Budget Performer
In the article we promote what we believe to be the best PC games under $600 and the exact way to turn it from a bunch of hardware components into a fully functional gaming rig. We regularly update our builds or new and updated hardware options to ensure the best products are promoted. If you would like to see our PC builds to different budgets then please check out our budget PC gaming page.
Before we look at the hardware, let’s take a quick look at what you can expect from this PC in terms of performance and features. Also, let’s take a brief look at what separates our builds and what agreements need to be made to ensure we have a high standard of out come.
What you get for your $600
Like everything we build, the first and most important thing is the best way to promote the content of PC components under a fixed price. For this build, it’s $600. While that sounds generous, the price is higher than ever due to current inventory issues and high demand, making it harder to put together an expensive gaming PC.
This means that in order to stay within the $600 budget, we had to make several commitments to this build. Old CPU and GPU hybrids can be sourced in place here, and the smaller SSD should indicate another low price. That said, this build below is currently priced below $600 and could easily be raised in the near future when prices return to normal.
Performance
For many people, this is the most important part of the building process. When you consider the price of a PC, the next thing you want to consider is how much power to build and if it is worth the money.
For those of you wondering what we mean by power, we’re talking about PC performance. Performance can come in many forms, but most of the time, we’re talking about in-game performance or the ability of a PC to handle heavy workloads. This build has some ability to handle the burden of responsibility and the general computing feels responsive. Our build comes with a fast SSD storage solution so you don’t have to wait for your PC to boot up or play games, but you may want to increase its capacity in the near future. Overall, we’re very happy with our $600 custom PC, considering the current limitations.
Table of contents
AMD vs. Intel
You may be wondering why we recommend the AMD build? Intel’s build is a bit pricey, and that’s because at the time of this writing, Intel’s products are slightly more expensive in the marketplace. From a practical point of view, an Intel build at this price would do better for gaming, however, for full PC gaming and versatility at this price point, AMD stands out.
One thing worth mentioning when talking about AMD Vs Intel is upgrades. Currently, AMD is a very forgiving type if you want to upgrade your PC along the way. AMD has kept the same chip for three generations, which means their later CPUs are compatible with older generation boards. This cannot be said for Intel. Just keep that in mind when you’re looking to build a PC, and besides, they’re both excellent choices for most gaming environments.
Things to Consider
AMD Ryzen 5 1600 AF CPU
This is not a revision of the old AMD Ryzen 5 1600 – it’s a new version of that model, called AMD Ryzen 5 1600 “AF” by region, so named because of the SKU transition from AE to AF. the AMD R5 1600 AF is a new CPU with an old, old name from 2017. It’s usually the R5 2600, in that it has a different slow Zen+ CPU than the 2000 series, but has a 1000 series name.
AMD has quietly released the 1600 AF as an $85 option, but at 12nm instead of 14nm, and carries some photos of second-generation Ryzen. In today’s review of the new $85 processor, we’ll look at performance against the first R5 1600, the R5 2600, and overclocking performance, since the 12nm 1600 AF is going to do the same OC as the 12nm Ryzen 2000 components that are standard. It is 100-200MHz higher than the 1000 series.
The R5 1600 AF is amazing and refreshing. Surprisingly, AMD didn’t just name it Ryzen 3 3300X or Ryzen 5 3550. they already have a 3000 series with Zen+ architecture and a 3000G series with Zen1 architecture, so it won’t weaken the name, it could be more. A very successful, high quality product with a lot of media hype. Instead, it just sounds like a part of two years, but it really isn’t. We can’t blame AMD for the name, it doesn’t really bother us, it’s just weird from a business standpoint. Maybe AMD doesn’t want to sell a lot of these things.
AMD tells us that the new Ryzen 5 1600 AF is a second-generation replacement for its first-generation components, as AMD no longer has the mother lode’s 14nm wafer supply, so replaces it with the new 12nm supply it still has… This is also interesting because it suggests that AMD is still developing some of these components and may still be producing 14nm R5 1600 units.
AMD found out to us that the hybrid switch, the small Wraith Stealth cooler is a selling point and part of the cost savings, but also explained that the 1600 replacement at 12nm is more efficient and includes a stock cooler similar to the R5 2600. As it works for the 2600, it will work in the same way for the R5 1600, except that the stock speed is the same.
Illegally, the 2600 can be tied better than the 1600 AF, but there is no guarantee or confirmation of this. Our retail purchase of the R5 1600 AF cover was similar to our R5 2600 for the most expensive, even if it wasn’t any model size worth considering.
Overclocking results
More or less the additions confirm what AMD told us, which is that the 1600 AF is built on second generation Ryzen, or Zen +, as we were able to hit 4.2GHz at 1.4V on the 1600 AF. i.e. we were never able to get our 1000 series Ryzen CPUs over 4. They hit a hard wall at 4.0GHz. Our original 1600 “AE” could only handle 3.9GHz.
Gigabyte B450 AORUS M Motherboard
Gigabyte has introduced the AORUS B450 AORUS Pro and B450 AORUS M boards based on AMD’s B450 chipset for AMD’s second generation Ryzen CPUs. users who want to use second generation Ryzen CPUs can now choose an affordable option instead of sticking with features they don’t like in the high-end X470 package.
As the M in the name suggests, the B450 AORUS M is a mATX form factor board with very little aesthetic design on it. While it looks like it has an 8+3 part design – don’t be fooled by the amount of compression, look closer, the VRM design is actually 4+3 parts instead of 8+3 parts. This explains in a positive way why Gigabyte markets it as a “hybrid digital PWM device ready for AMD’s second generation Ryzen CPUs” in place.
There is no RGB lighting on the B450 AORUS M, except for the LED traces next to the audio jacks, which is ideal for those who don’t really need any RGB for their systems.
Despite being a mid-range board, you still get the 8-pin 12V CPU power socket, which is to ensure that enough power is supplied to the CPU to make it perform better, especially when upgrading.
Here’s another thing that we think most of you have noticed – why is this part featured? While you get a heatsink on one end, we believe this part is also open because of the limited space available to practice operating the heatsink – bad advice, seriously.
While it appears that the MOSFETs do not explode into flames without the heatsink attached, it is relevant that they are hotter than the MOSFETs with the heatsink attached. In our experiments, the average non-operating temperature recorded was 41°C, which is 3°C higher than the temperature with the heatsink attached.
With four full DIMM slots, this board supports dual-channel DDR4 memory up to 64GB at 3200MHz via overclocking or DOCP. While AMD claims its new chipset has better DDR4 memory support, you’d be wise to check out DDR4 memory kits that are compatible with AMD Ryzen systems.
OLOY 16GB (2x8GB) of 3200 MHz memory
- Intel and AMD compatible
- DDR4 2x8GB UDIMM, full 16GB
- Frequency: 3600 MHz CL18
- 1.35V UDIMM (XMP 2.0 auto-overclocking technology)
Product Description
- OLOy DDR4 Blade Series
- Jumping from product capitalization in the market to eSports design, many have a variety of designs and extras.
- Simplicity, in-depth observation, and efforts to improve quality and design are expected to stand out in a market full of products.
Blade RGB series
- Internal thermal sensor for temperature monitoring.
- Low-end design with vacuum evaporation coated light bars.
- Built-in selected Blade Flash RGB for lighting effects.
- Support ASUS, MSI, Gigabytet, ASRock sync software.
Performance
Various speed options from 3800MHz to 4800MHz for your next adventure.
Handheld memory chip with high type IC for stable performance
High performance PCB to ensure stability at high frequencies
XMP 2.0 Auto O.C. Vadivelu comedy technology
Compatible with Intel and AMD
Style
- Power saving, the last low operating voltage, as low as 1.2V
- Digital printing
- The outdoor heating module is made of high quality aluminum, printed and molded into a single unit, with RGB compression, and selected optical boot designs to produce selected designs and styles.
WD 500GB NVME SSD Storage
Upgrade your entire gaming experience with a WD 500GB NVME SSD. Step up to PCIe Gen4 technology2 (back compatible with PCIe Gen3) with an SSD that produces explosive read speeds of up to 3600MB/s3 to help boost your erig and your performance. Spend more time crushing your opponents when crushing your load. WD_BLACK Dashboard can monitor your driver’s performance while optimizing performance in-game (available late summer 2021), even if you’re a trash talker or talking about your crazy creations. Plus, all this power comes with a five-year warranty, so you can proceed with confidence.
Less waiting, more dancing
Sequential computing speeds of up to 3600MB/s3 boost system, game, and load times, so you can get back in the action faster than ever before.
Next Generation Gaming
Break the competition with PCIe Gen4 storage technology2 that yields faster running and stabbing action. (Based on PCIe Gen3, back to back.)
Consistent peak performance
The WD_BLACK ™ dashboard helps you maintain a healthy driving experience in the form of selectable game modes (available late summer 2021) that help you and your drivers reach and maintain the highest levels of performance.
Store More
With up to 1TB of capacity, where the WD_BLACK ™ SN750 SE NVMe ™ SSD gives you plenty of storage for current games and future solutions.
Compete for the long haul
The WD_BLACK ™ SN750 SE NVMe ™ solid state drive consumes 30% less power than its predecessor4, allowing you to race longer before recharging.
5-year limited limited warranty
WD_BLACK ™ SN750 SE NVMe ™ SSD drives come with a 5-year limited warranty5 so you can continue to focus on breaking the competition.
RX 580 4GB Graphics Card
The AMD Radeon RX 580 is one of the best graphics cards for PC gaming right now, thanks to the best 1080p gaming and low price point. It is usually faster and cheaper compared to the most popular GTX 1060 6GB.
AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB is good for gaming?
The RX 580 performs well at an average of 62 fps at 1080p and 44 fps at 1440p… Even at the default preset type, which you would call “high”, the RX 580 is a smooth gamer at 75 fps at 1080p and 56 fps at 1440p.
Can the Radeon RX 580 run 4K?
The RX 580 can do 4K at 40+ FPS. All you have to do is turn off anti-aliasing and adjust the graphics settings. Use the max plan bank to include high MSAA in most cases.
How long will the RX 580 last?
In Borderlands 3, the 580 averages 43 fps at 1080p, but you can lower the settings and reach 60 fps with no problem. A good GPU price and at 1080p should last as long as you don’t mind putting the grids down. It will probably last a year or two.
Can the Radeon RX 570 run Fortnite?
Considering the cost of GPU output, this is $4 on Ultra 4K FPS, or $2.37 on 1440p Ultra. To summarize, it’s pretty simple, the Radeon RX 570 8GB solution can play Fortnite on Ultra settings, even at the screen resolution you want (up to 4K) you can play it.
MUSETEX Phantom Black ATX Mid Tower Case
This excellent ATX mid tower gaming PC case supports up to ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX boards; internal bays: 2 x 3.5 HDD and 3 x 2.5 SSD (not installed).
Health Healing System
6 MVP 120mm RGB dual halo LED fans are pre-installed in this PC gaming case. 3 forward, 2 up, 1 backward; up to 360mm long water cooling radiator at the front (optional). You can change the color and texture of the lights with the RGB button.
Tempered Glass Panel
To improve the user experience, it has 2 * 4mm thick translucent tempered glass, which gives you a clear view of the RGB situation in the galactic darkness.
Music Light Show
With the remote control, select the corresponding sound mode and the light output changes with the size of the music.
Top I/O Panel
1 USB3.0 channel, 2 USB2.0 channels, 1 HD audio, RGB button, power/reset.
Aresgame 500w PSU Power Supply
500w ATX gaming 8080 with bronze reinforcement with 85% efficiency or highly and very stable power output all in black and non-turkey straps and mustard color silent and powerful 120mm fan fully protected including OVP/UVP/OPP/SCP/OCP/OTP
Features
- Stunning views. SECC black cooking housing, black bus bars and connectors, and black fans help bring a high-tech look to your system.
- Efficient: 80 plus bronze reinforcement with 85% accuracy under normal load or installation.
- Fixed output: reliable and stable output voltage for your system, providing stable power delivery
- Ultra-quiet 120mm fan: has an intelligent fan operation control
- Optimal heat dissipation: Honey vent design combined with fan function for better heat dissipation
- High-end graphics card support has the latest PCI-E 6+2pin connection
- Fine cable design. The long cable length is about 500mm, supporting high-end cases and meeting the requirements of perfect cable management.
- Fantastic cable ties: help keep your computer in a clean environment and reduce space usage
- Full protection: including OVP / UVP / OPP / SCP
Final Thoughts
Based on our experience testing the B450 AORUS M, we can say that it is not the type of motherboard you want if you really intend to scale your system to above average. The design and exposed MOSFETs alone are enough to turn your attention to the high-end X470. for those who want to move to a budget friendly Ryzen CPU board that still allows you to upgrade your CPU, the B450 AORUS M is good if you don’t plan on upping the clocks straight away.
