGB header on the motherboard if you want software control, or to the included RGB controller with the case.
  4. Cable Management:
    • Route cables behind the motherboard tray using the cutouts in your case.
    • Use zip ties or Velcro straps to bundle and secure cables neatly. This improves airflow and makes your build look professional. Trim excess zip tie length.
    • Ensure no cables are obstructing fans or airflow paths.

VI. First Boot & Software Setup: Bringing it to Life

You're almost there!

  1. Close Case: Once all connections are secure and cables managed, reattach both side panels of your PC case.
  2. Connect Peripherals:
    • Plug your KOORUI 24E3 monitor into your RX 6600 XT graphics card using a DisplayPort cable.
    • Connect your Redragon K552 keyboard and SteelSeries Rival 3 mouse to available USB ports.
    • Plug your PC's power cable into the MSI MAG A550BN PSU and then into a wall outlet.
    • Flip the power switch on the back of the PSU to the "on" position (usually marked 'I').
  3. First Boot and BIOS/UEFI Setup:
    • Press your PC's power button! It's normal for the PC to briefly turn on, turn off, and then back on during the very first boot as it performs a "memory training" sequence.
    • As soon as the motherboard logo appears (Gigabyte in this case), repeatedly press the designated key (usually DEL or F2) to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
    • Inside BIOS:
      • Verify that your AMD Ryzen 5 5600 CPU, Corsair Vengeance LPX RAM (16GB), and WD Blue SN5000 SSD are all detected.
      • Enable XMP/DOCP: This is CRUCIAL for your RAM to run at its advertised 3200MHz speed. Look for "XMP" or "DOCP" profile settings in your BIOS and enable it.
      • Set the correct boot order, prioritizing your WD Blue SN5000 NVMe SSD.
      • Save changes and exit the BIOS.
  4. Operating System (OS) Installation:
    • Insert your Windows 11 installation USB drive into a USB port.
    • Reboot the PC. It should now boot from the USB drive, and the Windows installer will launch.
    • Follow the on-screen prompts to install Windows 11 Home onto your WD Blue SN5000 SSD. If you bought a cheap key, you can enter it during installation or activate later. If you're going the unactivated route, simply select "I don't have a product key."
  5. Install Drivers and Updates:
    • Once Windows is installed and you're at the desktop, connect to the internet (using your Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi).
    • Download and install the latest drivers for your Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC motherboard (chipset, LAN, Wi-Fi, audio) from Gigabyte's website.
    • Download and install the latest drivers for your ASRock AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT from AMD's official website. This is vital for gaming performance.
    • Run Windows Update to ensure all system updates are applied.

Conclusion: Game On!

Congratulations! You've successfully built your very own budget gaming PC. You've saved money, learned a ton, and now have a machine capable of delivering fantastic 1080p gaming experiences with modern titles. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, fine-tune your settings, and dive into your favorite games with pride. Happy gaming!

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