5 Best PC Setups Under $200: Budget-Friendly Builds for Everyday Use (2024)
Building a PC on a tight budget of $200 may seem challenging, but it’s entirely possible with some smart choices. While you won’t be able to assemble a high-end gaming rig or a workstation at this price point, you can create a functional and efficient machine suitable for basic tasks such as web browsing, word processing, light media consumption, and even some entry-level gaming.
This guide will provide five practical and affordable PC setups under $200, highlighting the components, their benefits, and how you can maximize performance while staying within budget.
PC Setup 1: Basic Home Office Build
This setup is designed for home office use, focusing on efficiency for tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption.
1. Processor and Motherboard Combo
- AMD A6-9500 APU with Integrated Radeon R5 Graphics
- Motherboard: ASRock A320M-HDV
The AMD A6-9500 APU comes with built-in Radeon R5 graphics, which eliminates the need for a separate GPU. This combination offers decent performance for basic tasks like browsing, word processing, and light multitasking. The ASRock A320M-HDV is a budget-friendly AM4 motherboard that supports this APU and offers solid connectivity options, such as HDMI output and multiple USB ports.
Cost: $60 (for the combo)
2. RAM
- Patriot Signature 8GB DDR4 2400 MHz RAM
8GB of DDR4 RAM is the sweet spot for a budget PC build, providing enough memory for multitasking and running essential applications smoothly.
Cost: $20
3. Storage
- Kingston A400 240GB SSD
A solid-state drive (SSD) significantly improves system speed and responsiveness compared to traditional hard drives. The Kingston A400 240GB SSD offers fast boot times and quick file access, making it an excellent choice for a budget PC build.
Cost: $18
4. Power Supply
- EVGA 400W ATX Power Supply
The EVGA 400W power supply is reliable and efficient, providing enough power for the components in this build while offering good durability for a budget PSU.
Cost: $30
5. Case
- Apevia X-QPACK3-BL Micro ATX Case
This compact Apevia Micro ATX case is affordable, stylish, and provides enough space for the build while supporting good airflow.
Cost: $30
Total Cost: $158
PC Setup 2: Entry-Level Gaming PC Build
This build is focused on providing the best gaming experience within a $200 budget, suitable for light gaming and older titles.
1. Processor and GPU Combo
- Intel Core i3-4130 Processor
- GPU: Nvidia GTX 750 Ti (used)
The Intel Core i3-4130 is a budget dual-core processor that still holds up for gaming when paired with a dedicated graphics card like the GTX 750 Ti. While the GTX 750 Ti is an older model, it can still run games like Fortnite, CS
, and League of Legends at playable frame rates.
Cost: $45 (Processor), $40 (used GPU)
2. Motherboard
- MSI H81M-E33 Micro ATX LGA1150
This budget MSI motherboard is compatible with the Intel Core i3 processor, providing the essential features you need for gaming, including USB 3.0 ports and SATA 6Gb/s.
Cost: $30
3. RAM
- Crucial 8GB DDR3 1600 MHz RAM
For gaming on a budget, 8GB of DDR3 RAM will suffice for running most modern games at lower settings. The Crucial 8GB DDR3 offers good performance at an affordable price.
Cost: $15
4. Storage
- WD Blue 500GB HDD
While SSDs are faster, using an HDD in this build provides a larger storage capacity for games and media files. The WD Blue 500GB HDD offers decent read/write speeds and plenty of space for a budget gaming build.
Cost: $20
5. Power Supply
- Thermaltake TR2 430W
The Thermaltake 430W power supply provides ample power for this setup, including the GPU, without exceeding your budget.
Cost: $30
6. Case
- Rosewill FBM-01 Micro ATX Case
The Rosewill FBM-01 is a simple and compact case that is affordable yet functional, offering good airflow for a budget gaming PC.
Cost: $25
Total Cost: $205
(With careful shopping, you might find deals that keep you closer to $200.)
PC Setup 3: Mini PC for Home Entertainment
This build is designed for users who want to build a small, quiet, and energy-efficient PC for streaming, media playback, and light tasks.
1. Processor and Motherboard Combo
- Intel Celeron J4005 with Integrated UHD 600 Graphics
- Motherboard: ASRock J4005B-ITX Mini-ITX
The Intel Celeron J4005 is a low-power processor with integrated UHD 600 graphics, making it ideal for streaming, media consumption, and web browsing. Paired with the ASRock J4005B-ITX motherboard, this setup provides enough performance for a compact and efficient mini PC.
Cost: $65 (Combo)
2. RAM
- TEAMGROUP Elite 8GB DDR4 2400 MHz RAM
With 8GB of DDR4 memory, this mini PC can handle multitasking and media playback without any lag.
Cost: $20
3. Storage
- Kingston A400 120GB SSD
For a media-focused build, 120GB of SSD storage is sufficient for the operating system and a few applications. The Kingston A400 offers fast performance in a small and affordable package.
Cost: $15
4. Power Supply
- In-Win 150W PSU
For a mini PC build, a 150W power supply is more than enough to power the system, and the In-Win PSU is both compact and energy-efficient.
Cost: $25
5. Case
- In-Win Mini-ITX Case
The In-Win Mini-ITX case is compact, stylish, and perfect for a living room setup. It fits neatly under your TV or on a desk without taking up much space.
Cost: $30
Total Cost: $155
PC Setup 4: Refurbished Office PC
Buying a refurbished office PC can save you a lot of money and still provide excellent performance for basic tasks.
1. Refurbished Desktop
- Dell Optiplex 7010 (Refurbished)
The Dell Optiplex 7010 is an affordable refurbished desktop that comes with a Core i5-3470 processor, 8GB RAM, and a 250GB HDD. These older corporate PCs are robust and reliable for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption.
Cost: $130 (Refurbished)
2. Storage Upgrade
- Kingston A400 240GB SSD
While the refurbished PC comes with an HDD, adding an SSD will dramatically improve system responsiveness. The Kingston A400 240GB SSD offers fast boot times and better overall performance.
Cost: $18
3. Peripherals
- Basic Keyboard and Mouse Combo
You can find a basic keyboard and mouse combo for under $15, perfect for an office setup.
Cost: $15
Total Cost: $163
(This build leaves room for optional peripherals like a monitor or additional upgrades.)
PC Setup 5: Raspberry Pi 4 Mini PC Build
For those looking to experiment or create a super-affordable mini PC, the Raspberry Pi 4 is an excellent option for basic tasks, coding, and DIY projects.
1. Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B comes with a quad-core processor, 4GB RAM, and integrated graphics, making it surprisingly powerful for its size. It’s ideal for light tasks like web browsing, media streaming, coding, and even some retro gaming with emulators.
Cost: $55
2. Case
- Argon ONE Raspberry Pi Case
The Argon ONE case provides excellent cooling and a sleek design, turning the Raspberry Pi into a compact and stylish mini PC.
Cost: $25
3. MicroSD Card
- SanDisk Ultra 64GB MicroSD
A 64GB microSD card acts as the main storage device for the Raspberry Pi. You’ll install the operating system and store essential files on this.
Cost: $10
4. Power Supply
- Raspberry Pi Official Power Supply
The official power supply ensures stable power delivery for the Raspberry Pi, helping avoid performance issues.
Cost: $10
5. Peripherals (continued)
- Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo
A wireless keyboard and mouse combo makes for a tidy setup and offers the convenience of not being tethered by cables. This is essential for controlling your Raspberry Pi without the hassle of dealing with extra wires.
Cost: $20
Total Cost: $120
Additional Tips for Budget PC Building
When assembling a PC setup under $200, here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your budget:
- Shop for Deals: Look for discounts, sales, and bundles. Online retailers often have promotions that can save you a significant amount of money.
- Consider Used Parts: Buying used components can reduce costs, especially for parts like GPUs and CPUs. Websites like eBay and local marketplaces are good places to find deals.
- Focus on Core Components: Prioritize spending on critical components like the processor, RAM, and storage. Peripherals and cases can be more budget-friendly.
- DIY Assembly: Assembling the PC yourself can save you money compared to pre-built options. There are plenty of tutorials available online to guide you through the process.
- Upgrade Over Time: Start with a basic setup and gradually upgrade components as your budget allows. For instance, you might begin with an HDD and later switch to an SSD for better performance.
Conclusion
Creating a PC setup under $200 is not only feasible but can also yield impressive results for a variety of needs. Whether you’re setting up a home office, an entry-level gaming rig, a mini PC for entertainment, or exploring a Raspberry Pi build, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available.
Each of the setups outlined above is tailored to different use cases and budgets, providing a solid starting point for users looking to get the best value for their money. By focusing on essential components and considering used or refurbished options, you can build a functional and efficient PC without exceeding your budget.
As technology continues to evolve, prices for components will fluctuate, so keeping an eye on sales and being flexible with your choices will help you stay within your budget while achieving your desired performance. Happy building!
